Cheap first solution is to start a Facebook page using your own keywords in the URL - e.g. facebook.com/charleston-tree-trimming
(at least you used to be able to do this - I've been out of the loop for a while)
Upload some good photos and get some nice testimonials on there. (you get testimonials by asking people you've done work for - they are your most excellent sales force)
Keep it simple - build confidence - make it a nice place to visit.
Let people know up front what you do and when you will be able to get back to them so they won't be pi$$ed if you keep them waiting. Everyone expects instant service online but a busy self employed contractor may only be able to return calls or emails at end of day. Manage their expectations in clear considerate language.
Always ask yourself as you're going along ... Would I use this service? Does my wording and do my photos make me feel confident enough to try this service out? Why would I go to this guy over the competition? Review your page regularly - If it's not right, fix it!
Use simple language - Portray confidence and genuine honesty and people will want to do business with you. Testimonials are always more effective than just blowing your own horn. Take visitors by the hand a show them what you can do for them. Think to yourself - what would make me contact this guy and do business with him? Create enough confidence and interest and they WILL WANT to contact you. Have some fun with your page as long as it's in good taste and builds confidence in you and your service.
Once you think your page is ready, dip your toe in advertising water by spending a couple bucks on Facebook ads (only IF you can target local exposure to your area - it's been a while since I did this). Spend very cautiously to test the waters and make sure to use YOUR keywords in every ad - your keywords are those words that people will use to find you in Facebook or anywhere on the web for that matter - find out what they are and build your presence around that. Use simple words that identify you by location and service type and make that your brand.
Once you start to get visitors, if they translate into contacts and sales you're off. If you are not converting your visitors into contacts and business - why? Maybe offer a time limited small discount coupon or a refer a friend bonus. Look for creative ideas. Start slow and small - keep it simple.
When you start to make a few bucks and you want to expand, then you can translate this to a stand alone web site if needed, but personally I think Wix and others like that are painfully slow and not the best for search engine placement. Hopefully by then, you'll have a few bucks laying around to pay someone to create a simple site for you, but the good thing is you will know enough to guide them and make sure they are building a site that works.
Your BEST advertising is word of mouth referrals in your local area - be firm but fair - have good written agreements they sign before you start a job - treat people well - whenever possible go the extra mile - leave everyone with a nice simple business card - thank them for their business - make them feel valued - especially during stressful times remind yourself frequently it's the journey not the destination - those who respect and love you are worth their weight in gold! Be in this for the long haul.
When you get rolling, do some cross promotion by uploading some Video to your youtube channel. Write a helpful PDF for people to download on tree care. Sponsor a local targeted event - etc etc etc. You get the drift.
Good luck!
