I'm new to the Carolinas area and I run a small company which handles network/system administration and overall Information Technology duties for Small/Medium businesses as well as Small/Home offices. What is the best way to market to Small Business owners? I have done Chamber of Commerce, flyers, business cards, brochures, and email (not spam). Is there any fresh, new ideas out there? Does anyone have a way to market to Small Business owners by the masses? I even offer 1-hour FREE consultation or 1-hour FREE Preventative Maintenance service and also offer after-hour/weekend support....that still haven't gotten me much feedback.

I think I have a good mission but I'm having trouble getting traffic to my website or the traffic I need...like Small Business Owners and Small Businesses in my coverage area. Do anyone have an idea of how to generate potential clients in my area and lure them to my website? Or at least have them know I exist? I'm hoping to accomplish having 5 new leads a day!

All answers and ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome to the Small-Business-Forum! That's a good question you ask, actually. I'm not sure how many people on this forum are from your area, but the more you network, the more work you'll get. One thing that would probably work as well would be getting leads/contacts from people that you do work for... most small business owners probably know others that might appreciate your service as well...

If you're looking for quick, quality traffic to your website you should consider PPC, Adwords and Overture are the two best.

Well, nothing work more wonderous than having a good word of mouth marketing when dealing with small businesses. Try to gain as much reputation as you can by being of actual service to your customers and then be proactive to get a reference from them.

Go to business networking luncheons and if by god's grace you ever get a chance to speak publicly to small business community then grab that with both your hands as it will give you unthinkable publicity. Advertise on local news papers and look at other other low-cost methods of advertising.

Try to gain a portfolio of customers in simmilar bussinesses and with that portfolio in hand, go and approach the rest. It will make you look more credible.

Good Luck!

May I suggest that there is very little substitute for the old fashioned door knocking. No need for hard sell or an intimidating method. Just stop at every local business in your targetted geographical or biz type area. Ask if they have a network set up or plans to do so. Ask to meet the person who handles their computer purchases and technology. Have a simple flyer/brochure with enough info to let them remember you. Keep cards of the folks you meet for follow up as needed. Ask if they know anyone else who might be having network problems.

Call your local internet suppliers. They may know of network growing problems and be able to refer you to those folks.

Work with your local computer stores and suppliers. They'll know who is doing what and when.

Check your local radio station. They may have a time slot where they do personal biz promotion call ins. Talk about doing a short segment talking about networking and how it can even be done in homes and SOHO not just bigger environments.

Find your local web site builders. They'll know people who are doing or needing networks.