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Targeting Clients With a Website or without

by BC27
9 replies
Hey WF,

1st post after years as a member.

I have come to rely on this forum a lot lately and I am a frequent visitor for the last few months.

I have decided to take the leap to my own biz as a local online marketer. I have been doing so as an in-house SEO/SEM for almost 3 years now, I'm a 1 man band.

I'm pretty good at it so I see no reason why I shouldn't.

My question has to do with what the title says. I am planning out my target market to go after and wanted some feedback as to targeting clients WITH current websites, or WITHOUT.

This may not be a determining factor depending upon your answers.

My thinking is that if they don't have a website, besides the extra income I can set things up myself without interference. If they do have a website, I may have to deal with another person/web developer to get my marketing implemented on the site.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

-Brian

p.s. A big thanks to Dexx for the info on your site. It was a huge help in me planning out a strategy.
#clients #targeting #website
  • Profile picture of the author Sondor
    Hi BC,

    I'm guess I don't see the point in limiting it either way?

    Sooner or later you will likely run across both situations, so might as well accept it now and not limit your marketing?
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  • Profile picture of the author thesorcerersapprentice
    Both have advantages and disadvantages.

    Going after clients without websites has its advantages because it means that I can build the site for them. The downside is when you are in the lead generation phase the fact that they haven't got a website already often means they have no idea about being online and are often hostile to it and wed to traditional advertising/marketing methods. In this case you just move on.

    Going after clients with a website means that the business owner understands about the need to be online but quite often you get 'yea I have a guy that does my website stuff already'. That's when you need to point out that there is a huge difference between just having a website and one that is ranking (as obviously you wont target businesses that are already on page one). In these cases though I would always try to convince the owner to start with another site... never try and clear up somebody else's mess.
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    • Profile picture of the author rcaffrey
      Originally Posted by thesorcerersapprentice View Post

      Both have advantages and disadvantages.

      Going after clients without websites has its advantages because it means that I can build the site for them. The downside is when you are in the lead generation phase the fact that they haven't got a website already often means they have no idea about being online and are often hostile to it and wed to traditional advertising/marketing methods. In this case you just move on.

      Going after clients with a website means that the business owner understands about the need to be online but quite often you get 'yea I have a guy that does my website stuff already'. That's when you need to point out that there is a huge difference between just having a website and one that is ranking (as obviously you wont target businesses that are already on page one). In these cases though I would always try to convince the owner to start with another site... never try and clear up somebody else's mess.
      I would have to agree here. Especially about building a new site. I try to explain that hiring a web designer is like hiring a builder to design your house. It may look good, but you do not know if it is structurally sound or will fulfil it's function. That usually helps get the concept across.
      Ray
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    • Profile picture of the author BC27
      Originally Posted by thesorcerersapprentice View Post

      Both have advantages and disadvantages.

      Going after clients without websites has its advantages because it means that I can build the site for them. The downside is when you are in the lead generation phase the fact that they haven't got a website already often means they have no idea about being online and are often hostile to it and wed to traditional advertising/marketing methods. In this case you just move on.
      I had thought of that as being a roadblock and more hoops to jump through so thanks for reminding me.

      Going after clients with a website means that the business owner understands about the need to be online but quite often you get 'yea I have a guy that does my website stuff already'. That's when you need to point out that there is a huge difference between just having a website and one that is ranking (as obviously you wont target businesses that are already on page one). In these cases though I would always try to convince the owner to start with another site... never try and clear up somebody else's mess.
      I hadn't thought of trying to get them to start fresh with a new site.

      Cleaning up someone else's mess and trying to deal with someone they already have a level of trust with, and most likely who's opinion they will ask about me and my services is what I wanted to avoid.

      I've typically found resentment in this situation from the original developer and they take their time implementing my work, making me look bad.

      This begs the question...

      Maybe I should charge MORE if they want me to optimize an existing website instead of less.

      Any opinions?

      I could explain all the hassle and complications involved with this way for me and why it costs more. I'd let them know that I can use the same basic look and feel of the existing website on the new one, but structure the site properly, AND do it cheaper for them.

      I also agree not to limit it to one or the other as I'll just be passing over potential clients.

      Thanks for the replies.

      -Brian
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      • Profile picture of the author sprks79
        Originally Posted by BC27 View Post


        I've typically found resentment in this situation from the original developer and they take their time implementing my work, making me look bad.

        This begs the question...

        Maybe I should charge MORE if they want me to optimize an existing website instead of less.

        -Brian

        Brian,

        I always charge more if I have to doctor an already existing site. The hassle from the original developer to implement your ideas and changes are almost always going to be there. One of my first few clients in my first year was like that. His "website guy" took forever implementing a whole hours worth of changes, making me look a bit bad in the process. I informed the business owner that my part was done and as soon as his web guy gets around to it he will be better off. The business owner swiftly replaced his "web guy" with myself. Charging more for someone elses headache is common practice in our world. Hope this helps.

        Scott
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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    I use a software that just came out to target businesses that have a website....
    It is easy due to the fact that their "website" is held hostage... If the client stops doing business with the company, their website is gone.

    So, I say, "Wouldn't you like control of your business assets?"
    I haven't had a no, yet.... (Knock on wood)

    Here is a link to the software:
    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...pots-left.html
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  • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
    It all depends on your plan. If you're like me, then you don't really have a rock solid plan that you NEED to stick by, because (again, if you're like me) you're relatively new to the whole offline-thing.

    In such a case, I would say that if there is somewhere where you can help a business, regardless if they have a website or not, then you would do so, right?

    If so, this just means you should be looking at targeting both of them. There's really no reason to say no to any such business. If there is an opportunity for them to benefit from your work & at the same time for you to benefit - what is there to say no to.

    On the other hand, if you are looking to sell websites - you are obviously trying to hit the people WITHOUT websites. If you are looking to sell FB fanpages, then again you're looking for someone WITH a website, etc etc. All depends on what you're planning to specialise in, at least for the beginning!
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  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    I have to agree that those with websites already up and running can be a real pain in the A**. Getting them to make the necessary changes, fighting you on everything, and then even sabotaging your efforts.

    Plus I have way better success getting the rankings necessary and do it a hell of alot quicker if I am the one building the site or at least directing and managing its construction.

    It makes my job so much easier and much less work if I build the site.

    So in essence you could have one set of fees for revamping their site and another for you building another one for them.

    Just make it very clear in your agreement or contract that if the changes you are suggesting are not made that it will take longer and cost more money in the long run to achieve the desired results if they are achieved at all.
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    • Profile picture of the author BC27
      Thanks all,

      That's the info I needed.

      -Brian
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