Marketing... ad size vs quantity - LawnSite.com™

BD79 · #1 08-30-2011, 05:10 PM

What do you guys think would be more effective, a 1/4 page ad that reaches 40,000 homes or a 1/2 page ad reaching 25,000?

This is my first year in business and have a very limited marketing budget. I want to do an ad in a local monthly advertiser, and pass out about 5,000 postcards. Do you think the response is better with direct mail vs stuffing them in the news paper slot? I don't have the budget to do direct mail but would like to do it next season.

I just worry about spending more than I can bring in. I think that winterizations is a good time to pick up more contacts for next year, and would like to be as effective as I can. Do you guys pick a lot of new clients for blowouts?

Mike Leary · #2 08-30-2011, 05:17 PM

What's your proposed ad look like?

FIMCO-MEISTER · #3 08-30-2011, 05:29 PM

and how much are you advertising blowouts for?

Mike Leary · #4 08-30-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIMCO-MEISTER

and how much are you advertising blowouts for?

And what's the competition?

AI Inc · #5 08-30-2011, 05:33 PM

Targeted direct mail will get you the best response.

BD79 · #6 08-30-2011, 05:38 PM

Guy's it sounds like you think I might be a low baller. I'ts my first year in business, not in the business. I'm not going to join the race to the bottom. I'm in business to make money not waste my time.

I don't have my ad done yet but obviously need it very very soon. I am on the fence about putting any prices on it, but may include a coupon. I just don't want to deal with price checkers all day. However the ad ends up, it will be a simple clean look not filled with tons of crap like most I see.

I am open to any suggestions you may have.

AI Inc · #7 08-30-2011, 05:44 PM

I would suggest a small targeted market , close to the shop. Time is very limited at this point in the game. As far as blowouts go, most customers who dont have the guy who installed it blow it out are price shoppers.

BD79 · #8 08-30-2011, 05:54 PM

The comp charges anywhere from $25 to about $65 and some higher. The monthly magazine lets you choose the areas you want to target. Depending on ad size, I can get into 20,000 to $40,000+ homes for around $500. I then want to hit in the same area close by with additional post cards.