Logo and Flyer/ Ad Required

[BrecklandGroup]

Evening all.

Im launching a new business venture on a shoe-string , mostly as something for the wife to do to get her working again, but also to supplement my rent etc on my premises.

I need to place a half page advert in the local paper and having thought about it, would rather get some expert help to ensure its money well spent. Im looking for the design and layout, not necasarilyl the copywriting as i have someone who does that.

While im at it, i may as well get a logo done as well.

If this is your area of expertise could you please drop me a PM maybe giving me a rough idea of what i would be looking at.

Timescale is the important thing though, deadline for all copy is 16th December.

thanks

David

[VeitSchenk]

ok, I'm just gonna moan now: starting on a shoe-string is all well, .... and: question: what's the most important thing for any business, and particular a new one?

at the end of the day I hope you'll agree it's cash-flow.

and what's the best way of getting lots of lovely cash-flow going?

the sound of lots of prospects converting into paying customers.

not the sound of prospects bouncing off a boring, non-targeted ad or website.

and that's exactly what you're aiming for: you're already separating the copy from the design -- in other words neither of the two parties knows what's really going on. How do you expect to get a really effective ad going this way?

plus, anyone who's really worth their fee is simply going to refuse: if they only have half the information, that job has a high probability of being unsuccessful. Not exactly great as a reference project or testimonial....

take the money you're planning to spend on a half-page ad (unless they're doing you a very special deal that's gonna cost you an arm and a leg, right?) and invest in someone who helps you zoom in on the segment of the market that's happy to hand over their cash -- and do it in an effective and efficient manner. Then you'll still have plenty of cash left to do a complete, and most importantly targeted, campaign (including follow-ups)

there are plenty of experts here on the forum, e.g. admagic I'm sure could help you with a direct-mailing campaign, SteveGibson seems to know what he's doing when it comes to online marketing, ...

Veit

[SOTRC]

PM'ed you :)

[admagic]

Thanks veit.

My advice is dont place an ad in the local paper - there are a lot better ways to spend the money.

First - the chances of you hitting the exact moment when somebody has a computer problem or needs IT support..when you advertise is remote!!

Therefore you need to give people an action that does not involve immediate purchase, but does qualify them as potential customers...then you can market to your list...

A couple of ideas...for guides

1/ Five easy things you can do to speed your computer up.....TODAY

2/ Do you make these mistakes with yourr system HOW TO AVOID A COMPUTER REPAIR BILL The three most common faults, and how to stop them happening.

3/ WARNING>>>the three most common security attacks...


Promote the guides......and every one needs a sign up to get it.

OR

create an audit "product consultancy"...for speed and security .. one free every week drawn out of a hat from any company who signs up...(you choose the best to audit....) and offerr cut price audit to everrypone else as a second prize...

OR
create something that carries your id, that everyone will want - eg a PC powersupply strain releif...so they have it to hand when they have a problem... that people just have to give you a name and addrresss and email to send oune out to frree...

you have to give people an action to take...then start promoting to the list with tips...

promote one or more of these....

- on google local free...( Be careful to keyword tag your domain, and all entries to make sure you get to the top!!) - and if tagging is not enough, then get a couple of people to press review should do the trick

- joint venture busy print companies, you do their pc maintain, in exchange
for permanent ads and or flyer promotions in their premises.

- similar jv with local electricians, anyone else offering a service to local companies...

- volunteer to give free computer security and or speed talks to local chambers of commerce..

all the above almost free

at the paid level
- maybe placement ads...on sites carrrying google ads - and if they work ask the site owner if you can place banner ads.
yahoo has less traffic but is certainly cheaper.

etc etc

dont use local newspapers..... if you do, promote a free guide or audit, not a sell

[Arthur W]

Hi David,

We can sort out your logo and flyers for you. We have two highly talented graphic designers in house for the logo, and offer some top quality flyers at rock bottom prices.

We can do you 5,000 A6 Double Side Full Colour Flyers for £80.00 (inc. delivery & VAT)

Get in touch if you need any assistance.

Arthur
★ QUALITY GUARANTEE - No quibble re-print guarantee
★ SERVICE GUARANTEE - If you are not 100% satisfied with the service you receive from Pulse Print, for whatever reason, we will give you 10% credit on your next order
★ DELIVERY GUARANTEE - Your product will be delivered on the agreed date - if it isn't, we will give 10% credit on your next order
★ PRICE GUARANTEE - The price you are invoiced will be the price you were quoted, no hidden costs

[VeitSchenk]

regarding admagic's ideas for guides: what I found useful (and I do this with my clients) is this: sit down with everyone involved in your business (i.e. everyone who knows about your area of expertise) and write down *individually* the top 20 mistakes (or the top 20 whatever, see admagic's suggestions).

when you're done, you take the individual lists of 20 items each and generate a big master-list.

sort this by what everyone agrees are the top items that would most resonate with your clients.

then create a booklet/video/pdf/.... and start promoting that.

Veit

Thanks veit.

My advice is dont place an ad in the local paper - there are a lot better ways to spend the money.

First - the chances of you hitting the exact moment when somebody has a computer problem or needs IT support..when you advertise is remote!!

Therefore you need to give people an action that does not involve immediate purchase, but does qualify them as potential customers...then you can market to your list...

A couple of ideas...for guides

1/ Five easy things you can do to speed your computer up.....TODAY

2/ Do you make these mistakes with yourr system HOW TO AVOID A COMPUTER REPAIR BILL The three most common faults, and how to stop them happening.

3/ WARNING>>>the three most common security attacks...


Promote the guides......and every one needs a sign up to get it.

OR

create an audit "product consultancy"...for speed and security .. one free every week drawn out of a hat from any company who signs up...(you choose the best to audit....) and offerr cut price audit to everrypone else as a second prize...

OR
create something that carries your id, that everyone will want - eg a PC powersupply strain releif...so they have it to hand when they have a problem... that people just have to give you a name and addrresss and email to send oune out to frree...

you have to give people an action to take...then start promoting to the list with tips...

promote one or more of these....

- on google local free...( Be careful to keyword tag your domain, and all entries to make sure you get to the top!!) - and if tagging is not enough, then get a couple of people to press review should do the trick

- joint venture busy print companies, you do their pc maintain, in exchange
for permanent ads and or flyer promotions in their premises.

- similar jv with local electricians, anyone else offering a service to local companies...

- volunteer to give free computer security and or speed talks to local chambers of commerce..

all the above almost free

at the paid level
- maybe placement ads...on sites carrrying google ads - and if they work ask the site owner if you can place banner ads.
yahoo has less traffic but is certainly cheaper.

etc etc

dont use local newspapers..... if you do, promote a free guide or audit, not a sell

[BrecklandGroup]

Guys,

thanks for the all feedback BUT:

The newspaper advert is NOT for the IT businesses, its for a new business venture aimed at B2C customers.

Also, around here, people tend to keep local papers / magazines so they have a list of the local traders. I also run a Handyman Business and a Fencing business (handled by employees) and all work comes from the local papers, so I know its a good source of hitting the right people: Granted, it may not work everywhere, but here in deepest, darkest norfolk the area code on the phone number is far more important than anything else!

I may not of made it clear in the first post that this is for a new startup venture for the wife, so I appologise now.

David

[admagic]

Guys,

thanks for the all feedback BUT:

The newspaper advert is NOT for the IT businesses, its for a new business venture aimed at B2C customers.

Also, around here, people tend to keep local papers / magazines so they have a list of the local traders. I also run a Handyman Business and a Fencing business (handled by employees) and all work comes from the local papers, so I know its a good source of hitting the right people: Granted, it may not work everywhere, but here in deepest, darkest norfolk the area code on the phone number is far more important than anything else!

I may not of made it clear in the first post that this is for a new startup venture for the wife, so I appologise now.

David

maybe an insight into what the product is might help with advice.....
service such as gasfitter/ fencer etc, are one of the very few things that do work ok in local papers - and i do mean few.

[BrecklandGroup]

maybe an insight into what the product is might help with advice.....
service such as gasfitter/ fencer etc, are one of the very few things that do work ok in local papers - and i do mean few.

I've intentionally left the business details out as it wasn't necassary for the initial post - Being a new venture, and not due to launch until January i was keen to keep it under wraps to avoid any issues that may arise (hence dealing with in PM)

All sorted now, in the process of responding to the PMs.

Some very good feedback though, and will be putting some of it to use in the IT business.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

[admagic]

I've intentionally left the business details out as it wasn't necassary for the initial post -

It was vital - to save people that respond from wasting their time- talking marketing without talking sector or subject is not possible.

[Fenland]

Ah... you know what happens when you assume.....

You all thought he must be on about his IT business which is linked in his signature, even though he stated

Evening all.

Im launching a new business venture on a shoe-string , mostly as something for the wife to do to get her working again, but also to supplement my rent etc on my premises.


David

At no point did he offer the actual business type etc....
More haste, less speed

[Display Wizard]

Hi,

If your looking for a logo design service, we offer a package for only £50, which includes logo, letterhead and business card design!

Hope this helps!