New start up...

Hi ,my names Matt from Swindon ,I've recently expanded my Carpentry business by offering Locksmith services.
It's early days yet but it seems as though adding this was the best thing I could have done.
Any Marketing tips from you professionals would be greatly welcomed.
To give you an idea of what i've done so far;
Ive added myself on as many local free listings as possible (and still doing this)
I've got a small add in a local magazine with good circulation.
I'm on yell.com
My van is sign written
I'm in the process of distributing leaflets

Result: I'm getting two - three calls a week that usually develop into jobs, I really need to double this so I can leave my day job and go full time.

Re : New start up

Sounds like you are doing well so far, so well done

It is worth leafleting in the local newspaper if you can - this usually doesn't cost a lot. You can also pay the post office to leaflet drop with the post about your services in the area - another very cost effective way.

You may see trade increase organically anyway through word of mouth and recommendations over time... often in business the key is to stay trading so that you can pick up business when people want and need your services.

Re : New start up

I would also like to say that if your name really is Matt CHIP then that's a fantastic little marketing tool for a business that works in woodwork and carpentry, what with woodchip and all that!

Re : New start up

Do you have a website? If not then you're missing out a few hundred searches for phrases like 'locksmith swindon' every month
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Re : New start up

Yes absolutely I forgot to mention that.

It will definitely help you to have a website so that you can add it to your business card and another method for people to find you if they search online for phrases like that mentioned above.

If you want help with a website then drop me a line!

Re : New start up

As mentioned above, getting yourself a website could be a good next step. It needn't particularly cost a lot of money, and can serve a purpose both in terms of generating leads from people who you wouldn't be able to leaflet, and secondly in terms of a point of contact to add to your leaflets for those who want more information on your business.

But it sounds like you are doing well so far, so hopefully 2010 will see some good growth and you can become a full time entrepreneur
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Web Design

Re : New start up

That's all good advice. What works really well is word of mouth - recommendations from satisfied customers. But this does need to be under-pinned by a proactive marketing strategy.

If you do get a website it's important to use testimonials because that's almost as good as word of mouth. Keep them honest and as far as possible make it clear they're genuine, without giving away your customers' personal information.

All the best for the new line of business.

Andrew

Re : New start up

You should speak to some managers of local superstores sometimes they will allow you to place flyer's on their services notice board so customers can pick them up as they walk out.
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Re : New start up

Sounds like you have made a great start already.

One thing I would advise is the importance of returning customers or offering your existing customers an incentive for recommending you.

You could also become affliated to other businesses such as Property Developers who are always on the look out for decent carpenters. You could attend some of the Property Development seminars and just hand out your business cards to them. It may mean travelling around a fair amount though.

Let me know if you need help to design your business cards, we are happy to help!

I hope this was useful.

Regards
Jenny
http://www.cardsmadeeasy.com
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Get 10% off printing price by quoting discount code FAR888Q on CardsMadeEasy. Also enter our prize draw for free business cards.

Re : New start up

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Thank You

Re : New start up

Well done Matt,

It sounds like it's going well for you. I've also just started my own business so could do with any other tips fellow users can share.

Best wishes,

Simon
http://www.northamptoncounselling.co.uk

Re : New start up

Word of mouth will be invaluable to any new business and should never be underestimated (as I'm sure you're not), have you considered having a ‘meet and greet’ day? Just an informal day where people get to know you and that also gives you an opportunity to build a rapport with the local people you would hope to become your clients in the near future.
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T-mobile: Straight talk business down at your local

Re : New start up

It is very good for you

Website

Hi Matt,

I will echo the chorus to get a website with some business cards to match. Have a corporate image that runs through both, and even get some leaflet printed for local business - again, keep your corporate image running across all three mediums. I would also definitely utilise your name 'Chip' as it's related - brilliant little tool.

As for marketing your website, I have recently launched a new company that will promote it on a massive scale http://www.websitetreasurehunt.com

It's essentially a FREE treasure hunt throughout the Internet, with up to ₤1,000,000 in cash prizes available for the winners. The 'treasure' is hidden in different websites and we can make your website a vital link in the treasure hunt - thereby driving huge amounts of traffic onto your site. Just a thought if you want some wider exposure ...

Other than that, try Google Adwords, you can control your daily budget and target traffic in your area.

Good luck!
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Visit www.websitetreasurehunt.com an innovative platform for cost-effective advertising. Drive traffic onto your website and promote your image!

Re : New start up

Hi,
My business specialises in promoting start-up & small businesses by getting them together to share the cost of leaflets.
Richard