Thanks for the welcome- need advice bad!!!

Hey guys,

I may be going a bit far in asking this question (people may not want to give out their secrets), but what is the best way to generate a steady stream of customers for your own website design firm? The reason why I ask is because I'm working with a friend who is having a hard time generating a steady stream of customers for his business. This is what I've suggested to him simply from what I've researched on the Internet:

1. Leverage Your Website: Use your website to capture visitors email and begin building an email lists. Of course, this assumes that SEO has been done to the site, etc.

2. Create some sort of affiliate program that will utilize your contact list and customers to become reps of your product (i.e. offer 5-7% on a referral).
3. Partner up with other design firms that will complement your services (web only firm teaming with a print only firm). Provide referrals back and forth through this system.

4. Purchase verified leads for web projects. This can be competitive depending on the lifetime of the lead.

5. Direct mail promotion. This can be costly, so what I suggested using business cards or postcards instead. Depending how you word it based on the space that you have on the media, you can put a promotion that is only redeemable by phone or the email opt-ins through the website.

6. Bid on projects through freelance websites. Only drawback that I’ve seen is the amount of bids and the price undercutting.

7. Focus on a specific type of web product and try to specialize in that area. What I've seen lately are company's trying to be everything to everyone and getting killed on price. I suggest focusing on one area of web development (i.e. 'retail e-comm) and charging a premium price since that is your specialty.

These are some of the ideas that I’ve come up with. Does anyone have any experience with these types of marketing techniques? What has and hasn’t worked for any of you?

By the way, I’m not trying to promote any marketing products or looking to steal anyone’s ideas and put them in an e-book to sell. Just want a meeting of the minds and help other entrepreneurs jump-start their business. I'm actually talking to some web designers to get their two cents on this subject and will get back with everyone to let you know if I found out any new or 'startling' information.

Thanks everyone.

Welcome to the Forumz. We have lots of experienced and successful web designers here. I am sure someone will be able to help.

Welcome to Webforumz!!

I would say the best option would have to be to build up your potfilo with exceptional websites...then the people will just come to you...works for me...lol

Welcome to the forumz!!!

In my experience as a full time self-employed web designer, I got started by offereing a great product at a reasonable price. I did focus on who I wanted to work with based on my design skills. Then I went in search for those clients by advertising, handing out business cards, networking and so on. Nothing expensive at all. All it took in the beginning was a few good clients and then word of mouth has been it for me in a nutshell. I have not advertised since 2001 and am constantly busy. Too busy.
I have since raised my prices to reflect my skills, but still within the budget of MY clientele. I do kick back a % for referrals.

Hope that helps!

Lchad,
I believe it is called Business 101. Your path sounds like mine as a telcom consultant. Ah those early days....

Yes, you are right Business 101!!!
I guess it doesn't matter what line of business it is.... business 101 is solid!

It's Business 101 and that brick wall you keep running into until you learn to go around it. (I believe that is the advanced degree.)

That's funny! Every lesson in life I've learned the hard way I think... that must be the brickwall!!!! What are you psychic now?

Yes, After almost 30 years as a corporate clone and 3 years consulting, I have learned all the tricks and developed a few of my own.

Welcome

Did you know When glass breaks, the cracks move faster than 3,000 miles per hour. To photograph the event, a camera must shoot at a millionth of a second!

hahaha...no Dan did not know that one either...lol

you have very good marketing plan in hands, now just implement it with as many efforts as you can apply and you`ll be doing well

Welcome to the forumz!!