Congratulations for considering Door Hanger Advertising for your business. Door Hangers are one of the best methods for small businesses to attract new customers. Here are 6 reasons why:

1. 1-DOOR HANGERS ALWAYS REACHES YOUR PROSPECT
   Why is this true? Because you are physically putting the door hanger on the prospects front door. It is going to be removed and in the process, your prospect will at least glance at it. If it is designed properly, you’ll get his attention and if he needs your product or service, you have a chance for a sale. Not everyone gets the newspaper. Even those that get a paper may not read it from beginning to end, so your ad may never be seen. How about radio or TV? Do you have a budget to cover multiple stations at all times during the day?  Probably not. Billboards, signs, even aerial banner planes can be a hit or miss situation. Most other media options can not compare to the success of door hangers.
2. 2-DOOR HANGERS OFFER THE BEST TARGETING OPTIONS
   Can you believe the amount of retail shopping plazas that have been built in the past 20 years? Each one seems to be a clone of the one just down the street offering the same lineup of stores. So when advertising, it is more important than ever to geographically target the homes closest to your location. Set your own distribution territory and distribute your door hangers to the homes that are your best prospects. You can even use demographic factors when deciding where to distribute. For example: newer houses are usually owned by younger families with children. Some neighborhoods are decidedly ethnic. Trendy apartments are often inhabited by young single professionals, and so on.
3. 3-DOOR HANGERS OFFER THE MOST ACCURATE TRACKING
   Tracking response is easy with door hanger advertising. Include a special offer that can only be redeemed with the return of the door hanger. If you can’t measure results you won’t be able to make the right advertising decisions. Keep close track of which offers work best and get rid of the offers that don’t.
4. 4-DOOR HANGER ADVERTISING IS A GREAT VALUE AND AFFORDABLE
   How do you know? Divide what you spend on your door hanger campaign by the number of customers or leads generated. Once you have your cost per lead deduct it from the profit you make on a sale to calculate your return on investment. Do the math. You will find that door hanger advertising  is one of the most affordable methods you can choose.
5. 5-DOOR HANGERS  LET YOU ADVERTISE ON YOUR SCHEDULE
   Timing is everything. Launch your campaign on your schedule. Plan for the entire year using holiday and seasonal themes to get more attention. Increase or decrease distribution schedules based on how busy you are. Instantly launch a new product or service.
6. 6-KEEP YOU COMPETITORS IN THE DARK
   When you advertise in the newspaper or other media, you are also sending your advertising strategy to your competitors. With a door hanger distribution, for the most part, your advertising is between you and your prospects.

If you decide to personally deliver your door hangers, there is another benefit – exercise! Walking door to door is good for your health and the thought of promoting your business in the process is good for your spirit! Wishing your and your business All the Best!

Over the years we have put together a three step process for a Successful Door Hanger Campaign. The steps are in the form of questions: WHAT, WHO and HOW. Here are the details:

Step 1 – WHAT?

What are you going to promote? Be specific. Avoid including a long laundry list of products or services. Pick your most popular or best value. Promote a sale item or introduce something new. Less copy and large type is important. You only have a few seconds to grab the readers attention.

Step 2 – WHO?

Who are you targeting? Pick the neighborhoods that you feel will produce the greatest response. Distribute door hangers in neighborhoods that are closest to your location. You can also factor in some demographic information by evaluating home values. Schools indicate the presence of families with children, apartments can indicate younger or older residents.

Step 3 – HOW?

How are you going to get your prospects to respond? You are probably going to need a special offer. The stronger the better. This is the most important factor in delivering a good response rate. Make sure the offer is featured prominently and can be seen at a glance. Our graphic artists will help you create a custom door hanger that will maximize your offer and call to action.

Some closing thoughts. As with all advertising, repetition is one of the keys to success, so it is important to establish a budget and a schedule for your door hanger campaigns. Expect a little bit of trial and error. Don’t be discouraged if response is lower than you expected. Fine tune your next door hanger and try again. If you distribute door hangers on a regular basis you will find that response will continue to improve and eventually become predictable.

Why not? What kind of image do you think of when you hear the word salesman? Some fast talking individual trying to pressure someone into buying a product or service? That is not what sales is all about. Zig Ziglar, the world famous sales trainer and motivator once said, “You can get anything in life you want, if you help enough other people get what they want”. I think that is one of the best descriptions of sales that I have ever heard. In other words, sales is helping other people fulfill their needs. Selling someone something that will help them solve a problem or give them enjoyment is a great way to make a living. Learn more about Zig Ziglar at his website www.ZigZiglar.com

Our company offers Direct Marketing Solutions to small businesses. Door Hangers are one of the products we sell. Our job is to help small businesses get new customers. If we think that Door Hanger distribution is the right solution for a prospect, then it is our job to convince him that our product is the best value available. It’s easy because we believe in our product. That’s sales and we are proud to be salesmen. So should you.

1. Highlight One Main Loan Type
   While it may be a good idea to include a “laundry list” of all your loan types and services, don’t make that the highlight of your ad. That type of ad is better suited for a directory, like the yellow pages. When people go the the yellow pages, or some other directory, they have already decided to investigate a new home loan. Direct marketing presents more of a challenge. We are trying to get the attention of a prospect who is probably not thinking about a home loan as he removes your hanger from his door. Your goal is to make the prospect excited about our loan offer. Pick your most popular and best loan offer and promote it in a tantalizing way. Remember, all we are trying to do is generate a lead.
2. I’m Afraid To Look At My Credit Score!
   The first step in applying for a loan is checking the applicants credit score. People usually hate this part. Scores are never as high as anticipated. Take the sting out of that process by offering a FREE Credit Score and Analysis. You might include copy like this: “We’ll work with you regardless of your credit score. We’ll even show you how to improve your score as fast as possible.” You can even charge an upfront fee for the service to be refunded at closing and still call it free.
3. Do You Represent More Than One Loan Institution?
   Then make sure prospects know you have a number of companies to place their mortgage with. Use the phrase:”We Shop And You SAVE!”
4. It’s All About You
   When you are advertising your services, it is not the time to be modest. Securing a mortgage is a one on one,  personal service. Include your photo and a brief resume on your postcard. You may be surprised how many people recognize you, especially if you mail to homes in your own neighborhood. Humanize your image by including memberships in community organizations or church groups.
5. Let The Prospect Pre-Qualify Themselves
   If you have a loan offering with specific requirements try listing them on the door hanger. Income, Credit Score, Length of Employment, etc. – Use this headline: “Pre-Qualify Yourself For A New Loan – If You Meet This Criteria, Call Today And Let’s Get Started!”.
6. Benefits Not Details
   Use your postcard to highlight the benefits of a particular loan not the details. Save Money, Get Cash Out, Lower Your Payment, etc. The purpose of the postcard is to generate a lead, not make the sale. Keep it brief and as tantalizing as possible.

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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”.
4. 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)”.
5. 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.
6. 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.”

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. Be Flexible
   “Service On Your Schedule: Evenings and Weekends At No Extra Charge!”.
7. 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.
8. 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”.

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Computer Service On Your Schedule: Evenings and Weekends
7. 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.
8. 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.

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Feature The Pastor
   A photo, a biography and sermon excerpts can make an invitation to new congregants personal.
6. Appeal To Everyone
   List all of the special ministries, youth, choir, seniors and other groups.
7. 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!”

When you visit Disney World, you expect the restrooms to be clean and the employees (or “cast” as they like to be called) to be smiling and helpful. You know that if you go into just about any McDonalds worldwide, their award winning French Fries will taste the same as all of their other locations.

Consumers have grown to expect excellence from theses and other world class operations like Wal-Mart and Netflix. Therefore, you can’t get away with using slogans in your advertising that have become cliche. “Lowest Prices”, “Personalized Service”, and “Best Selection” and so on, don’t have the same impact on prospects as in the past.

Consumers take those things for granted. They expect a business to deliver on the basics, and if they don’t get what’s expected, they will take their business somewhere else.

Answer this question: “Why should a prospect do business with me instead of my competition who is offering a similar product or service?” You should be able to answer this question in a brief sentence or two. And here is the real challenge – the answer must be compelling enough to attract more customers than your competition.

In marketing terms, your answer is called “A Value Proposition”. Develop a good one and then use it on your door hanger advertising campaign!

You receive one video per day for 5 days. Here’s what is covered:

• Day 1 – How Much Should You Spend On Your Direct Mail Campaign?
• Day 2 – How To Design Your Postcard
• Day 3 – Creating A Mailing List Using Neighborhood Saturation
• Day 4 – Creating A More Targeted Mailing List
• Day 5 – Response Rates and Results

Several hundred have already “Graduated” from the course since it was introduced in mid February 2010 and the reviews have been very positive. To find out more or to sign up CLICK HERE.