Creating Fliers That Get Action

Q: Do you think it would be a good idea to write bid amounts on the fliers that I'm going to pass out for my lawn care business?

A: Yes, supplying a prospective customer with a specific dollars-and-cents price is much more important than just making a claim of "low prices"--it's the equivalent of a picture being worth a thousand words. By supplying this information, you're also personalizing your flier. Instead of passing out generic fliers door-to-door, you are taking the time to customize each flier with a quote just for their lawn.

Fliers can be an effective marketing tool for businesses whose services are performed outdoors, like lawn care, other gardening and landscaping services, window washing, pooper scooper services and so on, because without trespassing you can actually see the scope of the service you would provide and quote a tailored price. While most fliers get thrown away--often because of poor design and uninspiring copy--your flier can be effective simply by communicating what you are offering and that you do quality work for your low price. Here are five tips to help you convey a level of quality that will prompt phone calls when prospective customers find your flier on their doors:

1. To indicate that your price quote is specific to the property, include the prospect's address on the flier.
2. To suggest you do quality work, print your flier on thick paper.
3. Keep your flier specific to the service you want to sell. So even if you provide landscaping along with lawn mowing, devote the flier to lawn mowing. If your flier impresses, someone who needs a related service is apt to call you even without your listing all the things you do. A list of services clutters the limited amount of geography a flier provides and detracts from your ability to get your message across.
4. Include some form of endorsement or testimonial on your flier. You might include a quote from a customer. With your customer's consent, include the address and the customer's name. If you work with a number of customers in the local area, you can urge your prospect to "check our work" and list local addresses.
5. To tell more about what you do, provide a Web site where someone interested in what you do can learn more. Have a collection of photos and testimonials there.

Content Continues Below

In today's worrisome economy, people are less apt to part with their discretionary dollars. Taking the time to produce a flier that makes what you do look like a good deal is worth the effort.

Paul and Sarah Edwards are the authors of several homebased business books, including Working From Home. Their latest book is Why Aren't You Your Own Boss?