Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have a client who`s a computer trainer. She didn`t have a lot of money to spend on advertising, and she desperately needed clients. After consulting with her, I realized that she had a unique aspect to her business. Unlike other computer trainers in the area, she would actually come into your home and train you at your convenience - 7 days a week. No one else in the surrounding areas was making housecalls. That was her "unique selling proposition." That was her advantage. I made a telephone call to the local newspaper, and voila...instant interview!

Because of that newspaper interview, my client`s business increased to the point that she is now considering hiring other computer trainers to help her with the additional business that she has received.

By the way, this method of free advertising not only works with newspapers, it works with the electronic media as well, including television, radio and the internet. How do I know? Because I`ve used this method to acquire free advertising for several of my clients. Technically, it`s called "free publicity," but it`s all the same thing.

Is there something unique or interesting about your home business? You may be able to use that to your advantage to get free advertising. It`s worth a shot isn`t it? After all, it`s only going to cost you a phone call.

Dale King

 

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Wow, great info Dale!

I offer the exact same service of "house call" computer training as a side service of my virtual tour company. Although it`s not my primary source of income I`ve always known that it could be a significant source if I put more energy into advertising it. There is a huge need for it among the Realtor community as many agents come from the "old school" and are having a hard time with the technology learning curve.

I`d be curious to know the size of the market your client is providing her service in. I`m in Phoenix, a very large market, and although I haven`t researched it myself I`d be surprised if there weren`t several other providers in the Phoenix metro area offering "house call" type services. But if not this may be an avenue worth exploring.

Thanks!

Thanks, Doug! My client works out of the Worcester, MA area which has a population of approximately 175,000 people - a relatively small market compared to Phoenix Metro.

Dale King

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Dale, focusing on PR, as opposed to advertising, is great advice to small business owners.

It`s a lot easier than people may think.

I was curious to know the process myself so I started to look for really simple, online instructions on various things like:

* How to Snag Free Publicity for Your New Business
* How to Write the Perfect Pitch Letter that Convinces an Editor to Write About You
* How to Write How-to Articles that Position You as an Expert

I came across a website that offered a boatload of invaluable information at extremely reasonable prices.

I recommend these products all the time to colleagues who want to do-it-themselves. I am an affiliate of this program.

Joan Stewart, the Publicity Hound

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Right on, the more information the better.

It`s not about one-uping you, Dale.

It`s about providing useful information to those who need it.

Different approach, different style.

More power to you!!

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hype, lies and scams...read this!
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What`s your beef with affiliate programs, Dale?

If I find a little gem-of-a-product that I`ve purchased and applied to my own business, I pass it on to my clients.

*This* particular product has an affiliate program.

Affiliate programs aren`t bad things, Dale.

There`s a difference between disclosing you`re an affiliate vs. not disclosing.

If people see value in the information, they`re enthusiastic to participate.

It`s common practice in my neck of the woods, so long as you make it clear.

It doesn`t have to be a bad thing.

I like *free,* too ( :

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If you`re tired of all the money-making
hype, lies and scams...read this!
Click here for more details!