advertising

That was good Vickie. We've avoided the "1st page" type sales pitches....

The only actual tried 'n true method is just plain ole, referrals....I think most all roofers have their trucks lettered....We've never been much for the yard signs, (kind of tacky? Possibly?)

I will say; I personally never use the phone book anymore...So, I would think search engine results would play a major role....

Well what you are asking is kind of what I am trying to do for my site and customers and I must tell you do not spend a dime on those scams about getting you on the first page. The methods to getting on the first page are complicated and cannot be done without access to your website. No-one can guarantee you the first page without a staff of 20! EXCEPT if you pay for Google AdWords for a sponsored spot.

The first thing you need to do is re-contact your past customers for a referral. Just touch base with them and make sure they have your card, etc. in case they have a friend that needs a roof. Thank them for their past business. I know that's not the same as getting your name out there by advertising but a testimonial from a happy customer is worth more than 10 ads!

Next, do not be afraid to ask for testimonials or ask your clients to submit a testimonial on the various online spots. The entire social community is our new search engine.

People do not want to hear that you are telling them you are great. They want to hear that a happy customer telling them that you are great.

A website is essential. All marketing and advertising should point to that. And the website should be designed to be a lead generator not just an online brochure for your company.

Next project you do put in a yard sign with your contact information or take-one brochures. Many times you get a job and a neighbor needs his roof done too.

The truck sign idea is important. It works.

Change your newspaper ads to start with a question and end with a call to action:

How to ...?

Please contact us today for...

If you start with a question subliminally a reader may answer it. I you ask them to do something at the end subliminally they may more inclined to do it.

But then again what do I know. I'm not a roofer. Just don't pay for those scams is all I wanted to say.

Referrals and my website work for me. Cost is about $5.00 per month for hosting.

What copperman said! Is your truck professionally lettered? Did you spend the money to get a professional logo? What is the old saying, " a business with no sign, is a sign of no business!"

We have been around long enough that we don't advertize, and in fact I make it hard for people to get in touch with me. Everything is referral. The fact that I have been in Kalamazoo for over 60 yearts and my father worked there before I was born helps a lot. We do very good work and have a good reputation and the market is small enough that it is hard to miss.

Where are you from? You should sign in on the post that asks that. It is my "project" on this forum and I am just curious. Welcome by the way!

Your best advertising is past customers. Do the best job you can and give them more then they expect and they will sing your praises. Next letter your truck. My truck was my best bang for the buck. Road signs in front of the jobs your doing also help

Good question Donnie...Let's hope we get some honest and authentic advise/experiences. Our mainstay is word-of-mouth, however, in today's market, to expand to any signifigance requires some cyber-savy.....

Somebody in Kalamazoo painted a Shamrock on their house roof as it was called the Shamrock day care center, and the city made them paint over it. They called it a sign. I wonder how many different ways you could paint a roof?

:) Thats okay, I have more pics. :)

Got a price today to do my 14' Box truck. $1450. Not bad. I was expecting around $2K. I'm going to mock up how I want it to look and e-mail the files to their graphics guys.>>>

Well i hope your metal customers are fortuante enough to happen to be traveling on the right side of your vehicle. And vice-versa. lol I have a dark blue truck with simple white lettering from end to end down both sides. Stands out and looks really nice. I get loads of compliments about it. Cost me $200 bucks! One time charge for 8 year vinyl! lol P.S. Its not so much about getting calls off your lettered vehicle as it as about the instant credibility and trust that you gain in the eyes of the customer as soon as you pull up at their home. You start off one step ahead of the game! :)>>>

Back in the day I owned a Mr Build franchise . The emphasis on vehicle advertising the Mr Build logo . It was a very simple flash ad exercise, just there to reinforce peoples memory of Mr Build existence that only worked in conjunction with all other advertisements . Simple and the same through out the company. Keep it simple.>>>

Just go for something simple and to the point.

http://stefanella.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/plumber2.jpg

or:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/plumbers%20van%20man%20sitting%20on%20toilet/The_Wizard_of_OZ/root/February/Plumbing_Truck.jpg

or:

http://www.oakroofing.co.uk/truck1c.jpg>>>

Our slogan used to be "Your friend in high places" A womans breast or buttock next to it would also grab peoples attention! Just a thought!>>>

Definitely keep it simple. 1 nice picture on each side would be fine, your name, website, phone should be easy to read- maybe a 1 line slogan but not much else.>>>

If you have a website, the URL address would help, especially if you rely on that for marketing. A simple - easy to remember web address. Some people (like myself) are often put off by big gaudy and ugly advertisements. They do get attention - but sometimes I DONT call those businesses that show they have awful taste and drive around with big ugly graphics on their cars. It depends, but I think choices made in advertising show alot about a company. Are they thoughtful and classy or just trying to make money and dont care if someone sees some big ugly ads everyday on their way to work..>>>