How to get more clients?

[Rmd]

There is a guy who is a guru of direct marketing named Dan Kennedy. You can google him to find his books, website, and local marketing groups in most states where business owners share ideas.
I hope I can mention that in the forum, I have no affiliation whatsoever and am not trying to sell anything to anyone here, but i have used his methods and seen value in them. I have been self employed providing professional services before and know how difficult the process of obtaining quality clients and building a small business can be.

[rustytruck]

Do you have a website? it is not clear from your post. If you do not have a website you need to get one up and running before winter ends. I am in New England too. I am investing $500 into additional marketing over the winter so I will be busy as soon as winter ends. I bought a sidewalk a frame sign(you can see it on my Facebook page I just posted it) I am also re doing my business cards on nicer stock. And finally making a bi fold mailer/menu that will be mailer to all my customers mid march.

Again the website is a must.

[Pureshine]

One thing I do with new customers is when I'm done with the car I leave a business card in the car. That way they remember you and can give it to a friend.

[AutowerxDetailing]

I feel your pain. I spent $200 on a youth football program that was supposedly circulated at every single game of the season. I had a 10% off coupon and was the only detailer featured. I got ZERO responses. Not even an inquiry. Print media is worthless in my opinion.

If you have a website you should check into AdWords marketing on Google (or other search engines like Yahoo/Bing). It is the only form of advertising I have found that can generate guaranteed responses that turn into booked appointments that turns into cash in your pocket.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...detailers.html

[Gurge]

I am a paying sponsor on 1 discussion forum where the return is obvious for me. Beyond that at this time I do not pay for advertising.

nothing beats word of mouth referrals and networking

a decent website with good SEO is a must. My business that isn't related to word of mouth often comes from my website

Every car I do gets a 12oz stadium cup with my logo for holding loose change. in there is the invoice (with my logo) multiple business cards, and a magnet for the fridge (again with my logo & web address). People like free stuff and you stick around for awhile if you get space on the fridge or if they actually use the cup to hold change