Yard Sign

[Pounder]

Hello:

I operate a small one person custom leather operation from my home and am located on a well traveled highway and am thinking a yard sign may produce additional business. I would like to hear from those that have yard signs, what business have they produced for you, etc. Any thoughts or ideas regarding what should be placed on the yard sign, pictures of current signs would be great. Is it better to make your own or have a pro do it?

I appreciate any and all feedback.

[tossik]

Some cities do not allow signs to be placed on the yard without permits. So check that out, so you don't get in trouble.

[NVLeatherWorx]

The flipside is that if you live along a highway, one that is actually federally funded, then you may even need to get permission from the fed gov. Even though we "own" our property, they don't allow us to "own" our property. I can tell you that where I live the City codes prohibit having anything in my yard that is larger than 4 square feet; most of those small yard displayed campaign signs are bigger than that so what good would it do to have a post-it note sitting in my yard?

Good luck on your endeavors, hopefully you can find something that will help grow your business.

[DavidL]

Hopefully they let you set up a sign.

Have you considered Search engine optimizers, google adwords or a blog?

[Pounder]

Thank you to everyone who has replied and provided me with some thoughts. I have noticed other "businesses" with a small sign in the yard for services the provide which means I "should" be alright but you never know. I have spoken with my neighbors and have their okay. I did check with my local authorities and was told I needed to file an application with a non refundable $350. filing fee. AS a one man shop I do not have that kind of cash flow. Of course the same person told me to place a small sign, like a realtor sign, and if no one complains it is not an issue.

I have not considered web sites, google or blogs and will look into it.

Again thanks for the suggestions.

[Grey Drakkon]

Definitely look into making a facebook page and a google page, even if you never use either. You can put things like a contact number, hours you're open, and an email to contact you on both of those, as well as photos of your work. People can also leave reviews on your pages as well, and it also makes it more likely for you to show up in a search engine if someone puts in something like "Leather goods, (your city)".

[Pounder]

Grey Drakkon

Thanks for the advice, seems like that may be the way to go. Have not given up on the yard sign but everybody I talked with gives the same advice, website,website.

Guess this old guy needs to step up to technology.

[Grey Drakkon]

Old fashioned flyers are a good idea too, if you can make them look nice and know a few hangouts to put them up in. Depending on your specialty, if you know of any local auction houses, horse shows, hunting supply stores, farm stores, etc. usually have a place to hang up a regular paper sized flyer and can be good places to spread the word. Also, make business cards! They don't have to be fancy, just your name, way to contact you, and a list of things you do is a good idea. Some of those same places will let you put a stack of cards there, or just hand them out to everyone and their mother. Once you get a facebook/google/website page you can put that on there too.

[Pounder]

Great ideas, have the business cards and handed them out like crazy. Have made a list of all the ideas and am getting started and doing the yard sign as well.

Thanks again.

[George B]

Websites can be great but I have had one for a number of years and very seldom do I get an inquiry or purchase from it. It does however give those ppl who want to check me out a place to land and look at what I do.

I tie my ETSY store to it for purchase of items already made. I do not take custom orders from the ETSY site, too much time.

I sell gun leather items and have found that local shows work best, especially when handing out lots of business cards.

I also have cards at all the local gun shops and hardware stores. My number one local draw for customers.

Have plenty of cards and hand them out freely.

Yard signs can be helpful for those looking for you and can help locate you easily. Especially in high traffic areas.

Aside from all the talk of permits and such there is one thing I learned from experience too consider. The TAX People!

After a county tax person came into possession with one of my cards I was requested to conform to the local, county, state and federal tax laws.

Being a one man shop this was an unexpected expense. Now I have to pay county sales tax, tangible property tax, internet purchases tax, state sales tax... you get the idea.

Exposure can be a double edge sword.

I kinda miss the good old days.