What is the best way to advertise for a building company?

[Rosemary P]

Narrow down what you do into specific services for specific people. Even if you can do all types of building work, it helps you reach your market more easily if you can say things like "We specialise in loft conversions in bungalows." You can then put leaflets through the doors of all the bungalows in those streets locally that are full of bungalows.

You could target family homes that have flat roof garages at the side of the house and offer to put extensions above them to increase the upstairs space.

Only give one message to one group of people at a time.

Think about what people are actually looking for. Many are improving their homes rather than moving. Maybe you can leaflet some about putting in downstairs toilets or refitting their existing bathrooms. Bathrooms and kitchens are always good for remodelling. Target houses that are 15 to 20 years old and likely to have kitchens and bathrooms that need to be replaced.

A lot of this means hitting the streets rather than hoping your business cards and webiste will bring the business to you.

Another thought is doing work for businesses. How large is your team? Could you throw enough people at a job to complete it over a weekend so that you minimise disruption to the business?

Good luck!