Hi,
My Company has been going just shy of three years so I’ll give you a brief insight to what happened for us..... And how my opinions changed somewhat.
Started out with flyers, parish mags, friends of friends of friend, website and arranged face to face (i.e. find a large landscaper who wants to sub all tree work out). Had a small yell advert that gave a mega return (£850.00 for advert, return turnover 10800, net 30-45%)
As things progressed got involved in trying a few things such as local and regional papers, advertisers, also looked at radio too. Nil return, not a call. Went for big Yell advert too, not cheap, got plenty of action from it. If you go in such places as Yell or Phone book the phone rings, a lot. However every other company’s phone is ringing too, with the same people! If you go big and generic (if that is the word to describe it) you place yourself shoulder to shoulder with everyone else and from a customers point of view if they have a page open with plenty of contractors, same sort of wording etc they will ring a few. No worries quoting against 1 or 2 but I was turning up to quote against 4, 5, 6 and knowing that I would never be cheapest, lost interest.
Currently use yell online and book (smaller ad in book) but I ask a few questions before even bothering to write down client details. It gives me the option, work quiet, go do quote, may get a few days work. Plenty booked up take it or leave it depending where they are located, how many quotes they are getting, what the tree/s is/are..... and weather I like the sound of them.
From what I have learnt if you go with Newspaper for a day or so, radio, weekly publications and such like you'll be targeting chance customers. Someone who right at that time may be looking for a tree surgeon, but there may not be any persons reading who are in need! Go down the Yell, phonebook, web or classifieds route, people know where you are, so when they need a contractor you are always there in the mixer. Some county council trading standards dept do a guide that is sent out. You apply, send company details, insurances etc and you get listed. That has been a good one for us, plus not rammed with every other contractor.
Money wise, have never spent more than 10% of turnover and currently spending 6%.
Best form of advertising in my eyes, be out working, look smart, truck and chipper clean, do good job, have plenty of glossy business cards then I think you'll be laughing all the way from the shores of California to the slopes of the alps and most importantly to the cashier desk at the honourable bank of your choice.
