Let's Talk About Ineffective Marketing

[VP Mark]

Ok folks, lets here some stories about marketing strategies that you have tried that have NOT worked well for you.

Why did it not work for you? Was it specific to your market, poor execution on your part, or just a bad strategy?

What did you substitute it for, and why did it work better than the previous strategy, if it did?

Why did you feel that strategy would be effective in the first place? Was it a shot in the dark, or a calculated strategy that did not pay off?


I'll start: Last year I spent several weeks hanging door hangers on my days off or days when I only had a half day or so scheduled. I truly believe the reason it did not work was two fold:

1. I did not target the right neighborhoods.

2. Instead of canvassing the same neighborhood over and over again over a matter of weeks, I just went on and tried to cover the most amount of area possible. Marketing 101 fail on my part.

Share your experiences! It helps everyone in the community when we share our successes AND failures. :dblthumb2:

 

[SuperiorAutoLLC]

Newspapers have always robbed me...no matter how much I spend, how much I run an ad for, how large and colorful my ad, where it's placed...I have NEVER, EVER received a single phone call, email or inquiry from one.

So no newspapers for me!:dblthumb2:

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

I paid $200 for a 1/4 page ad in the local youth football program. Even included a coupon for 20% off. NOT A SINGLE RESPONSE. They promised a 2000 qty distribution so I was thinking "Okay, even at a 1% response rate I at least break even." Never again.

 

[VP Mark]

I paid $200 for a 1/4 page ad in the local youth football program. Even included a coupon for 20% off. NOT A SINGLE RESPONSE. They promised a 2000 qty distribution so I was thinking "Okay, even at a 1% response rate I at least break even." Never again.

I did something similar for a high school athletic program. No results at all. It wasn't horribly expensive however, so I see it as a valuable lesson learned.

 

[topshelf1042]

I did something similar for a high school athletic program. No results at all. It wasn't horribly expensive however, so I see it as a valuable lesson learned.

I totally agree I am rather skeptical about print advertising to me a waste!!! I say man up if you want it go get it!!! I personally walked right up in office parks in my community and solicited my services. Once you get in you'll be amazed by the people who will talk to you even though it may say no soliciting on the door... BS... the worst thing they can do is say leave...okay no harm done but yet to date for me that has not happened...something to think about??

RLC Mobile Auto Detailing - Augusta GA car wash and detail, car detail and auto detailing ,mobile detailing

Top Shelf Auto Detailing - Top Shelf Auto Detailing Columbia, SC-car wash in Columbia,SC that offers auto detailing and car detailing services at your location.

 

[Pureshine]

Here are the only things I have done word of mouth, website and cars club meets/get to gathers. I have two clubs that keep me very busy.

 

[Ryansdetailing]

I approached a local car wash the other day and had a 1 on 1 with the owner/manager. Basically asked him do you want to make more money. He obviously said yes, i said give me permission to hang up some signs and let me advertise my business. Ill get some flyers made up and you dont let a customers leave here without one. Every car i detail thats hands me that flyer, ill give you 10% of the sale. Just thought this might be something for you to think about! Not sure if its going to work but i will let you know in a couple days!

 

[RhetoricMixes]

Here are the only things I have done word of mouth, website and cars club meets/get to gathers. I have two clubs that keep me very busy.

Exactly what I do! Just gave one of my local car clubs a detail clinic and how to this past weekend also, already got cars booked from that little event.

When marketing just remember that your not only marketing your business but also YOURSELF! A lot of people forget that and fail when presenting themselves to new clients.

 

[g35_coupe]

I too tried print advertising. It was in my kid's dance recital program. Target audience was 700+ local people and I just needed 3 customers to break on my ROI. Back cover, full color, glossy print. I had figured people would keep these programs since their family/friend's kid would have their pics in it. I thought of it as a little keepsake with my business card on it. Haven't had a single call or email inquiry. I know where 100% of my booked jobs come from so I know it was just a lesson learned.

I have also donated a restoration job for a fundraiser raffle. I even had the coupon transferable for flexibility. Nope. Haven't had them redeem it yet or referrals from it.

I have a better success rate leaving a business card on the driver's side window once in a while if I'm at the grocery store or something.

 

[StreetImageTX]

I haven't tried print for detailing but I previously found it to be a waste of money in other past ventures.