What is the best way to advertise my new fencing business (north west UK)?

[Rory]

What is the best way to advertise my fencing business (north west UK). I don't mean yellow pages, because you get nothing but cold calls from everyone trying to sell leaflets, from the imaginary police to the amazing posh solider who lost his posh accent when I asked him why was he talking like that!! ( in then turned into a right scally accent)

[Tony]

facebook is free, certain internet providers offer you a certain amount of free space so use that to host your web page and get as many people as you can to link to it, the odd flyer drop does no harm either - a local paper shop will tuck them into the papers for you and deliver them for a little cost

and the odd decent card in windows helps too

oh, and lastly sign written vehicle?

[simon]

Social network might be a good idea. Facebook, twitter etc. Local paper

[brilock1]

you need photos of your work, terms and prices then get a webb page and link to as many search engines that you can. i would also print off the page and put it through doors in the area where i can see that work may be needed.

[Sara Williams]

If you want quick result in low prices then social media is right place for you, its called short term advertising to reach to direct customers, must try it

[Rufus]

I'd say; start building awareness though advertising in the local newspaper in the small classified ads as regularly as you an afford, especially during periods of gales force winds or just after. Maybe look at Letterbox marketing (leaflets delivered inside your local free sheet newspaper) normally very cost effective. People looking to get work done hang onto such leaflets for future reference.

Create a facebook page for your fencing business and promote it on your business cards, ads, vehicle ect. Create a blog on your website and start blogging about fencing/repair/maintenance/Durability and these days sustainability.

For more instant work have you checked out tradesmen websites that connect customers looking to get work done with tradespeople (http://www.ratedpeople.com is one that comes to mind)
Or
Some of the big diy stores and supermarket chains allow you to promote your business to their customers, (check out their websites or talk to the local manager of the store). On this score you could also approach the wood yards supplying fencing direct to the public as they maybe asked if they know someone who can do their fencing work (provide something the wood yard can give to such customers).

Once you have those first few contracts make sure you've got an ad board you can leave outside the property where you are working to promote yourself to neighbours. Ask for testimonials for your work and post them on your website.

All the very best with the venture.

[Elina]

You can publish some articles and blogs which displays the information of your business. So this way you will get attention of the crowd. My uncle has hired Higher Than Ltd. for the SEO work and today the business is on great hike through proper publicity.

[Promote]

To get traffic, i would try the steps listed below:

1) As it is a local business, try and distribute leaflets, or post ads on a local newspaper.
2) Put your sites on Google maps, especially as it is an on-site business.
3) Write quality articles and submit to article directories (although it may not be that relevant, you can always post some of your tips (if you have any).
4) Get QUALITY backlinks from other high PR websites. The quality is important as otherwise, you could get penalised by google. I talk more about this at http://www.promoteyoursites.net
5) Guest blog on a popular site to get more "referral traffic".
6) Use meta tags - improves SERP and PR.
7) Use social media! Quite self-explanatory but often forgotten at the beginning!

Good luck!

[Darren]

Firstly you should ensure that you are showing your products at their best. Only show quality photographs of each product and make sure the write up and description of the business and products are better than your competition. Take a look at (http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-write-a-gr...ct-review) for some inspiration.
You may also be looking for advice about niche products and marketing which can be found at (http://www.squidoo.com/the-ultimate-guid...-product).

Hope this helps and good luck