Do you run ads? How do you advertise?

Do you meet strangers and solicit them?

What techniques do you find most effective in getting new customers? Is the web any help?

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I have used Google ads a lot and I like them because you can cater the amount of ads you have to how much you are willing to spend.

Then join different forums that cater to what you sell. If you participate then people get to know you and many forums allow you to advertise your products (not spamming) in your signature, etc. So people can check you out.

Then, when you do get customers, make sure you send out newsletters and offer specials to them...the best advertising is word of mouth! And it's free.

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Cloth diapering, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, non-vaxing, homebirthing WAHM to 3 adorable kids.

Depends on the biz and the audience you are looking to reach. I run a mom-errands/morning out play group service and word of mouth is key. But back in the day when I did marketing for medical educational progams, the right mailing list purchased from a list broker was key. Everyone wants to get the most from their money. I would say it depends on who you are trying to reach. And there are money saving tricks for each...advertising trades, time trades etc.. sometimes you need to think out side the box....

I make flyers and swop the delivery for product, I take photos and make brochure/catalog of what I have to offer, and take it everywhere (I got an order everyitme I went to a bank to enquire about opening an account)
I have ladies evenings at home, to promote and sell my products- that has been very successful.
I am going to advertise in the school newsletters and community noticeboards, they only charge a small fee, and you are getting a wide audience of local people. There are still a lot of people who want to support within their comunity