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I'm transitioning. I have facebook, twitter, linkedin, blog, now In-Depth Gen. I have applied to write for the Examiner. I'm contacting local museums, historical socitie's, etc. to get my name out in the local community. I've had some interest, but its been very vague so far.

Without any $$ to use for advertising or publicity, how do I find clients for my services?

Any great ideas out there to generate some business?

Like you, I'm just getting started on this aspect of my business too. So far, I've been taking advantage of my friends and family network. Networking is a huge deal as you've already gotten involved in Twitter, facebook, etc. I'd suggest sending an email with an introduction to your business and ask your friends & family to forward it on. Eventually it may trickle down to someone who is interested in your services.

Also, you might try getting in touch with your local Small Business Development office (through the http://archive.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html site) They have free classes on business startup and marketing. Very supportive and helpful!

Hope this helps!

~Jen

Jen, have you thought about running a small ad in your local classifieds for a couple of weeks? You don't know how many people that are in your county just looking to share their passion with someone else who eyes won't glaze over. Even if you only meet at the local coffee shop at first. Everyone would feel safe as you all meet at first and if no one shows up well you have had a good cup of coffee and some relaxation.

Jen,

Think about what first gave you the impression you could make a professional go of your genealogy experience. Did someone give you encouragement? Were others seeking you out for your assistance with their genealogy? How did those people find you and how can you find more people like them.

These are just some of the strategies I am employing to try to build name recognition beyond my future blogging activities:

You've mentioned the small nature of the area you're working in (same here). Have you conducted a surname study for your area so you know who clients may come to you looking for? You could lurk the forums at places like Ancestry and RootsWeb for any unique names or for the geographic region. Think also about your region's claim to fame and how you can promote yourself through that avenue. Are there other, non-genealogical forums/blogs related to your region that you can intelligently comment on? Maybe hobby related? Be sure your signature on these forums reflect your work. Not jus "Ancestral Breezes" but "Ancestral Breezes Genealogical Services".

Have you considered doing publishing projects for your area? Specifically are there records you can index and then sell as downloadable .pdf's, or bound volumes from your blog site?

Sign up with Ancestry's ProGen for 'hire out' services. Become a member of APG to get on their listing. Make certain that your nearest local history libraries and research centers have you on their referral lists.

Mine your own personal genealogy for publishing opportunities outside the field of genealogy. I have an ancestor that had tokens coined for his hotel during the civil war. I'm writing an article for a Numismatics magazine. I have an ancestor whose home is now a bed and breakfast in a historic section of Cape May, NJ. I'm working on an article for the local history society.

Sometimes it's easy to forget who we are pitching our product to. We genealogists love to talk to each other but we are infrequently each other's clients for anything more than a local look-up. Those who would use our services are folks with a strong interest in our region who are not physically in our region. We have to find ways to talk to those folks, wherever they may be.

Best Wishes,

Rorey