Marketing Question...

**richkid** · 08-09-2007 01:04 AM

Hey guys...
I am relaunching my website design business (see link in sig) next week, and although I have some ideas for marketing and client aquisition, I would love to put it out to you guys.

How would you marketing a small local website design business?

I am not looking for online jobs, I am targetting small business that I can provide a face to face service.

Looking forward to see what comes up!

Thanks
Tom

**amg2000** · 08-09-2007 08:41 AM

Hi Tom,

For a couple of low-costs methods...

You could distribute flyers around town telling people about your business.

You could also bring someone on as an independent contractor and only pay him/her per sale.

There's lots more, but these are just off the top of my head!

Good luck,
Brian

**rpendery2006** · 08-09-2007 08:57 AM

I would say just start by talking with everyone you know. They may have jobs for you or know of people who do. Other than that, local ads or cold calls are some ideas depending on how effective that type of promotion is in your area.

**radreality** · 08-09-2007 09:01 AM

I know in my area there are a few organizations that are focused on internet development which various companies network with and recieve a lot of customers through.

Also, local directories, both online and paper.

Do you have a Chamber of Commerce in Australia? (or something similar)

You're a business to business company, so you gotta mingle with the right people.

______________________________
Robert Falk
Business Developer / Investor
Self Help & Success Forum

**n/a** · 08-09-2007 11:17 AM

-Have business cards ready if you meet someone out and about
-Creigs list
-Join a local small business community. I know in my town there are several small groups that meet downtown for lunch to talk about there small biz.
-My hometown has an online forum I post at.
-Do some free stuff for local business and ask for them to recommend you to others.

**Translation Link** · 08-09-2007 01:23 PM

Who would need a new website? A new business. In my town the News Paper usually names all the new registered DBA's. Many people register before they even have much business, or a store. I think this would be a good niche. Look up their info and mail out a brochure to them. Or you could just go to their shop and say hey I noticed your new business, do you have a website yet? Well you can work on that pitch

That's as face to face as you get. Some people like the fact that you notice them first and have rescued them from the time and effort they are about to spend on looking for someone.

**richkid** · 08-09-2007 04:07 PM

yes we have a chamber of commerce, I will be joining that shortly. I know that networking is so important, and I just got my new business cards yesterday and am so happy with them.

I will be doing a bit of targeted direct mail to companies in a specific industry each month offering an "industry only" special for the month, and I was reading on sitepoint an idea that whenever I see a dodgy website to send them a letter offer a few suggestions on how to improve their website. (not advertising myself, but little things they can do) so I will probably try that as well.

thanks for all the tips, looking forward to some more!

**Egg Marketing** · 08-09-2007 05:05 PM

The best way to get new business is to network. You have to build relationships with people before they invest several thousand dollars in a website. If you regularly attend meetings (like the aforementioned Chamber), you will get to know people who will use your services. They will then pass on your name to others who need your services, and before you know it, you've got more business than you can handle!

Follow it up by keeping a database of everyone you meet (grab business cards) and sending out a monthly email or newsletter that keeps you on your contacts' minds.

**richkid** · 08-09-2007 05:30 PM

a database is a great idea. I will definately be setting one up.
Thanks!

**Zak Z** · 08-09-2007 10:14 PM

Nothing beats getting out there and talking to people face to face. Make some nice business cards that show off your design skills and give them out to everyone. Get the word out to everyone you know and create some excitement about your new venture.

You might want to think about what kinds websites you like to design and really showcase your skills, then think about what types of businesses need those websites and sell, sell, sell!

**syia** · 08-10-2007 06:10 AM

for me, I will first asked my past customers if they have any connections with any business people that might seems be useful in using my service. after that, I will persuade that business to use my service..your type of business need a lot of WOM

**Sallyanne** · 08-11-2007 09:07 AM

Hiya richkid,

All of the comments you've received - cool - plus what about targeting those people that don't have a clue how to set up a website? Local schools, community clubs, universities maybe (fresh thinkers with new ideas, but no IT background)?

I'm not sure how big you want to become ( as you mentioned small, local company), but I'm assuming you're happy to grow? Online advertising maybe? Definitely get your designs in people's faces. I'm currently a marketing manager and wouldn't consider taking on a creative agency without seeing what they could do first.

Feel free to post a blog about your company on my mate's site http://www.cyberneur.com - it's a social networking site to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses (no pressure though ;-) )

Anyway all the best, I wish you lots of success in the future :-)

SA

**smokeyjoe4848** · 08-11-2007 02:56 PM

first off yellow pages..or phone book if you dont have yellow pages there...flyers are great..word of mouth...benches on streets..all depends on your budget..get a car sleeve done for your car, or magnets made for your car

**richkid** · 08-15-2007 12:18 AM

i will try and find out when the yellow pages is getting reprinted and get in the next issue, although it is quite expensive i think.

I am working on a targetted mailout at the moment. And trying to find some good networking opportunities...

**SimpleGlobalCash** · 08-15-2007 07:52 AM

Hello richkid! By the way, your website looks very professional.
I like the design; it's clean and to the point. Good Luck with it!

You've gotten a lot of good advice on this post.

To add to it, I would suggest not to give up on marketing your site online.
Even if you are local and only want to deal face to face with clients, SEO could help you bring local customers to your door.

You just have to target that niche when optimazing your site. Remember that it doesn't matter where you are, people use search engines to even look for a grocery store next door. So keep working on it and sooner or later you will get traffic that way.

Hope this little hint helped you some how.
Again, good luck with your new business.

If you want to exchange ideas or need additional help,
please feel free to contact me anytime.
Alfonso DiLuca.