How can I promote my business?

Question

Summer just started for me and I am an independent filmmaker in high school. I have decided to start a business converting peoples old VHS tapes into DVD's. Is this a good Idea? I am not sure how to promote it. I handed out 120 fliers 3 days ago and still nobody has called me. Any suggestions in helping me get some customers?

Answer 1

Can you afford one dollar a month? If so, get hosting here http://www.dollarhostnow.com  and build a cheap site using free templates. Think bigger. Think global.

Answer 2

you can get free advertising in your local newspaper or pay for a cable commercial

Answer 3

See if anyone on Yahoo Answers has a question about who can convert VHS into DVD's.  If so then answer the question saying you have a business to do this and give your e-mail address or something.  Besides the person who asked this question reading this, people who look at this question will also find out about your business.

Answer 4

I think you're on the right track. I'd leverage as much free advertising and marketing efforts as possible. Flyers are a great idea, try not to get discouraged with no immediate results.

Also try hanging flyers with a clearly-marked phone number, Web site and e-mail address in your local laundromats, grocery stores and everywhere else that allows bulletins to be posted, such as Jimmy Johns and Panera Bread.

Craigslist is great, it's free and can return a lot of targeted, local customers your way. Clearly describe your service, why it benefits your customers and your price. List your contact information.

Also, try to coordinate your services with specific themes, holidays and seasonal times of year. At graduation times, offer a "graduation video services" flyer with some kind of offer or discount. Distribute them accordingly on local campuses or see if that market can be targeted somehow. Also father's day gifts ("Give Dad the best present, his video collection on DVD"), weddings, romantic gifts ("Tell your sweetheart she's special by making your family's videos forever on DVD") etc. Try to be creative.

I'd also strongly recommend to visit some of your competitors' Web sites. Find companies online that offer similar services. See how much they charge and what they say the benefits and advantages are. Perhaps there's something you'd like to incorporate to your business or something you didn't think of that can help your own marketing efforts.

If you have a budget at all, also consider advertising in the classified sections of newspapers or having a press release prepared and distributed directly to your customers.

Good luck!

Answer 5

each time you do a job for someone tell them to spread the word, the same with friends. If you did some flyers, the best things to have on them are examples, tell them how ustful it can be to place dvd's instead of VHS . make it look like its one of the best invention, you have to sell your service.

PS: don't be shy to explain every little details

Answer 6

you can create your own website at freewebs.com

give flyers to your family members and ask to spread the news

your parents or siblings can bring the flyer to work with them and hand them out.

try giving out the hopisitals or public places like a restaraunts