what is the best way to advertise business services??

[thekitchendesigner]

the services through my website are on a business to business basis. the main client base is kitchen showrooms/studios, with others including developers, and related retailers. work is nationwide.

I am planning a new batch of advertising for the new year but thought i'd ask people their views before proceeding.

what is the best way to communicate b2b services to potential clients? Would it be a quality A5/A6 flyer or leaflet, a letter to the MD, or some other format?

i was planning an attractive leaflet to mail direct to them with some form of incentive.....?

[Russ]

Just a thought, have you approached B&Q. Ourlocal one is looking for Kitchen designers and will pay circa 60/70k pa. They may sub contract work to you?

[Russ]

Oh and to answer your origional question I would suggest a good quality glossy brochure or leaflet accompanied by a sales letter to the MD, don't forget to enclose a business card (printed on both sides) but I would steer clear of any offer or gimmick.

[thekitchendesigner]

interesting you should say that. i have had B&Q in the back of my mind for a while, part of me thinks 'will they frown at a small setup as they are so large' and part of me is saying 'if its what they are looking for then something could happen'

their fitters are all sub contracted so its not as if its new ground for them, and contracting my services works out cheaper than employing (thats one of the benefits!)

another bonus is that i know they use the software i use :-)

Worth a look into methinks....

[Russ]

GO FOR IT!

[thekitchendesigner]

Oh and to answer your origional question I would suggest a good quality glossy brochure or leaflet accompanied by a sales letter to the MD, don't forget to enclose a business card (printed on both sides) but I would steer clear of any offer or gimmick.

do you think this would be suitable for B&Q as a start?

[gapgb]

There's no best way. Most marketing plans should include 6 to 10 methods of promoting your business. Certainly a direct mail campaign can be one of them and a follow up telephone call will increase the return rate but try and do some others as well. These can include:

The web / online marketing / ppc etc
Networking
Direct mail
Referrals
Display advertising
PR
Exhibitions
Cold calling
Tele marketing

and so on. You are already doing some of them obviously as we're talking on this forum. Is there a design forum(s) you should be on?

The key is to measure your results. Draw up a table of activities, trace every lead you can back to its origin and then you will start to see what is working best. Then stop the rubbish ones or rework them if you feel they were the right idea but not well executed and put more effort into those that are showing promise.

Guy

[thekitchendesigner]

Guy,

Thanks for your reply.

I currently have a v large kitchen manufacturer recommending me to their showrooms should they require the services, for extra work, extra designers, busy periods etc etc. Each sales manager in the UK (7 all together) has one of my bound presentations to carry round on their visits, following a request from the national sales manager.

My first aim is to send something to these outlets direct to get their attention, which would then be complimented by the sales managers should they show an interest, and then hopefully some business.

The advice on tracking is good and will be following this to keep tabs.

There are only one or 2 design forums but they are mainly geared towards interior designers, which i know is still related, but not the main focus as yet. I have posted on all relevant forums and will continue, this one in particular as it is so lively!

Thanks once again for your advice!

[Russ]

Oh and to answer your origional question I would suggest a good quality glossy brochure or leaflet accompanied by a sales letter to the MD, don't forget to enclose a business card (printed on both sides) but I would steer clear of any offer or gimmick.

do you think this would be suitable for B&Q as a start?

I would put on my best suit and tie and drive down to my nearest B&Q and ask to speak to the manager... But thats just me :D