ok im sure we have covered this be fore in other areas but i was wondering what you all did for advertising. im working on some ideas right now including sending fliers in envelopes to the city and school districts around here. im also getting in touch with bakeries cause they are the ones that make all the theme cakes so they work with the parents that have the kids. that one came from southwest sam thought it was a great idea.

I have adeal with a bakery near my home in witch they let me leave cards and in return Isend people to them and it has worked out god for both of us
Ialso hand out a lot of cards to anyone who will take them
But the best thing so far for me is word of mouth If you do a good job the word will get around On average I book a job for every one I do andthis had led to some really big jobs for some big companies
So all Ican say is you are your best advertisment

Hey Buck, hope to type to you and everyone else tonight at the chat!

I may be a little late as I've got my nephews Christmas show to tape, but I'll be home shortly after that...

What Jamz said is true: You are your best advertisement.

Here's what I use, and so far it's working for me: (The business could be better, but it's getting my name and what I do out there)

Coloring books: These are a hot item! The pizza place always brings alot of kids, and this is something they can take home and use, and it lasts alot longer than a balloon in most cases.

Newsletters: Whenever I'm out I try and bring my camera. I offer my camera if mom or dad doesn't have one, and give them a business card so they can email me a request for the photo.
That way I have a contact for them. It hasn't gotten me a birthday party yet, but it has gotten me alot of contacts, and everyone seems to be happy with the newsletter.

My next step I haven't tried yet but want to is to start carrying balloons with me whereever I go. I finally got my lungs used to blowing up balloons without the pump, although I still use it more, but that way, when we go out to eat, I want to be able to start making things, leave them with wait staff, managers, kids, etc, in hopes of new business.

Hope this helps...

Newsletters: Whenever I'm out I try and bring my camera. I offer my camera if mom or dad doesn't have one, and give them a business card so they can email me a request for the photo.
That way I have a contact for them. It hasn't gotten me a birthday party yet, but it has gotten me alot of contacts, and everyone seems to be happy with the newsletter

Absolutely brilliant idea!

Thanks Dave...it was actually something I came up with on my own.....I think! :)

I'm also planning a raffle at the birthday party Saturday, in the hopes of drumming up more contacts. I figure, the more contacts I have, the greater the possibility of that birthday coming up that someone needs a clown at...

I think pretty much anything you give as a keepsake is a good advertising tactic.

If you can, give out red noses to children. I have seen this done, the child "Thinks" he could be /wants to be a clown and mentions it to parents and the parents think of you and book you for their childs party. Viral.

"Fresh picked nose, just for you."

Also, you can exclaim "Hey! It's my long-lost cousin" - whip out a sponge nose
and put it on the kid and say "See the family resemblance?" -- Do this while
on your knees down at the kid's level and then both of you can face the camera
for a "photo-opp."

Have your name, contact information and EMAIL ADDRESS imprinted on lots
of different things, from cards to pens to other corporate "gimmees" and have
them available to hand out at a moment's notice.

That just gave me an idea,

I do a magic trick (As I am sure many fo you do) where the sponge balls are magically reproduced (Into about 10-15) in the childs hand. I'm sure you know what trick I'm talking about.

When teh child opens his/her hands and everyone is amazed at teh abundance of balls/noses, you can give them all out. Memorable AND a keepsake.

Like all clowns Iget asked to to freebies and If I choose to do it one one things they do is advertise for me
One radio station I do for Make A Wish will annouce me being there every 15 mins this would cost me a lot more than the time I donate They also will help me to pass out cards they put them in a goodie bag they give out so I reach a lot people in a short time
So freebies can work for you and can be a good thing but just make sure it is a cause you support