I often wonder how many contractors out there would have survived the downturn in the economy if they would have just advertised their way through it? I know that is easier said than done, but it would have been easier if they advertised when times where good. That way, they would have had a larger base of past customers and referrals to work with.
My point is, advertising is like a loan from the bank, the best time to do it is when you don’t need it!