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Target my own industry or local small business?

by gbannerman
3 replies
Hello.

Lets says my industry is 'window cleaning' and my company is fairly successful in my industry, I have a good web presence, i understand SEO and generally i could be considered as one of the new breeds helping move my industry forward. We have a window cleaning group on linkedin, and a couple of groups on facebook totalling around 2000 members, mostly all window cleaning company owners. Then there are a couple of other forums with several hundred members but probably most of the same people as the groups, so let's say realistically i have 'access' to 1500 people in my industry.

The intention would be to build a subscriber list of my industry contacts by offering them FREE industry related graphics (for sign up), tips on ranking SEO for their area and/or website advice. With the goal of selling my services as website consultant, designer, seo services and other web related offerings.

I could also offer them a simple lead collection page for 15 USD or small bits like that. Is this worth it due to the limited numbers? I know the rule is to find something you know about and use that.. but what would be the best way to use my industry knowledge coupled with my IM related knowledge? I could suggest products and do affiliate stuff like amazon, suggesting tool belts and other products.

Alternatively, i started up my company and it is a typical small business.. would I be better off targeting my area's small businesses instead, offering local consultancy and then the additional products mentioned above such as web design, seo..etc.

Should I target my own industry or local small business? Advice please.
#based #industry #net #service #target
  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    Targetting your own industry is much easier.

    You already mentioned you know where they hang out.
    You know what their problems are.
    You know the industry lingo.
    You know who their customers are.
    You know where their customers are.
    You know the marketing rules and regulations for that industry. (At least in your state)

    And it sounds like you already have products/services that you are using that are producing results. Plus you get to try things in your own business and then can easily sell them based on your results.

    I am actually in the process of swithching my business of working with all kinds of different businesses to picking just a few niches because of the amount of work it takes to work within an industry I am not familiar with.
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  • Profile picture of the author Warrior X
    Matt's got it. Obvious choice, start with what you know.

    Jeremy
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  • Profile picture of the author gbannerman
    Thanks for the advice. I guess i was hung up on my feelings that it needs to be a mass audience to make decent money. But you're right, start with what I know, it'll be easier that way. All the best.
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