What is the best way to get lawn mowing customers?

[massey_7]

Years ago I had a small lawn mowing and yard work business. I got it by word of mouth and going to real estate companies. I am having a hard time trying to do that this time. I have been trying to find a way to make extra money. I even put a ad in the local paper. Maybe I should try and put a larger ad. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. I wanted to start it for extra money and then turn it over to my son after I am financially stable again.

[Tammy]

You can try Craigslist, just be very careful of course. I would definitely rely on word of mouth, that is the best advertising. Good Luck!

[meonyahooanswers]

Go to Churches and pass out your number. and be sure to make a prayer request during church that you will be starting the mowing and need customers

Pass flyers door to door with a special offer

post in every grocery store that will allow you to

donation to a school and they will send them home with kids

hardware stores are great especially the small ones
sometimes they will pass your flyers out to needed customers

all car lots are free game.
bigger hardware like home depot will not but you can put them on car windows in the lots

if you have a pick up truck or van with advertisement it can be parked in a spot where it gets noticed

friends can put signs in the window of their home

some places do not allow it, but some areas do.
place signs next to highway ramps

ask friends to pass them out at work.

do not forget to post on google local, yahoo local, craigs list, and search for free advertisement
some yellow pages online do promotions saving you a ton.

do not forget yellow pages

park benches

even restaurants have promotions to advertise on the menu and napkins

you can buy ink pens and pass them out.

t-shirts are cheap when you print them yourself. you can find how to videos on youtube and ehow

do not forget your own front yard

talk with other local lawn companies they can send you jobs for a small fee

be sure to tell everyone on facebook , twitter, myspace and your family have them post it to.

pay per click is still good for small towns but not as much in cities

even telephone poles are a place but be careful with this one and all of the above be sure to check local laws, like chicago you can not put in mail boxes but placing a flyer on a door is fine.
other areas to look

if you see an old semi trailer parked by a highway go talk to the owner
see if you can paint or put up advertisement on the side of it


its like the old saying throw enough (cra*p ) at the wall and some of it is bound to stick !

[Stone]

What happened with the previous business? Do any of them remember you?

Reputation is everything... If they were all happy with you, and you left them in good hands, they are your best asset.

Let them know your intentions, maybe they'll give you their business, and call their friends...

I liked the church idea... but being in someone's yard a couple of times a month... that's a case of building trust... can't really get that on the basis of advertising...

[La Vie Boheme]

Flyers