Best advetising?

[kjolly]

September is coming and I have my first class schedules for the 21st. Was in the June instructors class however have elected not to start teaching until September laws were in effect.Now need to get enough students to hope to break even on expenses. I know many of you might not want to divulge inside information, however my question is "what seems to be the best method of finding students?"
Have you tried a gun show booth?
Local newspaper advertising?
Really respect and appreciate any suggestions that might be offered as I am a little in the dark.

[jmain]

I like google ad words.

Lets you target locations, easy to control budget daily, weekly and monthly and turn off if you are booked.
Plus it helps rank your website.

[Greybeard]

Similar possible with Facebook - yet generally more pricey. Put budget "cap" on 'em and watch closely. They have been known to go over given budget. And, be aware it is all too easy to spend more on advertising than you get in revenue.

[kjolly]

I agree with there is a very good possibility in spending too much in advertising. After you deduct the range, classroom costs, printing costs and initial startup issues such as insurance, projector, speakers, etc. the profit margin per student is pretty small. This is something you can make up for in volume however its not likely.

[kg5ie]

I use Facebook and Craigslist. On Facebook I have my own business page. I advertise there plus post classes an many local "groups". We have a local "business deals" page, also several "civic events" pages and lots of "for sale, trade" pages. I post on Craigslist under Sporting Goods. Our local newspaper only comes out once a week so I did not see that as viable. I have magnetic signs on the side of my truck and I will soon be placing signs (political ad size) around the city. I also have a banner ordered. My theory is that if I have to pay for it, it should be good for more than just one class.

Good luck.