Hey folks i am having a hard time deciding which approach for marketing, my options are Craigslist or a window sticker on my truck ?
Printable View
Hey folks i am having a hard time deciding which approach for marketing, my options are Craigslist or a window sticker on my truck ?
Why the dilemma? Craigslist is free?Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyReddy
If you make up windshield fliers your rate of return is less than 1%. This is a word of mouth industry for the most part.
The window sign couldn`t hurt;)
I have to second the windshield fliers. Word of mouth is your best friend along with just going around and talking with people. That is pretty much how I get 90% of my business even though I do get many calls from people who find me through google or whatever.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beemerboy
I also even traded a half price detail for ability to put box toppers on pizzas at a local chain (250 box tops later and NOT A SINGLE CALL related to that ad)
I only got a few hits per day from direct searches to my website.
I guess you never know what is going to work but I did alot of searching on here and I knew going in that marketing in the form of fliers or whatever just placed on someones vehicle or arriving at their house normally yield nothing but wasted hopes.
Not trying to be debbie downer but just giving my experience
Definitely do a window sticker. I am having magnets made right now- smacking myself on the head for not doing it sooner!
Your best marketing strategy if you are mobile and on a job will be to allow those people driving by or walking by in the neighborhood to figure out who you are and that you do can do this for them as well.
Use Facebook to your advantage as well. I`d say 60% of my clients find me and contact me through Facebook. Its one of the most powerful tools available to you these days, and its free unless you run ads. Even then, the return is well worth it.
Congrats on your new Company start up ! I wish you much success !
I personally hate, loathe, etc., Craigslist for anything..
To me, its just a messy, disorganized, list of very poorly written, grammatical nightmare, things people are trying to __________________ (fill in the blank)..
I have a very nice vinyl signwork on the front doors of my Grand Cherokee that look so good everyone thinks its all painted on the door...
When we get some sun again here in Folsom, California, l I will take a picture and try to post it up... I researched and found a really good vinyl signage and regular signage company that worked with my idea and translated it perfectly and installed it flawlessly..
I personally cant stand Magnetic Signs - they always look bad and are thick and ruin the lines of the vehicle, and of course, they are "temporary signs" - so is that the impression you want to give? Are you just Detailing occasionally or full time ? What do you want prospective Clients to take away when they see your _______________ fill in the blank......
I get tons of attention because of the 1963 Ford GT-40 Mark IV front shot that is part of my signage, that looks stunning.. Car people - real car people get it instantly! :)
But I still get more Clients from word of mouth... :)
How about this - associate your business with a high end foreign car repair shop that is always full of very expensive cars... Have them refer you to their wealthy Clientele, perhaps run the work through their Shop so they Invoice the Client including your price for the Detail, they collect the taxes, you may or may not have to cut them in a small percentage, and there you go - nice cars to Detail for as long as you want to work...
Or if you live in a neighborhood that is full of said high end cars, just working in your very well lit, organized, no stupid cords all over the floor, etc., garage with your very clean, Detailed work vehicle out front will get you a lot of business as well.. And you cannot Ever make it messy, disorganized, full of cars all around your place - ever... They will all hate this...
You have to present yourself and your work very, very, well - always, if you want to become successful here..
Lastly - the majority of people that are independently wealthy, have nice cars, take a lot of nice vacations, have a lot of discretionary money available, are going to be older, and pretty much normal.. No tats, piercings, grunge, etc.,, etc.,,
So, you need to be at this level - in dress, look, communication skills, social skills, deep knowledge and experience in the craft, etc.., if you want them to hand over the keys to their Ferrari, etc., and leave it with you for a week..
And your work ? Is it flawless or near that now?
It very well needs to be to find and keep those (who will be extremely faithful all the time) Golden Clients !
Good Luck !
Dan F
Lots of good advice here!