Advertising?

[Adam Veitenheimer]

what in any ones words would be the best way to advertise, i have been running it through my head and my capital for advertising is very very low, and just trying to figure out what mistakes anyone has learned to do or not to do when advertising, just wanna make sure im not wasting what ever amount I have on advertising that just doesnt work...

Who are the best people to communicate with as far as getting your name out there when you first start off?

Thanks for any assistance

[Justo Mickey Rivera]

Adam, this sounds like a what works for you poll. Very good.

Why don't you start a what didn't work for you poll also. Just a thought.

Mic

[Linas I. Dapkus]

I spent about $6000 last year on print advertising alone. Some works, some doesn't. It all depends on many factors. Trial and error mostly. But since I make all this big money as a home inspector that's a drop in the bucket.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

I would forget about using a poll for this kind of question. First off none of the choices are what I would have chosen. One, you need to think about the name of your company very carefully and chose something that will portray exactly what you want it to and make it one that people will remember easily and will put you at or near the front of the pile. DO NOT waste your money on gimmicks like plastic phone book covers, trinkets and trash that no one wants or can use. Once you get your business license (be it occupational or whatever) you will be receiving lots and lots of calls from other vendors who will want you to buy their services and products, etc. Stand by because it will come and the basstages will not take NO for an answer. You have to be firm, if they persist, hang up on them. Depending on where you live and if there is a Talking Phone book that might be one easy way to get your name out. Usually the first couple of years is real cheap and easy to pay for itself while getting established. Get a website up and running as soon as possible. Today, most people use the INTERNET. I get calls from people all over the world (just did an inspection for a couple in Naples, Italy who are coming here in March). That is why your company name is so important. Ive seen HI companies whose name does not give a clue they are inspecting homes. They could be selling Amway for all you could tell from the name. Most people in the beginning try to meet local Realtors or even go so far as join the local Realtors Association. I did and it helped a little but soon lost its luster after being hounded for donations of every color and stripe. I do not recommend paying anything for the privilege of being listed with any Realtor as they tend to use their preferred Inspectors anyway. It takes time and effort. Go to the marketing section of the BB and read and read and read the threads. It will not happen overnight. Be cautious of those will tell you their products and services will propel you to the top. There are all kinds of scammers on-line with HI listings that never show up on the search engines. Find one that does and use it if that floats your boat. It usually costs a few bucks, but we have people who are Nachi affiliates with working lists and sites for reasonable prices. Always think...most bang for my buck. Luck has nothing to do with, hard work does. Have a good time doing it. Now quit talking to us and get busy.

[Dale Duffy]

Exactly what Doug Edwards said....

[Adam Veitenheimer]

Originally Posted by dedwards

I would forget about using a poll for this kind of question. First off none of the choices are what I would have chosen. One, you need to think about the name of your company very carefully and chose something that will portray exactly what you want it to and make it one that people will remember easily and will put you at or near the front of the pile. DO NOT waste your money on gimmicks like plastic phone book covers, trinkets and trash that no one wants or can use. Once you get your business license (be it occupational or whatever) you will be receiving lots and lots of calls from other vendors who will want you to buy their services and products, etc. Stand by because it will come and the basstages will not take NO for an answer. You have to be firm, if they persist, hang up on them. Depending on where you live and if there is a Talking Phone book that might be one easy way to get your name out. Usually the first couple of years is real cheap and easy to pay for itself while getting established. Get a website up and running as soon as possible. Today, most people use the INTERNET. I get calls from people all over the world (just did an inspection for a couple in Naples, Italy who are coming here in March). That is why your company name is so important. Ive seen HI companies whose name does not give a clue they are inspecting homes. They could be selling Amway for all you could tell from the name. Most people in the beginning try to meet local Realtors or even go so far as join the local Realtors Association. I did and it helped a little but soon lost its luster after being hounded for donations of every color and stripe. I do not recommend paying anything for the privilege of being listed with any Realtor as they tend to use their preferred Inspectors anyway. It takes time and effort. Go to the marketing section of the BB and read and read and read the threads. It will not happen overnight. Be cautious of those will tell you their products and services will propel you to the top. There are all kinds of scammers on-line with HI listings that never show up on the search engines. Find one that does and use it if that floats your boat. It usually costs a few bucks, but we have people who are Nachi affiliates with working lists and sites for reasonable prices. Always think...most bang for my buck. Luck has nothing to do with, hard work does. Have a good time doing it. Now quit talking to us and get busy.

listen thanks alot, i can tell you put alot into it, i will defnintly keep al;l that in mind. what do you personally thik is thee best way to advertise tho, mailers or radio spots, anything at best?

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

WEBSITE .. WEBSITE .. WEBSITE. The only phone book I use is the one I keep in my car. If I am at home, it is strictly the internet.

[rcooke]

Read Doug again .
As he says pick a simple name easy to remember .
Look at my web site use as little or as much as you want.
I spend a lot less then $1,000;00 .
Tried the agents Books no returns .
I make my own flyer's and Cards have for ever.
For the cost of a Card I get a pen to give out with my card and flier.
Give them out to every one even have a holder in Local garage and car License Office.
Every one loves a free pen.
Remember you are starting into a business where 90% fail in the first three years so be frugal .
....Cookie
Royshomeinspection.com Questions ask Roycooke@sympatico.ca

[Adam Veitenheimer]

thanks everyone, im definitly gonna take your advice, i always thought about the pen idea too, its one of the oly hand outs you can give out that someone will eventrully use, even if you throw the pen on the ground soeone will find it to use... thanks again

[John McKenna]

These sites give me the most clicks back to my main web page
http://www.homeinspections-usa.com/inspector/1964
http://www.city-data.com/profiles/6706 (free)
http://activerain.com/txinspection (free)
http://www.independentinspectors.org...ons/texas.html
http://www.inspectionzone.com/page/h....507.g.43.html (very good)
http://www.findaninspector.us (InterNACHI seach engines)
and... google and yahoo pay per click ads
Plus organic hits from google and yahoo (free - very good)

Tip- always add the city you service in your text, to drive the most traffic back to your site.

Hope this helps.

[Erby Crofutt]

More startup advice and guidance can be found here:

http://localism.com/article/130362/K...pector-Startup

Check out the message board links toward the bottom as they'll point you to some threads that provide even more guidance.

-

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by sstanczyk

WEBSITE .. WEBSITE .. WEBSITE. The only phone book I use is the one I keep in my car. If I am at home, it is strictly the internet.

I have to agree with Stephen. Whenever I need a service provider, the first thing I do is a Google search. Get a website, business cards, brochures and make up some referral rewards coupons and you should be off to a good start. Oh, lettering on your inspection vehicle and let EVERYONE you know that you are a home inspector. Good Luck!

[Charles J. Yezza]

Originally Posted by ecrofutt

More startup advice and guidance can be found here:

http://localism.com/article/130362/K...pector-Startup

Check out the message board links toward the bottom as they'll point you to some threads that provide even more guidance.

-

Great article

[Kenneth Lott]

Originally Posted by Adam Veitenheimer

thanks everyone, im definitly gonna take your advice, i always thought about the pen idea too, its one of the oly hand outs you can give out that someone will eventrully use, even if you throw the pen on the ground soeone will find it to use... thanks again

If you ever want to upgrade on the pens, there was a member on this BB, who makes custom knives also. Don't waste your money on the yellow pages. Small town papers will do a feature article on you real cheap. HTH

[Gary L. Porter]

Don't waste your money on the yellow pages. Ditto