5 Marketing Tips for the General Contractor

Perhaps you are just starting out in business or are looking for ways to increase your existing business. In any case, marketing your business is an important way to connect with existing customers and reach new ones. Marketing need not be expensive and time consuming, and that covers the basics are the most important thing.

1. Maintain a database of contacts. Building a database and start over with all your family and friends. If you use Outlook, which is a good start. The database should include the person's name, e-mail, snail mail and phone number. Birthdays are great to add if you have the time. In addition to Outlook, I use a free online database of http://www.Plaxo.com that allows users to automatically update information to other members. It also calls for birthdays and you can use their free e-card system to send someone a birthday wish.

2. Stay in touch with your contacts. Send a postcard mailer least once a year, Christmas / Holiday season is a good time. It's not too late to get one for this year, a calendar or refrigerator magnet, while the most expensive, is a shelf / advertising life. A mailer is a great way to remind people that you are still active. Mailers can be designed, printed and shipped cheaply online through VistaPrint.com or another online service mailing. If your mailing list is not big enough for a mass email (500 pieces) and you have time, you can write by hand and stamp your cards. Or, pay your child to do so (this is what my parents did, 0). A good photo on the front you can put on someone's refrigerator.

3. Always have to hand business cards and distribute them frequently. If you do not, http://www.overnightprints.com is a cheap place to design your own online. Keep a box of business cards inside the vehicle.

4. Send your customer a thank you card after finishing a job. Include two business cards and ask them to refer to their family and friends. Purchase thank you cards in bulk so you always have a little 'hand inserted.

5. Send a thank you card after you have given someone an estimate, thanking them for considering you. Also, put the person in its database. Although not used for the specific work, can refer to a friend or using in the future if you keep in touch.

With smaller companies, word of mouth and references are the best form of advertising. Stay in touch with people and reminding them what you do for a living do you think of when talking to others about their next project for rental. Why should not recommend or hire them for their next project dessert? ......