NewsPaper Ad

BuenaHomes

I been paying $200 in the local newspaper for the las semester, so far, there had not been any leads, I wonder if this is an effective way to advertise. any body here can tell me if the way I'm doing had worked for you?-
I'm also thinking to start a new ad in my local radio station, of course it is a little more expensive, but this year business in my area had been awful, and I want to generate leads to weather this local reccesion.

Thank you in advance for any sugestions, make it a great day!

"If you give up, you will think its good, but it is Not!"

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Ventura, California, BUILDER

tcleve4911

Post after post tells you the paper ads, radio ads and all the ads you want to spend money for will not pay off.

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Back in Maine
Dubbin' Around
Doin' good stuff ......

MattCoops

Are you advertising in a college paper? "last semester"
Do you mean quarter?

I learned after our first year in business that newspaper ads are expensive to keep consistent.

I'd try local trade papers instead.

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Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

BuenaHomes

both college and city newspaper, i want to change my strategy, but not quite sure to what yet

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Ventura, California, BUILDER

Publisher1

I'd be wary of spending any money on advertising until you clearly define your market and (unless it is really older people) fix your website!
Site under construction presumably free with third party ads is not the way to go these days. Print ads can often draw people to your website in a first stage of inquiry --and of course a good website plus search engine optimization can draw inquiries.

BuenaHomes

Thank you very much for your feedback, and you are right, my website need to be improved. For my target, I already have identified some area, but the newspaper its just not working there

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Ventura, California, BUILDER

Susan Betz

Your website not only needs to be improved, it needs to be completely redone. It looks like it was built in 1998. No kidding. Get a template program or hire someone ASAP. I wouldn't even bother paying for advertising until you get this mess straightened out. Not trying to be cruel, but you're in a high-ticket business, and your site needs to look like you're worth the money.

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Fences of Distinction, Ocala, FL
http://www.fencesofdistinction.com

BuenaHomes

I agree, I will have to put some money into that,and yes my web site was done long time ago!- Thank You for your feed back, you people are great.

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Ventura, California, BUILDER

CA Contractor

A bit of advice, Buena Homes - watch your spelling, even if it means having someone double check your work! Throughout your messages there are misspellings & under Buena Homes, CA Contractor - 'genegal contractor' should be 'general'. We all do that once in a while, but watch anything you give clients that is in writing, esp. your contracts!!! Not to give you a hard time, but in this competitive business it's important to pay attention to every detail. Everything you can do to set yourself (& your business) apart from the rest is important.

We deal w/high end remodels & are always receiving compliments for the way our contracts are worded -- we are extremely detailed & outline everything to be done. Seriously doubt we'd have the clients we do if there were a lot of misspelled words.

As far as CA business, we've been in business for 10 yrs & never had to advertise -- mainly rec'd work from referrals. We have been slow for a few months but it's starting to pick up again -- I really think Californians were holding tight to their money, esp. since very few homeowners have the equity they did a couple years ago! Makes it hard to re-fi & do a remodel.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BigLou

Remodeling is a business of trust, and is built primarily by relationships - referrals from family, friends, customers and anyone else you come in contact with.

Start buying your materials from smaller suppliers. Patronize your local hardware store, flooring store, cabinet maker, paint store, etc. When they get to know you, they will start sending leads your way. Home Depot has never sent me a lead, while my local suppliers accounted for 10% of my leads, and 15% of my sales last year.

If you're subcontracting your mechanical work to licensed plumbers & electricians, make sure they're sending leads your way. I track where all my leads come from, and any subs not sending me leads risk being replaced.

If there is work you don't do (ie: fences), find a supplier who builds only fences - give him all your fence work and leads, and have him send his other leads your way.

And as has been mentioned before, the website has to go. Even the pictures - you with the front end loader that has never been on a jobsite, you holding the sawzall like its a shotgun. Sometimes it is better not to have a website.

wpc07834

keep your money. if you spend $200.00, you could get a person to canvas for you part time and they will bring you back appointments. $50 each could get 4 if you worked it right.

BuenaHomes

Shot gun , hahahaha, thank you for that.

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Ventura, California, BUILDER

BuenaHomes

Look like that I need to do a lot more of work in my website, you people are great, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.
Make it a great day

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Ventura, California, BUILDER