I haven't received any responses off of my direct mail marketing and I'm really on a budget so I'm not trying to spend too much. I did sign up at Shelancers and I got a yellow pages ad I'm paying monthly on. And I don't want to spend too much more when I haven't received any paying clients yet. I have tweaked my website (and tweaking it some more after some feedback from you ladies thank you!) and I don't know what my next step should be. Should I place an ad in the paper? I have done Craigslist. I don't know what else to do. I guess I've hit a wall here. I've gotten so many great ideas from this forum that the only thing I regret is not finding you guys sooner! TIA for your response!

I am not that keen on the ad in the newspaper - a better way to promote yourself (and a free way of doing this!) is to email your local newspaper(s) a press release saying that you have launched, what services you provide, etc (the press release forum should help you!). Plus, I have just worked out how much ads cost in the paper, and they can fetch as $450 as a basic ad, which is very expensive!!

What I am aiming to do is to send a direct mail to all of my target markets - I vary the letter for each one so that they are aimed for each industry, the correct country/currency, etc... I shall let you know how that goes, I just hope it goes well. I actually do this via e-mail, but you need to ensure that you follow the code for direct/cold e-mailing for each country.

I too would be interested in any low-cost marketing advice you can give me

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

You do direct email mailings instead of regular snail mail? I thought that was looked as spam? Or am I wrong in thinking that? Where would you get that info? One of my target markets is attorney's offices I've cold called I've sent out mailings and nothing. Since I'm still working FT and my employer doesn't know about my biz I'm afraid of a press release right now. Everyone in our county pretty much reads the same paper. I was thinking of an ad in a newspaper targeted to attorneys called "The Daily Record" it would only be between $40-$60 for a week of advertising. I just don't want to waste money especially when I don't have anything coming in right now.

to actually get e-mails for target markets you need to google your target markets, i.e. Dentists Ohio. That way you get website & e-mails relative to your search.

You will need to look at the relevant code, but I assume that most companies are OKay with it. I think the content is most important, not the e-mail address.

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

OMG again another moment! Thank you! I will try that it's free compared with direct mailing. I'll let you know how I do!

that's okay.

I suggest you read this and this before embarking. These links relate to American companies.

UK: http://www.out-law.com/page-431 (Sole Traders/people who trade under their own name do NOT have to provide some information).
IE: click here (basically same info as the UK but you need to provide your company number if you register with the companies house, a requirement for sole traders (unless you trade under your own name)).

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

Network, network, network! Get out there and meet people. i know we're supposed to be virtual and all...but really, the old adage is true.."its not what you know, its WHO you know". Find out where your target gathers..or not...just find out where like minded people gather and go.

There are so many free marketing methods out there, but they do require some time and commitment. One thing that I know many others do is creating a blog on your website (apparently it's pretty easy with wordpress.com - I haven't tried it yet but have heard great things from others) and update it regularly with content that's helpful to your target market. Also consider article marketing, where you write articles that paint you as an expert in your field - ie. if you offer project management, write an article about managing multiple projects or effective time management techniques, something like that. There are a ton of free article submission sites out there where you can submit your articles in the hope of driving traffic to your site. You could also join an online forum or two that's devoted to your target market. Make regular, helpful contributions (without blatantly advertising your business) and pretty soon, you'll be seen as the expert they turn to when they have admin questions. If all goes well, they'll either hire you or refer you to others who need your services. These are just a few ideas to help you get your name out there.

Hope that helps!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Thanks for the great ideas! Now I have another question (of course!) Have any of you joined your local chamber of commerce at all? How's that working for you?

Hi Elite, I feel your pain. I opend my doors a short 1 month ago and still nothing. And, my budget has dwindled away!

I've been attending several local business organizations, particpating with the Chamber as well as bloging. So, I think it just takes time - patience is not my strong point.

But just keep at it they will come! I hope.

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com