Companies large and small need help with their advertising needs. This is where an advertising business comes into play. Read more about starting this type of business below.

Advertising Business

What you will be doing. Companies need to get the word out about their business. They need catchy slogans and a way to get people to notice them. Advertising is how they accomplish this. Large companies have teams of advertising executives dedicated to doing just that. But, what about the smaller companies that need to thrive also?

In the advertising business, you can sell advertising space to the small and moderately sized company. The advertising space can be on your website. You can offer to design the ad if your skills run to that. The more space they need, the higher the price of the ad.

The idea is to convince companies that they should use your service instead of taking out an ad in the newspaper. This is where specialty items come in. You will work with wholesale suppliers to provide items imprinted with company logos to the client.

These items include pencils, pens, key ring flashlights and other items that businesses may give out in the stores or donate as fundraising materials to local schools. There is no inventory to carry. This is strictly an Internet business service to help clients become better known in their communities.

How to start. Doing your homework will save you time and effort. If companies already have an advertising salesperson, it will be harder to convince them to go with you. To grow your service, start with those companies in need of advertising help to build a strong base. If they have an email address, send out mailings to these addresses to introduce them to your business service.

To be accessible, you will need a computer, phone, and a fax machine. If you already have these things, you are in business. For companies that use your service, providing a standard contract outlining your fees and payment schedule is wise.

Start up costs. A website for advertising may cost $200 complete with setup, domain name, and hosting. If you already have a computer, phone, and fax, then advertising is the last thing to consider. Develop a list of possible clients from the phone book or pay for a business mailing list. Depending on the number of companies, you could spend a few hundred dollars on initial advertising.

Skills needed. You don’t need a degree in marketing, but you should understand the advertising business. A class in marketing or books on the subject would enhance your knowledge. Mostly, you will gain on the job training as you work with clients to meet their needs.

Customer service is important to the smaller companies. Their livelihood depends on the personal touch. Staying with the client every step of the way gains their trust. Tell potential clients how you can carry their business global through Internet advertising strategies.

Marketing. Use Internet mailings and calls to get your foot in the door. Advertise your business service on eBay and through affiliate programs with other websites of similar interest. Internet advertising will bring you international clients.

Advertising is needed for just about everything. Your business provides a useful service to companies on a small advertising budget. Expansion is an option to consider once you get established in the business.

Brought to you by: The Daily Blender

Business Planning Services: Ferrer Banlat & Associates, LLC.

The Upside
- no inventory or shipping required
- generally low overhead

The Downside
- depending on the service, delivery of services can be very time consuming
- managing the deadlines of your clients can be very demanding

Biz Tips
- always write up a contract for you & your clients. You can customize legal documents online at Legalzoom.com or have a local notary or lawyer write some up for you.

Service Sales Business Ideas
Click on the links below for more ideas & resources. This is a living document and resources & ideas will continue to grow.

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