Best form of advertising to get your name out

[newmowerman]

I'm new to the business and am wanting to get my name out more. So far I have advertised in local papers which have been somewhat effective. I am trying to keep my cost down but still get business. Does anyone have any good ideas on inexpensive yet efficient ways to advertise? HELP!

[Georgia Fan]

Try the search feature. Also Yellowpage ads, newspaper inserts, direct mailing. I have found that just putting flyers out usually brings in about
1/2 % calls this time of year.

Consider It Done

[Phil Nilsson]

Face to face, briefly introduce self, eye contact while handshake, hand your biz card (with your photo on it) to prospect. Exit remark ... "If I can be of service to you Sir (or Madam) please do not hesitate to call me. Thank you!

Phil

P.S. Use that with (any) person you come across, anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

[Bikehigh]

Truck signage. I can't believe the number of guys out there driving around with atruck and a trailer, doing lawns, and you have no idea who they are. Besides that, newspaper ads, in the right papers, have worked best for me.

It's not always about getting the job either. I was at an ATM a couple weeks ago, and got approached by a woman because of the sign on my truck. She says to me, "Didn't I see your ad in The Suburban?" They may not need me now, but when they do, at least I've got a shot at being remembered.

[pride]

I agree with truck signage, works good and at least people see your name. As phill said, go introduce yourself to peope, commercial accounts you want etc.. I got a number of accounts just by giving people my card and saying if you need something I will be glad to help and usually before I turned to the door I had some business or they knew someone. Even though flyers are tough, it's a cheap way to get your name in front of people. Good Luck

[Phil Nilsson]

One of the reasons I push the use of your (same) photo on all of your promotional stuff is that somewhere along the line (for example) ... a small newspaper ... someone will see your photo ... recognize you and think ... hmmm look at this, I didn't know Jim was in the landscape business ... or "Isn't he the same guy that I talked to last spring? ... photo recognition I would "guess" is faster than name recognition.

Slap your photo on your trucks ... too.

[Elwood]

Creating a logo that is easily recognizable is helpful too.

What do you think of when you see the Golden Arches??

How about a "swoosh" symbol??

Branding, be it your photo, which I personally don't prefer because I value my privacy a bit more than some, or a logo, is the way to go!


Join your local chamber of commerce or a group like the Lions Club or Rotary. The networking will amaze you and lead to A) getting more work and B) getting your name out there!

[Alpine Naturescapes]

I was approached by a company working through our local Chamber -- they wanted like $280 to do a 2" X 2" on a half page magnetic sheet with Domino's Pizza. 5000 to be circulated through Domino's and the Chamber + 1000 to me. Guys with experience - is this a good deal? Does it work very well with our kind of biz?

[Stephen M.]

Truck signage and company uniforms. Once the initial cost is paid for, its the cheapest advertising you'll get, and its "free".

I am always mistified why more professionals hide behind anonymity as if they are embarrassed about their work. Of course, a vast number of LCOs and Landscapers are illegal, under the table types, and they do not want to call attention to themselves with signage and uniforms. On the other hand, some legal guys have too much work, so their attitude is why advertise for more?

[MakingMoney]

Truck signage and company uniforms. Once the initial cost is paid for, its the cheapest advertising you'll get, and its "free".

I am always mistified why more professionals hide behind anonymity as if they are embarrassed about their work. Of course, a vast number of LCOs and Landscapers are illegal, under the table types, and they do not want to call attention to themselves with signage and uniforms. On the other hand, some legal guys have too much work, so their attitude is why advertise for more?

1. There are part-time LEGAL lawn companies who do not need to advertise since they have enough business for there part-time schedule.
2. No sign on vehicle = combine personal vehicle insurance with business insurance at a cheaper rate.

[Stephen M.]

1. There are part-time LEGAL lawn companies who do not need to advertise since they have enough business for there part-time schedule.
2. No sign on vehicle = combine personal vehicle insurance with business insurance at a cheaper rate.

1. Part time legal lawn companies can still benefit from signage. Some recent threads are from part timers looking to enter the world of full timers and they are asking How To do it.

This is a no brainer. Its cheap (my 2 magnetic signs cost me $40 + tax each time after I paid a $40 set up fee for the master artwork) and its Free advertising. I meant no disrepect to part timers.

2. Business/personal vehicle. Thats why magnetic signs were created. I remove our signs when we want to have a night out.

[lclandscapes]

Rule of thumbs: A B C
A = Always
B = Be
C = Closing

Give everyone you talk to a business card, ask them questions pertaining to your business - example where they live, what kind of work they do, kids, etc. etc. Make it a rememoriable conversation so that when they need something done, they will call you. Have a network of friends in other fields that you can give work back and forth to. Give customers incentives to refer you business. On days that is no work to do, put flyers out in neighborhoods. If you have the money, get some nice size post cards or door hangers made to use. But always remember that first impressions are everything. A person nows with in 10 seconds if they like you or not or if they are going to do business with you.

[Cougar123]

These are all great ideas but the best is to go door to door and talk to each person, even if they mow thier lawn themselves, if they go on vacation, they will call you first. Also do this in the subdivisions around your house so you dont hvae to drive as far. Flyers work about 1 out of every 100. Going door to door is about 1 in every 3

[Phil Nilsson]

These are all great ideas but the best is to go door to door and talk to each person, even if they mow thier lawn themselves, if they go on vacation, they will call you first. Also do this in the subdivisions around your house so you dont hvae to drive as far. Flyers work about 1 out of every 100. Going door to door is about 1 in every 3

I agree ... people want to "know" who they are going to be doing business with ... these are homeowners ... and you'll be going there often ... would you want a total stranger coming to your house? This is ONE BIG ADVANTAGE local businesses have over "out of towners" ... locally owned and operated is important to homeowners. When they know you "more" they can trust you more.

Phil

P.S. This is also why you often see an ad on TV or elsewhere of a company and a PHOTO of the owner's entire family! This was done for auto dealerships ... and look at it this way ... if you're a "family man" doesn't that "speak" to the person?

[newmowerman]

Thanks to everyone for some great advice.