If you don't want to go into detail about the product/service you offer I can understand that, but can you explain who your customers would be, and perhaps what your goal is in terms of reach (and/or revenues)?

non french speaking expats in geneva usually use i.e. glocals, internations.org, and other websites like genevalunch.com or geneva.angloinfo.com - newspapers advertising would rather not find its way to your potential customers. english speaking radio in switzerland is numbers wise also less frequented then expat focused websites. networking is not to be underestimated if your business is based on personal services and strongly linked to your own person.

Hi Edward,

I would like to advertise French private lessons for companies/ individual

Thanks,

Muriel

For private individuals I agree fully with sevket. The best ways to reach them is  through online social networks such as Glocals and Angloinfo, and by networking (offline, i.e. meeting people and spreading the word). I'm not sure about newspapers and radio; I don't expect many people to read/listen to them.

If you want to know more about networking, there is a great article in the most recent Harvard Business Review - Onpoint about it. If you can't find it in the news outlets, I have one and could copy the article for you (send me a message).

Your biggest problem with individuals is that you have lots of competition, especially on the social networks. I'm not sure how to cope with this since I think it's rather hard to stand out when you're teaching French.

Companies is a completely different area. If you're lucky enough to get in you will have a lot of repeat business, but you're competing with companies like Berlitz (not great, but they have an international presence and their own method which makes them more credible). There are 2 ways to get in: through an employee you know (e.g. a student) and by simply calling the company and offering your services. If they have many foreigners working for them and no fixed language trainer you have a pretty decent chance. In that case make a website and some brochures to give the HR manager.

I don't mind discussing this in person; I can definitely help you with your targeting/positioning strategy.