Let me start off with these facts.
over 75% of my rod work is repair/restoration of classic cane rods
another 10% is graphite/glass repair
the remainder is custom builds.
Most of the new builds are for past clients who I've done work for.

my question is. how do I get my name/business out there for more custom work.
The area i'm in is very into fly rods which is great. there is only one fly shop in town and they do send me repair work.
I think it wouldn't be right to promote the custom business through them since they are also trying to sell some of the same manufacturers.

All thoughts and ideas are welcome.
Thanks

One thought ... build those same high end fly rods with ceramic guides, custom turned reel seats, etc. Then you are welcome to design on the same blanks AND it would even benefit the shop to be able to offer "upgraded" choices.

Dont bother with internet ads like Google ad words or the like. They are an expensive inefective waste IMHO.

Word of mouth is powerful thing, so make sure you give people business cards to hand their friends. Also, go talk to your local bait shops about placing a flyer. Make sure those bait shops have your card to hand customers when they come in and ask about repair and such.

Make sure that any ads that you pay for are placed at a time when people are looking. Around fishing opener or during peak seasonal bites.

Erick Krotzer- Milaca, MN

Check out Tweeter and things like My Space on adds.

Bill - willierods.com

One more that works well, talk to the busiest fishing guides in your area offer them a custom build or two(either free or cost of materials) offer some type of compensation for referrals, no comparison to word of mouth!

And a few more possibilities: Some states accept ads in their Rules and Regs booklets. Also, when I was starting out, I would go to the local fishing hot spots and put a business card on every car parked in the boat launch parking area.
I have photos on display in a local gun shop, along with business cards. Most outdoor sports people are not single-sport only. Kayak/canoe dealers are usually happy to put up a small display with a few photos and business cards. Same goes for places that sell bait and basic tackle, but not rods. Outdoor shows offer great opportunity, but they will cost you something to have a display there.
I also ran ads in local publications, like the PTA newsletter. $20 for a 1/4 page ad. Not a bad deal, given it brought me 6 builds.

Gary , Put togeather a flier that you can hand out on the spur of the moment,like at a gas station, bait shop, launch ramp, any where you may meet someone that are going/comming from the lake ,stream, or bay.
In that flier list all that can possibly be done to repair or improve thier rod or to custom fit a rod to thier specifications.Also list your experience in the amount of time you have asscoiated with building and repair of fishing rods. Last but not least, ask them if they would lend their name to a list of refrences. Anyone that gets you a new prospect should be thanked by a note or mabey a bottle of wine. Keep the fliers in your car and if its appropreate, a hand shake and a smile go a long way. A true sportsman will respect your approch and who knows you may end up with a new client. Good luck,
Dennis J. Danku

I leave business cards at every marina that will let me. Strike conversations at boat ramps, find a fishing club and see if they would like you to give a talk on rod maint or construction.
Kevin made a great point as well. If there is a guide in the area that is well thought of and respected in the fishing community, make it a point to talk to him and see if he needs any repair work done. If you take care of him/her, they'll send their clients your way. I work with a guide on his spinning rods (all micro rods) and he has sent me numerous folks.

In this day and age you must have a website. It provides you with legitimacy. One of the first things a person interested in your work is going to do is look and see if you have a web presence.

If you move ahead with a website - keep it simple and to the point. Photos are better than text. The idea is to raise interest and have the potential customer contact you for details. You do not want a website that is so cluttered with pages of text that no one will bother reading it. Be short and to the point and use photos to illustrate your work.

Combine this with the other ideas given in this thread and you'll be doing about all you can do in this regard.

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Fantastic ideas folks. It always pays to ask on this site.....