Hey everyone. I have been attempting to get a small business off the ground that I have been investing my time into. Unfortunately, since I am unemployed and making so little money (around ~100-200 a week), I don't really have any money to sink into advertising. I am currently using craigslist and printing out "pull tab" fliers and putting them in local stores. I thought about maybe also making a magnet or decals for my truck. I am also in the process of creating a website, but I don't have a company name or web address picked out yet. Does anybody know of any free ways to market computer repair services besides the methods I am already using? I really need to succeed at this... I recently got into some trouble about a year ago and now have a criminal record so I can't rely on a company deciding on taking a chance with me.. You can read about that HERE (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-careers/what-kind-jobs-pa-can-qualify-rsp-felony-307022.html) . It's always been a dream of mine to run my own business.. I just need some help to get things going... any help anybody can give me would be welcome and well appreciated. Also, please feel free to comment about my other "problem" linked above...

EDIT: I also have interests in electrical, plumbing, lawncare, pressure washing, heck Id even be a truck driver...

Thanks again so much...

Okay, I can understand why you're wanting to do this for the computer repair thing. But, you did list some other things that you might be able to do for gainful income.

Let's work on the computer tech advertising then.

What I'd like for you to do is to open up one, or two additional browsers, if you would, please.

Please let me know when you've done that.

Thanks!

Well, I am willing to do any of the things I mentioned in my other thread (electrical, plumbing, lawncare, pressure washing, etc.)

OK, browser windows open...

We can talk about the other things later...

Do you have an email address that you can use that's not one of those like Yahoo, hotmail, you know, the generic kind. I hope you understand what I'm asking, because I'm not quite sure how to ask it. Do you have an email client that you can use that you actually pay for?

Thanks!

Yes, I'll PM it to you right now...

You don't need to private message it to me. I just need to know if you have that kind of email.

I have to switch servers right now because of the errors that are happening. Will just take me a few seconds.

Thanks!

Oh.. lol yes I do, well you have it now in a PM... lol

Okay. I didn't switch servers yet because things seem to be going okay now. But, I did need to get rid of the accidental post that I made.

What I'd like for you to do, is to go to hoobly.com and join the site.

Please let me know when you've done that.

The reason that I asked about an email account that you pay for, is that hoobly won't let you join unless you have that sort of account.

Thanks!

Okay, I am now a member of hoobly.com

That's great!

Now, we need to work on the wording for your ad. Please write what exactly it is that you can do, regarding computers and the Internet, for people without putting any of your contact information in what you write.

Thanks!

OK, give me a moment... and I'll post that here, yes?

OK, here is what I have:

We are a [Edit] based computer repair firm serving the [Edit] area. Most people never get their PC/Laptop fixed because they think it will be too expensive. We can normally fix 80% of issues for $50.00!* Compare our prices to Geek Squad, Fire Dog and Independent Micro. We will save you money! Some of our services include:
• New PC Setup
• “Bloatware” Cleanup
• Performance Optimization
• OS Security Analysis and Lockdown
• Printer / Scanner / Fax Setup
• Home / Office Networking Set Up
• Existing Network Security Analysis / Lockdown
• Data Backups
• Pc / Laptop Repair*
• Operating System Cleanup
• Virus / Spyware / Adware Cleanup
• Operating System Reloads
• Component Upgrades
• New Software Installation/Configuration
• Data Recovery Services



I'll explain the "*" here with what I have on my flier...

*$50.00 fee for the first 2 hours of diagnostic / repair work. $50.00 minimum charge. We can fix 80% of problems within this time frame! Operating system reloads/extensive repairs /specialty services are additional. Call for details!

Yes, post it here. I'll work everything out so that it's okay according to the site policies here so that nothing is construed to be advertising.

Thanks!

Yes, post it here. I'll work everything out so that it's okay according to the site policies here so that nothing is construed to be advertising.

Thanks!

Done :)

Hey everyone. I have been attempting to get a small business off the ground that I have been investing my time into. Unfortunately, since I am unemployed and making so little money (around ~100-200 a week), I don't really have any money to sink into advertising. I am currently using craigslist and printing out "pull tab" fliers and putting them in local stores. I thought about maybe also making a magnet or decals for my truck. I am also in the process of creating a website, but I dont have a company name or web address picked out yet. Does anybody know of any free ways to market computer repair services besides the methods I am already using? I really need to succeed at this.... I recently got into some trouble about a year ago and now have a criminal record so I can't rely on a company deciding on taking a chance with me.. You can read about that HERE (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-careers/what-kind-jobs-pa-can-qualify-rsp-felony-307022.html) . It's always been a dream of mine to run my own business.. I just need some help to get things going... any help anybody can give me would be welcome and well appreciated. Also, please feel free to comment about my other "problem" linked above...

EDIT: I also have interests in electrical, plumbing, lawncare, pressure washing, heck Id even be a truck driver....

Thanks again so much...
Hi JJCH,

One thing I've done to drum up business is go to local libraries, vetrans homes, and or community affairs and offer free classes to the community. You can offer giving free 2 weeks courses at local colleges, by talking with the Director of Academic Affairs... schools love when community members offer their services and eat them up like cookies.

You can try adult schools and so on... When giving the classes hand out your cards and use the free courses as your marketing "hour" :)

Courses that would really work well from my experiences are
How to use email
How to make a website
How to use eBay
How to use my iPod
How to pay bills online

Keep it simple... and things are easier that way.

Hope this helps...
W.

Okay, I've edited possible locations in your ad so that it will not appear to be advertising and draw attention for people looking for the kind of services that you provide where you're located.

Please give me a minute to review your ad and to make suggestions.

Thanks!

Hi JJCH,

One thing I've done to drum up business is go to local libraries, vetrans homes, and or community affairs and offer free classes to the community. You can offer giving free 2 weeks courses at local colleges, by talking with the Director of Academic Affairs... schools love when community members offer thier services and eat them up like cookies.

You can try adult schools and so on... When giving the classes hand out your cards and use the free courses as your marketing "hour" :)

Courses that would really work well from my experiences are
How to use email
How to make a website
How to use eBay
How to use my ipod
How to pay bills online

Keep it simple... and things are easier that way.

Hope this helps...
W.

That's a fantastic idea! If the college will let me since I do have a record? I wonder if they care about that? I find myself questioning everything I can do because of this [edit] record... :(


Okay, I've edited possible locations in your ad so that it will not appear to be advertising and draw attention for people looking for the kind of services that you provide where you're located.

Please give me a minute to review your ad and to make suggestions.

Thanks!

Thank You!


Clough, check your pm when u get a sec.

Sample ad...

I've put fictitious locations in your ad.

Title to possibly use: Smith, Florida Computer Repair, Smith County, Florida

Computer repair service offering services in and around the vicinity of Smith, Florida. Over twenty years experience.

Some of the services that we offer include:

• New PC Setup
• “Bloatware” Cleanup
• Performance Optimization
• OS Security Analysis and Lockdown
• Printer / Scanner / Fax Setup
• Home / Office Networking Set Up
• Existing Network Security Analysis / Lockdown
• Data Backups
• Pc / Laptop Repair*
• Operating System Cleanup
• Virus / Spyware / Adware Cleanup
• Operating System Reloads
• Component Upgrades
• New Software Installation/Configuration
• Data Recovery Services

Most people never get their PC/Laptop fixed because they think it will be too expensive. We can normally fix 80% of issues for $50.00!* Compare our prices to Geek Squad, Fire Dog and Independent Micro. We will save you money!

*$50.00 fee for the first 2 hours of diagnostic / repair work. $50.00 minimum charge. We can fix 80% of problems within this time frame! Operating system reloads/extensive repairs /specialty services are additional.

Free phone consultation. Some of your problems might be able to be fixed over the phone!

Please call or email [Your Name] at [Contact numbers and email address or addresses]

Please visit our website at: [Link to Website]

Keywords: Computer repair services in Florida, Smith Florida computer repairing service, computers for sale in Smith Florida, Expert computer laptop repair, Computer upgrades, rebuilding an old computer, data recovery, computer repair and support, small business IT help in and around the [location], computer laptop repair, computer geeks, I need to get my computer fixed, electronic repair service in Smith Florida, repairing and rebuilding computers in Smith Florida, Jackson County Florida, Jason Florida, computer testing, diagnostics of computers, computer tune-ups, trouble-shooting, utilities, computer hardware and software, computer virus repair, utilities for computers, best computer repair service, [any town, city or location that you might feel to be relevant.]

Area codes: 786, 132, 354, 478, 786, 987, 948

Zip Codes: 19872, 39873, 47887, 98732

Thats a fantastic idea!! If the college will let me since I do have a record? I wonder if they care about that? I find myself questioning everything I can do because of this [edit] record... :(
Well, I use to be a division chair for a community college our forms for volunteers to give classes didn't include back ground checks... or quesitons of "jail time served" :) . So it would depend, but if I were you, don't ask... don't tell policy works for way too many people in this world. :)~.

Good luck to you. :)

Also, you might want to click here, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Piano+Tuning+and+Repair) here, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Party+Pianist&btnG=Search) here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Quad+Cities+Handyman)and here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Craig+Clough) for some additional examples.

Thanks!


I will "see" you sometime soon then, JJCH! And, I do wish you well with whatever it is that you do today.

Please do wait to post an ad on hoobly.com, because there's something really neat that happens about that!

Thanks!

Hey clough! Got your ad format, looks good! I will definitely wait to post for when I talk to you again. Its 12:38pm here right now and I have to leave around 1:30 to do some work for a client so I will see you soon when I can.

Sample ad...

I've put ficticious locations in your ad.

Title to possibly use: Smith, Florida Computer Repair, Smith County, Florida

Computer repair service offering services in and around the vicinity of Smith, Florida. Over twenty years experience.

Some of the services that we offer include:

• New PC Setup
• “Bloatware” Cleanup
• Performance Optimization
• OS Security Analysis and Lockdown
• Printer / Scanner / Fax Setup
• Home / Office Networking Set Up
• Existing Network Security Analysis / Lockdown
• Data Backups
• Pc / Laptop Repair*
• Operating System Cleanup
• Virus / Spyware / Adware Cleanup
• Operating System Reloads
• Component Upgrades
• New Software Installation/Configuration
• Data Recovery Services

Most people never get their PC/Laptop fixed because they think it will be too expensive. We can normally fix 80% of issues for $50.00!* Compare our prices to Geek Squad, Fire Dog and Independent Micro. We will save you money!

*$50.00 fee for the first 2 hours of diagnostic / repair work. $50.00 minimum charge. We can fix 80% of problems within this time frame! Operating system reloads/extensive repairs /specialty services are additional.

Free phone consultation. Some of your problems might be able to be fixed over the phone!

Please call or email [Your Name] at [Contact numbers and email address or addresses]

Please visit our website at: [Link to Website]

Keywords: Computer repair services in Florida, Smith Florida computer repairing service, computers for sale in Smith Florida, Expert computer laptop repair, Computer upgrades, rebuilding an old computer, data recovery, computer repair and support, small business IT help in and around the [location], computer laptop repair, computer geeks, I need to get my computer fixed, electronic repair service in Smith Florida, repairing and rebuilding computers in Smith Florida, Jackson County Florida, Jason Florida, computer testing, diagnostics of computers, computer tune-ups, trouble-shooting, utilities, computer hardware and software, computer virus repair, utilities for computers, best computer repair service, [any town, city or location that you might feel to be relevant.]

Area codes: 786, 132, 354, 478, 786, 987, 948

Zip Codes: 19872, 39873, 47887, 98732

Got to "spread it around Clough... but this was made easy to understand by your post, great job. I too learned some things here... thanks.

Stringer

Hi, JJCH!

I hope that you're doing well! :)

Now, would you please list some other keywords that we might use in ads for you? I can think of plenty for the disciplines in which I'm involved, but computer repair isn't one of my strongest disciplines.

Single words and not sentences would be best. I can take it from there...

Words like what you already see that I've placed in your ad. Words that can be singular or plural; have an "ed" or "ing" on the end.

It's best to place keywords in ads and also in the tags of a website in a number of different ways.

For instance: compute, computes, computer, computing, etc.

I think that you get my drift...

A search engine like Google won't pick up on identical, repeated words. However, using identical, repeated words is great for a search engine like Yahoo Search. The more repeated words for that search engine to grab, then the more likely you'll come up toward the top of the list on Yahoo Search.

Thanks!

Hi, JJCH!

I hope that you're doing well! :)

Now, would you please list some other keywords that we might use in ads for you? I can think of plenty for the disciplines in which I'm involved, but computer repair isn't one of my strongest disciplines.

Single words and not sentences would be best. I can take it from there...

Words like what you already see that I've placed in your ad. Words that can be singular or plural; have an "ed" or "ing" on the end.

It's best to place keywords in ads and also in the tags of a website in a number of different ways.

For instance: compute, computes, computer, computing, etc.

I think that you get my drift...

A search engine like Google won't pick up on identical, repeated words. However, using identical, repeated words is great for a search engine like Yahoo Search. The more repeated words for that search engine to grab, then the more likely you'll come up toward the top of the list on Yahoo Search.

Thanks!

Hey buddy... Just got back from my interview, I'll write about that in my other thread.. as for keywords... how about these...

Crashed
Crash
virus
Spyware
Removal
Disposal
Repair
Repaired
Locked up
Freezed up
Freeze
Tower
Desktop
Laptop
Netbook
Pda
Blackberry
Windows
Linux
Dell
Hp
Compaq
Acer
Reload
Reloaded
Back up
Backed up
Recovery
Recovered
Restoration
Reformat
Networking
Networked
Wireless
Wired
Remote access
Vpn
Cyber
Security
Secured
Access control
Remote administration
Administration
Child safety
Installs
Upgrades
Training
Education
Data purging
Disposal
Cabling
Set up
Tear down
Refurbish
Rebuild
Web
Website
Web design
Program
Programming
Database
Databases
Asset
Management
Peripherals
Upgrades
Ram
Memory
Hard drive
Ethernet
Internet
Support


That's all I can think of for right now, lol. I'll try to come up with more for you if you want... again thank you for your help! I appreciate it so much!

Clough... you should be able to work wonders with this list buddy.

I hope so!

Wow! That's quite a list, JJCH!

I haven't been on here all that long and was just checking in. Have to go for a short while and then will return. I will work on what you have as far as incorporating it into your ad.

Would really like to get something on Hoobly.com tonight, if you have the time.

The reason that I wanted you to wait in order to post an ad on that particular site was because the results are so astounding in so short a period, if things are worded just the right way.

I bet that we can get you first in searches on Google and beating all of the competition in your state as far as advertising is concerned. If not first, then definitely near the top of the first page.

Thanks!

That is fantastic! You're giving me hope I haven't had in along time! Thank You! I'll be up for awhile tonight, I'll check back often...

I'm back! Sorry that it took so long... Only meant to be out for about 10 to 15 minutes and then a friend called who needed help when I got home.

Now, I just need a few minutes to re-work your ad and to check out how the competition is fairing around where you are.

Ok?

Sounds good!

Okay, I've reworked your ad. Before I post it though, I'd like for you to open up a couple other browsers and click on the following searches. Here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Hopewell%2C+PA+Computer+Repair&aq=o&oq=) [Other links edited out because I couldn't get them to work.]
Just let me know when you've clicked on the searches.

Thanks!

Okay, I blew it and might try to fix the problem later. The important thing is to move forward and to make some progress.

When you click on the link, the first thing that you should see are those places whereby most of them are in the Yellow Pages of the phone book.

Is that what you see?

Thanks!

Yes that's what I have, places near me that show up in phone listings... correct.


EDIT

I am concerened that all the search results show (814) area codes... the area code here is 724 ?

Ahhh I figured it out... there is another hopwell, PA that is near central PA... Try the 15001 zipcode... Aliquippa, PA... that will put us where we need to be...

The point I'm trying to make is that there is going to be a lot of competition showing up in the first search that I tried.

Now, to that same search, please ad the only the word County.

Sorry, it's taking me so long now here. Besides battling my slow Internet connection, I've had to do some moderating in another area of the site.

Thanks!

I tried the other search using the name of the city that you provided.

OK did that...

Okay, now please add the name of your county before the word county.
Thanks!

Pssst... (whisper) by the way, stringer's looking at us! :D

*whispers* okay, my search box now reads:
"Beaver County Aliquippa, PA Computer Repair"

Don't mean to interrupt Craig, sorry...

JJCH, hi, I am from that area, born in Greensburg, Pa, lived for a long time near Jeannette... south east of Pittsburgh.

Stringer

Okay, now please add the name of your county before the word county.
Thanks!

pssst... (whisper) by the way, stringer's looking at us! :D

Hee hee...

Goodnight... eyes are closing... going to bed now... you two are on your own... night, later.

Stringer

Don't mean to interrupt Craig, sorry....

JJCH, hi, I am from that area, born in Greensburg, Pa, lived for a long time near Jeannette....south east of Pittsburgh.

Stringer

Hey there how you doing! I was born and raised in Washington county... moved to beaver county in 2006.

If you can stay up just 15 more minutes Stringer, that would be cool, because we're getting ready to post the ad on hoobly.com If everything works according to plan, the results should be amazing.

If you can't wait, I do understand.

Thanks!

If you can stay up just 15 more minutes Stringer, that would be cool, because we're getting ready to post the ad on hoobly.com If everything works according to plan, the results should be amazing.

If you can't wait, I do understand.

Thanks!

I would love to Clough, but I am seriously drooping, and the wife just called me to see where I am... hope you understand guys... I will check it tomorrow... :)

NIght,

Stringer

*whispers* okay, my search box now reads:
"Beaver County Aliquippa, PA Computer Repair"

I meant for you to put the name of the county before the word county at the end of the search words. Part of the way that Google searches for things is alphabetically. The results should be about the same though.

Let's get ready to post the ad. This ad is going to be a test. You can always change it later. If all goes according to plan, your ad will hopefully be at the top, or near the top of the search pages in Google within 15 minutes.

I'm now going to post the revised ad. It will take me just a minute to make sure that everything's just right from my end. Please have at least a couple of other browsers open. Please login to hoobly.com and let me know when you've done that.

Thanks!

Okay, I think I understand what you are saying... so it should be "Aliquippa, PA Computer Repair Beaver County"

Logged into hoobly.com

My internet went down for about 10 minutes... back up now... good ol' comcast...

Here is your revised ad. I listed most of the words that you had provided. You came up with a lot of words! If a person uses too many keywords that are visible in an ad, it can make things look sloppy and unprofessional to some people. You can use as many words as you want to in the hidden parts of your website that you know will get picked up by the search engines.

Usually people aren't going to be looking for a business by the Zip Code or Area Code. Most of my ads don't have that, but some of them do. For you, just starting with extensive advertising on the Internet, I thought that we could give it a try and see how it works.

I've put fictitious words and locations in your ad and I've already done a "spill chick" LOL :) for the ad, but you'll be wanting to double-check things anyway after you've done the deletions and names of places substitutions.

Please let me know here the time that you posted the ad. If you have any difficulties on hoobly.com, please let me know. If there's too many capital letters in an ad, then hoobly.com will sometimes automatically make everything lower-case.

Title to possibly use: Smith, Florida Computer Repair, Smith County, Florida

Computer repair service offering services in and around the vicinity of Smith, Florida. Over twenty years experience.

Some of the services that we offer include:

• New PC Setup
• “Bloatware” Cleanup
• Performance Optimization
• OS Security Analysis and Lockdown
• Printer / Scanner / Fax Setup
• Home / Office Networking Set Up
• Existing Network Security Analysis / Lockdown
• Data Backups
• Pc / Laptop Repair*
• Operating System Cleanup
• Virus / Spyware / Adware Cleanup
• Operating System Reloads
• Component Upgrades
• New Software Installation/Configuration
• Data Recovery Services

Most people never get their PC/Laptop fixed because they think it will be too expensive. We can normally fix 80% of issues for under $60.00!* Compare our prices to the Geek Squad, Fire Dog and Independent Micro. We will save you money!

[Let's try your ad without putting any sort of specific pricing in it at first to see how things go. If you don't list your prices, then if they're interested in your service, it might make them at least make contact with you so that you can then sell your service to them.] We can fix 80% of problems within a two-hour time frame and most likely, you'll be able to have your computer returned to you in only one to two days! Fees charged depend on the services that are provided.

Free phone consultation. Some of your problems might be able to be fixed over the phone! [Builds good rapport, trust and the possibility for potential referrals.]

Please call or email [Your First and Last Name] at [Contact numbers and email address or addresses]

Please visit our website at: [Link to Website]

Keywords: Computer repair services in Florida, Smith Florida computer repairing service, computers for sale in Smith Florida, Expert computer laptop repair, Computer upgrades, rebuilding an old computer, data recovery, computer repair and support, small business IT help in and around the [location], computer laptop repair, computer geeks, I need to get my computer fixed, electronic repair service in Smith Florida, repairing and rebuilding computers in Smith Florida, Jackson County Florida, Jason Florida, computer testing, diagnostics of computers, computer tune-ups, trouble-shooting, utilities, computer hardware and software, computer virus repair, utilities for computers, best computer repair service, [any town, city or location that you might feel to be relevant.] computer crashed, crash, virus removal, spyware removal, computer freezes, desktop, tower, pda, blackberry, operating system, Linux, Dell, HP, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Acer, reformat, reformats, reformatting, remote access, wireless, wired, cyber, computer security, secured, securing and protecting your computer from hackers hacking, child safety on the computer, child safe browers, program, programs programming, upgrades and installs, installing, ram, memory, hard drive, hard drive, hard-drive, Internet Ethernet, Intranet, support, supports, supporting, how to back up the data information on a hard drive,

Area codes: 786, 132, 354, 478, 786, 987, 948

Zip Codes: 19872, 39873, 47887, 98732

Just to clarify, I put the keywords, area codes and zip codes in the "description" category for placing the ad, correct?

You put them in the body of the ad at the bottom of the ad. I'm not on hoobly.com right now, but if I remember correctly, the description is the title of the ad.

I'll login to hoobly.com now.

Thanks!

Check your PM please...

Ad posted... Ad # 759299 (if I can't put that here, I apologize and you can delete)

What category did you post it in on hoobly.com?

Thanks!

It made me post the ad in: CategoryAnnounce & Events > Services // unless I screwed up somehow...

Its 4:35am, Ive been up since 6am yesterday.. I'm about to pass out... I think I might have to go to bed soon.. do u want me to delete the ad?

That category should be just fine.

Please click Here. (http://www.hoobly.com/members/clough/)

Are you logged out of hoobly?

Thanks!

I clicked on the link, I see ads placed by you... I'm still logged in to hoobly. I can log out if you want?

Its 4:35am, Ive been up since 6am yesterday.. I'm about to pass out... I think I might have to go to bed soon.. do u want me to delete the ad?

Yeah I know, it's very late for you and also for me. Don't delete the ad, but you might want to change the order to the words for the title. The first ad that you see on the link that I sent to you started appearing in searches in less than fifteen minutes. If you study how I title and word my ads, it should help you.

It might make a difference if you're logged out of hoobly or not for when the ad will start to appear in searches.

Thanks!

Suggestion: Name what you do first in a title and then the location.

Thanks!

OK, I re-arranged the words on the title... I also logged out of hoobly...

I think we're going to have to pick it up tomorrow. Im not able to stay awake anymore... lol... I really do appreciate the help... I'm amazed how much Im learning about how ads work... :)

I know that it's very late for you. I'll keep checking for your ad. This thing will work. I can promise you that! There are many, many other ways that you can advertise for free on the Internet!

That first listing on hoobly is what I did for a friends of my daughters. I think that all three of you are about the same age.

Basically, he beats everyone in that area, even the Yellow Page listings, for what he does, if their using those kind of search terms. Please click http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Landscaping+And+Maintenance%2C+Napa+Valley%2C+Ca lifornia&btnG=Search

Basically, my point is, do not despair! You have a future! A lot of the advertising that you do doesn't have to cost you any money other than the electricity to run your computer, some thin cardboard paper supplies and time.

If you print up things, like you've been doing, and get really aggressive with your advertising, you will make it! There's going to be up times and low times. But, the kind of computer service that you can provide is greatly in demand.

Many Sundays, I spend the afternoon taking a drive with friends in order to find and hang up my small "shingle" for whatever business it is that I'm trying to promote.

I know that you already know some of the places where you can do that. Here's a list of mine: Grocery stores, Laundromats, bowling alleys, quick-mart type places, public libraries, bars, restaurants, liquor stores, (I'm not kidding! Some, actually do have public bulletin boards.), community halls, township halls, etc.

If you make yourself indispensable to your customers as well as show them that you're honest, timely, dependable and able to help someone out if they might be kind of down on their luck, word will spread about you in those ways and the money will come!

I wish and hope for you, only the best!

Thanks!

Your ad is already starting to appear, but it's on the second page of the search. Please click Here. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Computer+Repair,+Beaver+County,+Aliquippa+Pennsy lvania&start=10&sa=N)

Suggestion: List what you do, then the city, then the state and then the county.

Thanks!

Ah yes... 2nd page.. I re-arranged the title of the ad like you suggested... save it and signed out. How often does Google pull new ad feeds?

Also, do you have any advice on picking a good company name? I have been going rounds for awhile but cannot come up with something simple, yet original... dangit.

I'd probably sound more credible with a business name as apposed to "my name" computer repair... don't you agree?

Clough, I need to "spread"... but watching you help JJCH, step by step through this learning process was indeed a privilege and l like your methods...

Great job my friend,

Stringer

Thanks a bunch, Stringer!

ah yes... 2nd page.. I re-arranged the title of the ad like you suggested... save it and signed out. How often does google pull new ad feeds?

Also, do you have any advice on picking a good company name? I have been going rounds for awhile but cannot come up with something simple, yet original... dangit.

I'd probably sound more credible with a business name as apposed to "my name" computer repair... don't you agree?

I like to use the word Absolute at the beginning of my business names. Sounds a lot more professional than AA or AAA, plus, it's near the beginning of the alphabet, so when I'm in the Yellow Pages of the phone book, I'm usually at or near the top of the list.

For your hoobly ad, you should have the options for ads to be on their for a number of years. Once we get you going with other advertising sites, you should be well-entrenched as far as being picked-by Google on a daily basis. If you do a search for my first and last name on Google, or the things that I do around my area, I'm consistently at the top of the list.

I'll show you some maintenance ways for your advertising when we get together later...

Thanks!

Hi, JJCH!

I think that you did a great job of posting your ad on hoobly.com! Just a couple of things that you might want to change on it would be to place a comma after the name of the city and also the length of time for experience that you've had.

Other sites that you might want to join and post things on right now, would be:

Naymz: Reputation Management and Networking for Professionals (http://www.naymz.com/)
Great site that gets excellent exposure!

LinkedIn: Relationships Matter (http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=ppro_pbli)
Networking site that also gets excellent exposure!

MerchantCircle.com | Find new customers. (http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/)
Great site that gets excellent exposure! Need to be kind of careful in what you post. They're kind of picky. If you look at what I've posted on the site, you'll get the idea.

I already gave you some links about me to click on. Please look at and study the things that I've posted on various sites. You'll eventually really get the hang of things concerning doing the advertising. Once you've set things up on a number of sites, it's easy to maintain things.

There are many other things that I would like to discuss with you. But, this is a process that is going to take some time.

For now, please be sure to copy and paste anything that you post on an advertising website into some kind of document. I like to use the Draft folder of my Outlook Express. I also have a really long list of my passwords and user names saved into a folder. I always try to use the same user name and password on sites. However, not every site is the same, especially for passwords. So, best to be saving and backing things up.

I look forward to working with you, soon!

Thanks!

Clough

Hey there, Clough! I'm finally back. Was out of commission for a couple of days from a mild concussion. Finally broke down and went to the Dr. because the headaches were so bad. Anywhoo.. I'll be here!

I'm here now JJCH, and I hope that you're feeling much better! :)

Doh we missed again... maybe we'll catch up today! :)

Clough has done a wonderful job here .I would like to add that many people are drawn to special discounts and you may want to include senior citizen discounts,military and student discounts.

I agree he certainly has!

Clough,

Do you think if I re-engineered my craigslist ad it would show up in Google like the hoobly.com ad?

Yes, I think that if you re-word your craigslist ad like the hoobly one that you'll be more likely to get results.

Will you be up for at least another couple of hours?

Thanks!

Yes sir, I'll be around here!

Clough has done a wonderful job here .I would like to add that many people are drawn to special discounts and you may want to include senior citizen discounts,military and student discounts.

That's very true about the discount thing, artlady! I'll be getting to that subject with him on this thread. At certain times of the year, I advertise giving discounts. For one of my businesses which concerns pianos, I always advertise giving a discounts to seniors, schools and churches.

Thank you also for reminding me about the military! A person can advertise a service they can provide with a free, basic listing on List With Us at MilitaryAvenue.com (http://www.militaryavenue.com/ListWithUs.aspx) and also provide a special discount to military personnel.

Thanks!

yes sir, I'll be around here!

Okay, great! I'll be back after a little while...

In the meantime, do join those sites that I listed a number of posts back. You might also want to check out the Military Avenue thing.

Thanks!

Okie doke

I'm back!

Did you join those other websites?

Thanks!

You but I'm a little learly of "linkedin" I had a psycho ex track me down once using that site.. so I removed my profile. LOL

Okay. But, how long ago was that and do you still consider her to be a potential problem in any way?

Thanks!

This was about a year or so ago. After I got in my "trouble" I had a profile on linkedin, searching, hopefully, for a job and she found me that way. I'm not worried about her anymore though.

Then I would suggest taking the risk, which would seem to be slight, and listing there again.

Would you be willing to do that?

Thanks!

OK I joined all but merchant circle... it wants a phone number right on the home page... all I have is my cell, should I enter that?

Now, I'm finally back! Whew!

I don't have a cell phone. So, I'm not sure what will happen if you have a cell phone. I just used my regular phone number. The site didn't automatically call me, nor have I had a problems because my number is listed there.

So, I would recommend that you give them your phone number.

Thanks!

OK brother :)

I went to Military Avenue (http://www.militaryavenue.com/) tonight and found that my ads that I placed there about three years ago are still active, and that I haven't had to renew them. So, that's a really good thing! I do plan on editing them though with some updates.

Do you have a military installation that's near to you?

Thanks!

Actually, you.. 9/11 airforce base in moon...

Cool! :)

Then, I would see if that base is listed on Military Avenue.

Please let me know if it is, or not.

Thanks!

Are you looking on Military Avenue? It can take some time to figure out how to navigate on that site.

Thanks!

Hi, JJCH!

I'm wondering what's happening now and if you're okay? There are a number of other avenues that we have yet to explore with your advertising, if you would like to do that.

Thanks!

Hey Clough!

Yes definitely I want to keep exploring. The last two days I have been doing some deliveries for my buddies trucking company. No chance for a career there, just filling in for him to make some money. I got a dear john letter today saying that I wasn't selected for that job I applied for... because of my record Im sure :(

Hi, JJCH!

You don't know for sure that it was because of your record. I already suggested, on your other thread, that you give them a call to find out why. I've done that a number of times when I didn't get a job.

Please don't despair!

More information on advertising is coming...

Thanks!

Hi, JJCH!

You don't know for sure that it was because of your record. I already suggested, on your other thread, that you give them a call to find out why. I've done that a number of times when I didn't get a job.

Please don't despair!

More information on advertising is coming...

Thanks!

I agree with Clough, I always handled my job interview follow ups the same way that I do sales. I called, ask questions, and I would say that I want to get better. Please tell me what I could have done or said in the interview or in my resume' that would have helped or made a difference. But as I understand it, you haven't lost the job, call and sell yourself.

Call back and pursue the job the same way that you would a sale JJ.

Stringer

Thanks for the support guys... I did get a dear john letter, so no job for me... :(

Thanks for the support guys... I did get a dear john letter, so no job for me..... :(

Well... not that job, but surely you are going for more.

I'm sure that you have heard of the principle; "A shotgun or a sniper rifle?" Same as being efficient and/or effective JJ.

Efficient: Shotgun, hits pretty much the whole wall.

Effective: Bullseye

I believe that you have to be both efficient and effective.

Efficient: Send out resumes to any job that comes close to what you are looking for, 'blast' the wall. If something comes back, then you can make the decision whether you want that or not.

With the ones that you really want and know that you are qualified for... don't let up. Don't let your resume' become one of the 'many.'

Effective: After you have sent the resumes, do research on the companies that you are interested in.. Become knowledgeable about those companies and anything that is happening with them. They can and may appreciate that enough to move forward to the next step. Make phone calls to the proper person at that company, be polite but energetic and 'effective.' Tell that person, that you sent in a resume' and that you are very interested in this position and tell him/her why and how you are qualified for this position.

Keep files from your research that you did, at arms reach when they call and when you call them JJ.

One final thing... always be networking... talk to everyone that will listen that you are looking. Pride is not a factor here now.

Good luck, and I would like to know when you land something. I am making the assumption that you are still out of work presently, am I correct?

By the way, I made sharpshooter in the service.

Stringer

Stringer...

Good advice! I printed out that page. Yes, I am still technically unemployed. By buddy ownes a trucking company and for three days this week he had me out driving for him. Made $250 for 3 days, not too bad, not that great. It will certainly help. I have kept a tally of how many positions I have applied for. The current number is 76 positions. Only got one phone call for all the places I applied for. Even giant eagle and mc donalds aren't hiring around here... Yet, everywhere you look, there are houses with 1-2-3-4 people in them, etc. and they are all working. I must be doing something wrong.

In regards to my advertising, I am still putting out fliers when I go places and working on a new craigslist ad set up like the hoobly one that clough helped me with.

Persistence; Getting a job, is a job... a full time occupation.

JJ, have you considered in the meantime taking unemployment compensation if that is an option? That's what it is there for.

Hi, JJCH!

If you go to the unemployment places and job services, frequently, they'll have jobs listed that don't appear in any of the papers.

You can usually look for free on the computers that they might have there for such a purpose.

Thanks!

Hey, JJCH!

It's still not too late to have some sort of Valentine's Day Special Offer for people. If there's one or two things that you know that you can do well for people and that they always need more than other things, getting them to find you by accident at certain times of the year is something that you might want to try.

Please click here, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Quad+Cities+Valentine%27s+Day+Special) here, (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ei=gIuOSa73D4T6MpnByZgL&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Quad+Cities+Valentine%27s+Day+Gift+Baskets&spell=1) here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Quad+Cities+Valentine%27s+Day+Candy) and here. (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Quad+City+Valentine&btnG=Search)

The first place that I placed an ad for that was on hoobly.com It appeared first in listings on Google within the hour after placing it. However, they decided to "suspend" it. I guess that they thought that I was spamming. However, my other ads with them remain. A person does need to be careful with the number and type of ads that they place on sites.

Thanks!

Persistence; Getting a job, is a job...a full time occupation.

JJ, have you considered in the meantime taking unemployment compensation if that is an option? That's what it is there for.

I applied and got accepted. My last employer, when the got the notice, fought and won the appeal so I lost it. :(

I applied and got accepted. My last employer, when the got the notice, fought and won the appeal so I lost it. :(

I am sorry to hear that, then I would say that for sure between 8 am to 5 pm all your efforts should be in getting resumes' out and perusing each job...

The unemployment office has job listing in their on site computers that are not advertised. Go there, check out all these also.

I've done that too actually, check it every day. Seems like all the cards are stacked against me doesn't it? Gets hard to handle sometimes. Hopefully something will come through, or with clough's help my ads will generate business... I keep my optimism up as much as I can.

I've done that too actually, check it every day. Seems like all the cards are stacked against me dosent it? Gets hard to handle sometimes. Hopefully something will come through, or with clough's help my ads will generate business... I keep my optimism up as much as I can.

Good, glad to hear that JJ, is there really any other choice?

Yes, follow Cloug's advice closely, he is really knowledgeable and he too wants to help where he can.

Stringer

Well Clough, I got one call from my ad! Hehehe I'm on my way!! Lol

Well Clough, I got one call from my ad! hehehe I'm on my way!!! lol

Congratulations JJ, print it out and frame it. First of many! :)

Stringer

Well Clough, I got one call from my ad! hehehe I'm on my way!!! lol

Hey, that's AWESOME, JJCH!! :D

Got to "spread" it around Clough... but see your help and expertise paid off again. Congratulations to you also my friend.

Stringer

So, how are things going now, JJCH? It's getting near to springtime and would be a good time to start pumping out some ads for outdoor work.

Please let me know...

Thanks!

Hi, Jason!

I did read your response about your ads on your other thread where we had discussed things about the jobs in PA. If you would like to continue here with how to make improvements to your ads, I will be glad to help you!

Thanks!