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Best way to get in contact with a local business

by Rush
6 replies
I've found many local businesses in my area that do not have a website, and I would like to contact them and see if they will let me create a website for them.

Is it better to:

#1. Cold call.
#2. Email
#3. Send a letter/postcard.
#4. Visit them in person

Please let me know what you guys think! I'd like to start contacting some potential prospects right away, but I'd love to start off on the right foot.
#business #businesses #contact #local
  • Profile picture of the author MJ Sterling
    Send them a letter first, then when you phone them you can say something like "hi there I'm just calling to check that you got my letter"

    It gives you a conversation starter, without becoming a pushy sales person. This is were you
    make an appointment to visit to their office.

    Don't turn up unannounced, make sure that they know you're coming.

    Also, here's an idea that could help you make a lot of sales:

    If you have a hosting account + domain name of your own, build them a basic 1-2 page site first but host it on your own domain like this; yourname.com/theirbusinessname

    Send them a letter with the address stating that you have built their site free of charge and it can be found there. If they are interested in upgrading ask them to contact you.

    Do not put any of their contact information on their site and use a generic, but good looking template.

    Now you have a great lead in with them, shown them that you know their business, care about it and want to help them.

    There's several options here, you could charge them a fee for hosting the site where it is.. you could charge them to make it "more professional" by moving it to its own webspace and domain name.. you could add extra pages (and make changes to existing ones).. you could revamp the entire site and charge a custom design fee.. there's no end to the amount of upsells you can throw on there.

    Of course there is a risk that they will decline your offer, despite the site you created, but you will have their attention, and it comes down to your sales skills what you'll do with that attention.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sean Gipson
      Rush

      IMO you should try to focus on businesses that are already doing some advertising. I think it is much easier to work with businesses that already have a website that you can improve upon. The ones that do not already have web presence you have to try and make them understand all the positives of having a web presence, and if they do not already grasp the power of the web as a business owner, I would rather pass them up.

      Sean
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  • Profile picture of the author SurviveUnemployment
    Make a list in a spreadsheet or just go through the yellow pages. Call every number on the list. Doesn't matter if you get 20 "no" answers as long as you get to that "yes," and you will.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rush
      Originally Posted by SurviveUnemployment View Post

      Make a list in a spreadsheet or just go through the yellow pages. Call every number on the list. Doesn't matter if you get 20 "no" answers as long as you get to that "yes," and you will.
      Great point. If 1 out of 20 said yes, I could probably get at least a FEW clients every day.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Rush, the absolute best way to contact them is to have someone else do it for you. Referrals give you a step up from any of the "cold" contact methods mentioned.

        Here's where it helps to work your network - your family, friends and the people you already do business with. Approach them and ask something like this:

        "Who do you know who runs a business, and complains about it? Things like not enough business, high ad costs, and such? Could you introduce me?"

        That way, you aren't "selling something", you are asking for their help. Unless you're a jerk, most people like to help others.

        You still have to get the business owner to see the benefits in what you offer, but at least you should get your foot in the door.

        If you have the huevos, you could even get referrals from the people who turn you down. I've had this conversation in the past:

        Me: Fair enough, we won't be doing business right now. Do you know anyone who might need what I offered you?

        Them: No, and I think this whole thing was a waste of time.

        Me: Fair enough. Anyone you want to annoy or get even with?

        That line usually gets a chuckle, at least, and sometimes gets the referral.
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  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    I send a letter telling them that I'll call about the DVD, which leaves them wondering what the hell I'm talking about because I don't tell them I'm going to send a DVD. Then I send a DVD about how to increase their sales 5-6 figures step by step. It is always too much work for them, and when I call I explain my fee structure. It's basic, but I started this business in November and have two clients (with 3 more interviews set up).
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