webbed-feet started this topic @ 11:26 on 15/03/2006
Hello,
This is my first post here. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and have been impressed by the amount of knowledge here.
I am setting up offering a website audit service to small businesses and start ups. There are plenty of forums like this one where people share ideas and knowledge on SEO and are willing to help one another out. On the whole, those people contributing on forums are pretty web savvy and aware of usability and accessibility issues and SEO techniques. I want to reach small local companies who can't afford the extortionate fees of larger internet companies and provide them with a detailed report of recommendations and next steps to improve their site for both the customer and search engines. If needed, I will carry out the re-appropriation work on their behalf.
Potential customers might be slightly insulted to be emailed directly and told that their website is in need of an overhaul, even if I do promise to improve their search engine ranking and traffic.
Does anyone have any suggestions of where to advertise other than online? I don't think local press is the right medium to use, but perhaps offering this service to people using Business Link for example might work as there will be a steady flow of people needing a strong online presence focused for both the end-user and search engine, something they may not know how to / have the time to do.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
seanpearman | 15/03/2006 11:40 AM
I think the best way to approach your potential customers is by email! If you look through your local business pages and try and locate some of the businesses online, I can pretty much guarantee you that you wont be able to find many of them. Send an email saying:
we can't find you online, do you have a website?. If you do have a website, there is a problem with it, if I (the pro web design company) cant locate it then how are your potential customer going to find you! I can offer...............................
At the end of the day we are all business men/women and I know that i would appreciate being told how it is, instead of a nice approach. Are your services going to benefit their business? YES. then tell them!
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Sean
cheap">href="http://www.cheapsoftwareonline.co.uk">cheap software
RE: RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
webbed-feet | 15/03/2006 11:49 AM
Thanks seanpearman - that's great advice!
I'll just take care that I tell them their website is pants and they need help......but in a nice way!
Cheers! 
RE: RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
webbed-feet | 15/03/2006 01:10 PM
Earlier Sean mentioned contacting businesses directly via email. Thinking this through, I was just wondering whether there was any legislation or law against directly contacting people in this way without their permission?
I'm aware that in some circumstances it can be necessary for people to 'opt in' to newsletters and that kind of thing, but if a company is actually advertising with their email address (in the Yellow Pages, or Thomsons local for example), would it be okay to approach them in this manner?
Does anyone have experience of this kind of thing?
RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
creacom | 15/03/2006 12:39 PM
Also there could be some room for a local press release. Why not get one written for you that says that you are trying to help your local businesses put themselves on the map ! That having a web presence is great but if you cant be found then you are not doing yourself any favours etc.... Make out that you are really trying to help local businesses. Send it out to your regional newspapers or give them a call and who knows, you might get a bit of press coverage from it.
Jacqui
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www.creacomdesign.com
Graphic Design • Web Design • Print
RE: RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
webbed-feet | 15/03/2006 12:52 PM
Thanks Jacqui, that's a good idea.
I'm tired of working for big corporations in London and would love the chance to help the individual achieve success with their business. Afterall, they could have the best product/servce in the world but if no one can find it, they are in trouble. I guess that's where I would come to the rescue!
RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
creacom | 15/03/2006 01:03 PM
Exactly, so get that down in a professionaly written press release and sent out to your local papers.
Jacqui
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www.creacomdesign.com
Graphic Design • Web Design • Print
RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
creacom | 15/03/2006 02:03 PM
You can approach them if it is not a bulk mailing and is personally addresses to that company instead of just
" Dear reader " etc
If you want to really get results then you could call the company, tell them waht you are doing and ask them if you can send out some info on the subject. It takes more time but in the end could generate more leads.
Jacqui
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www.creacomdesign.com
Graphic Design • Web Design • Print
RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
FreeLocal | 15/03/2006 02:29 PM
Can I have details of your website address?
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Working with our Communities . . . .
RE: RE: Advertising to smaller comapnies / sole traders
webbed-feet | 15/03/2006 02:47 PM
I'm afraid I've not launched yet. I'm just waiting on getting my logo designed and I'm also auditing a few sites for free to bump up my portfolio a bit. Email me if interested.
Taking the web away from evil spiders, I'll be webbed-feet.co.uk once live.
It's so hard getting ducks to stand still for cute feet photos....