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Re: what kind of advertising works best for the money Oct 16, 2007 1:17 AM
It looks like (from your website) that you're selling products and services directly to homeowners (as opposed to builders). You're in a very competitive business with two tiers - (1) large stores that can afford blitz ads on television and in newspapers, and (2) everybody else. Assuming that you're part of "everybody else," it's essential to have a good website and a printed catalog sheet or brochure. Look at what's included on the websites of other competitors in your area -- the date they were established, the name and qualifications of the key person or people, license/insurance/bonding information, and before/after photos of their installation work. Not having any of this suggests that you don't really have any experience (and too many people have learned too many hard lessons with unqualified and unprofessional home remodeling firms).
Once you get your website updated and have a printed catalog sheet or brochure with the same info, you might target three groups - home sellers, home buyers, and real estate agents.
Home sellers may need your products/services for affordable home "makeovers" to maximize their selling price and profits. This group is easy to find ("For Sale"signs are a dead giveaway). Take or mail your brochure to the seller's home, and follow up by giving the home seller specific examples of how much various remodeling jobs (new bathroom floor, new kitchen countertops, etc.) could increase the selling price of the home.
Home buyers may love the house that they're purchasing (obviously), but there is probably still an ugly floor, countertop, or tub they'd like to change. If the home seller didn't hire you to redo it, maybe the buyer will. Follow up with them after you see a home placed under contract or sold.
Real estate agents may also help. I know an owner of a window replacement company who went to open houses every weekend to meet real estate agents. When he thought he'd met one with whom he could build a working relationship, he'd write a proposal for replacing the windows on the house being shown and leave it with the agent. Sometimes the agent would pass it along to the seller with a recommendation to proceed with the work, and sometimes not - but he made repeated contacts with the same agents and eventually began to get jobs and referrals through them. This could work the same way for you.
Best of luck!