Jim Negron
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For An Air Conditioning & Heating Company
Here are a few Ideas for an Air Conditioning & Heating Company that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the door hanger with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- Direct Mail Strategy: How Many, How Often?
We get calls, like clockwork, from HVAC companies just before the start of the winter and summer seasons. It makes sense, homeowners haven’t used their heating or air conditioning for a few months and they will need a tune up, service or replacement.
Consider the distribution options. With a budget of about $1350, you could print 24,000 full color door hangers. One option would be to distribute to 12,000 homes twice a year prior to the summer and winter seasons. Another option would be to distribute to 4,000 homes every other month (6 times a year). Or you could distribute to 2,000 homes every month. There’s no right or wrong strategy here. However, marketing experts emphasize that repetition is an important factor in the overall success of a campaign. Targeting a smaller territory, distributing more often and supplementing with additional media can result in a steady stream of prospects, rather than a flash in the pan once or twice a year. - Call “The Honest Contractor”
It may sound corny, but people are wary of tradesman. Everyone hates the idea of getting ripped off. Remember, you are asking for an invitation to go inside someones home to provide an estimate or checkout equipment. Include your photo on the door hanger. It will make the door hanger more personal (you may be surprised how many people recognize you). You name and a photo sends a message that you are proud of your company and your work. If you have a crew, show a group photo and they should be in some sort of uniform (even a nice t-shirt). - Don’t Just Offer A “Tune-UP” – Tell Them Why They Need It!
A pre-season 15 point checkup is a standard offer in the industry. Make sure you show a price for the service and highlight any savings offered. For example “15 Point Air Conditioning Checkup – Now $79 Regular $99 Save $20!”. And be sure to stress the benefits of the checkup: “Extend The Life Of Your Unit and Save On Energy Costs With Regular Maintenance”. - The No Fee Service Call
If you get the job, waive the service call fee. Your ad can say: “FREE Service Call” the disclaimer can go on to say “Service call fee waived if work is done (a $59 value)”. - Offer Residential Service To Your Corporate Clients
No corporate clients? How about a “Friends And Family” Promotion. Offer discounts to the friends and family of your current clients. - Show The Price
If you offer replacement units for heating or air conditioning, use a price to get more response. Which offer do you think sounds better? A) “Replace Your Central AC Unit, Call Today & Save!” or B) “Replace Your Central AC Unit – Most Homes In This Neighborhood Only $1995!” . Some will see a price and say, “that’s too expensive”, but others will remark “I didn’t realize it was so reasonable.” Prices pre-qualify prospects before they call. Use your best offer, with a disclaimer if necessary, for example “…price based on existing electrical and slab.”
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Plumbers
Here are a few Ideas for Plumbers that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the postcard with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the door hanger is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- So Many Homes, So Many Opportunities!
We’ve seen lots of plumbers advertise their services with the headline: “PLUMBING PROBLEMS? CALL US!” This approach can yield results. There is bound to be lots of folks with some sort of problem. However, why focus on just home owners with problems? Instead, consider every home as a prospect. Think about all the services you could provide in addition to plumbing problems. Services like: changing a faucet, upgrading bathroom fixtures, installing a water line for an automatic ice maker, adding a new outdoor water spigot, the list goes on and on. - Show The Price
Give prospects an idea of the cost of your service. For example, Faucet Replaced $99 (plus parts), Regular Price $119, Save $20. In fact, you should include a menu of prices for a variety of services. Some will see a price and say, “that’s too expensive”, but others will remark “I didn’t realize it was so reasonable.” Prices pre-qualify prospects before they call. - Use Your Neighborhood As A Pipeline For New Customers
Why not prospect in the neighborhood where you live. Start by distributing door hangers in your own neighborhood. People trust their neighbors. You can even offer a neighborhood discount. - Call “The Honest Plumber”
It may sound corny, but people are wary of tradesman. Everyone hates the idea of getting ripped off. Include your photo, you may be surprised how many may recognize you. The photo also makes the door hanger more personal (you may be surprised how many people recognize you). Remember, you are asking for an invitation to go inside someones home. If you have a crew, show a group photo and they should be in some sort of uniform (even a nice t-shirt). - The “No Fee” Service Call
If you get the job, waive the service call fee. Your ad can say: “FREE Service Call” the disclaimer can go on to say Service call fee waived if work is done (a $69 value). - Be Flexible
“Service On Your Schedule: Evenings and Weekends At No Extra Charge!”. - Offer Residential Service To Your Corporate Clients
No corporate clients? How about a “Friends And Family” Promotion. Offer discounts to the friends and family of your current clients. - If Offering A Discount Use $$ Not %%
A discount expressed in dollars rather than percentage off is usually more effective. If you say 10% OFF, people will wonder – …”10% OFF What?”. A dollars off discount (even a modest one) usually works better (especially in these economic times. Try this headline on your door hanger: “SAVE THIS POSTCARD – $10 OFF ANY PLUMBING SERVICE”.
Door Hanger Advertsing Ideas For Chiropractors
Here are a few Ideas for Chiropractors that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the door hanger with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the door hanger is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- Segment The Market
In any geographic area you will find 3 groups: (1) Those that are using Chiropractic, (2) Those who have tried Chiropractic and were not happy with the results, (3) Those who know little about Chiropractic. Who are you targeting? Make sure your message is designed to speak to that segment. - What’s Your “Claim To Fame”?
Therapies and equipment can be vary from office to office. If you offer a unique Chiropractic Therapy, promote it with a brief description, photos and testimonials. - Educational Seminars
Seminars can be a great way to educate a group of potential patients at one time. Making it a lunch or dinner seminar always helps to increase attendance, but make sure your invitation is clear that there will be a formal presentation on the benefits of Chiropractic. - Ask The Doctor
Invite folks to ask questions about treatment, fees, insurance, etc. Use email or better yet, allocate an hour or two each week to answer questions over the phone. - It’s All About You
When you are advertising your services, it is not the time to be modest. Personalize the door hanger by including your photo and a brief resume. Include memberships in community organizations or church groups. - If We Can’t Help, We Will Tell You!
Try this message: “Chiropractic Treatment has helped thousands to live pain free. Is Chiropractic Treatment right for you? Find out with a FREE Consultation and No Obligation.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Insurance Agents
Here are a few Ideas for Insurance Agents that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the postcard with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- Don’t Wait – Save Money Now!
Many potential customers are under the impression that they have to wait until their policy expires to make a change. Let them know that they can start saving right away. - Are You Paying Too Much?
If you think about it, a lot of the clients that you have written insurance for in the past year have given you their business because you were able to save them money. Take a page from the insurance ads you see on TV. Figure out the average savings and then proclaim it. The headline on your postcard can be: “Clients We Covered This Year Saved An Average of $xxx! Are You Paying Too Much? Find Out With A FREE Quote By Phone” - Are You An Independent Insurance Agent?
Then make sure prospects know you have a number of companies to place their insurance with. Use the phrase:“We Shop And You SAVE!” - It’s All About You
When you are advertising your services, it is not the time to be modest. Selling Insurance is a one on one, personal service. Include your photo and a brief resume on your door hanger. You may be surprised how many people recognize you, especially if you distribute to homes in your own neighborhood. Include memberships in community organizations or church groups. - Who Lives In The Neighborhood
Sometimes you can determine the average demographics of a neighborhood and use that information to tailor the right insurance product to promote. An area of new homes can mean young families with children – prime prospects for life insurance or perhaps an annuity for the kids education. Older homes in established neighborhoods might have a high percentage of baby boomers – prime prospects for long term care insurance. Rental complexes are an obvious target for renters insurance. - Benefits Not Details
Use your door hanger to highlight the benefits of a particular coverage not the details. The purpose of the door hanger is to generate a lead, not make the sale. Keep it brief and as tantalizing as possible. - It’s Not Just About The Price
Make sure prospects understand that coverage limits are just as important as price when purchasing insurance. During recent disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, many folks learned the hard way that their coverage was not adequate.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Electricians
Here are a few Ideas for Electricians that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the door hanger with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- So Many Homes, So Many Opportunities!
We’ve seen lots of electricians advertise their services with the headline: “ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS? CALL US!” This approach can yield results. There is bound to be lots of folks with some sort of problem. However, why focus on just home owners with problems? Instead, consider every home as a prospect. Think about all the services you could provide in addition to fixing electrical problems. Services like: adding additional outlets, upgrading panels from fuses to circuit breakers, security or landscape lighting, adding service for ceiling fans, replacing fixtures, the list goes on and on. - Show The Price
Give prospects an idea of the cost of your service. For example, Add an outlet $99, Regular Price $119, Save $20. In fact, you should include a menu of prices for a variety of services. Some will see a price and say, “that’s too expensive”, but others will remark “I didn’t realize it was so reasonable.” Prices pre-qualify prospects before they call. - Get Connected With Your Neighborhood
Why not prospect in the neighborhood where you live. Start your campaign by distributing door hangers in your own neighborhood. People trust their neighbors. Include your photo, you may be surprised how many people recognize you. You can even offer a neighborhood discount. - The No Fee Service Call
If you get the job, waive the service call fee. Your ad can say: “FREE Service Call” the disclaimer can go on to say Service call fee waived if work is done (a $49 value). - Be Flexible
“Service On Your Schedule: Evenings and Weekends At No Extra Charge!”. - Offer Residential Service To Your Corporate Clients
No corporate clients? How about a “Friends And Family” Promotion. Offer discounts to the friends and family of your current clients.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For A Computer Service & Repair Business
Here are a few Ideas for a Computer Repair Service that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the door hanger with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
- So Many Computers, So Many Opportunities!
We’ve seen lots of computer technicians advertise their services with the headline: “PC PROBLEMS? CALL US!” This approach can yield results. With so many computers in service there is bound to be lots of folks with some sort of problem. However, why focus on just computer owners with problems? Instead, consider everyone with a computer as a prospect. Think about all the services you could provide in addition to fixing the broken ones. Services like: virus or spyware protection, networking, upgrades, wireless setup, installation of new equipment, training, backup solutions, the list goes on and on. - Be “The Answer Man”
Try this offer on your door hanger: “One Question Answered FREE By Phone”. Imagine, qualified leads calling you with their questions – what an opportunity! - Show The Price
Give prospects an idea of the cost of your service(s). For example, Computer Tune Up: $39, Regular Price: $59, Save: $20. In fact, you should include a menu of prices for a variety of services. Some will see a price and say, “that’s too expensive”, but others will remark “I didn’t realize it was so reasonable.” Prices pre-qualify prospects before they call. - On Site Service – We Come To You!
If you offer on site service, make sure you show it in a headline. If you can say “on site service at carry in rates” all the better. - If We Can’t Fix It – No Charge!
This removes the fear of a paying for a service call and being no better off after the tech leaves. You can get an idea of the problem over the phone, and most of the time know whether or not you can fix the problem. Remember, if it can’t be fixed, you might have an opportunity to sell them something new. - Computer Service On Your Schedule: Evenings and Weekends
- Offer A Monthly Computer Tips Newsletter by Email
Include a special of the month. A description of the newsletter and how to sign-up can be included on your door hanger. This is a great way to keep your service “top of mind” with clients. - Offer Residential Service To Your Corporate Clients
No corporate clients? How about a “Friends And Family” Promotion. Offer discounts to the friends and family of your current clients.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Churches
Door Hanger distribution is one of the best ways to deliver a message to residents surrounding a church. Over the years we’ve launched hundreds of door hanger advertising campaigns that have helped churches increase their visibility within the neighborhood. Here are few factors that should be kept in mind.
- Clarify The Goals Of The Campaign
For example:
– Increase the size of the congregation
– Invitation to attend Holiday Services (Easter or Christmas)
– Fund Raising
– Recruitment for Special Ministries
– Promote Church School or Child Care
– Vacation Bible School - Target Neighborhoods Where You Already Have Members
Distribute door hangers in neighborhoods where you already have members in your congregation. You might include a headline that says: “YOUR NEIGHBORS WORSHIP WITH US – COME JOIN US NEXT SUNDAY!” If possible include name and a photo of a congregation member who resides in the neighborhood. - Use Full Color Postcards With Lots Of Photos
It’s true, a picture is worth a 1000 words, or more! Include a photo of the exterior of the church so the recipient will make a visual connection. Feature members of the congregation in church and at social events. You get the idea. - Use Direct Mail To Drive Traffic To Your Website
Make sure there is lots of good content about the church and its mission. Don’t disappoint web visitors. Your website doesn’t have to be “Madison Avenue”. It can even have a “home-made” look, but it most deliver on content and be worth the visitor’s time. - Feature The Pastor
A photo, a biography and sermon excerpts can make an invitation to new congregants personal. - Appeal To Everyone
List all of the special ministries, youth, choir, seniors and other groups. - Use A Social Lure
People love to be part of a community. The social aspect of Church membership should be promoted. Try a headline like this one: “MEET OTHER FAMILIES THAT SHARE YOUR VALUES!”
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For A Lawn Service
The success of a door hanger distribution campaign is determined by a number of factors, starting with having a clear objective for the campaign. Once you have defined the goal of the campaign, the door hanger must be designed to motivate the prospect to respond to your call to action, for example, call on the phone, go to a website, go to your nursery, etc. We call this motivating offer “A Magnet”.
Here are a few Ideas and Magnets that have been used successfully by our clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the postcard with too much information. The postcard must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk mail.
- Concentrate Your Customers – Save Time, Save Gas, Cut More Lawns!
Distribute door hangers in the neighborhoods where you have the highest concentration of customers. It’s probably better to have a smaller distribution area that you cover more frequently. Research has shown that it often takes 4 or 5 solicitations to get a prospect to respond. - Are You Happy?
If you are looking for new customers they fall into two categories: 1- Those that cut their own lawns and 2- Those that already have a lawn service. Go after group 2 with this message on your door hanger: “ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR LAWN SERVICE? OUR CUSTOMERS ARE! READ WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY: ” Written testimonials (a sentence or two) work great. If you can include photos of some of your customers and their lawns, even better. - FREE Lawn Service!
You are probably thinking “…that’s easy for you to say”. Try this offer: FREE LAWN SERVICE (Headline) and then a disclaimer – For new customers. Get 2 cuts at our regular low price and your 3rd cut is Free! That works out to a 33% discount. Plus, after 3 cuts in a row, it is probably safe to say you’ve got a new regular customer. - Need A Tune-Up?
We thought this was a unique idea. Offer an on site lawn mower tune up service. In the process you will identify prospects that do their own lawn. This group can be targeted for additional services like landscaping, fertilization, spring and fall clean-ups, etc. And remember, just because they have a lawn mower does not mean they love doing the lawn. Tempt them with a special offer. - Be Flexible On Pricing
Offer one time pricing as well as contracts. By the way, if you are selling contracts, don’t call it a contract, call it a “Savings Package”. - It’s All About You!
Do you have a small operation? Try this headline to emphasize your personal service: “I Own The Company, I Cut The Lawns, I Guarantee Your Satisfaction!” Include your photo and you will have a very powerful message on your postcard. - Promote Your Website On Your Door Hanger
Don’t have one? You should. And it should contain more than just a laundry list of your services. Photographs of your work, testimonials, gardening tips, monthly specials on seasonal flowers and services and more. The website should have plenty of good content that can be used to sell new clients and keep the ones you have. - 5 To The Left & 5 To The Right
Here’s an easy and effective way to enhance your distribution efforts. Everytime you cut a lawn, hang door hangers on five homes on either side of the job your doing. Cut 5 homes a day and that’s 50 door hangers distributed, 250 in a week! In fact you might consider designing a door hanger for just that distribution plan. Use a title like “WE CUT YOUR NEIGHBOR’S LAWN TODAY AT ___________________ Would you like a FREE Estimate? We Have A Special Friends & Neighbors Rate For You!” Leave a blank line and fill in the actual address of the job you completed.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Political Campaigns
Door Hanger Distribution is one of the best ways to deliver a message to voters. Over the years we’ve designed hundreds of door hanger distribution campaigns that have helped candidates become winners! Here are few factors that should be kept in mind.
- Clarify The Goals Of The Door Hanger Campaign
For example:
– Introduce the candidate if he is not well known
– Talk about the most important issues
– Ask for contributions
– Ask for volunteers
– Expose competitor’s weaknesses
– Invite voters to a town hall meeting - Use Full Color Door Hangers With Lots Of Photos
It’s true, a picture is worth a 1000 words, or more! But, don’t just use a head shot of the candidate that looks like it came from a drivers license. If the candidate is for Education, get a photo of him at a school with kids. If he’s pro-business, get a picture at a Chamber of Commerce Meeting. If he’s for moral values, a shot with the family on Sunday talking to the Pastor. You get the idea. - Use The Door Hanger To Drive Voters To The Candidates Website
Make sure there is lots of good content about the issues and the candidate. Don’t disappoint web visitors. Your website doesn’t have to be “Madison Avenue”. It can even have a “home-made” look, but it most deliver on content and be worth the voters time. - Send An Invitation To “Ask The Candidate”!
Not always possible, but if you can manage it, get a cell phone and dedicate the phone number to taking calls from voters. Invite them to “ask the candidate”, “express their views” or just “sound off”. You can limit calling to specific times during the day or week. - Target Residential Communities With A Club House
Target communities with a club house. Contact the homeowner or condo association and ask if you can use the facilities for a mini town hall meeting exclusively for their residents. Then promote it with door hangers.
Door Hanger Advertising Ideas For Restauants
The success of a door hanger distribution campaign is determined by a number of factors, starting with having a clear objective for the campaign. Once you have defined the goal of the campaign, the door hanger must be designed to motivate the prospect to respond to your call to action, for example, come to the restaurant, go to a website, order over the phone, etc. We call this motivating offer “A Magnet”.
Here are a few Ideas and Magnets that have been used successfully by our restaurant clients. Use one or a combination, but don’t over crowd the postcard with too much information. The door hanger must pass “The Glance Test”, which means the reader will know what the card is about with just a passing glance. This can make the difference between getting noticed or being tossed out as junk advertising.
1. Increase Lunch Business
Distribute to local businesses and offer a lunch special. Use a radius from your location, a half mile to a mile. For this campaign, it is better to have a smaller distribution area and to distribute more often.
Your magnet doesn’t have to be a discount. Take a lesson from the national chains like Subway’s $5 Footlong or McDonalds Value Menu. Feature value packed lunch specials, that are served up quickly and taste a lot better than the “fast food” competition.
A word of caution, don’t try to combine this idea with a dinner promotion. In most cases, workers who are around during the day probably live in a different part of town and won’t be prospects for evening business. Don’t clutter up the card. Stay focused on lunch.
2. Build An “Earlybird” Crowd
Is there a senior community near your location? They like to eat early and save money. You want to fill seats between the lunch and dinner hours. Sounds like you may have something in common! Once you get them into the restaurant, keep them coming back with a frequent diner punch card.
3. If You Show Them, They Will Come!
How many nearby residents have never been inside your restaurant? How many drive by without ever stopping? Show them what you are all about with a full color door hanger. Start with a photo of the exterior that prospects will recognize from their daily travels. Then, include photos of the interior, your customers, your staff, you and especially your food. Include a partial menu of your best dishes. Finally, include a personal invitation with a special offer. Tell the prospect to ask for the owner or manager when they arrive, and then roll out the red carpet.
4. Build Your Delivery Business Door hangers are an effective and affordable way to keep in front of potential delivery customers. Once again a smaller area, with frequent distribution will yield the best results. Experiment with different offers and track response carefully. Repeat your best offers, get rid of the ones that don’t work and keep adding new ones. Once you have fine tuned your door hanger, your campaign won’t cost you money, it will make you money every time you distribute. At that point, it’s time to expand that delivery area.
Make sure you include a menu with a “Bounce Back” coupon with every delivery order. Give them an incentive to order again, sooner rather than later.
5. Give A Really Big Discount
In this economy everyone is looking for a deal. So give them one. Just make it valid only on the days or hours that you need to increase business. Don’t measure the success of your campaign on this one discounted transaction. If you make a new customer as a result of this promotion, you’ll see benefits all year long. And don’t forget about the value of “word of mouth”. So be aggressive and make them an offer they can’t refuse.
6. Secret Recipe Revealed!
If you have a dish that you are really proud of, publish the recipe with some photos of the preparation on your door hanger. The Olive Garden does this all the time in their TV Advertising. They make the food the star of the show (which it should be). Don’t worry about potential customers staying home and cooking instead of going out to eat at your restaurant. Most couples today have too little time and energy to cook a special dinner at home. But if you are worried, you could leave out part of the recipe (only kidding).
7. Use A Discount Coupon On Your Postcard To Test New Menu Items
Want to add a new item to the menu, but you’re not sure how it will go over? Include a coupon with a discounted price on your door hanger, to jump start the introduction.