Anyone have any low-cost marketing ideas for a service startup?
I`m currently developing a plan for a service business. My target market is clearly defined and my service area will be local (basically, within a 5-10 mile radius from my home). I will offer services for fees in the $20-$50 range that will take anywhere form 15-60 minutes to perform.
I intend to have a web site that will allow people to learn more about my company, services, etc. and also schedule appointments for those services. However, I know better than to expect instant business just because I publish a web site. My biggest hurdle to this point is finding cost-effective and reasonably quick ways to reach my target markets and drive business to either my site or my phone. I thought direct mail might be a good place to start, but the conversion ratios appear to make this too costly for my fee range. I`m not afraid to get out and network, but I`d prefer to do this once I have other viable methods to market my business. Anyone have any ideas? Am I looking for champagne on a beer budget?
I intend to have a web site that will allow people to learn more about my company, services, etc. and also schedule appointments for those services. However, I know better than to expect instant business just because I publish a web site. My biggest hurdle to this point is finding cost-effective and reasonably quick ways to reach my target markets and drive business to either my site or my phone. I thought direct mail might be a good place to start, but the conversion ratios appear to make this too costly for my fee range. I`m not afraid to get out and network, but I`d prefer to do this once I have other viable methods to market my business. Anyone have any ideas? Am I looking for champagne on a beer budget?
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Vista Print has tons of stuff you can get free in small quantities. Biz Cards (250 of them), brochures, hats, t shirts, door magnets etc. You just pay shipping and the quality is great.
pamperme9/25/2008 9:29 PM
I just ordered The Bootstrapper`s Bible by Seth Godin on Amazon yesterday. Are they comparable or is one more helpful than the other?
Thank you for the marketing tips. I have added the information to my favorites.
Colleen
It is possible that I don`t have good estimates for the costs of direct mail. I currently am figuring a cost of $.40 per piece for printing and mailing. Is that too high? Is the 1.5%-2% conversion ratio too low?
Thanks.
Great idea on the Chamber meetings, too. I`ll be hitting those once I figure out a name.
Generic stats will vary business to business as you have to figure most companies won`t hire a pro to provide their direct mail strategies. They do it themselves WITHOUT considering the above ideas. Another thing to consider is type of direct mailer. Use a unique, eye-catching piece that doesn`t require an envelope. This way customers won`t have to open it, or use a custom eye-catching envelope or package. If it`s from an address/company that`s unrecognized, a regular white letter may go straight to the trash bin. If it`s some sort of postcard, the message is seen automatically.
Royally,
Celebrity Chitt Inc
web: www.CelebrityChitt.com
blog: www.CelebrityChitt.blogspot.com
marketing calendar: www.groups.yahoo.com.group/CelebrityChitt