New member here have advertising question

[BMservices]

Hi I'm a new member here been working self employed for about 6 months got registered with the niceic and been using plentific site, just wondering what's the best way of advertising other than word of mouth.
I've got a website got some seo, I'm just wondering if Facebook is good or not, or which trusted trader is good or not?
Just need more work really

 

[Octopus]

How much have you budgeted to spend per year?

SEO is the biggest con in the world .......

 

[Risteard]

How much have you budgeted to spend per year?

SEO is the biggest con in the world .......

Can't agree there. Paying for SEO "experts" might be pointless for some but SEO itself is essential if your site is to be found.

 

[BMservices]

I don't pay for SEO I've got a Wix website I built with free sitebooster app so hopefully that works.

 

[rolyberkin]

A lot of people use the trusted trader platform and rate it? I know you have to pay but may be a worthwhile business expense?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Hmm. Those in the know don't trust those subscription trade sites. All they need is some money and a positive review from your mother in law and you are in there with the rest of Romania and Bulgaria.

In my locality there are a number of Facebook and Internet groups
Facebook "Toytown Recommends"
or Yahoo "Toytown Parents Group" etc.
They usually allow you to put your name out there, or get your mum to recommend you. Its a better focussed audience.
Also I found small local stuff like town or parish magazines can create some work. usually small to start but it often leads to bigger things.

 

[BMservices]

Alright thanks for that I will get my Facebook pagepup and running that helps alot

 

[RWJ]

Word of mouth, nothing beats it...Do a good job, be friendly and people will recommend you.

I've said it a few times before... You DO NOT want to be 1st in Google, we were (organically).
All day people would phone up for Free advice "I've just brought a light from B&Q taken the old one off joined the Reds and the Blacks........"
People wanting cookers wired up TODAY!!!!!! for £5 and EVEN more scumbags trying to sell to you than we get now.
We soon altered our website so we became 2nd!

We've never done much with Facebook, again it can be people messaging you wanting a price for a re-wire or Cu change without having a look. I think people are scared they may get pressure sales.
However I have a mate who built his whole Electrical business just using Facebook & Facebook ads he now employs a couple of guys and is always flat out.

 

[BMservices]

That's good I will definitely give it a go thank you guys for all your help and advice you guys are great

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

I started up myself last year, I initially used findatrade for some work.
Then word of mouth and used Facebook to advertise. Although , I find that some Facebook groups already have their fav plumber /electrician etc and unless you have 10 people post your company name when recommendations are asked for, you don't get any requests.
I get calls from google and yell asking if I want to go with them to advertise . I say to the cold caller,well if you have found me I'm doing something right thanks, but no thanks.
I was at business gateway event and was advised that Sunday and Monday evenings are good times to post your business details and then maybe like it with your personal account about 1/2 hour later.
that's keeps the advert going
Thursday evening is also good
you need to be careful that any picture you have doesn't have too much wording on it ,as facebook tend to choke it and reduce its reach.
hope this helps

 

[RWJ]

Just for reference Google DO NOT do Seo and will NEVER phone you (regarding seo, listings etc).

Funny how they always call the top couple of results in Google telling you they can get you near the top.
Bit like a customer asking to change a 1G socket to a 2G, us charging £500 and sending them an 2way adaptor block!!!

 

[BMservices]

Haha thanks for the advice. I will look into the business gateway events here thanks

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

Haha thanks for the advice. I will look into the business gateway events here thanks

the business gateway in my area gave me £300 start up grant. I had to apply then spend the money on business equipment . I used the money for a 17th edition course/exam.
not all areas do it but might be worth asking