flyer marketing

TehCamel · #1 (**Link to this post**) 19-01-12

I'm working on my "january" marketing campaign. Although, I expect it will be february by the time it rolls.
I was originally considering outsized postcards being mailed direct to businesses (no need to open an envelope, right in their face) but then considered that i'd lose almost 1/3rd of one side of the card.

So ended up doing A4 flyers (i've got another thread critiquing them a little)

We did a testprint at th elocal officeworks yesterday. Firstly.. I'm glad I decided on 140gsm gloss, as I think it's mostly the perfect weight and thickness, and shineyness, for mailing.
However, the front side came out fairly well, but the back side it seemed to drop the colours right down. It had exactly the same colour on the back, as th front. We then did a test print at home, and the colours matched.
Long story short, won't be going with Officeworks to print.

So:
It's about th same cost to do 100 flyers with vistaprint, by the time i upload the image etc. and we know the purple in the logon prints out corretly (it did on our business cards) however, they only do 280gsm.
And I don't get to see a proof first.
Is there anyone (FS member?) in Melbourne (ideally, newport/inner west area) that could do a small run like this, where we get to see a proof first.

In terms of delivering them:
I think fold them in half (or thirds) and put them in a printed-label addressed envelope, and send them to a target business. With a short (1/8th page) "Hi, I'm a new IT business. I'll contact you within 3 days to follow this up" attached.

my wife thinks maybe I should go to the businesses, nicely dressed, and hand them over, that way there's an opportunity to talk to someone, rather than just sending paper into the ether.

I've also considered including my one-page "cv" with each flyer. Thoughts on this ? (ie, rather than just saying "i can do bla bla bla", I can show that i've done it before)

Thoughts on all of the above, mainly on delivery of them..
I plan on getting addresses from the Hobsons Bay business listing to start off with. I know some of them are home-based businesses, so maybe it's better to just post it to them, and go into buildings with others.. ?

gossipism · #2 (**Link to this post**) 19-01-12

hey

(im sure were due for a beer / coffee / whatever soon to nut stuff like this out)

No to the CV. A+ CCNP, MSCE, MSSA, etc, etc, etc. Most small businesses wont know what they are, let alone care. Heck you could even put down that youve done it all even if you havent, and they would be none the wiser.

delivering them? you can do the door knock thing. but the no hawkers sign is off putting, and it can be very demoralising to say the least. i know of a copier sales guy that does the door knock thing and he swears by it. but its like telemarketing. you can do it, or you cant. i, like most people, cant.

from experience you need to make some strategic alliances. web guys, hosting guys, voip guys, etc. if you dont know anyone now, i know its a little hard, so buddy up with other IT guys (yes, well organise that meet soon) and ask for their help or if you can be their backup guy.

good luck with the flyers.

let us know how you go.

PocketDocket · #3 (**Link to this post**) 19-01-12

I think a CV is a good idea, however as gossipism pointed out, you definitely need to cut out any tech jargon. Something that shows you have had experience looking after similar businesses in the past, with some references would probably be good.

Maybe you should include the CV with half of your flyers, and test the response between the two.

Jeremy

David@Verve Recruitment · #4 (**Link to this post**) 19-01-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by TehCamel

my wife thinks maybe I should go to the businesses, nicely dressed, and hand them over, that way there's an opportunity to talk to someone, rather than just sending paper into the ether.

If you have the time, and the cahunas (I presume we can't say the b word), you should do this. The thing is, whether or not you meet with them face to face, or call them, or send them a leaflet, they will not need your services today. They may in 3 months time, they may in 12 months time, but they won't today.

If you can meet with them face to face you have the opportunity to assure them that if they have an IT problem in 3 months that they don't need to worry because you'll be the nice young man / lady that will be available to assist. You also have the opportunity to stand over them whilst they enter your contact details into their mobile / database. Only kidding. Or am I.

For our business we use telemarketing but that's due to a few reasons including geographical spread of potential clients and the sheer numbers of suitable clients. For your business it sounds like you're focusing on those in the local surrounding areas and as such door knocking would be a good fit. By the sound of it you only need a few more clients so you may find you get results before you know it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TehCamel

I've also considered including my one-page "cv" with each flyer. Thoughts on this ? (ie, rather than just saying "i can do bla bla bla", I can show that i've done it before)

Nope. Don't do it. You're not applying for a job. If they want your services they need to know that you can handle them, they don't need to know what you've done before and they won't have the time or inclination to scrutinise that. For sure it would make sense to say that the business specialises in such and such technical areas, and in a given location, and for small businesses, but the CV idea is a bad one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TehCamel

Thoughts on all of the above, mainly on delivery of them..
I plan on getting addresses from the Hobsons Bay business listing to start off with. I know some of them are home-based businesses, so maybe it's better to just post it to them, and go into buildings with others.. ?

[/QUOTE]

Yeah post to home based businesses but otherwise get your walking boots on. And emphasise the local aspect of your offering, and probably your rates and hours of availability too. It's good for business owners to know that they have a local, competent and affordable IT guru within easy reach.

AgentMail · #5 (**Link to this post**) 19-01-12

Hi TehCamel,

I think i spoke to you about direct mail before - just let me know if you want help there, print and fulfilment.

In the short term, get your walking boots on. Don't over do it, maybe 1hr at a time. I did some canvassing today and if you approach it properly, it is fun and effective.

Do not go in there with the view of making a sale or signing a client, go in there to make a connection.

Perhaps something along the lines of...

I just wanted to stop by as the new IT Geek in the area and introduce my business. I have some info I would like to leave with you to look over, it has the details of what I can offer for your business. Just out of interest, is there any niggling issues I can provide some free advice on while I'm here?

Softly softly is the best approach when door knocking, but don't be apologetic.

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