What's the best way to advertise a new neighborhood computer repair shop that is going to be exclusively targetting home users?

I live in a small community and I've lived in one for many years. Our community has many small businesses and often new ones starting up in our local shopping centre. Over the years I've found a few very reliable techniques to get noticed!

All the successful new businesses send out a well designed, professional flyer and often a magnet for the fridge inside as well. The flyers are put into every letterbox and explain its a new business, where, what you do etc etc... even some personal information to help the locals feel comfortable ( family at local school, wife grew up in the area, that sort of thing.... ) The same week as the flyers there is often a big advertisment in the local newspaper, pretty much like the flyer with everything the locals need to know! Some local newspapers will run a story about your new business too - remember a new business is a new advertiser for them so they can be pretty keen to talk to you, just depends on exactly where you are.

And when you open your store have a big opening day BBQ out the front or a stall with flyers and free cold drinks or something! Make it a grand event, nothing fancy but very open and carefree. I mean how hard is it to go passed a sausage and steak BBQ on a Saturday morning?...well, its hard for me!

You can offer discounts to the first 100 customers or first 50 customers. You could offer a bit of free advice on opening day or in the newspaper or even on the flyers....let people know you're happy, friendly and part of the community and you'll get the support you need!

You have several options that will vary in cost. Welcome Wagon type agencies will promote your business to newcomers to the specific neighborhoods you designate. Check to see if there is a Welcome Wagon in your area.

You can buy VERY targeted mailing lists by zipcode, so you could send a postcard/post-it for people to put on their computers so they have your number handy when they need you. Community events are also good -- Churches, local Chambers, even PTAs could get you in front of your target audience. Remember, most people have to hear your message 7+ times before it really registers.

You'll have to do several things to get where you want to be. Good luck!

The answer you selected for best answer was spot on, however I had a few other things you might want to consider. If you have a blog or use Twitter, that's an excellent way to get the word out. Make sure to make your entries meaningful though, or people will just consider it spam-ish.

The BBQ idea is fantastic! It will help earn you some loyalty, and people will certainly remember your name when they encounter computer issues. Best of luck to you on your new business!

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.