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 . 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!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clough

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 :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JJCH

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 . 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!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LetLiveLetBe

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... :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clough

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

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JJCH

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, here, here and here 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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clough

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 [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