I'm trying to kick off a business as a personal shopper-how do I get my service out there for clients?

Question

Hi all!

I'm a 22 yr old female in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. I love shopping and have been told that I do a great job of helping friends find outfits for special occasions and everyday wear. i have a knack for it, if you will.

so i'm taking this passion and i'm turning it into a side gig: i want to help men and women find clothing for big events, back to school, for work, nights out, etc. etc.... help someone redo their wardrobe... help ppl with body concerns find flattering clothing that works for them.

so i've got a brand "name", i've designed a logo, and have a mission as well as a list of services that i offer. but... outside of my close friends, I don't know how to pull new clients. i want to help anyone and everyone. how do i get publicity...

i'm considering a blog... but are there other ways? i'm interested in both interactive and traditional means of communication. of course, since i'm only beginning, i don't want anything to cost prohibitive. eventually though, i'd love to see this grow into something more!

pls let me know your thoughts! thank you in advance, and if you'd like to know more, i'll send you my blog link ;)

Answer 1

I am sure you have made up business cards so make sure you always carry them around as well as you may consider putting a clear type sticker on your car window to advertise ~ this is considered a tax write off as well but there are rules so you need to make sure you know them because part time might be a no for this write off

Also, hang out in the rich area of town usually most towns have a rich area that the s****. rich shop so hang out in this area while also making sure to really socialize w/ the sales associates so they can assist you in finding clientèle.

Put an ad on craigslist.com, open a myspace, facebook account

Belonging to a church may be good but not just to get your business up but if you are a member then usually people there can show you leads ~ don't do this if you don't believe in God of course

Ask local hair salons, nail salons, and other business that don't mind solicitors leaving business cards or other materials to advertise

Good luck and have fun

Oh and the best is word of mouth so ask people to share references that you can put on your ads and pass along ot others

Answer 2

Print up some business cards and hit the pavement. Online self-marketing is a waste of time for such a personal and individual service, and you have to wait for people to even want one before you stand a chance of being found. Have a site so people can check you out, but that can't be your primary means of introduction, nor should it be in your industry.

Introduce yourself to everyone you pass on the street, give them a card, and make a short pitch.