The Paranormal Team Starter Checklist: Getting Paranormal Cases
So now what? How do you get clients? You have the website, the social media site, the t-shirts, the decals, and fancy new business cards. Well again it takes time and it takes some getting your name out there. Wear your shirts wherever you go (and I don't have to remind you that when you are representing your team, behave yourself) and remember that you will be asked questions. If you are an introvert or shy, maybe have an extrovert with you that can talk up your team. Make sure you are confident and you have a good understanding of what is expected with a paranormal case (you can find blogs about building the case file on this blog too!), you will inspire confidence and interest when you are engaging and knowledgeable. You can also hand out business cards or tack them up on bulletin boards in public areas. Gas stations, libraries, and more public spots have bulletin boards for customers to share their services and wares. Make sure you introduce yourself where ever you go! But what if the cases still aren't flowing in? Word of mouth will get you a lot of places but to get you started out, here is some other ways to start.
COLD CALLS
Sometimes it is necessary to approach locations to investigate in order to get your name out there. While not every location is keen on knowing if they have paranormal activity or even linking themselves with the idea they may have a haunting, it never hurts to ask! When I approach a location to investigate I do some research. I find out the owners names, what the location is used for or has been used for, when it was built, the historical significance, and any information that is put out online that may have been shared (especially if it's paranormal claims). Sometimes having the purported "haunting" stories and a little bit of history gives you enough information to start the conversation. Some locations may be interested in getting to the bottom of all the claims through the years and they may be interested in finding out more! If the location has never been investigated, chances are they may be more keen than one that has been investigated. (Note: Many locations already have a team that investigates frequently and hosts paranormal events for fundraising. You can always reach out to these teams to chat about their experiences and whether the location may be willing to allow you to investigate. Be aware that some locations may not be interested and the other team may be under a confidentiality clause to not share certain information.)
ACCEPT PRIVATE REQUESTS
One of the parts of your website, if you have one, should be a "Request an Investigation" page. This should include the clients name, contact information, and any questions that may be relevant to your decision of taking on their case. In the age of the internet people really like seeing the information you may provide about your team and then quietly making the request online rather than calling you directly. I find that many people put in requests late at night when their situation is either bothering them or they are having activity. I have found that when our "Request an Investigation" page is up on the website we get numerous requests. If you do not have a website, make sure that you have a private messaging area or details on how to be contacted with your service area. Make sure you request that the potential client shares specific information up front, always make sure that you and your team are safe. Share your "Request an Investigation" page or your contact details on social media and in public locations so they can find you if needed. (Note: Antietam Paranormal Society is not taking on new private residence cases. We will take on business or historical locations on a case by case basis.)
PAY-TO-PLAY
I always recommend that anyone getting started in the paranormal should go to locations that you can pay to investigate. Whether you do a private investigation (recommended) or do a public ghost hunt, make sure that you are getting the right field experience. Public Ghost Hunts are full of pitfalls and foibles of amateur investigators that should not be exhibited on a formal paranormal investigation. There are many locations across the globe that market their overnight paranormal investigation programs, choose a location that is right for you and your team. Just remember they can get expensive and you won't want to do them all the time. When you start doing these locations, share your pictures and your experiences. This attracts notice and by word of mouth someone may find you for their paranormal case.
I will reiterate that every team or investigator that plans to take a paranormal case should ALWAYS get field experience, have a mission, create protocols, and represent your team in a professional way. Don't squabble with others on social media, especially if that is your main marketing area. You are providing a service even if you aren't being paid. I can say it is hard enough to be taken seriously in this field, you don't have to make it worse for the rest of us. Be prepared to work long hours, spend too much money, and be left with no evidence. Paranormal Investigation can be a boring and thankless "job" but when it does reward you in some really cool evidence, personal experience, or you help a client; those rewards last for years!
Rebecca Boyer
Co-Founder/ Case Manager
Antietam Paranormal Society
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