Help with advertising

[ERSplumb]

Hi all

Wondered if anyone can help me, I set up self employed last year after working for a plumbing and heating firm in the leeds area. I have not had a bad go advertising in local ad mags and yell but have not generated as much work as I would like to. I know we are in a resection and a lot of trades are struggling but I also know other plumbers that are busy, but don't want to share there info.

Could someone tell me the best ways to advertise, where to find subcontract work. It would be much appreciated

Thanks

 

[on31ll]

Leaflets !!! Get them printed and deliver them on your quiet days ! You will get calls months from now from leaflets delivers ages ago ! Also write a portfolio and print that up and go talk to business that u want work from ! Show them ur services !

 

[Paulus]

The two things that have worked for me are leaflets through doors but carefully targeted i.e. 15-25 year old properties where bathrooms are getting tired and unfashionable and ads in newsagent windows.

 

[Derek Hardman]

In my opinion Business cards are more effective than leaflets, it looks more professional and isnt instant bin material, many dont look at leaflets but they will usually read a business card.
Get on to Trading Standards and find out what your local 'Help Direct' scheme is, (ours is the Safe Trader Scheme in Lancashire), its free and they give you forms to get referrals off your customers, be warned though, if you do a bad job, they wont hide a bad review for you.
A good website is very important these days, we dont do any other form of advertising but are always getting new business, of course the best advertising of all is quality, honesty and fairness. Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[hammers4spanner]

i always keep a staedy stream of cards in newsagent windows as you quite often see people browsing through the ads whilst hubby or wifey pick up odds and sods inside.
also gumtree and vivastreet have got me the odd job here and there

 

[leethegasman]

Always leave plenty of business cards with every job you do.and make a point of telling your customers that you get most of your work from recommendations.get your customers to remember you if you get a job from a previous customer text them just simple saying thank you and they will remember and talk about it to there friends and family = more work.also remember if you have been recommended by a previous customer the odds are they will use you we have been trading 4 years and 90 per cent of are work is from previous customers or recommendations.we do do a little advert in a local mag but only brings in a couple of jobs a week but does give you new customer base.Depending on your budget for advertising buy cards in bulk 1p a card ,sticky cards in bulk 2p,different things work for different company's .