WAHM Forums

I would like to know what kind of advertising you do to get the word out about your business and what has been really successful for you?


I will start I am with Noah's Ark Workshop and am in Northeastern Ohio.


I advertise the following ways:


1. Community Boards and business counters


2. Early Childhood PTA Newsletters. I currently advertise in three of them and this has been one of my number one ways of getting the word out!


3. Mom's Club newsletters


4. Craft Shows, Festivals and Holiday Events ( this has been a good source of leads for me)


5. Direct Mailings of Postcards ( I have only been getting about a 10% return rate)





Look forward to hearing from you all!





Amber Joy Imhoff

Also, as I see you have already donesmileys/smiley2.gif, have your info in your signature on message boards, as well as all your emails. Even a personal email to your mom, make sure</span> your siggy is on there, as she may forward the joke on to someone ELSE who does not</span> know what you do!



Another good idea is to do a banner exchange</span></font>.
Find someone with a website and ask them to put your banner on
there. In exchange you can host their banner on your website OR
if that is not an option, offer them:

10% off any order for the entire time they keep the banner up

A free gift

Free shipping

etc...



A car magnet or decal is also a good idea. I don't know that I
wuld put your name and phone # on there for privacy reasons, but maybe
your website address, or a catchy phrase like:

For Noah's Ark reps/Toy reps "I play for a living! www.XYZ.com"</span>

For spa reps "I get paid to be pampered! www.ABC.com"</span>

For food/gourmet reps "Want to get paid to eat? www.124.com</span>

For home decor companies "Decorate your house for free! www.900.com



Etcsmileys/smiley1.gif</span>

</span>

Hi there,


I actually don't do a lot of advertising. I have in the past. I have been listed on direct sales websites and have done some banner ads. Between the two I have had more success with being listed on direct sales lists.


However, I have found that my best leads come from direct contact with people. smileys/smiley1.gif


It will be interesting to see what others have to say though. smileys/smiley2.gif

I don't pay to advertise any more. Bye-bye money!


I do pay to set up a booth at vendor shows, homeshows and fairs. I've become more picky and now will scout one out before signing up. Small ones are often a waste of time and money, but sometimes you can get on an up and coming event.


Ones associated with schools are great!


My big events are:
<UL>
<LI>Feb, Homeshow, 4 days(team event)</LI>
<LI>April, craft show related to school</LI>
<LI>July, County Fair, 5 days (team event)
I used to do another one but the results weren't as good and I'm better spending the time on the phone.</LI>
<LI>October, Women's Night Out. 2 hour event and pricey, lots of traffic and only good when I actually follow-upsmileys/smiley9.gif</LI>
<LI>October, Day Care Conference</LI>
<LI>November, new craft showI had scouted and recenlty added.</LI>[/list]


I've done other events but to me making 1 sale is no longer worth it since I have a gazillion follow-ups I can do. However, when I started I tried everything and would get a few leads that lead to others. But I've now narrowed it down. smileys/smiley36.gif


Anyway, that's how I spend my adv. budget!


Debbie

The biggest success for me has been the direct selling message boards and yahoo groups. I think it's also important to not only advertise your business but to help answer people's questions. Anyone looking for a business will see your name over and over again and when they are ready to join - will remember you. Same with ordering - be a familiar face and people will think of you when they need something for a birthday, anniversary or other gift item!

I'll agree with Debbie totally on this one. Don't waste the money on online advertising except maybe in your signature line here or offering your opportunity when someone asks. I used to do Yahoo groups and other online ads, but found less-than-desirable leads from those. Local contact is your best bet and of course home parties should be your first line of advertising!

Hi Amber-


Instead of paying to advertise, think about networking.


I joined my local Chamber of Commerce and it was worth every penny. Word of mouth and references, along with Networking. The Chamber itself gave me an introductory show and I have booked numerous parties from that line of business.


BNI groups, lead exchange groups, etc. Most of them are free and you can get that info from the Chamber. Also, the Chamber will advertise you for free when you area member. They usually have a Monthly Newsletter, a Yearly Directory and you can have a link put on their website.


But you will only get out of this what you put in. You must be visible and go to the luncheons and other functions.


Merry Christmas, Sheryl

Oh I do network meetings to, but I really believe you have to market yourself. My ads haven't cost me much the most I have paid is $50 for a half page ad and I know they are going to mothers who actually read them. I always get bookings off my ads. So that to me is worth is.

I just joined my local Chamber of Commerce group. My husbandrecently became a member and I thought it would be fun to go with him.


I may also join theneighboringtown because this is a much larger group and they do a lot of fun activities. smileys/smiley1.gif


Happy New Year!!!!


Linda

I just started with my company.I plan to do the following in the new year:


1. I use to run ads in a women's publication but I got very few calls so I plan to join women's groups so I can network with other women.


2. Once I get a few customers, I plan to send out a monthly newsletter via email with a link to my website.


3. I have to get out of my comfort zone and talk to everyone I know about my self care business!


4. I'm also considering a webdecal with my weband email address. For privacy reasons Iwill not put my name &amp; number on my vehicle.

Hi Amber!


I, too, do not advertise. The best advertisement is getting out there and partying! Think of how many people and connections you can make with just one party!


Good luck!


smileys/smiley1.gif

Maybe some local day cares pre-schoolswould like for you to come in and do a fundraiser for them. The mom's who use the daycare would be the guests and then of course your future hostess'.


MK

Thanks I already do Day Care events and networking. I started this post to hear how others advertise. My goal is to reach people I don't normally come in contact with as a way to expand my business. So I would love to hear what type of advertising you do what has worked and what hasn't.





Thanks!

Amber,
What kind of advertising are you interested in? Are you wanting offline advertising or online?


Take care,
Anita smileys/smiley17.gif

Mostly off the internet advertising, but was interesting in hearing the different approaches others have taken.