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So I am a dealer for a large national replacement window business. Im about 2 years in and we are on pace to gross about 450k this year. Not too bad but I did think we would be doing better by now. I am doing the usual internet advertising, google SEO, Adwords, Facebook Advertising and some print advertising in local coupon books. I want to step it up.
My question is there is a small building that is for sale on a very high traffic intersection near my current office. The traffic is 10K cars per day. I can afford to buy the building but it is a sizeable chunk of money down and monthly. Would this increase my business substantially? I would put up large signs and have the whole side of the building painted with our logo and slogans.
Is the building big enough? Is there sufficient parking? How difficult is it to get into and out of the parking lot? What speed is the traffic moving? Is there a stop light at the intersection?
What businesses have been in that location in the past and failed?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,551 posts, read 81,085,957 times
Reputation: 57734
We just replaces all of our windows plus sliding door, 15 in all. The company we used does no advertising other than a sign out front while working, and word of mouth/social media recommendations. In our case it was a neighbor's recommendation then checking online reviews that sold us. If you are doing residential, it seems like a downtown area would not be all that helpful, since most of your customers live in the suburbs. I would never use a business just because I saw their office and signs. Just like I would never vote for someone just because they have signs up all over the place. My suggestion is establishing a relationship with a local small hardware store, and set up a display with a sample of your product. You can even hold a drawing there for a prize such as 5 free windows, which by filling out the form gives you the chance to call people without violating the "do not call" list.
Advertising might have worked 5-10 years ago, but Hemlock is correct. I don't care how big or how much advertising there is. If someone on nextdoor.com says this window company ripped them off, but this other one was much better, thats REAL testimony that is all I care about.
Really? like advertising is dead? I appreciate the response but dont agree. I also use all the social media sites you refer to like nextdoor, porch, facebook, yelp, angies list, home advisor and more. There are still millions of customers that do not use the internet to shop. Many millions. TV, Direct Mail, Radio its all still relevant to some degree. I do agree the internet is #1 but its not the only way to get customers.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,551 posts, read 81,085,957 times
Reputation: 57734
The Direct Marketing Association boasts that direct mail results in a 4.4% response rate. If that is worth the cost for you, go for it. In my opinion, the direct mail which goes in my trash without reading serves to annoy and anger people. When it comes time to buy a product or service I'm less likely to use someone that either spams me with email, or spams me with snail mail. Even more so, I would never use a company that does telephone soliciting. In the case of a high-cost item like window replacements where people are putting up $15,000 or more most homeowners that can afford them are going to be very internet savvy and rely on social media reviews. Even among those making less than $30k/year, 81% use the internet.
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