Word of mouth preferred...

Almost all service providers say they get most of their business from word of mouth, and almost all consumers say they prefer to either know a service provider personally or get a referral. One survey of financial planners found that 80 percent of consumers ask friends and coworkers when looking for a personal financial adviser, but it doesn't say whether the people who advise them got their information from mail, media, or other outlets---such as articles you've written. Most everything you do that makes people aware of you will increase your word of mouth too.

by Rick Crandall
1001 Ways to Market Your Services: Even If You Hate to Sell