I am just starting off with my business, and trying to attract my first few clients. I am a freelance Home Theater installer, specializing on being the affordable "tv guy" for the average consumer. I have a nice sized market with lots of options, but little money to put towards advertising. I got my first client by them seeing the logos on my truck, so I really have no idea of what type of advertising is worth the money. I have heard about businesses sending "press kits" out to local press to let them know about the new business and possibly get write-ups or contacts about upcoming volunteer opportunities, etc. Has anyone used this method, and who do I send it to once I get it put together? Also has anyone had experience getting local exposure with ads/fliers/etc? Any other cheap ideas anyone have? I don't want to miss the holiday electronics buying spree, but can't spend all my shopping money. :) As always any help is gratefully appreciated!

shawn


BTW, here is my website. I built it myself so it's nothing special but if anyone wants to take a look and tell me how it may help/hurt my business let me know! Thanks for all your help, without this place I never would have been able to do this.
www.homesweettheater.com

Just a few suggestions, Shawn...

Your Recent Projects page would be a great page to place some testimonials.

You might want to add a link back to your home page on each of your pages.

And this is a tiny thing, but details can make a difference. Capitalize the "us" in your About us link to be consistent.

Move up the description of your business so that it's "above the fold" on the screen. Put your contact info below that, maybe even all on one line.

For the description, break up the text into smaller sections. Think about it more in terms of advertising copy as opposed to a paragraph of text.

Your Helpful Links page is a good idea. I would build on that, and make it the kind of page that people want to link to, or save to their Favorites, even if they don't need your services - yet.

Good luck!

Nancy
Cheap Advertising Ideas
http://www.CreateYourMarket.com

Nancy,

Thanks for the advice on the site. Had to pull it up real quick and see the missed capital! *blush* Like the idea on the description too. I left the "home" links out and just used the old standard of the main logo linking back, but I guess that dosen't work if I'm the only one who knew about it. :) Thanks again, I'm off to get more ideas off your site!

shawn

Just a few suggestions, Shawn...

Your Recent Projects page would be a great page to place some testimonials.

You might want to add a link back to your home page on each of your pages.

And this is a tiny thing, but details can make a difference. Capitalize the "us" in your About us link to be consistent.

Move up the description of your business so that it's "above the fold" on the screen. Put your contact info below that, maybe even all on one line.

For the description, break up the text into smaller sections. Think about it more in terms of advertising copy as opposed to a paragraph of text.

Your Helpful Links page is a good idea. I would build on that, and make it the kind of page that people want to link to, or save to their Favorites, even if they don't need your services - yet.

Good luck!

Nancy
Cheap Advertising Ideas
http://www.CreateYourMarket.com