Advertising - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

sean384 · 09-01-2008

Was wondering if the more experienced guys/girls in the know could give me some advice??

Been advertised on yell.com for some time now but ive not had a single call, ive dropped some cards at the local Tile outlets etc but still no calls...... I know its generally slow this time of the year but is this the norm????

**Raja** · 09-01-2008

hi advertise on yell.com my self is not a qucik thing on there more of a long term investment. my personal opinion on tile shops is they r a waste of time unless you r giving them back handers they don't want to know been there done it.yellow pages yell.com and phone book 3 big ones 4 my myself paid £3300 in total this year on advertising. Don't get me wrong it takes time and depends on advert it self i have advertied every where it is all trial and error. i now give local papers a miss think they r too expensive for what they are and the feedback isn't good.if your listing on yell.com is an enhanced one u sud have some joy soon depending on how many others r one there. it does rotate every time a user clicks on it so bear with it.hope this help mate if u need any more advice just send me a pm thanks raja

**brian c** · 09-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by donvalleytiling

hi advertise on yell.com my self is not a qucik thing on there more of a long term investment. my personal opinion on tile shops is they r a waste of time unless you r giving them back handers they don't want to know been there done it.yellow pages yell.com and phone book 3 big ones 4 my myself paid £3300 in total this year on advertising. Don't get me wrong it takes time and depends on advert it self i have advertied every where it is all trial and error. i now give local papers a miss think they r too expensive for what they are and the feedback isn't good.if your listing on yell.com is an enhanced one u sud have some joy soon depending on how many others r one there. it does rotate every time a user clicks on it so bear with it.hope this help mate if u need any more advice just send me a pm thanks raja

alberttrotter1 · 09-01-2008

I have actually just spent 1 hour with the yellow pages and started phoning plumbers from the beginning (The little independant guys) saying that im about to make the leap to full time and asking how i would go about getting on their books for future work - 1 guy is actually looking for a tiler because his tiler is charging to much, now i wont sell myself cheap, but its a start and he wants to visit the next job i do. I have also got my details with a local insurance repair specialist and they will call me if anything comes up in my area, also a couple of builders have taken my details as well.It does seem that if you not tiling you should be phoning or out looking for it. Good luck

Armadillo · 09-01-2008

Sean you could try

www.askalix.co.uk it's free and will link into ITV local - just be aware that you will get a call from someone trying to get you to advertise - just say no its not worth it.

www.gumtree.com - post an advert on here its free - you may not get any response but its worth a try

You could also try google adwords - you only pay when some one clicks on your advert - you need to add some keywords like - tiler tiles where you are based ie manchester

It's quite easy to set up - if you have any problems just message me

Craig

sean384 · 09-01-2008

Thanks for ther advice mate

DevonChris · 09-01-2008

Hi sean,
Advertising is a waste of money!!!
You'll find just a few good contacts will keep you going- you just need to find them.
As someone said earlier, best thing you can do is go through the yellow pages. First visit all local tile, kitchen and bathroom shops and leave some cards. Then with the yellow pages, call builders and tell them you're looking for work and would they like you to send them your contact details.
It will take ages to call them all and chances are you'll get work before you've finished.
If some say they may have some soon, you can call in a couple of weeks to check that they got your card through the post and they may have more news.
If you believe you're get work, you will! Never fails.
Good luck!
Chris

MissTiler · 09-01-2008

Ive got a free small ad on Yell and have had a few calls from it. Ive also listed myself on various free listings sites such as Halo London Classified. Most calls are from internet sites. Maybe its a london thing. Im now in the local yellow pages (pink ad, cant miss it!) so it'll be interesting to see if that works.

cheers

Missy T

**Raja** · 09-01-2008

i will move to where u live chris up here is sheffield is a sad old story

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevonChris

Hi sean,
Advertising is a waste of money!!!
You'll find just a few good contacts will keep you going- you just need to find them.
As someone said earlier, best thing you can do is go through the yellow pages. First visit all local tile, kitchen and bathroom shops and leave some cards. Then with the yellow pages, call builders and tell them you're looking for work and would they like you to send them your contact details.
It will take ages to call them all and chances are you'll get work before you've finished.
If some say they may have some soon, you can call in a couple of weeks to check that they got your card through the post and they may have more news.
If you believe you're get work, you will! Never fails.
Good luck!
Chris

CJ · 09-01-2008

It just takes time, which, when you have the normal mortgage, bills etc etc to pay is the worry...........but if you can stick to it, and put yourself about in as many ways as possible..........(local papers, tile shops, even card in local shops, phoning around plumbers, kitchen companys etc etc) it is worth it............and there is NOTHING better than working for yourself.

It has its up and downs.............but the ups outweigh the downs

Only regret I have is....................I should have done it years ago

Leatherface · 09-01-2008

Get a copy of the Yellow pages , phone book and Thompson local for your area and other local areas - ( for, as far as you are prepared to travel )
Circle all the kitchen and bathroom showrooms you can find - make a point of calling in personally to every single one - have a chat and drop off some cards, take your portfolio with you.......... keep trying - one or two good contacts could be your bread and butter.
Do a good job when you are tiling and make a point of chattting to the other trades that you meet - plasterers, joiners, painters, electricians, builders, plumbers - make a point of asking for one of their cards - say you might be able to pass them a bit of work - hopefully they will ask for one of your cards and do the same.
TRADE TO TRADE NETWORKING IS THE KEY.

I have been tiling for three years & have NEVER advertised anywhere, my name is not in the phone book & my van is not signwitten. Still busy from day 1, just by following the advice above.
Good luck

**whitebeam** · 10-01-2008

Had a call from "wickes", What there doing is a customer referal, Doing business cards so when customers choose there tiles there will be trade cards on a stand so they can choose a tiler to do there work. Sounds good, I asked the guy how they got my number (He was polite and professional) and said he did'nt know just numbers to call. The situation is, they supply the business cards to your trade and it will cost you £8 a week, About just over £400 a year, which is'nt a lot for advertising, but, did'nt really believe he was from "wickes", but heard of companys that do the card thing at other diy sheds. Did'nt ask how much the cards would be , Has any one else been called yet?