[generalya]

Hi, I started a local computer service business and would like to know some advertising stratgies that fits this type of work.

Basic company info:

Opened in March '07
retail front 1,400 sqft, strip mall (next to safeway), good neighborhood
1 full time and 2 part time employees
service any type of pc problems, onsite
2 monthly IT supports as of 01/08 (fixed monthly income)


The company is breaking even now and I would like to start investing some money in advertising to help it grow. I currently rely on word of mouth mainly in addition to free advertising:

craigslist
google/yahoo/msn listing
yelp

In the past we have tried coupons, email listings, handing out flyers, trade shows. The outcomes weren't great but was enough to recover the original cost. I am wondering what are some marketing/advertising ways to expand a computer service business? You can PM me and I will send you a URL of our website if you are interested in more details, thanks in advance!

[rogercbryan]

Try partnering up with other local stores. Share your customer base through joint marketing.

[jasaunders]

Read these. They should provide a couple ideas or spark your imagination for promotions you can do or maybe some things you don't realize you are doing wrong.

Big advertising on a Small Budget « Ramblings of an Entrepreneur
Big Advertising Ideas on a Small Budget - Part II « Ramblings of an Entrepreneur