Hey, as some of you know this is my first season on my own. I'm concentrating on roof cleaning (lot of dirty roofs) and residential pressure. Just wondering what some of you have found to be the most effective forms of PAID advertising. (I don't wanna hear anything about word of mouth cause it's not draining my wallet). My approach so far (since my insurance hasn't gone through yet so I can't get in the papers) has been actually driving around creating an address list of houses and the problems they have (roof,green,black,siding etc.) and then mailing these homeowners personalized letters with their address and specific prob. inc. in the letter. Sent out about 120 at 42 cents each (about $50) and I landed 3 roof jobs. Once the insurance clears I'm planning on paying for 4800 fliers in the local paper for $360. ouch!(i know it's not a lot compared to some of you but, I'm starting from scratch with squat). Also Craigslist and business cards and fliers in supermarkets etc. etc. I'm in the Northeast so I'm not sure if a big ad in the Yellow pages would be worth $200/month when I'm only working 7-8 months a year. So what works best for some of you guys (the most bang for your buck). Thanx
Oh yea, another idea I had was to pressure wash a local gas stations fence for free so I can hang a big sign on it facing a main road. Anyways, any input is as always...appreciated!

Get some small lawn signs made out. Those plastic ones which are 3'*2' in size. Place them on tel. poles friends lawns anywhere it is legal. You don't need many just enough placed in the high traffic areas. Place them if you can near drive thru's, coffee ones work best expecially for the AM work croud!!

Got a truck ??? Get it lettered make it look professional!!

DAFF

DAFF MOBILE WASH
WINDSOR, ONTARIO CANADA
DAFFMOBILEWASH@AOL.COM

Lightning Clean Pressure Washing
If You Want It Clean Call Gene
979-272-1146-979-412-1294
Bryan/College Station Texas

Why hasn't your insurance "gone through" yet? That takes about 2 minutes?

Carolina ProWash

My insurance has not been PURCHASED yet.
I sold my car today and need to buy a truck and insurance.
Did you have any advertising advice to give or are you the power wash police?

If your getting the impression that I'm just a Jackass with a squirt gun trying to make money on the weekends uninsured and lowballing the legit competition who are following the law....don't. My plan is to start a legit and respectable company with a good reputation. But, if you meant nothing like that and you were just confused by the post, then I apologize for my cocky response.
PETE

Remember first impressions are hard to change!! With a young company having a quick sarcastic responce will definetly lead to trouble. Time to think as a professional buisiness owner.

DAFF

DAFF MOBILE WASH
WINDSOR, ONTARIO CANADA
DAFFMOBILEWASH@AOL.COM

I agree with Daff, first impressions are key. My biggest advertisement tool has been my truck, which is lettered, and I always make sure it is kept clean. In addition if I need to get any small part, supplies, or even just gas, I will take my rig with (making sure the tanks are empty). I can't tell you how many hundreds of business cards I went through, just simply filling up with gas, especially if it is a station that has diesel and local truckers are topping off before heading out.

Jason

We've found that our behavior and demeanor on public forums have been a great source of advertising for us.

As for being a legitimate business, until that insurance is done, performing jobs without it mean you're not.

Carolina ProWash

Your absolutely right carolina. I haven't started my jobs yet. The weather isn't there yet and I've already planned on not doing ANY jobs until my insurance is purchased. Which will be this week since my truck is on the way and my tax return just came back.