7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How do people contact you?

by JakeM1
5 replies
When you're using offline marketing, what tends to be the most popular way in which clients then contact you?

Do most people end up visiting your website and then message you through a contact form?

Or do they email you directly from their offline media (flyer, business card etc)?

Or do they tend to phone?

Or do they contact you in some other way? Twitter, by post etc?
#contact #people
  • Profile picture of the author JakeM1
    Thanks for the votes so far. I've been trying to decide whether or not to have a phone number for my business as i prefer to deal by email.

    I think I am going to have to get a phone number as it's another sign which gives a client confidence in taking up my services.

    Hopefully this gets a few more votes as I'm keen to see the way in which people respond to offline media.

    I'd like to see whether offline media works because it targets people who don't really use the internet and don't like dealing with people online, or whether offline media ultimately is just a more memorable way to drive people to your website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9673958].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      when starting a business I would say it is just short of a requirement thatyou get a phone number for it. we are talking just adding a line to your cel plan.

      Here is my overall thinking here. #1 with a business dedicated line, you can simply shut off work if you have to. I have done satellite installs for YEARS and people will call me at 3 in the morning because their TV isn't working. and the last time I was at their house was 3 years ago, but they have kept your business card.

      #2 Not only do you get a new phone line get a gmail account for you business. You tie that g-mail acct to that phone. every contact in that phone is saved with the gmail account. you loose the phone, all your contacts are a update away. All you business e-mail goes to the phone. Learn to use Google calendar and your business schedule is on that phone.

      #3 The phone in todays world is a TOOL. Its not just for calling and getting calls, it is basically a computer in your pocket. The phone becomes the connection between YOU and your business, and ultimately YOUR business and your clients.

      Seriously... Phone contact, email contact, appointment setting, appointment reminder, social contact... in your pocket. probably the most under utilized piece of technology that we have in our hands on a daily basis.


      Originally Posted by JakeM1 View Post

      Thanks for the votes so far. I've been trying to decide whether or not to have a phone number for my business as i prefer to deal by email.

      I think I am going to have to get a phone number as it's another sign which gives a client confidence in taking up my services.

      Hopefully this gets a few more votes as I'm keen to see the way in which people respond to offline media.

      I'd like to see whether offline media works because it targets people who don't really use the internet and don't like dealing with people online, or whether offline media ultimately is just a more memorable way to drive people to your website.
      Signature
      Success is an ACT not an idea
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9674767].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Here's the thing.

    While I definitely make sure my clients are doing business with me based on my ground rules.

    I never ever limit the ways a prospective new customer can get in touch with me.

    Think about it this way. What "IF" you had 5 new prospects actually ready to give you their hard earned money and were ready to phone you up and speak with you, only to find out you don't have a phone number?

    What message to you think that sends to them?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9675868].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JakeM1
      Thanks, it does sound like essential requirement then.

      I've just signed up for a new phone number today (based on your recommendation of keeping a separate line for business, and can then manage it through an app on my iPhone.

      Looking around, I managed to get hold on a landline number which matches my local area code (something I feel will give local customers more confidence in using my services).

      I've now added it onto my business card design as well, and I must admit, it does look a lot better being on there!

      It's interesting to see that the phone number is also showing up as the most popular contact message on the poll.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9679374].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author longrobnc
    In my experience, I close about 60% of my phone leads. Emails and webforms close at less than 10%.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9679389].message }}

Trending Topics