Advertising?

[Clean County]

The best and most cost effective way to advertise is by word of mouth. To do this you obviously must do good work. I think most people would agree with me on the above, but that aside, what is the best way to advertise for your business in this industry. I for one advertise in the local town papers under the home improvement areas. My work is strictly residential. In the future I would like to also have commercial accounts. To do this, would the yellow pages be the way to go? Are yellow pages good for residential work? What about other ways to advertise. How do most of you advertise to get work? Here's a tip I'll give out to my fellow powerwashers. I do work for an individual who happens to own a very famous business. He told me this "You must have a good product and if you do, then the trick is in the advertising" It makes sense, but of course we have to figure out that trick. What do you people think?


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[Ron Musgraves]

John,

It’s a trick, which you need to figure out, what will work for you in your area? I can give you two pieces of advice.

1. Look at the posts in marketing.
2. Consistency- what ever you do be constant. If you decide to do something don’t give up. You need to do it consistently over a plan period of time. Nothing you do will be fast & easy.




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Ron Marshal Phoenix AZ
1-888-fleetwash

 

[Mike Hughes]

John,

Yellow Page ads are going to pull in residential jobs. Only maybe 1 out of every 100 calls I get is for commercial work. I am listed under "Building Cleaning - Exterior" in the Yellow Pages, which is where most pw companies are. There are a handful of one liner ads under Pressure Cleaning Service in my book, but I am not one of them.

Most commercial work is generated by cold calls, stopping in places, referrals, and networking. You have to work hard to get those jobs.......not nearly as easy as sitting back and answering the phone.

Good luck.



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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[Express clean]

Besides word of mouth the most effective advertising I have used are yellow pages and direct mail such as money mailer or val-pak.Direct mail is very good for building up new customers.Phone book customers are a little more serios about getting the work done.You need to stick with the phone book because the first year the response will be lower than second year until all old books are thrown away.I do 100%residential

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Preston A Hummel

 

[JR Wood]

What kind of response do you get in the val-pak I was thinking of trying it,the rates are pretty good but I don't know if the response would be worth it.Last year the val pak lady told me it was $950 for 2 10,000 piece mailings and you get the third one free.That didn't seem too bad but I have a bulk mail permit and I can send a stand alone flyer for 20.7 cents per piece which I know for a fact it generates a great response.

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J.R WOOD POWER WASHING*1-800-782-9919
ABACUS DECK CARE*1-866-7-ABACUS
J&B SNOW PLOW*1-973-328-6650
SHOWCASE LAWNS OF NEW JERSEY*1-866-SHOCASE

"DID SOMEONE SAY DIVERSIFY?"

 

[Mike Hughes]

JR,

I know people who do well with things like the Val-Pak.......but, I did not. I did exactly what you just said.........$900 for two, get one free. Got like five phone calls and only three jobs from it. And even the jobs you get, you have to give a discount, because everyone always puts coupons in those things.

I am not a big believer in coupons and discounts.........I try not to attract that type of price-driven clientele........they are nothing but trouble. (my opinion)

If I had continued to place those ads, I think they would have done better........usually, consistency is rewarded. I just couldn't bring myself to do it again.........too much money wasted...
I do know a company that advertises very heavily in those type of things......and does very well with it. The only thing you can do is try it for yourself.

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA