I SAW THE LIGHT! ..Making money in the Offline Biz has NEVER been easier!

[ChrisByrns]

Originally Posted by Phil Spinelli

I'm still lost as why someone would build a site for a professional service industry for FREE and charge like $30 bucks per months for hosting?

Just because it takes me an hour or two to create a professional design (6 years of experience), i overdeliver and the word of mouth propaganda is off the hook. Plus, maintenance is next to none - when i started the thread i had 27 clients, now i have 49.. stop wondering and do the math.

[freudianslip27]

Hey Chris,

Congrats on your fantastic results

The only thing I would suggest here is for you to consider if you are underselling here. You are getting clients quickly and that's awesome, but what if you could have gotten 2/3rd's of them at a $60/month price point? You would have been making more and had less work to do.

I think that the best money can be made with upsells though, and you've certainly put yourself in a position to do that

Matt

[AndrewCavanagh]

Originally Posted by ChrisByrns

I'm talkin' about MY niche, Andrew. My clients get MORE profits - they advertise their services on forums, directories, etc already and having a website adds value to their biz. Consider this:

------------------------------------------------------
Name: Iris
Contact: xxxxx (at) blahblah (dot) com

OR:

Name: Iris
More info on my homepage at: iris-xxxxxx (dot) com
------------------------------------------------------

While i respect you for being a "top notch" warrior, please don't come across implying i rip off people - that's simply not the case.



Kindest Regards,
Chris Byrns.

I'm not implying that you're ripping off people.

What I"m saying is that your post is imcomplete because it leaves out that crucial piece of information...how you help the business owners you work with make real sales and profits.

What I want to know is what you do to ensure your clients make more profits than they pay you in fees.

It's not meant to be taken as an attack...just asking for more information and trying to remind people that getting hired is only part of the equation when you work with business owners.

You also need to focus on getting them real results.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[ChrisByrns]

Originally Posted by ChrisByrns

Just because it takes me an hour or two to create a professional design

just to prove my point.. 5 mins of photoshop and them clients are HAPPY! ..plus another 20 mins of coding/adding content.

Hey, no hard feelings, Phil! =)

[ChrisByrns]

Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh

(...) just asking for more information and trying to remind people that getting hired is only part of the equation when you work with business owners.

You also need to focus on getting them real results.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

THAT is correct! You have to provide a SERVICE.. in my case the clients won't even need SE optimization and all that, just having a site gets them 3+ more clients a week (they told me) because their offer looks more "professional".

[xlfutur1]

Originally Posted by MarkR

xlfutur1,


I agree. Medical can be great. But it pays to be picky about what type of doctor.

My only disagreement is the choice of "dentists". My contention is that most people already have a preferred dentist (except new families moving to the area) and therefor won't search Google for a dentist. Most people see a dentist at a young age and stick with them if they like them, until they move.

Whereas, most people don't have a regular, long-standing relationship with a chiropractor, or a podiatrist. Those are generally one-time problems (car accident, sports injury, foot injury, etc.) being solved. Therefore, many more people will use Google to find a local office for those types of situations. I think focusing on a business that people haven't been doing business with for many years is a better long-term strategy. i.e. I've used the same dry cleaner, dentist, family doctor, and grocery store for many years. But when I need a plumber, a podiatrist, a roofer, or a landscaper, I go to Google to find options in my city. See the difference? Make sense? I hope I'm not all wet!

Mark

I understand, and there are many people that already have a dentist, but searches are still done for a dentist in a certain area or town every month. I still see dental ads in newspapers, yellow pages and val pak so they do spend money on advertising to get new patients. Even if they get a word of mouth referral, people still tend to go to the internet to check out their webpage, and if they don't have one, it doesn't make them look very professional. I would guess that chiropractors, plumbers, roofers, podiatrists,etc would be just as good prospects. Its easy to see who has a website when you do a search, so its worth the time to research if you are going to go after this strategy.

[chrisnegro]

Originally Posted by Glenn Leader

Hi Chris,

I do have a very simple system for achieving something like this, and once
my videos have been recorded, I plan to offer as a free WSO as payback
to this wonderful forum...It will probably be the week after next before I
get the time to complete this work...But I warn you, the system is very
simple indeed... a lot of people will kick themselves when they see it's
simplicity and ease.

HTH

Glenn

Thanks Glenn.....would love to hear more about this system you have.

Cheers,

Chris Negro

[elitementor]

Hi Chris,

Great Info you are sharing! I actually started doing something similar recently.
My only challenge has been finding some designers/coders and even a
webmaster I can depend on! I outsource everything since I don't do
any of that. I have plenty of business that I can offer to designer/coder
but no one I can really depend on. My customers depend on me, but my challenge
is 1. putting together a dependable team and 2. Finding dependable designers/coders
who won't price gouge in exchange for consistent work!

Congrats to you and your success!

[greenovni]

Great idea... might implement it to the spanish market

[exmark05@yahoo.com]

Hi,
Can someone tell me how or where can I learn to create websites or website design? I would love to put this thread to the test, but I have no idea about web design, .
Im going to do this if I can figure out the web design part, I will invest in a designated host!
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Will to pay for someone to walk me through this.

[ChrisByrns]

Originally Posted by exmark05@yahoo.com

Hi,
Can someone tell me how or where can I learn to create websites or website design? I would love to put this thread to the test, but I have no idea about web design, .
Im going to do this if I can figure out the web design part, I will invest in a designated host!
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Will to pay for someone to walk me through this.

Unfortunately, REAL webdesign is not a thing you can learn in a minute or two. I will give you some background infos about me: i started drawing comics at the age of 4.. always was an artist, y'know ..in the early nineties i did commercial ANSI art for BBS's.. then, i did logos and graphics in the so-called "demo-scene". The program of choice was Deluxepaint back then. ..Then came the internet and i started using/learning photoshop and HTML, i never used dreamweaver or homesite - just good 'ole msedit.

My advice would be.. get photoshop, learn how to use it. Or if you're on a budget, get GIMP. This may take some time - let's say 6 months.

Then, get comfortable with wordpress themes, to the point that you can create your own theme. Do it and create a basic theme, consisting of a header, footer, background, menu elements, etc.

When you're at this point.. you should have the routine to create a wordpress blog plus some custom graphics in no time.

Being a REAL designer takes a lot more.. you have to have an eye for colors, layout, what works and what not, you need your own style, etc.. this usually can't be achieved in 6 months.

[chrisnegro]

I'm more interested in concentrating on one or two niches (instead of many right now) and build a kick **s website that I can wash, rince, repeat with other businesses (within that niche) and just change the name, contact information and pertinant details pertaining to that business.

Anybody have a concrete plan or idea? I'm been discussin this with some people via PM but there doesn't seem to be a cookie cutter strategy or plan to get this done.

Thoughts?

Chris Negro

[ChrisByrns]

just buy a multi domain license for a really good wp theme that fits that niche.
then, just edit the header..

[Glenn Leader]

Originally Posted by chrisnegro

I'm more interested in concentrating on one or two niches (instead of many right now) and build a kick **s website that I can wash, rince, repeat with other businesses (within that niche) and just change the name, contact information and pertinant details pertaining to that business.

Anybody have a concrete plan or idea? I'm been discussin this with some people via PM but there doesn't seem to be a cookie cutter strategy or plan to get this done.

Thoughts?

Chris Negro

My system does exactly this Chris. I've had to delay the
completion of my videos due to an emergency elsewhere.

Glenn

[chrisnegro]

Originally Posted by ChrisByrns

just buy a multi domain license for a really good wp theme that fits that niche.
then, just edit the header..

Do you recommend any? Is it better to use a Word Press Theme or get a hold of a Website Wizard that the business owner can use (or maybe you can use to prepare the website for your client).

If you can answer this question (which one will be better and more efficient) I think we found the Holy Grail here -- interms of marketing buzz for your hosting angle.

Thoughts?

Chris Negro

[exmark05@yahoo.com]

This tread has got my head spinning with excitement!
MarkR- thanks for the PM, I will be glad to use your affiliate link when the time comes!

Ok, I was doing a little research on a particular business that does have a website that is managed by novator systems,
I couldnt believe that this site didnt come up with some easy keywords for my area, I guess the SEO with novator systems sucks.

My question is how much do you think that they are charging to manage and host a florist, this florist is involved interflora! I would imagine a good bit, ?
Also, thoughts on if you think it is possible on taking over hosting and could i provide the same product (much better SEO) as novator systems?
i really mean the e commerce and updating with specials, does anyone have experience with something like this

Thanks
Josh

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by ChrisByrns

I'll say only five words: Niche Hosting plus free Design.

1) Get yourself a Reseller Account.

2) Offer Hosting + domain registration at reasonable rates to niche customers (e.g.: offer it only to dentists or restaurant owners or whatever).

3) charge 'em like $29.95/month for hosting + maintenance and give 'em a custom design for FREE as an incentive to sign up (24 month hosting contract). You could even outsource the whole design part.

THING IS: Those business owners, they ALL know each other.. one restaurant owner meets another one.. they talk about websites.. restaurant owner A says: "look at my new homepage".. restaurant owner B replies "wow, who did that?".. SHABANG! You get a new customer.

It's all about word-of-mouth propaganda.

I started a new venture last week and i already have 27 customers, each paying about 30 bucks per month (But i won't tell you my niche, LOL )


Cheerz,
Chris.

Now why dont we all think that way ! well done!

[iwanttomakemoney]

Originally Posted by ChrisByrns

Okay here you go:

I'm offering domain-name registration + hosting + design to:

"professional" ladies (call them h**kers, h*es, pr*stitutes, escorts - whatever you like)

The first client i got was actually an escort agency, they wanted sites for all their 16 ladies - from that point the word spread in no time.

That's a really good niche you have going for you. Good job! I'm thinking about offering that to a few small businesses around my area. For me, I'm thinking about hobby shops. The problem is whether or not they are willing to foot $30/month or anything close to that. We'll see, because I have pretty good relationships with those retailers.

[robertseo]

Cool idea thanks!

[Jon Alexander]

I actually think this is a neat idea. My only worry is that as it becomes more pervasive, prices attainable will drop.

[jameshax]

Chris,
sounds like a good idea. I wish there was no competition though. Where I am from, there is a huge amount of competition in hosting and web page design etc. I got a friend doing EXACTLY this, but all I hear from him is complaining.

[Spotted_Doe]

I can vouch for the fact that the Local Biz Builders Forum is THE place to get the best offline info. I've been a member for over a year and visit daily.

LocalBizBuilders - Powered by vBulletin

[JohnSpangler]

There is actually a ton of great info sprinkled throughout a number of forums including WF.

If you just did a quick search through the WF using the term offline you'd have more than enough material to be super successful but you need to take ACTION.

Since reading Andrew's original offline post on getting off your backside and just start talking to business owners, I started working offline in August of 2008 I now have over 40 clients and have increased my rates to over $2000/mo.

I started a coaching program and private consulting business all from the knowledge I gained right here in this forum.

Now the easy part was the learning the hard part was getting up the courage to talk to a business owner.

But after my first few interviews with business owners I survived and actually learned quite a bit from talking to them about their business.

I learned to ask better questions and by asking better questions the business owner feels I am "in tune" with THEIR business.

An inherent trust is established because I am more interested in how I may help them than I am how much can I make off this person.

Provide the results for the customer and the rewards follow but NOTHING happens unless you take action.

To your success,
John

[Terri LC]

all I know is because people know I'm into online business ventures and understand how marketing works, EVERYONE keeps asking me to suggest a good webmaster, everyone wants a simple website (poet, make-your-own babyfood, dentist, and a bunch of non-profits/members of my org I work for) it's crazy....they don't have a clue of where to start!

[Keith Boisvert]

Well, my clients aren't those trailer park, redneck, std-ridden, cheap ass kind of h*es. They are business women with class and style (and more money than the average IM'e

....Because we all know the trailer park hoes don't need full blown websites, a small Google maps listing will do just fine. Dude, you are missing the boat! You are leaving an untapped market behind!(ok, it is well tapped, but not really marketed to)

Redneck trailer park hoes are people too! And what about the midget hookers? Everyone just overlooks them...


Keith

[lilydab]

Good luck with your venture.As long as it works for you thats all that matters!

[dndoseller]

Some businesses will pay thousands of dollars just to have a site made. The vast majority of corporate America has no idea that you can manipulate how sites get listed in Google. They barely know about Adwords. Maybe 1 person in the company runs a campaign and knows anything.

I know, I have been a Webmaster in large corporations since 94. Most have done absolutely nothing to promote their Web site. It just gets traffic naturally as part of the business process.

People are way too knowledgeable and savvy on this forum for their own good. In general folks here think potential customers know way more than they actually do. We are on the Internet all day everyday dealing with web-based businesses and we assume too much.

I work in an international company right now with hundreds of millions in revenue and there is even a rampant lack of basic computer skills. All the super tech-savvy firms get the attention in the news and we buy from them online. But there are still millions if not billions of people who have problems finding a document they saved "somewhere" on their PC. In fact there are billions of people out there in the world that do not even have PCs yet!

The key to charging more therefor is to find business customers with a regular solid income and who are not tech savvy and need your help...desperately. If you do that you can charge 10x and more what the business model on this thread indicates. They don't want cheap, they want good, trustworthy and reliable people who can help lead them to where they know the "should" be online, and they will pay for it.

[ronakg]

Chris, it looks like you're perfectly set up to upsell them on autoresponders. They're probably already spending hundreds of dollars on advertising...you can approach them by saying: I can show you how to eliminate your ad expenses; then set up an autoresponder to start collecting emails, and pretty soon, they can start sending offers to the list and generate cash at will! Google "stupidly simple cash cow", which gives you the details.

[willyboy104]

This all sounds great and I have my idea, the skills necessary and everything else however how would I get my initial clients from?

I was considering approaching the niche market door to door however how professional would a 19 year old look walking in to a shop asking to design and host them a website for $45 a month or whatever. It might just be me but the image doesn't seem to fit. So with that problem in mind, how else could I promote offline without having to sell myself as well?

[Jesus Perez]

Amen to this post, Michael. The sad part: most people won't realize how much work this involves in the long run with some markets until they're neck-deep in change requests. And get ready for the backlash when you try to bill for site changes after building the site for free.

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

You'll soon find that your $360 a year client that gets a free site in exchange for expensive hosting will ultimately turn into $2500 in overhead.

[MarkR]

BlueSquares,

Good point, and one to be careful with.

That is certainly a consideration, but I think a properly built contract/agreement that specifies no further modifications are done without additional fees, can solve that problem easily. Or offer a "Gold Plan" and raise the monthly price and state that the monthly fee includes X hours of site maintenance, if needed (no carry over month to month) and you're covered.

Change requests can be performed by anyone with the knowledge if you don't want to play that game. And you could consider the change requests another source of recurring revenue if you wanted to participate.

So, if handled properly upfront, I see the change requests/overhead as an opportunity, not a challenge. Just clearly articulate what the customer gets and doesn't for $0, and specify the charges for modifications up-front and you'll save a lot of headaches.

Mark

[honestbizpro]

Promoting something with a contunuity program for re-curring monthly income will always be recipe for success in my book. Thanks for sharing!

[AndyBlackSEO]

Yes, I think the 24 months is what they're tied to, so if they want to keep the site running after that, they'll just pay monthly. That's how I understood it.

If I were you though, I'd charge something like $69 for the first payment and then $39.95 per month.

That would include a simple cms system so that they can easily update their own content. This adds value to them and would mean less work for you. You'd just give them access to online videos to show them how to use it.

I'd then offer them a good value seo package and maybe outsource this. Of course, you'd make a profit on this.

If you played your cards right you'd have quite a little empire in no time with little work involved for yourself.

[Instructor]

What would be a good CMS to use other than WP or Joomla?

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by dndoseller

Some businesses will pay thousands of dollars just to have a site made. The vast majority of corporate America has no idea that you can manipulate how sites get listed in Google. They barely know about Adwords. Maybe 1 person in the company runs a campaign and knows anything.

I know, I have been a Webmaster in large corporations since 94. Most have done absolutely nothing to promote their Web site. It just gets traffic naturally as part of the business process.

People are way too knowledgeable and savvy on this forum for their own good. In general folks here think potential customers know way more than they actually do. We are on the Internet all day everyday dealing with web-based businesses and we assume too much.

I work in an international company right now with hundreds of millions in revenue and there is even a rampant lack of basic computer skills. All the super tech-savvy firms get the attention in the news and we buy from them online. But there are still millions if not billions of people who have problems finding a document they saved "somewhere" on their PC. In fact there are billions of people out there in the world that do not even have PCs yet!

The key to charging more therefor is to find business customers with a regular solid income and who are not tech savvy and need your help...desperately. If you do that you can charge 10x and more what the business model on this thread indicates. They don't want cheap, they want good, trustworthy and reliable people who can help lead them to where they know the "should" be online, and they will pay for it.

bingo

The SMB market is even more abysmal in their understanding.

[MarkR]

What would be a good CMS to use other than WP or Joomla?

Well, that depends. Is it a static HTML site? If so, CushyCMS is as easy as it gets, and free.

Mark

[bionictortoise]

This is basically what Offline Gold is all about, but $30 a month is really limiting. Is that all you think you're work is worth?

I know two people who do this already and one charges $350 for the site and $180 per month per client - (they have quite a few) and uses the keywords as the domain, rather than the business name - that redirects to the original biz site. They also do lots of PR and articles for that so the traffic goes up every month.

But the keyword domain is always the marketer's. They rent it out, and if the client ever wants to quit, the site goes to their competitor, with a ready-made rush of traffic because the last company did a lot of their own SEO by updating the blog every week!

I guess that's a hybrid system between offline IM and lead generation.

[Jimnopks]

Great Idea Chris,

You started this thread a year ago and said you would give us an annual report.

Is your plan still rocking?

If, did you sign up any Midget hookers? That's what I want to know.


Jim