Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi, I started a local computer service business and would like to know some advertising stratgies that fits this type of work.

Basic company info:

Opened in March `07
retail front 1,400 sqft, strip mall (next to safeway), good neighborhood
1 full time and 2 part time employees
service any type of pc problems, onsite
2 monthly IT supports as of 01/08 (fixed monthly income)


The company is breaking even now and I would like to start investing some money in advertising to help it grow.  I currently rely on word of mouth mainly in addition to free advertising:

craigslist
google/yahoo/msn listing
yelp

In the past we have tried coupons, email listings, handing out flyers, trade shows.  The outcomes weren`t great but was enough to recover the original cost.  I am wondering what are some marketing/advertising ways to expand a computer service business?  You can PM me and I will send you a URL of our website if you are interested in more details, thanks in advance!

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Michael A. Silva
Silva Consultants

www.silvaconsultants.com

If you can afford it, put a quarter-page ad in the Yellow Pages. I`d be hesitant to put too many eggs in the basket of a few small- or mid-size businesses, only because they might suddenly withdraw and you`re doomed.

Another good option is to join the local Chamber of Commerce. That`s a very good networking system, and will likely get your business name and product into the minds of lots of people.

A friend of mine runs a similar business and he has had good luck running small display ads in the local paper and shopper stopper. He has found it effective at keeping his business message in front of consumers all of the time, not just when they need computer help.

Good luck!



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How and where did you hand out flyers?  If you stood in front of a store and handed them out you`re not going to get many takers.  However, if you canvassed target neighborhoods by going door to door you`ll get better results.  Make sure you know the neighborhood you`re targeting is going to be worth the time you`re investing in flyers.  Also, make sure the flyer is not cluttered and has copy that will grab the person and get their attention.

You also might want to see if your town has computer related magazines and put ads in there.  In addition you may want to get in a partnership with a marketing person or with a computer parts/sales store.


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Aaron Wood
CEO
San Diego Dream Weavers
http://www.sddreamweavers.com
awood@sddreamweavers.com

New and improved! Now with blogging goodness!
http://www.sddreamweavers.com/san-diego-seo-marketing-blog/