Craigslist/marketing help

[Dace]

Many of you know that I teach hands on cooking lessons.
Well right now the heat is on because Hubby's employer closed his doors (due to utter stupidity but that is another story!)

So here I sit with a nice web site, and no idea how to market myself cheaply.

I have been putting ads on CL and include the link to my website (I have two)
Here is the link http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/lss/1611114871.html

I like this versus fliers because it is more impressive. If anyone has any other ideas on how to drum up business I am all ears!

Right now I sit poised to start 3 new classes this week and only have 5 kids signed up but I need 15 (5 in each of the three age groups)....other wise all the money just goes to the food we will be preparing.

 

[equine chick]

Have you thought about contacting local schools for demonstrations with inviting the parents. Maybe include a coupon where the first class is free with a parent because actually word of mouth is the best advertisement. Maybe get invited to a home ec class or even contact the local community college. Once enough people start attending you will be ammassed with applicants. Love the website.

 

[tommywalnuts]

Maybe you could put the word out through local churches. A lot of them have bake sales and such, and maybe they could spread the word, or enroll thier kids. I hope everything goes well for you. I'll be praying for ya'll.

 

[big brown horse]

I'm always checking the information board in the grocery store. People post ads for puppies, classes, trips etc. It is like the green sheet on the wall. Lots of coffee drinkers wait for their Starbucks and check out that board. Last year I booked a "snow train" trip for my daughter and I. I found the ad on that info board.

I think it looks wonderful btw, my own dd loved it too.

 

[hwillm1977]

Marketing to any type of kids groups would be good too... maybe offering group rates for them, or special classes.

Things like 4H, Guides, Scouts, etc...

Our high school had someone come in and teach 'Culinary Arts'... we cooked a 5-course dinner once every 2 weeks in a 'restaurant' at the school... we usually had around 100 people show up each dinner, they pay a fee and it kept our program going... it was one of my favourite classes

 

[Wifezilla]

Great ideas.

I would also contact stores that selling cooking stuff and ask if you could put up a flyer. In return, maybe you could put one of THEIR flyers in a bag along with whatever stuff they take home.

 

[Dace]

Oh you guys have great ideas! Keep them coming!!

Tommy, thanks for the prayers!

 

[The YardFarmers]

I'm really impressed with your ad. Good job.

Have you thought about expanding the cooking classes to
1) child + parent/grandparent cook together classes
I know my mom is always interested in doing things with the grandkids (instead of getting things). I think trying to work with the ladies/senior church groups would be a great way to try to get the word out. Church groups love to have someone present on a new topic and you could leave the info there. And most have a kitchen you could use. Also community centers or YMCAs that have senior activities.

2) adults- maybe those who are interested in becoming more SS, but don't have a lot of cooking from scratch skills, or who want to learn to showcase fresh produce better. Maybe link up with a local farmers market, CSA.

 

[Dace]

I like the idea of parent & kid groups but to be cost effective in my limited space...not very doable in my home, but I am trying to get something together offsite.

 

[Dace]

UGH!