How to write a letter/flyer advertising painting and handyman services?
June 11, 2016 1:19 PM Subscribe
Hi all, I am struggling on how to word a letter (or a flyer) advertising my buddy's company that provides handyman services to property management companies. I've been putting it off for weeks and the google is failing me. Is anyone good at this, or can you recommend a source for how to write or format such a letter?
Many thanks!
He has given me his rates and the like, which we will include in the letter.
He has given me his rates and the like, which we will include in the letter.
Also add:
Areas serviced
And if... Travel is included in first hour. If not it would be good to state mobilisation fee.
posted by parmanparman at 1:29 PM on June 11, 2016
Areas serviced
And if... Travel is included in first hour. If not it would be good to state mobilisation fee.
posted by parmanparman at 1:29 PM on June 11, 2016
Have you started on it at all? If not, I'd start by brainstorming. Write down a list of the reasons someone would use your buddy's company as opposed to someone else's. If I'm a property manager, I'm already managing repairs in some way. Why do I want to switch to using your friend? What does he/she have to offer? I'd probably want him to either make my life easier or save me money. How do his services do either of those things?
I'd also suggest looking at craigslist handyman ads. You can look at local ads or ads anywhere in the country. What seems to make a good ad? What attracts your attention? Transfer that to your flyer.
posted by FencingGal at 2:03 PM on June 11, 2016
I'd also suggest looking at craigslist handyman ads. You can look at local ads or ads anywhere in the country. What seems to make a good ad? What attracts your attention? Transfer that to your flyer.
posted by FencingGal at 2:03 PM on June 11, 2016
What is this intended for? Is it an ad in a magazine or local paper? Is it for is inclusion in an email newsletter? Is it going on a website? A printed flyer that's going to be mailed or given to people? Something for a email marketing campaign?
This is very important to know, otherwise the end result could look very unprofessional and not result in your friend actually getting new clients. If you can clarify a bit you might get more relevant answers.
It also sounds like you maybe don't have a lot of graphic design or marketing experience? I'm sure you know someone who does, though. It might be an idea to have them design something that looks professional.
posted by ananci at 2:04 PM on June 11, 2016
This is very important to know, otherwise the end result could look very unprofessional and not result in your friend actually getting new clients. If you can clarify a bit you might get more relevant answers.
It also sounds like you maybe don't have a lot of graphic design or marketing experience? I'm sure you know someone who does, though. It might be an idea to have them design something that looks professional.
posted by ananci at 2:04 PM on June 11, 2016
Response by poster: OP here: It's for mailing to individual property management companies. These are helpful answers, thank you.
posted by Kombucha3452 at 2:20 PM on June 11, 2016
posted by Kombucha3452 at 2:20 PM on June 11, 2016
To be honest, I would not even bother to print any fliers. How many FMs are in your area? Your friend will have to have his company checked out anyway before he even has a quote opportunity. So mailing them will add valuable time. Calling companies and asking for the helpdesk, "Hi, do you need a subcontractor for services? How can I send you a rate and service brochure? Is there anything you need me to fill out for you?
posted by parmanparman at 2:47 PM on June 11, 2016
posted by parmanparman at 2:47 PM on June 11, 2016
I agree with Parmanparman. Print mailers are likely to just get tossed, probably before they reach the hands of the decision-maker. Have your friend do phone screenings first, find out who the decision maker is (it's not going to be the person who answers the phone) and talk to them. Then follow up with an in-person visit or a mailer (as requested) if they are interested.
Have someone with graphic design experience do the mailer / brochure. If you don't already have skills in this area, I really don't recommend you try to figure it out in the next week.
Here's an example of a decent professional website that is in the same field.
posted by ananci at 4:53 PM on June 11, 2016
Have someone with graphic design experience do the mailer / brochure. If you don't already have skills in this area, I really don't recommend you try to figure it out in the next week.
Here's an example of a decent professional website that is in the same field.
posted by ananci at 4:53 PM on June 11, 2016
In any printed wording, I would favor "repair services" over "handyman."
posted by aniola at 7:41 PM on June 11, 2016
posted by aniola at 7:41 PM on June 11, 2016
Is there a reason your friend wants to include so much about pricing? Will the person reading it contact him based on his night rate? And why include payment terms? Are the payment terms somehow a selling point? I doubt it. Leave all that stuff out.
Put yourself in the shoes of the person doing the hiring. Focus on what sort of positive impression this letter/flyer could make to encourage that person to call. What sort of problem would this person be having that your friend can solve that other repair people aren't? Take some time to figure that out. Then address it. They don't need to know his license number.
It doesn't have to be long. In fact, probably less is more. If it's a flyer, use a few lines that get at the main idea, a contact number/email. That's it.
Proofread it well. Make it look nice.
If he has the budget, hire a freelance graphic designer and copywriter.
posted by Leontine at 9:57 PM on June 11, 2016
Put yourself in the shoes of the person doing the hiring. Focus on what sort of positive impression this letter/flyer could make to encourage that person to call. What sort of problem would this person be having that your friend can solve that other repair people aren't? Take some time to figure that out. Then address it. They don't need to know his license number.
It doesn't have to be long. In fact, probably less is more. If it's a flyer, use a few lines that get at the main idea, a contact number/email. That's it.
Proofread it well. Make it look nice.
If he has the budget, hire a freelance graphic designer and copywriter.
posted by Leontine at 9:57 PM on June 11, 2016
Is there a reason your friend wants to include so much about pricing? Will the person reading it contact him based on his night rate? And why include payment terms? Are the payment terms somehow a selling point? I doubt it. Leave all that stuff out.
You're including it because you're selling B2B for reactive and service work and they need to be able to calculate costs this way - it's the industry standard. IF you're hoping to get work from a company, you need a baseline that the company can expect for you to maintain a door for $30 per visit.
posted by parmanparman at 1:35 AM on June 12, 2016
You're including it because you're selling B2B for reactive and service work and they need to be able to calculate costs this way - it's the industry standard. IF you're hoping to get work from a company, you need a baseline that the company can expect for you to maintain a door for $30 per visit.
posted by parmanparman at 1:35 AM on June 12, 2016
What about a friendly note that appeals to the super, person-to person, and describes his personality and work history in a way that makes it clear he is nice to deal with, trustworthy, and versatile-
Hi there- my name is Mark. I'm a friendly, responsible guy who's worked in construction for years, and I can fix anything, with a smile. I'm an experienced residential handyman with great references, and I always respond to messages promptly. If you're looking for a new handyman you can trust to solve problems with no hassle, here's what I have to offer:
(bullet point list of services)
My rates are reasonable, and I've enclosed a couple of photos of my previous projects and contact info for two clients who can vouch for the quality of my work.
If you're looking for a new handyman, give me a call! Happy to stop by to meet and see if we'd be a fit.
Mark, contact info
posted by pseudostrabismus at 7:08 PM on June 12, 2016
Hi there- my name is Mark. I'm a friendly, responsible guy who's worked in construction for years, and I can fix anything, with a smile. I'm an experienced residential handyman with great references, and I always respond to messages promptly. If you're looking for a new handyman you can trust to solve problems with no hassle, here's what I have to offer:
(bullet point list of services)
My rates are reasonable, and I've enclosed a couple of photos of my previous projects and contact info for two clients who can vouch for the quality of my work.
If you're looking for a new handyman, give me a call! Happy to stop by to meet and see if we'd be a fit.
Mark, contact info
posted by pseudostrabismus at 7:08 PM on June 12, 2016
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Services
License No.
Insurance information:
Hourly rate:
Night rate:
Premium rate:
Equipment markup (percent):
Contact information:
Payment terms:
posted by parmanparman at 1:26 PM on June 11, 2016