Yellow Pages

The Yellow Pages is the one of the most expensive forms of advertising can be very effective, but only if you put a fair amount of money into it.
For example, the cheaper line ads are typically ineffective. However, more expensive business card sized ads can do wonders for your business. Most computer businesses I have talked to recommend that you get a professional designer to create your ad if you are going to try the Yellow Pages.

Due to the price of Yellow Pages ads, I recommend you hold off this form of advertising until you are at least in your second year of business.

Social Networking

Social Networking can be a great way to market your business for free.

Make sure everyone you know is aware of what you do for a living. Most family and friends know someone who needs some computer help.

Here are two great ways to expand your social network:

  • Being Social

    Advertise with Technibble
    In every day life no matter where you are, start talking to people as much as you can. Most importantly, ask them what they do for a living. People love talking about themselves and you can use this to your advantage. Ask them questions to find out if they match the mould of your ideal client. Keep it light and simple without the salesman sleaze and ask questions as if you are quizzing them, ask them because you are interested in what they do. For example:

    You: “So, what do you do for a living?”
    Them: “Oh, I run my own business.. etc.. etc..”
    You: “wow, that’s great! Have many employees?”
    Them: “Yeah, we have 10 full time employees”
    You: “wow, sounds like quite a successful business”

    At this time you can take a guess whether they have any computers and if they will need a computer technician. Now, just listen for those magic words.

    Them: “What do you do?”
    You: “Oh, I am a (insert computer position here), we deal with (insert what your business does here)”

    Now, because of your questioning earlier about something they are interested in (themselves), they know you are interested in what they do and that you are a reasonable person. Now the two of you have talked you are no longer a stranger.

    Them: “Really? We are currently looking for a tech guy to come in every so often and help us with some computer problems”.

    At this stage you can give them a business card or a phone number and turn this into some paying work thanks to investing a few minutes of your time asking about what others do for a living.

  • Referral Marketing

    Local business groups such as BNI have a chapter in nearly every suburb or small town. BNI is a business networking organization where members meet up once a week and share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals.
    The financial investment to join is small at around $250 USD (trust me, you will make it back quickly) and the time investment is around 1-2 hours a week which is usually early in the morning at around 7am.