Advertising ideas?

[stuvecorp]

We endlessly debate which skid is the greatest but I've been thinking about how to go on an advertising blitz. I have been reaching out to carpenters/generals and stopping in at job sites but it has never paid off huge for me. There is some vacation areas within an hour and I would like to target some of those folks but am not sure the best approach and I don't want to waste money and throw it at everything, any ideas? Any one want to share what's working for them?

[dozerman21]

Stuve- What are the main types of work that you do? Hardscapes and grading?

[RockSet N' Grade]

I have talked to landscapers and finally found a few that will work with me and trade jobs back and forth. I have contacted plumbers, electricians, remodel contractors, real estate agents, waterproofing companies and even larger excavating companies. I have contacted rock and hardscape suppliers, nurseries and property management companies. I have a website, ad yellow pages and an ad in another phone book. I mail out 400 flyers a month to these folks and some of them call me just to figure out who I am. I also contact landscape maintenance companies and lawn fertilization companies and we trade back and forth. It is endless and I spend alot of time at night or mornings doing this.......I am pushing harder than I ever have and it is seeming to work. Oh, I also send flyers to landscape architects and designers and rock wall engineering companies. I find all these folks names and addresses either in the phone book or online and if they don't publish an address, I call and ask for it and then send them a flyer. It sounds like alot, maybe it is, but the payoff is good and I nibble away at it everynight so it does not become overwhelming. I have stayed away from developers.....period. Don't want to be in that market.

[jefftb]

Where does most of your business come from today geographically? How about type and dollars per project?

[stuvecorp]

I would say that hardscapes(prefer more retaining walls than pavers) and then grading/hydroseeding are the main focus. I live real close to a big lake that probably has 5-6000 living around it and get most of my work there. I also head north to those vacation spots and do okay. I have a pretty big range from a couple thousand to almost seventy thousand but would say a twenty thousand dollar project is my sweet spot. I would also say I am almost 100% residential.

I have been thinking about going the flyer/mailer route to target contractor/builders but expand to some homeowners as well.

[Bleed Green]

what kind of work do you mean you get from vacation spots?

[stuvecorp]

what kind of work do you mean you get from vacation spots?

Lakes that have 'cabins' were the city people come up for weekends or vacations.

[dozerman21]

I like RSG's advice... for you I think the flyers would be ideal. If you don't already have one, a website would be a good way to show off your paver/wall work. Also consider some localized newspaper ads, especially for that lake area.

[RockSet N' Grade]

stuve........i am doing everything i can think of.......i don't think you can overadvertise. my flyers worked well last year, will see what happens this year....

[bobcat_ron]

Running naked down the street with your business name on your back works good.

Oh and having a roman candle up your arse will add some "extra flare" as well.

[stuvecorp]

stuve........i am doing everything i can think of.......i don't think you can overadvertise. my flyers worked well last year, will see what happens this year....

I'm liking the flyer idea. I thought of doing maybe three different themed ones? I think the printer said something like 100-200 for $80ish. If I reprint it gets much cheaper too.

[ksss]

I like RSG's advice... for you I think the flyers would be ideal. If you don't already have one, a website would be a good way to show off your paver/wall work. Also consider some localized newspaper ads, especially for that lake area.


We have a similiar set up here. There are major vacation areas about an hour away. Big money people with big properties. The newspaper is a good way to target that crowd. I think a website is about mandatory. These people like to sit at home or work and research who to call. A website makes that way easier for them. I am redoing my website as we speak. As soon as its functional I will post a link on here to get some feedback.

Another idea is hit the property managers in that area. They are the ones in the know. An idea that I had if I lived in a better location is a beach cleaner. They are expensive but if you live in the right area it would be a gold mine.

The Yellowpages of course works.

Taking to GC is the one of the best returns I have gotten. If you can get in with a handfull of decent contractors they can keep you busy even in slow times.

[J. Peterson Grading]

Stuve.

Most people don't read a news paper to find someone to hire to perform a service.

Website, and flyers work. Although I didn't go that route.

What I would do is make a trip to the vacation area. Locate the largest lawncare compay in the area. Visit with them about what services you can offer, and why they can't live with out them. Chances are, they don't do what you do but have people calling them to take care of it.

More than likely you aren't going to hit it big in a new, non-local are to you. But if you can start with one, and do a good job you will bring it in.

Or, head up there on a rain day. Drive all over town in a company truck. People will notice.

It all sounds stupid, but people need to see a name before a product.

J.

[ksss]

Stuve.

Or, head up there on a rain day. Drive all over town in a company truck. People will notice.

It all sounds stupid, but people need to see a name before a product.

J.


There is a lot of truth to that. I didn't mention signage but I think its crucial. When people see your vehicles all over town, it is a successful image your protraying. Everyone wants to hire a reputable, successful company. When your seen all over town, and you walk in to speak to contractors or joe citizen they treat you much different than if they have no knowledge of your company prior to the meeting. Takes a little time to make that all go, but it absolutely is worth it. I spent 600 bucks getting that big logo on my 5500. That is probably some of the best advertising dollars I have ever spent.

[stuvecorp]

Good ideas. I need to dig in to a website. To be honest if I could even pick up some extra hydroseeding out of my area that would make it all golden.

[stuvecorp]

Do you think it is a good or bad idea to try to focus on one or two things rather than I'll do anything for a buck?

How expensive has websites been for those that have done one?(if you don't mind)

[ksss]

Do you think it is a good or bad idea to try to focus on one or two things rather than I'll do anything for a buck?

How expensive has websites been for those that have done one?(if you don't mind)


Mine is costing 1300.

I think you have mention everything that you do. You never know what will land you the phone call.

[AWJ Services]

There are 2 basic types of websites.
One is basically a Portfolio so to speak and the other is actually an advertising web site.
Of course they can be both but having your website be locatable through a search engine is not as easy as one thinks and can be quite costly.
For the website to be effective as a portfolio it will need to be loaded with pics.People want to see pictures.The quality of the pictures will need to be good as well.
I would suggest at least 10(preferably more) projects of all sorts.
This website will be more expensive just because of the pictures involved.
Of course most people will tend to believe that a 3 or 4 page site with fancy graphics and a mission statement is enough, but for a consumer seeing is believing.Especially dealing with projects over 10k.

Mailers/Flyers work well in my area. The quality of them seems to have to bearing on there effectiveness either.
Here I get a call from every 100 or so I put out and I also have gotten calls from a flyer from a year or so later.

I also have had success with local papers.
When outsiders come into a vacation community they tend to have a need to mingle with the locals.By having your add in the local paper you gain a competitive edge because of this.

I have done no advertising the last 2 years ,but before that I tried everything with no one type of advertising being a sure thing.
My advice is to find something you feel comfortable with financially and start there.

[ksss]

There are 2 basic types of websites.
One is basically a Portfolio so to speak and the other is actually an advertising web site.
Of course they can be both but having your website be locatable through a search engine is not as easy as one thinks and can be quite costly.
For the website to be effective as a portfolio it will need to be loaded with pics.People want to see pictures.The quality of the pictures will need to be good as well.
I would suggest at least 10(preferably more) projects of all sorts.
This website will be more expensive just because of the pictures involved.
Of course most people will tend to believe that a 3 or 4 page site with fancy graphics and a mission statement is enough, but for a consumer seeing is believing.Especially dealing with projects over 10k.

Mailers/Flyers work well in my area. The quality of them seems to have to bearing on there effectiveness either.
Here I get a call from every 100 or so I put out and I also have gotten calls from a flyer from a year or so later.

I also have had success with local papers.
When outsiders come into a vacation community they tend to have a need to mingle with the locals.By having your add in the local paper you gain a competitive edge because of this.

I have done no advertising the last 2 years ,but before that I tried everything with no one type of advertising being a sure thing.
My advice is to find something you feel comfortable with financially and start there.

I don't really care much about the search engine capability. My yellowpages links to my website and I put my web address on all my letter head, ect. My goal has been to make it visually appealing and I right there with you on the pictures. I am close to being able to post a link, I am anxious to see what the thoughts are.

[AWJ Services]

The more pictures the better.
People associate pictures with experience.

Another plus is often times customers will see things in your pics that they like but beforehand had no knowledge of it.

[RockSet N' Grade]

Since I live in Utah, I will share my secret weapon: I have all my many many wives stand on each and every corner in the entire state clad only in my logo banners........seems to work..... :)

[stuvecorp]

Since I live in Utah, I will share my secret weapon: I have all my many many wives stand on each and every corner in the entire state clad only in my logo banners........seems to work..... :)

Rock, I'm glad that is only okay in your state.:)

On the good side, it gets them out of the house - Right?:laugh:

[dozerman21]

I spent 600 bucks getting that big logo on my 5500. That is probably some of the best advertising dollars I have ever spent.

Was that $600 for the design creation and all, or just for the vinyl and install? Is it staying on good and is the color holding up, etc...?

[ksss]

Was that $600 for the design creation and all, or just for the vinyl and install? Is it staying on good and is the color holding up, etc...?

That was the vinyl and install. There was no charge for the creation. These guys have been doing my stuff for 14 years, we have a good relationship. There are a couple spots where the vinyl did not hold on well. It hasn't faded. Surprising since its been outside since day one and it come up on 5 years old. I was considering pulling the old logo and putting a new one up with the new CASE logo. I think the picture of the 445 I posted a month ago. I like that picture.

[Junior M]

That was the vinyl and install. There was no charge for the creation. These guys have been doing my stuff for 14 years, we have a good relationship. There are a couple spots where the vinyl did not hold on well. It hasn't faded. Surprising since its been outside since day one and it come up on 5 years old. I was considering pulling the old logo and putting a new one up with the new CASE logo. I think the picture of the 445 I posted a month ago. I like that picture.
What picture? :confused:

And I am with these guys, stuve, I think lettering on the truck(not something big and fancy, simple and to the point like JPG's) is key to getting around. One of our trucks at work has lettering on it and I've talked to people and they say they see our trucks all over, yet we only have the one that is lettered out of 5...

[J. Peterson Grading]

Another thing for me (Along the lines of doing just one or two things) I changed the way I describe the services I provide.

I went with "Property Improvement Specialists" as our company direction. It covers the very broad range of services we provide.

most guys have seen my pics, but I don't post everything se do. We aren't a land scaping company, or a grading company, or even a maintance company. Sure we dig and grade, but we also rebuild any type of retaining wall, Seed, (All practices) we do selective land clearing, Development maintance. Drainage repair/correction. And the list goes on. I should of went with "JPG, Yes we can!!"

Point is. A nintch market is a good thing, if you have the "We can do anything" attitude, things will go well. If you decide to do just the one or two things, you will end up being disappointed. Believe me. When I started I only wanted to grade new housing yards. But quickly found out, that that was never going to happen. To date we have only done 5 or 6 new homes in 4 years. But Existing homes, we are well over 100. Plus we now do the weird, random jobs the citys have.

J.

[Junior M]

Another thing for me (Along the lines of doing just one or two things) I changed the way I describe the services I provide.

I went with "Property Improvement Specialists" as our company direction. It covers the very broad range of services we provide.

most guys have seen my pics, but I don't post everything se do. We aren't a land scaping company, or a grading company, or even a maintance company. Sure we dig and grade, but we also rebuild any type of retaining wall, Seed, (All practices) we do selective land clearing, Development maintance. Drainage repair/correction. And the list goes on. I should of went with "JPG, Yes we can!!"

Point is. A nintch market is a good thing, if you have the "We can do anything" attitude, things will go well. If you decide to do just the one or two things, you will end up being disappointed. Believe me. When I started I only wanted to grade new housing yards. But quickly found out, that that was never going to happen. To date we have only done 5 or 6 new homes in 4 years. But Existing homes, we are well over 100. Plus we now do the weird, random jobs the citys have.

J.
You just gave me a great freakin idea J! Thanks for that..

And stuve, just happen to find out today that my girlfriends uncle has a large hydroseeding and grading company and on his slogan is, "hydroseeding the world, one acre at a time." maybe a thought for something new?

[stuvecorp]

JR, pick that guys brain about the hydroseeding, maybe you could pick up some stuff from him.

This is going to sound stupid but I'm actually leaning towards narrowing my focus. I would rather just hit the grading and hydroseeding as I am using what I have without needing equipment or extra help.

[J. Peterson Grading]

Pick his brain about hydro seeding?? I would rather hear about JRs girlfriend!! Thats the real news here.

J.

[Scag48]

Pick his brain about hydro seeding?? I would rather hear about JRs girlfriend!! Thats the real news here.

J.

What good is a girlfriend if he gets stage fright? :laugh:

[Junior M]

JR, pick that guys brain about the hydroseeding, maybe you could pick up some stuff from him.

This is going to sound stupid but I'm actually leaning towards narrowing my focus. I would rather just hit the grading and hydroseeding as I am using what I have without needing equipment or extra help.

Eh, I've yet to meet him, but she wore one of his company shirts today and I recognized the name, a competitor for the company I work for, and so far what I've heard about him, he isnt all that nice of a guy, but we'll find out, maybe I'll get a new job.. :cool2: :laugh: :rolleyes:

Pick his brain about hydro seeding?? I would rather hear about JRs girlfriend!! Thats the real news here.

J.

:laugh: Yall really need to get a Facebook..

What good is a girlfriend if he gets stage fright? :laugh:

Yeah, that happens.. :rolleyes:

[Scag48]

Yeah, that happens.. :rolleyes:

Hahaha, at least you're man enough to admit it. :drinkup: Operators of Cat equipment don't get stagefright, we pin to win!

[Junior M]

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[RockSet N' Grade]

Junior........you are a hoot! Make me laugh........stage fright - never heard it put quite that way before........but I think I get the drift.....

[rnd]

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