Unable to get interested people (Portfolio Building)

7 replies
I am trying to build my Web Design portfolio and I did walk-ins to a bunch of stores/businesses and only got 2 interested people. I was basically offering to create free websites for these businesses and in return I wanted to put them in my portfolio. I am devastated from all the rejections. What can I do to build my portfolio quickly?
#interested #people #unable
  • Profile picture of the author Mav91890
    Link us you web design site.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Some times you have to just do what you have to do.

      Try developing a couple of sites for yourself. An Amazon Affiliate site using a e-commerce plugin as an example of what your e-commerce solution might look like.

      Design your Companies website specifically to be more of a "Professional" site AKA a site that could easily transition to a doctor or layers site etc.

      Develop a informational site. Do a whole site dedicated to a local park with images and a video etc.

      Develop another site that is more for the use of selling a single product. Something that requires a good solid sales funnel.

      Make sure all of these actually PRODUCE income, GET visitors, and look good doing it. Following these steps will get you out of selling sites, and into SELLING RESULTS. and I will first hand tell you there is a HUGE difference!
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    Maybe they just didn't like your web design abilities?
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    My first question is different than the others. What constitutes "a bunch" of businesses that you walked into? Maybe your expectations of the percentage of willing participants is too high. If you visited 10 places and call that a bunch, 2 out of 10 may not be bad.

    Also, none of us know how well you presented yourself. If you went out dressed like a slob and said "yo, ya wanna free website?" then of course your numbers would suck. What did you have to show them? I'm not letting you use my business name and likeness if you can't show me some idea of what you can do for me. What was your presentation?

    And finally, WHY weren't they interested? Did you maybe target and industry or area of town in which businesses are more progressive in that they have established online presences?
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    • Profile picture of the author Freebiequeen1999
      You might want to look for (the rare) business that does NOT have a website

      Just walking in doors and offering the freebie won't fly if the owner likes his current site, has spent money on it , or is proud of his own efforts.

      Offering the free site to a business that does not have a site might work.
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      • Profile picture of the author joe golfer
        Originally Posted by Freebiequeen1999 View Post

        You might want to look for (the rare) business that does NOT have a website
        They aren't rare. About half of businesses still don't have a website.
        Survey: 52% of SMBs Still Don’t Have a Website | Street Fight

        My gut feeling is OP needs to make more calls. A lot more.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    I agree that you probably need to make more sales calls.

    Probably need to learn more about the sales process and starting a business in general.

    Need to learn to sell the value and return on investment, not just sell websites.

    Offer your skills to marketing firms who outsource their work.

    Use the Warriors for hire section. Carefully.

    Give free websites to non-profits - maybe friends - who need them so their members and Board of Directors will brag about you, give you free publicity or real referrals.

    Offer high value packages, not free.

    Build up your own website and sales funnel so you can show your capabilities and get warm leads that way.

    Dan
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