What does the client really need?

5 replies
We just had a customer come in yesterday to give us a progress report.

He has been in business for 30+ years. In the same location for 17 of those years. (In the same city for all 30+ years.)

After having people repeatedly call him for directions to his place, he couldn't understand how in the world so many people didn't know where he was. (Not sure where the leads found him - online, advertising, or what.)

So after 17 years in the same location, he finally drove by his store. With a passenger. And a stop watch.

He had 2.7 seconds as he drove by to see his sign in one direction. 3.5 seconds coming the other way. But even when he was looking for his sign, it was hard to spot. And he's the owner. Looking for it.

Long story short, he got a new sign. And not only does he have far fewer people asking for directions, he has noticed much more foot traffic and calls from people going by.

I know most people here are focused on providing leads through online marketing and direct mail, but don't overlook simple solutions for your client that can give dramatic results.

Hope this helps.
#client
  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    Your point is entirely valid.

    In fact shortly I'm doing a live broadcast with another member here who directly addresses that issue for business clients in Michigan.

    I'll post an update here when we are running that seminar. (It will be broadcast online as well)

    Your observation is directly related to what many business people feel.

    Signage is one issue but being buried in a strip mall without a clue about what to do to reach your market apart from signage...although signage is a component....is the key to driving prospects and is vital for the small businesses survival.

    Best regards,

    Ozi
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    • Profile picture of the author Robscom
      Originally Posted by Oziboomer View Post


      Signage is one issue but being buried in a strip mall without a clue about what to do to reach your market apart from signage...although signage is a component....is the key to driving prospects and is vital for the small businesses survival.

      Best regards,

      Ozi
      Oh, I totally agree. Signage is just one component.

      It's all part of the bigger picture.
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      "Do. Or do not. There is no 'try.'" -- Yoda
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  • Profile picture of the author umc
    Nice share. It's often small things that get overlooked that could have large impacts without costing much time or money. Business owners should all take time to see their business from the customer's point of view.
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    I loved, for 2 years, across the back of a mall. In that mall, entering through the alley, there's a hair and nails place. Neither I, nor my wife, ever, ever noticed it.

    They have a big sign above the door. But the door is in the back, by an alley, that goes round and round... I did not know it was an alley that took you anywhere but to garbage bins.

    Business, 6 or 7 years later, is not booming... But they have a big sign.
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    • Profile picture of the author Robscom
      Originally Posted by DABK View Post

      I loved, for 2 years, across the back of a mall. In that mall, entering through the alley, there's a hair and nails place. Neither I, nor my wife, ever, ever noticed it.

      They have a big sign above the door. But the door is in the back, by an alley, that goes round and round... I did not know it was an alley that took you anywhere but to garbage bins.

      Business, 6 or 7 years later, is not booming... But they have a big sign.
      Yeah, visibility is a key issue. A sign company worth its salt will find out the best signage that's allowed by local ordinances and make sure you get the best placement and visibility.

      Beautiful signs should be seen.
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      "Do. Or do not. There is no 'try.'" -- Yoda
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