Browsing back over this message I thought it was funny that I listed the software as the biggest obstacle... this was prior to doing much research on marketing!
My 2 cents ... If you don't have the resources for advertising initially, simply use free methods like magnetic car signs, press releases etc...
I suggest that you focus on partnerships with other home related businesses to get referrals. Feedback from other business owners confirms that this is the best way to generate business.
I would say that advertising is the biggest barrier. We are advertising in a local business mag and some free radio ads we got when we joined the local chamber.
We did not do any real advertising(ads or radio) because it does not work here in Charlotte! We do printing with vista print and that was pretty cheap!!
So we have already made back what we spent plus some!
