Most cost effective advertising?

[lisakitty]

I have a very limited budget for advertising and I seriously need to increase my business and get my name out there. What is the biggest bang for the buck in your opinion? Newspaper ads, fliers, postcards, etc. Obviously word of mouth is great, but I need to get some exposure quickly.

[HotHolly]

Submit a press release. Its instant exposure, if they print it, and its free.

Your success will depend on your promotion AND how you distribute it among your target demographic. Its usually a waste of money to do a shotgun approach with ads.

[Cajungaltx]

Lisa,
I would volunteer to give a 30 minute talk at your local 'moms' groups on how to take better photographs... or whereever your target audience is...

Do a canned talk, and have some of YOUR photos playing on a projected screen... they'll go home and try it, won't be able to get that (P&S's are limited a bit, lol)... and they'll hire you.... (at least this is what Sandy Puc says!).

Word of mouth is a HUGE bonus though... you have to get your clients talking about you, talking about your sessions.... that will grow it faster than anything!

[toverman]

These aren't bad suggestions at all.

Consider the audience(s) you want to target, because it's not just about getting the word out but educating the right group about what you offer. Craigslist is cost-effective (free), but more often than not you'll find people looking for deals who are going to test your every nerve before it's all over. If possible, partner with other vendors who serve your target audiences ... see if they'll distribute promotional cards, or have a contest with entry forms to find the cutest *whatever* (great way to get contact info for potential clients), etc.

[carrbowl]

I have learned volunteering at the school and the church are great ways to get parents to know about you...you just have to be careful not to overindulge yourself in getting used too much!!

[lisakitty]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

I have learned volunteering at the school and the church are great ways to get parents to know about you...you just have to be careful not to overindulge yourself in getting used too much!!

I volunteer many hours for Girl Scouts and swim team. I'm thinking of hitting them up for team pictures. Wish me luck.