How do I promote myself?

as a independent carpenter. any ideas? looking for new ways, like sources, promotional material, etc. thanks

Honestly, I am not knocking anyone else's answer but creating a website is going to be useless to you unless you are looking to be known world wide... and even that takes time.. maybe a year or so of just having the website up. The internet is NOT like the movie "Field of Dreams". Just because you build it does not mean 'they will come'.

A good way to promote yourself with little cost is to find your local chamber of commerce (if you are in the US), join, participate and start getting to know other business people in your area. People hire people they know like and trust, not someone off a website or someone that just walks up and hands them a flyer or business card.

Also you might want to go to meetup.com and see if there are any groups in your area in your area of interests or hobbies. Start meeting with those people and get the know, like and trust thing going.

Do you have business cards already? Vista prints offers 250 free for the cost of shipping. Hit them on a sale and get you some cards to hand out. There again, the know like and trust thing plays a big part in promoting yourself. From time to time they also offer a free t-shirt that you can customize. Even if I get front and back done, it only costs $9.00+ with back and shipping costs.

If you want to go on a grander scale, either contact your local printers and see what they have in promotional products at a fair price or find a an online company and get some pens, or other promo products made... this can be expensive if you don't shop around.

There is also a site where you can get bumper stickers, places like bumperart.com and things like magnetic signs.... can't remember the best site for that one.

Making flyers and posting them all over town is not going to be as helpful as meeting people and sharing what you do with those. And I can tell you, it can take about 6 months of fairly regular contact before people will be willing to contract you or recommend you.

If I can help further, let me know
~jennifer
Helping others create additional income through education of the system.

First and foremost, I would set up a website, even if you're only providing essential information such as an email address and phone number, along with the services you offer. If you have some referrals/feedback from previous clients, I would post those on there as well. You could also add useful tips for simple fixes or something like that as a value add. Most simple website builders will also have a widget to add which will allow other users to email your site to a friend.

If you're going to list your business in the phonebook, find out what the additional costs to include your site address or to have a featured listing.

Also, if you had intentions to advertise in a local publication, find out if there is a package that will include both online and print. Typically you can get a discount from buying both mediums.

If you're looking for inexpensive ways to promote your business, you should spend some time with social networking sites, as well as message boards. Get a sign with your business name, phone number, and website address to put on the front lawn when you're working somewhere.

Get some business cards printed up (Vistaprint allows you to order a certain number free of charge), and hand them out to associates that work in the 'construction' or 'home improvement' fields. You can also tack these up in local eateries, apartment buildings, etc.

Good luck!

How about a website?

Check out http://www.texaswebdesign.us

I suggest you to learn in
http://www.sekolahinternetahira.com/
it's indonesian website, which there are many course about internet marketing that teach about online business very comprehensively at the low cost (about 22 US$ per month)
and Ahira will teach about many ways to promote your service at online world, and many great ways to make money on the net..

i hope it helps..

That's interesting. Hmm. First way to go would obviously be setting up a website. Simple and cheap.
Next, source around a couple of forums. Offer advice and attract people to your site. Work on networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and Friendster.

Once you've established a decent online present, print posters and whack them all over town.

Something new that I've discoverd to be working quite well for some clients of mine is a "Professional Podcast" on their website. It's a big trust building thing for current and potential clients. It's like having "your own radio show" on your site. Hosted by a professional host that will ask common questions that potential clients may have, or about things you've discovered on the job. Kind of like the "car care" or "home improvement" shows you hear on saturday mornings on the radio. You're not selling anything, your building trust and credibility. Check out the website www.professionalpodcast.com for more information. This may be something to considder. If you have more questions, feel free to call or email me.

tony@bestradiocommercials.com

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