I will be opening my doors for business on june 1st and i need some help on...

E

Eastcoastdetail

New member
I will be opening my doors for business in less than 3 weeks and im a bit lost on how to get customers. Im a new business, i dont have a following, i just moved to this area about 2 months ago, i dont know anyone here, but with all that said, i want to make this work and hopefully make some money.



So, when you guys were starting out, what was the best way to get new customers? Do i start with Living Social or Groupon? Do i do mass mailing? Do i go door to door (residence and business)? Do i do Constantcontact? Im lost and a little worried although i have budgeted myself to sustain the business for 6 months in case i get zero customers during that period.



Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
 
I know a lot of guys on here hate Groupon but for a new business I can see the benefit. If you have the time to accomodate the flood of work then you might do ok. Do a search on here for Groupon...there was a good thread a month back.



It will depend on your target market and area of course, but when I was getting started I used craigslist a lot (and still do). Again, a lot of guys on here will hate on CL but when you are getting started work is work. A good website will also do wonders for you, but it can take time to get ranked with google. I would suggest hiring out your website creation and SEO if you are seriouse about a good looking site that will rank well and attract customers.



I think in general you find most people do not have great success with print ads. Social media is probably a better approach if you have the time to invest in it (this can also be hired out).



In the end referral business is always best so when you do get a customer you better impress them and then stay in contact after (social media, emails, postcards, etc).
 
Ive actually gotten a few customers from craigslist. No fancy, but it was work that can lead to more work. Business cards hung up on boards at grocery stores and such have worked some to.
 
Purchase google ad words, it's easy to set it up even if you don't understand how web searching works. you can have pay-per click ads running for 50¢ to $2.50 each depending on the key words you want. Then you set a daily budget you're willing to spend. This will put you to the top of google search even if your site isn't SEO.



If you don't have a site, i would suggest making nice with some local country clubs and car forums.
 
Thanks for all the advice. CL, SEO, and ad words are very good suggestions...



Yes, i signed a lease on a physical location about a week ago.
 
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