Let's Talk Advertising (Don't say anything about word of mouth)

[MaksimumAuto]

Progress! Within 3 days of being live I've scheduled a $250 detail. 2 free months worth with 3 days!

[MaksimumAuto]

I highly urge you guys to give directory listings a shot. Just make sure that you have a credible website for people to be directed to. I've made my initial $500 investment back within 3 days of going live.

[Showroom Shine]

Well I did the ad thing in the AT&T Yellow pages. It is the pay per call service. They have another number besides my cell so they can track it. I was supposed to get an email at the end of every month so I can dispute the calls. My first bill was $22, and it was 1 call from Kansas. I live in Ohio. Of course I pitched a fit and they removed the charges. I have never gotten another email with the calls listed. I can never get to speak to the right person when I call. They never return my call after I complain. One lady threatened to take me to collections. (we were online). I told her to call me right then and I could explain to her that I was a Mobile Detailer in Ohio. I could not go to Kansas or anywhere outside area code 614. Big headache. Do the free advertising on line, cards,fliers, etc. The ad in nice in the phone book though. Just wish AT&T would keep their promise. Still waiting on things to be corrected!

[MaksimumAuto]

Pay per call...mhm....see I'm not liking that too much. I use my $125 per month ad on Yellowpages.com as a medium for people to use to reach my website. If they call straight from the yellowpages.com ad..then great...but I'm using it to get quality traffic towards my website.

[tenorplayer23]

Do you have the local "Pennysaver" type publications in your area? And, web search improvement has got to be a major benefit.

BTW, not to get to far off the topic.......your business name looks a lot like the name of a guy I know in this area who owns a hockey school, Dave Maksimum. Any relation, per chance??

I'd be interested in hearing about the effectiveness of various media outlets for this type of business.

One other strategy to consider, aside from those that have been mentioned here (and I suppose they all have different potential benefits, depending where you are and how well ads/PR is done) are things that don't necessarily cost money. For instance, a few ideas:

> Any opportunity for a local newspaper, local publication, TV station, business magazine, etc. to do a business profile on you & your business?? You might have to call them and "volunteer".

> Any local small business group(s) you might belong to, leverage, word of mouth? Chamber of Commerce links?

> Charity events that might highlight your business? Donation of something that gets you in a publication?

> Participation in any car show(s) in the area where you have a few customers show their cars in your "show area".... as examples of your work? Sort of like, "co-marketing", except they volunteer to show their cars with you. Maybe the wrong season; it might cost something as a vendor.

> Are there any radio/TV business highlight shows in your area? Maybe on local cable stations? I see them every so often around here. You might have to "call them and 'volunteer".

> Does anybody do a car maintenance/repair/DYI show for cars in your area; on radio (like around here) or on TV that you might be able to make an appearance on? You could talk about car detailing/car care...."highlight" winter preparation, as an example for this time of year. You donate the time & advice, they mention your name & business on the air. You might have to call and "volunteer".

Just my opinion (and ideas)..................I could be wrong

See ya.

PS - if they work for you, I'll send you a consulting bill :d