Free Advertising

I always carry a few business cards and thumb tacks with me so wherever I find a free public bulletin board be it at a supermarket, insurance office or restaurant I put up a few business cards.

Jody @ neverforgottengravecare.net

How much business has this brought you? I always wonder when I see business cards tacked up somewhere....of course, I always add mine to the pile, but I wonder how effective it is.

Admin wrote: How much business has this brought you? I always wonder when I see business cards tacked up somewhere....of course, I always add mine to the pile, but I wonder how effective it is.

Nothing so far but I have just started advertising.

We should all keep track of how our clients hear of us. I feel it would be an interesting and constructive way to help each other out. I have to admit, I've failed to ask my clients. I know that one came from Facebook, two from word of mouth. Two came from the website. No clue on the others.

Have any of you had luck going to cemetery offices, monument stores, flower shops, furneral homes, nursing homes etc. and asking them if you can leave some business cards for potential clients. Would like to know your experiences with this.

Thanks
Jody

I wish I could say that I have had luck, but no. I've been to flower shops, nursing homes, senior centers, etc.....not one call from any of them. Most calls seems to come from the website.

Thats good to hear about the website since I invested a small fortune in mine. How about newspaper advertising... Have you tried it? Any bits?

I have been running an ad with our local paper this month in the obituary section but haven't had any success either.
Jody

I've not tried to newspaper yet. I am thinking there is a very unique niche for us and we've just not found it yet. Normal advertising techniques do not seem to work for the death-care industry. I realllllllllly wish our other members would post here instead of facebook. It would do us all a world of good to talk with each other.

Has anyone tried a window cling or magnetic signs for their cars. I am looking into this. If so, can you recomend a good company that makes these products?

I keep thinking about it, just haven't come up with a design that I favor. Vista Print offers car magnets, etc for a reasonable price.

Hi I'm just starting up and I was wondering what sort of advertising you have used to get up and running

neverforgotten wrote:"Have any of you had luck going to cemetery offices, monument stores, flower shops, furneral homes, nursing homes etc."

 
We have been smiling and handshaking at the local funeral homes (smaller ARE friendlier) and actually have one that asked to see our before/afters, proof of insurance and contract directly from us.  
 
Other locations have asked for brochures.  
Rather than getting too fancy I get postcards made up from Vistaprint online. Not too expensive and usually a discount coupon available online.  They are perfect size for out of town visitors to tuck in a purse or pocket while at the funeral home. 
Have never had a negative response yet.  

Cemetery offices: First we just introduce ourselves.  Let them know they do a great job, and that we offer services they do not.   "Just wanted to let you know who we are, when you see us out in the yard."  
Friendly. Smile.  Handshake.    
We make a second visit with postcards in hand, asking for referrals.  
Our presence actually takes the burden off the cemetery because most people complain about services the cemetery does not provide, but we do.

neverforgotten wrote:Has anyone tried a window cling or magnetic signs for their cars. I am looking into this. If so, can you recomend a good company that makes these products?

We purchased the advertising magnets for the sides of the car from Vistaprint. (look for discount coupons online!)   
Tip: only put the magnets on when you are not in a hurry to go somewhere, because I promise people will stop you to ask questions!  

They may also get people talking and sharing stories of loved ones, and remember, that is part of the healing process.  Always leave a business card with anyone you spoke to, so they may happily pass it on to someone else with grave tending needs. Ya never know.