I am getting ready to lauch a small debt counseling businessin the D.C. area, and I am not sure how to market my services. So many people are being misled by other "magic pill" debt services, and I think it is affecting my advertising. All I want to do is provide sincere, low-cost, no gimmick, no scam service to people who are serious about getting out of debt. I know there is a need for my services, but I am having difficulty finding clients. Can anyone offer suggestions or advice?
Do you have any examples of your current advertising you can provide? Here's what I would suggest:
No cheasy actors stressed over debt
Be up front that it's not a non-profit but you guniunely care.
Explain we're not here to sell you a consolidation loan.
Explain what your fees are and how their calculated.
Explain the process of what you do.
The others are so busy showing you how you're like person A at the beginning, but you'll be like person B at the end, that they totally skip over what exactly it is they do. This makes me personally at least not trust them.
Here is a ready made source of clients: mortgage brokers. They have a ton of turned down clients. Offer your services through them.
Do you belong to a credit union? They turn down people as well. Make them aware of your services and you might get a ton of referrals.
Know any real estate agents? They too deal w/people who are turned down. See if you can give a talk at your local Board of Realtors. They are always looking for outside speakers who don't charge to speak.
Are you a member of any service organizations like the Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, etc? If so, get on the speaker's list. If not, ask if you can be put on the guest speaker's list. You won't get paid but you could pick up clients.
Look in the attorney listings in the yellow pages for attorneys specializing in civil cases and start calling.
Do you have a throw away paper that has nothing but ads? Place an ad.
Do you have what's called a local access channel on your cable TV? They have a set channel for everyday people to do shows. You can't advertise during your show but be creative and you can get your name out (you can give your website for example).
Do you have a senior citizen center in your area? Ask them if you can put some flyers in their freebie section.
Hope this helps.
