One of the biggest and toughest problems facing paranormal research teams and groups today is how to get people’s attention, thus opening up possible new cases. Of course the best tool to accomplish that in this day and age is a good website, but for this article I wanted to stray from that outlet and look at a few more that are just as useful to a researcher when trying to spread the word.

One of the most useful yet overlooked tools in spreading the word and getting noticed is that of paper media. Business cards and flyers are relatively cheap if you make them yourself and are one of the best ways to let people know who you are. 150 blank cards can be acquired at Wal-mart for roughly 5 dollars. Your card needs to be catching to the eye but not overwhelming. Also you want to make it as readable as possible. If a client can’t read the card the chances of a call back are slim to none. Don’t overdo it and take away from what it is you do.

Cards can be distributed in person or placed in many different locations. It is important to target locations that are frequently trafficked by those who may have a problem in regards to the paranormal. Locations such as libraries, book stores and coffee shops are idea for this. Also look to areas where almost everyone has to go eventually. Post offices, department stores and the such are great spots for posting a card. Some locations offer a public bulletin board. Don’t hesitate to place a card or two on these boards; you may be surprised at what may transpire.

Libraries offer many means of displaying a card. A bulletin board may be offered, but don’t hesitate to place a card or two at a reading table or leave one behind at a computer cubicle. One of my favorite ways to leave a card at the library is to gather books on ghosts and haunting. These are the books that a person who seeks help may borrow from the library and thus become tools themselves. You simply place your card in the books. Now while reading the person is sure to find your card.

The flyer functions almost the same way but offers much more space to add information and also more chances to go overboard with it. I suggest the same info on the card but add a few quotes from former clients or even a catchy phrase.

Getting your team’s name in print is much easier than one would imagine. Local newspapers will usually have a classified section that offers free ads. These ads will be viewed by many people and could open up several opportunities for you and your team. You may also be familiar with local trade papers. These are entirely ads and are often free to the public to place an ad as well as free to pick up. These types of papers are often called bargain hunters, traders, or shoppers. The amount of readers is varied on location but usually the papers are viewed by hundreds of people at the least.

You may also want to contact the local paper and set up an article or interview. Papers are always looking for stories to captivate the reader and ghost generally fall into a category all their own and can be a major draw for a publication. This could actually set you up for more print time later on and makes for an amazing conversation starter with new clients.

This is by far the best and hardest way to spread the word. Word of mouth comes from hard work. You must satisfy the client in order for them to tell a friend or two and thus you have started a chain that may open a world of investigations up to you.