help with computer repair ad

[COLDKALL]

Hi I am starting a computer repair business for a side hobby. I have designed a classified ad for the venture.


FREE BIRDcomputer repair
Is your computer running slow or not at all? We can help
Call now 883-939-0092

I am trying to fit the word free into the ad. do you think I should say antivirus, upgrades, installation etc how could I make this hard hitting with 20 words or less including title.

[wilmath]

Using the word "Free" will definitely attract attention.
However, I am not sure exactly what you are giving away.

[briancassingena]

Classified ads aren't big enough to sell your service outright, the best way to use them, (and most other media) is to generate leads:

Free Report Reveals: 3 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your PC Without An I.T. Degree - Call XXXXXX or yoursite.com

[travlinguy]

You might say: Free Diagostic Checkup. Then put the stuff about running slow or whatever. When they call you're going to want to tell them the freebie is only if they bring it in. You might have some other conditions as well. If you get them into your shop you have a really good chance of selling them.

[Kevin Williams]

Free Computer Troubleshooting and Repair

Well that was easy.

[ewenmack]

Originally Posted by COLDKALL

Hi I am starting a computer repair business for a side hobby. I have designed a classified ad for the venture.


FREE BIRDcomputer repair
Is your computer running slow or not at all? We can help
Call now 883-939-0092

I am trying to fit the word free into the ad. do you think I should say antivirus, upgrades, installation etc how could I make this hard hitting with 20 words or less including title.

ColdKall, the number 1 motivation for a computer owner
who's computer isn't working is what?

It's the same motivator a person has when they have a sore tooth.

Get the damn thing fixed and fast.

If you can incorporate fast fix into your name and i-800 number,
then you appeal to their number 1 motivator.

Don't worry about freebies.

Think in terms on service and time gurantee.

Like Dominoes did to start.

You can advertise in your local community paper if they have a classified
section for computer repairs.

Also try Craiglist, Backpages and other outlets that have traffic
to classified ads with a computer repair section.

Best,
Ewen

[GuerrillaIM]

Originally Posted by briancassingena

Classified ads aren't big enough to sell your service outright, the best way to use them, (and most other media) is to generate leads:

Free Report Reveals: 3 Simple Ways To Speed Up Your PC Without An I.T. Degree - Call XXXXXX or yoursite.com

If my computer breaks and I need someone to fix it I will look for people advertising this service, not a free report.

I think the approach you mentioned would work if you were selling some anti-spyware software or tune up guide, but a computer breaking is a reactive situation.

Imagine this; you;re sitting at home and your main water pipe explodes and water is poring into your living room. Do you request a free guide on how to to maintain a healthy plumbing system or do you call the guy who promises to be with you in 1 hour and fix the problem?

Classified ads for what they are can be expensive, but many people still use them rather than google as it is easier to find a genuine local tradesperson.

I would use the ad text to convey a benefit and guarantee. Something like:

Best PC Repair & Maintenance
We Fix Any PC Problems.
No Fix No Fee.
Free Telephone Advice Call xxx-xxxx

[sweetloleypop]

i am also in that nature of business and in my own experience check up for free is the best way to attract people.

[gjabiz]

Originally Posted by COLDKALL

Hi I am starting a computer repair business for a side hobby. I have designed a classified ad for the venture.


FREE BIRDcomputer repair
Is your computer running slow or not at all? We can help
Call now 883-939-0092

I am trying to fit the word free into the ad. do you think I should say antivirus, upgrades, installation etc how could I make this hard hitting with 20 words or less including title.

Where is the classified ad going to run? Is it an ongoing ad, such as the kind you find weekly newspapers or those Penny Savers? OR is it going to be on Craigslist?

I assume you are looking at PRINT, because you are conserving words.

So, in my opinion, the READER of the pub is going to help you determine what you write.

I'm with other posters who have said this is a service you want fast, and you want the thing done.

Consider these type of ads:

Computer Repair. (Won't it run in a special section?, so you don't need to include this).

I'll make your computer as easy to use as your telephone, today! Call for FREE quote, no matter what your problem.

OR,

Call now, use your like new computer this evening. All problems fixed. (YOU can include a list if you want).

OR, you can specialize but you can give much more information with a web site.

FAST and Cheap Computer Repair. Call 555-1212. Fast Computer Repair Service Sarasota, FL (941) 518-7957 PC Repair Services

Again, where the people see your ad is, in my opinion, is the first consideration to what you write. Who is the target? Then, write for them.

gjabiz

PS. I have no affiliation with the link, just used it as an example of a web site you can direct your classifed readers to. I have no idea if it is a successful website or not, again, it is an example for you to consider and of course, it will look like this in the ad: www.myrepairthingydingy.com not the blue url in the above example. Thought I'd mention that for the few who were counting words and don't get how the forum works, OK?

[john88online]

My computer started up ok then in the middle of starting up it just went down like a short or something. Maybe the PS. After that I can no longer see my external hard drive letter on one of my drives any place. Not in Admin or Disk Mngmt or if I use Western Digitals tool. It doesn't see it either. I unplugged everything and restarted the computer which it started this time fine but still can't see this one drive. Any ideas? Any help is really appreciated.

[Hardy Chou]

FREE should only be used when you are giving away reports. But in this case, who needs a free report when your computer is damaged? If you perform a service like computer repair, you ought to charge for it (unless you want a freebie seekers).

Originally Posted by COLDKALL

Hi I am starting a computer repair business for a side hobby. I have designed a classified ad for the venture.


FREE BIRDcomputer repair
Is your computer running slow or not at all? We can help
Call now 883-939-0092

I am trying to fit the word free into the ad. do you think I should say antivirus, upgrades, installation etc how could I make this hard hitting with 20 words or less including title.

[KimW]

Originally Posted by travlinguy

You might say: Free Diagostic Checkup. Then put the stuff about running slow or whatever. When they call you're going to want to tell them the freebie is only if they bring it in. You might have some other conditions as well. If you get them into your shop you have a really good chance of selling them.

Originally Posted by Kevin Williams

Free Computer Troubleshooting and Repair

Well that was easy.

These two are the best responses to your question.
Most places used to charge for a diagnosis where I am,though I am not sure if they still do as the field has gotten highly competitive with every Tom DIck and Harry thinking they are qualified techs.

Check the other ads,if they dont offer it, you should, if they do, you should target something else,such as "free optimization".