How would you spread the word on a business you were starting?

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   Amanda Neufeldposted 11 years ago

   How would you spread the word on a business you were starting?
   
   Say you are starting your own new business! What strategy would you use in spreading the word of your new business to your local community? Would you use fliers? Business cards? Internet? Coupons?
   Give me whatcha got!

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2. 81

   DreamerMegposted 11 years ago

   You need all of them. It depends what your business is. If you are a bricks and mortar business (plumbing, hair dressing, etc) fliers delivered locally, an advert in your local business newspaper and if you take out a good advert, you might get the newspaper to run an "advertorial" on you. Also, tell all your friends on Facebook, twitter, etc. Business cards are good. Carry them with you at all times and see if you can get friends to carry them too. You can also stick them up in various places. Put posters in local shop windows. Where appropriate visit local "fairs" and get togethers. You could sponsor a prize with your name on it or a free "taster" from your business. Sponsor a prize for a local charity and provide a quiz sheet or similar with information relevant to your business. You need a web site for your business, even a single page with your phone number and some information. You could also try getting a advert on some of those business sites that advertise for you.
   If you are an online only business, you need to read up on SEO and do all that stuff.

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   1. 58

      Amanda Neufeldposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love all of your ideas! I have decided to start a handmade gifts shop! I make jewelry and other various items. I have had a hard time spreading the word and getting people interested. I have had over 600 views in the last few months, but no sales.

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3. 60

   TeachComputersposted 11 years ago

   When I started my computer repair business a few years ago, I used online adverts (free), flyers and local papers to advertise.
   
   The internet and newspaper got me very little work, a few jobs here and there, however delivering flyers got me a LOT of work and eventually through this word of mouth started kicking in and I got more work.
   
   For the cost of 1000 flyers I would earn that money back in one job + earn a profit (and I was very cheap ;p) however for an advert in the paper it would usually take a few jobs to get that money back, unless you want a tiny, cheap ad.
   
   Depending on area, money, ad design etc etc this might be different for someone else.
   
   It also worth noting that what was said above about carrying business cards all the time is true, I gave everyone I knew a few so they could hand them out to friends/colleagues, there were many occasions when I was glad I had them in my wallet!

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