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"Offline" Client Acquisition Strategy

by gai001
10 replies
Hello Fellow Offline Warriors,

I know many out there are having trouble acquiring clients so I just wanted to share a "stupidly simple" method that is working for me.

I am starting a small business newsletter for my community in which I will write articles that will be useful to small business owners. To build my list I have been going around to small businesses and just asking them if they would like to sign up for a free newsletter for small businesses in the area. So far nobody has said "no". I take with me a basic sign up form that I created and printed on orange 20lb paper. Many of them will gladly sign up on the spot, giving you their contact information. If they aren't around or are too busy to fill it out now just leave it with them. On my form I put my email address and snail mail address so they can mail it in if they choose to.

Now all you have to do is start sending them a newsletter that will be of actual value to them. This will do a lot position yourself as small business expert.

Just thought I'd share what I am doing.
#acquisition #client #offline #strategy
  • Profile picture of the author areustle
    Thanks for sharing. That is a great idea. Provide value before you sell them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Troy McDonald
      Take it to the next level...

      Have on your newsletter a web site.

      On the web site, you have a PDF form that can be printed out and mailed (or just a form that can be filled out) for other merchants that recommend their friends.

      Your merchants to market for you.

      If your content is solid, they will. "Go to this web site" and get on the newsletter list, he came around to me, but you can sign-up online...."
      Signature

      Troy McDonald
      I will build your IM list for FREE!

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  • Profile picture of the author jrapisarda
    great idea gai001!

    I also thinking about doing something similar. The only difference was I was going to tell them that I was conducting research regarding "offline and online marketing" for local businesses asking them what they're biggest question about "blank is...

    This way... your market tells you exactly what they want to know. At this point, you can email the report once you're finished with your research. So not only did your prospect get their biggest question answered, but they also found answers to other really great questions.

    Not only will this technique build instant report, credibility, and trust, but you will be seen as an expert and guess who they're going to call if they need your services?

    Now, you've got a list of people who would love to hear from you and will most likely listen when they do!
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Nice idea...

      If it's an option for you, I'd suggest adding a fax number so they can fax back the info along with the option of mailing it.

      The idea is to make it as painless as possible to do what your asking them to do.

      If you're making your own flyers, here's a sneaky little trick...

      Print "Fax your free subscription to xxx-xxxx for faster service" oriented so that it's visible when your new subscriber puts the form in their fax machine.
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  • Profile picture of the author jjcali
    Hi Gai001,

    Where can I see your newsletter online?
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  • Profile picture of the author Riz
    Hi Gai001,

    Good idea - do u plan on delivering a physical newsletter or email newsletter?

    Of course both have their pros and cons.


    Baal
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    • Profile picture of the author jhiggins
      This is a nice strategy!!

      I would just collect their name and email address on the spot. I'd sign them up into my Aweber account. I'd tell them to expect a confirmation email and that we do that to avoid SPAM. They'll be like "Hey, this guy is looking out for us". Now you have them in your list from the git go.

      Send out an email newsletter once every two weeks and then a promotion of your services once a month.

      Regards,

      Jonathan
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      My 2009 IM Success Story! $50,000+!.
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      • Profile picture of the author ebizerati
        This is a good strategy, it gives you the opportunity to educate local business owners how to market online. Most of them will not want to do it themselves so once they decide that this is something they should pursue, my guess is that most of them will give you a call to do it for them. I would suggest that each newsletter soft sells your internet marketing services to local businesses.

        Thank you for sharing this with the forum.

        Dale
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        • Profile picture of the author jdmitchell
          That is a damn smart idea. Great long term abundance minded strategy!
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          It Does

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