Flyering for my new business. Good options?

[Tigersteakpie]

I am launching a business (great timing 😬😬).
I don't want to give too many details but it is an after school club type thing.

I have printed 1000 leaflets which if you bring one to the session will get you two half price sessions.

I hope I might be able to take them round to some local businesses, cafes, bookshops, the Library etc.

But my DH says they won't be interested at all and will probably say no. He says I'll need to post them. If I post them I won't be able to know who they are going to, I want to leave them somewhere for interested people to pick up.

I honestly thought I'd be able to just take a few to some key local places and they'd be fine with it. But now I'm really nervous people will laugh at me and be like "no we don't do that!"

Has anyone done anything like this? Tips most welcome. I am not a marketer and have no marketing experience 😬

I know lots of family focussed businesses and settings that have similar flyers in them - think children's centre, library, soft play, etc. I think the issue may be more that people are going to these less than they usually do, so you'll be less likely to have someone see them. Have you looked into offering an electronic version of the flyer? We have a business (a very different one to this), but most of our marketing is online - Facebook and Instagram, including paying for sponsored posts. It works really well and is free to relatively cheap for the number of people you reach. I know lots of people with similar activities post to the local parenting and village Facebook groups here.

If its an after school club ask local schools to send out info to the parents, post on local Facebook groups etc. Not sure what you would do with 1000 paper leaflets.

No it's not an after school club. Schools won't help. I have asked.

I could swear I see leaflets and flyers posted up in shops all the time or just by the tills. But now I'm doubting myself.

Would you not be better advertising on local community Facebook pages? You could have a voucher code or something and if people quote it they can get the half price sessions. I have worked in retail and when people ask leave leaflets you just think its something else to clutter up the counter.

Most Facebook groups seem to say no advertising, but perhaps I need to look a bit better!!

I'm in a quiet and relatively unknown part of a London suburb, and in my local coffee shop, they have a noticeboard with flyers and business cards - I always peruse while waiting for my coffee! Everything from baby sleep trainers, cat sitters, personal trainers, homemade furniture...! Ditto in the pub next door - I haven't been there in ages but last time I went, they have business cards for local businesses.

I think you'll have more luck in local, independent businesses, especially if you can pay it forward and maybe do similar for those businesses who accept your flyers!

Do you have a local paper? In my area very often there is a small article about a new business. Especially, if it's unusual, or family/children orientated. Do you have a USP they might be interested in knowing about?
Good luck with your new venture

We left similar fliers in cafes, hairdressers etc. It really helped (and hardly anyone said no either!)

Local coffee shops and supermarkets and shops have local noticeboards usually free. If you have already printed them could try handing them out around family activities like swimming pool football ground at typical evening drop offs. Hi can I give you this you have primary school age children you may be interested etc.

Second advert in local paper usually these are online these days instead of print version but a story about you or just an advert could help.

Ooooh these replies are better.

Yes we do have a USP, we are not one of many if that makes sense

Local paper is a really good shout actually as we are having a bit of a launch event.

My plan was to take some leaflets around town this week, and I think I'll still try it. Ideally I want to go to libraries etc. It's a business that whilst obviously making me money (hopefully!!!!!!!) will also be beneficial to children. Think, violin lessons but a bit more exciting!

@Tigersteakpie

Most Facebook groups seem to say no advertising, but perhaps I need to look a bit better!!

Most Facebook community groups allow business adverts one day a week or something. Might be worth asking your local ones.

I know someone that has set up an activity class for kids and most enquiries are through social media.

Also success in leafleting areas full of family homes where they are likely to have the disposable income to afford extra curricular classes.

Nurseries and pre-schools have handed out flyers not sure if she had to pay/make a donation though.