Will This Offline Marketing Idea Land Me in Jail?

That would be classed as spam.

Not if you don't get caught.

No - I would not text them. Have no idea of the legality (especially for those who are on the no call lists) - but would you expect it to bring in business? I wouldn't as an unsolicited text ad is about the same in believability as a telemarketer.

I think there is opportunity - but for direct mail, not invasive text messages.

There is no tougher time to find someone to do repairs than when you need work done. A better method would be to send a coupon with a well written ad through the mail to people who listed their homes for sale.

If a property has just been listed "for rent" chances are any work needed has been done. Those trying to sell in this market might be open to a good deal on hiring someone who could fix the "rough spots" in the house.

I automatically delete any texts that are clearly ads - I don't read them beyond the first 3-4 words. However, a good coupon that comes in the mail is often saved or used.

kay

Another possibility is providing coupons to local real estate agents for them to pass on to new listings for work that is needed.

There are various spam laws, but it would appear that unsolicited marketing messages are not completely illegal, it's just that there are laws to abide to.

I'm not sure how it goes for text messaging, but here is some info on the CAN-SPAM Act in regards to e-mail: What Are The Laws Against Spam: CAN-SPAM Act

e.g. you need to include their physical address, make it clear it's an advertisement, give them the option to opt-out, etc.

From what I know, plenty of people on this forum chase potential clients with contact info they've found online, in directories, and so on.

it's a grey area, don't risk it!

While I agree that it isn't worth risking, and I would consider it SPAM, do remember that most of the Craigslist listings have a notice on them, and if you ignore that you not only could have the person receiving the text/email on your back, you could also end up with CL on it as well.

Towards the bottom of each listing is usually says

• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Don't do it.

Remember, there are many people that still don't have a text package on their cell plan, so they would also get charged for the message on their bill.

edit:

You cannot send it to promote a website, period.

Sry, just saw that.

Disregard my last post, that's more for business-to-business. Your idea could lead you to getting hugely fined.

Generally, spammers constantly get away with it, but this doesn't mean you should do it. It's bad for reputation, and you never know when you'll come across somebody who actually files a complaint and will put effort into getting you into trouble.

I think text messages and email lists are great, but only when someone first opts in to receive them.

Possible legal issues aside, how likely would YOU be to do business with someone who sent you an unsolicited email or text message?

I have to say I find it a rather strange trend that many guys looking to make $500 or more from getting a web design, offline marketing or in this case remodeling client...never seem to want to invest any money in marketing.

There are so many other ways you could stand out from the crowd and get your sales message in front of prospects like this, like direct mail or maybe advertising on a site like byowner.com, but many will balk at the idea of spending $100 to make $500+ and instead waste much more of their time trying to do things as cheaply as possible.

Sorry - end of rant - but I think there are many better and more effective ways to market your business without having to wonder whether it'll get you in trouble or not.

Steve

Steve... you said a mouthful of good advice.

A lot of folks try to do things as cheaply as possible with little results.

What's working now is STILL direct mail with an impactful offer. In addition, a specific website that handles a specific problem tied to local business... how hard is it to get to the top of Google with THOSE particulars?

I'd spend $100 ALL DAY to get $500 in return.

If not, $100 for $500... then $10 for $50 and scale up.

Cheers,

Millard

You probably won't go to jail but to send text messages without the receiver opting in first is not legal.

Read This Post

Instead of texting them, here's something that wont land you in jail:

Simply call them up, and ask them if they would like to increase the value of their home by having a free checkup done. They all want to do that.

Once your guy is there, he can then actually sell them on getting his services done after the "free checkup"

Personally I think it's a very long winded process and not something that you can build a residual income around. It may be better to post a video or article online about your services.
Hope this helps, all the best

Outside of any legalities (and the fact that CL posts on the bottom of their ads that you're not allowed to solicit), ask yourself this:

If I posted something for sale, and then I got a spam text, how pissed off would I be? And how likely would I be to use someone that resorted to spamming my cell phone to get business?

You might get a couple takers, but you'd sure piss off a bunch of other people in the process, which might not be too great for the branding of the company in general.

I don't think it'd be worth the hassle and the legal ramifications. This is unsolicited texting, and if you tick off enough people by doing this you could easily land in a lot of legal trouble.

Never attempt anything wrong if you dont have the confidence to do it. Its a risk. And even it will be a spam, so why waste you time in this.

I don't think this is a good idea at all, it would be considered spam.

OH PLEASE! People are so paranoid these days! Geez! What you are suggesting is called "aggressive Marketing".

I don't personally do this, but I don't see any issue with it at all.

Success81,

As a former real estate broker, my advice is to go to their door and knock. If they are home, give them your presentation. If they aren't, and your local ordinance permits, leave a flyer.

Here is what is wrong with leaving a flyer. It tells every would be burglar the person isn't home and invites naughtiness.

IMHO it is always better, and more profitable, to do what you want to do eyeball to eyeball. You don't look like a sleaze ball that way.

Just my 2 ¢.

sandalwood

You're squeamish about moving forward with this, and it definitely is a grey area or worse. So don't do it.

Simply call or send them a basic - non spamming message first and see if they respond them hit them with pitch after.

As other have said a flyer or direct mail piece would work. But I think I saw some people mention JV.

You say you have a few clients who do home repairs and improvements, so you have a group of people who know what they are doing.

Out there, there are land-lords and property owners who are looking for good people who work hard and provide a good service.

Then there is you, the marketing guy.

If it was me, I would visit the land-lords and sell the services of these businesses you market. Sell them on the USP.

Then when they get work take a commission.