New Saddlery - Where best response?

[jessjc]

Hello,
I have just started up a small saddlery business, specialising in top quality English leather saddlery products.

As we are new, we don't have much of an advertising budget, but are of course needing maximum exposure.

What we have done:
- Facebook adverts
- FB/Twitter
- Yellow Pages
- Google Maps
- Website
- Word of mouth
- Yard visits
- email shots to large riding centres, Riding Clubs and Racing trainers

We are looking into:
- Advertising in a competition in a major national equestrian magazine (but can only afford the online comp)
- Half page feature in local equine magazine.
- Sponsoring jumps/classes etc.

I was just wondering where you think you would be most likely to respond? I thought the yard visits would go down a treat, but it is difficult to find a time when everyone's around to have a look and is interested in spending.

I would really love to hear your views - any help would be wonderful!

Thank you so much (in advance)!

 

[galaxy]

Post flyers to ALL Livery Yards and Riding Schools in a 20 mile radius and ask them to put the poster on their tack room door or something.

 

[sbloom]

My instinct as a fitter is that yard visits expose you to a very small number of people but that it takes a great deal of time. Not the best use of your time - I would target events where people gather - trade stands really would be a better use of your time. Game fairs, indoor and outdoor equine events, the smaller ones don't charge but will bring you much more exposure than with a yard visit. Just my thoughts.

 

[0ldmare]

Agree with sbloom, take a trade stand to your larger local events. That way you can reasonably expect to make a small profit on the day while promoting your business! I wouldn't particularly bother with yard visits but why not invite to an open day with some tempting offers?

We have found equestrian national magazine advertising a real waste of money, but local mags much more effective and cheaper! If you are talking to local equestrian mags ask for some editorial in return for advertising, they will nearly always agree. Oh and HAGGLE, both with local and national magazines! Never ever pay the full price, you'd be amazed what you can get!!

Google ads are pretty good value and worthwhile.

Oh and paying one day of a PR person to send out a press release to magazines can pay massive dividends

Can't think what else...

 

[nokia]

Hiya can you pm me I'm looking for new tack let's have a look at your range

 

[Tammytoo]

Take flyers to local shows, events, local cattle marts, horse sales and stick them on windscreens.

 

[rockysmum]

Sponsor a class at your local riding clubs, that way you get your name in all the schedules and on their websites too.