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A Little Tip For Those Who "Rent" Local Websites

by J.M.Wilson
60 replies
Hey guys

It was only a matter of a few months ago I was getting into the renting out of local trades websites and I'm glad to say I've hit the ground running which is a great feeling! My overall offline internet marketing business is starting to take shape as well which is down to this forum and a lot of hard graft!

I've got a little tip for those who rent out local business websites and it refers specifically to increasing the lifetime rental time per website. When you secure an agreement with a local business and transfer of business details etc has been done, I've started to surprise the business owner with a batch of business cards emblazoned with their new website address and other business details.

This saves them the hassle of having new cards made to advertise their website on AND it ensures they HAVE to stay renting the website from you or face changing all their business cards... AGAIN!

It's a small tip but business owners love getting free business cards and it will really help to increase that overall lifetime value from each rental you get... leaving you free to chase additional rentals instead of finding new leasees for a site that's been given up

Any more tips for increasing rental lengths from the traditional 6-12 months?
#local #rent #tip #websites
  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Great idea but what happens if they already have well designed business card?

    I assume you are using someone like vistaprint and only printing a small batch.
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    • Profile picture of the author peter_act
      I don't have any contracts for my rentals, which I find most clients appreciate.
      I tell them that if they are not satisfied, just stop paying.
      As Jamie Garside (Gogetta) says, he has never had anyone cancel, so what's the use of a contract?
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      • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
        Originally Posted by peter_act View Post

        I don't have any contracts for my rentals, which I find most clients appreciate.
        I tell them that if they are not satisfied, just stop paying.
        As Jamie Garside (Gogetta) says, he has never had anyone cancel, so what's the use of a contract?
        I don't really care what Jamie Garside has to say to be honest but if you seriously don't know the use of a contract and you are running a business I would hate to be in your shoes if something were to go wrong.
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        • Profile picture of the author pcullum
          Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

          I don't really care what Jamie Garside has to say to be honest but if you seriously don't know the use of a contract and you are running a business I would hate to be in your shoes if something were to go wrong.
          J.M> I tried to sign up for your niche information, but there was a server SQL error that kept the form up form from being accepted.

          Best Wishes,
          Phil Cullum
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      Maybe you could ask them kind-of under the radar.

      I 'm just thinking.

      Joe Mobley


      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

      Great idea but what happens if they already have well designed business card?
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    • Profile picture of the author Oggyoi
      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

      Great idea but what happens if they already have well designed business card?

      I assume you are using someone like vistaprint and only printing a small batch.
      Vistaprint ?

      If anyone sent me cards done by them, I'd think it an insult, throw them in the bin and probably move my business from you.

      I have never seen such poor quality crap in all my years of selling print.

      I agree with your point about them already having a nice card, the cost to reproduce and add a web address could run into £100 + and then you are leaving the client 1 of 2 options;
      1) Do they come to you for more cards etc in due course

      or

      2) They have to go back to their own printer and ask them to change the card layout to include the website address, which will probably mean a resetting fee for the printing.
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by AussieT View Post

      Great idea but what happens if they already have well designed business card?

      I assume you are using someone like vistaprint and only printing a small batch.
      Most of the time they do have their own cards designed and from what I've experienced most local business owners are on tight budgets and use Vista Print themselves.

      It's a case of surprising them by asking something like "Hey, with your new website up and running you're going to want new business cards, right? As a thank you, let me take care of them. Is there any specific design you want?"

      Something along those lines. Yes, you are out of pocket initially but in the long run it's another reason they won't cancel on you down the line
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  • Profile picture of the author michael214
    Thank you for sharing your idea in renting websites.
    I think it is depend on the website we rent...depend on the packages...
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  • Profile picture of the author KabirC
    Always have a contract, it will save your ass if anyone wants to back-out or from any kind of lawsuit some crazy client will pull.
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    • Profile picture of the author philboy uk
      Set them up a facebook fanpage.
      Give them some review cards to hand out to customers - put a qr code with links to relevant review sites, ( also an apportunity to have a link to your services )
      Upsell google places services.
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  • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
    By J.M.Wilson: "...if you seriously don't know the use of a contract and you are running a business I would hate to be in your shoes..."

    By KaberC: "Always have a contract, it will save your ass if anyone wants to back-out or from any kind of lawsuit some crazy client will pull."

    Since we are clearly talking about "Rentals" here, enlighten me on the necessities of having a contract? What sort of the things would be mentioned? In the real world, I don't come into contracts with the month-to-month deals. It's the long term contracts are where I see them.

    As for Vistaprint, they are only as good as the designer.

    LastWarrior
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

      By J.M.Wilson: "...if you seriously don't know the use of a contract and you are running a business I would hate to be in your shoes..."

      By KaberC: "Always have a contract, it will save your ass if anyone wants to back-out or from any kind of lawsuit some crazy client will pull."

      Since we are clearly talking about "Rentals" here, enlighten me on the necessities of having a contract? What sort of the things would be mentioned? In the real world, I don't come into contracts with the month-to-month deals. It's the long term contracts are where I see them.

      As for Vistaprint, they are only as good as the designer.

      LastWarrior
      Have you never rented a car? Or a house? Or anything for that matter? Practically everything we rent we sign a contract for and for good reason too.

      What things are mentioned? Liability, payment terms and dates, failure to pay penalties... etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
        Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

        Have you never rented a car? Or a house? Or anything for that matter? Practically everything we rent we sign a contract for and for good reason too.

        What things are mentioned? Liability, payment terms and dates, failure to pay penalties... etc.
        Up your reading comprehension skills please. We are not talking about that here.... or so it appears to me from the title of the post.

        I thought I made it clear we are talking about a month-to-month thing. I don't see the necessities in that, yet people here talk as if it is necessary, so hence my questions.

        We are not talking about renting cars, houses, etc. LOL! We're talking a contract for the month-to-month rental of a website.... or it appears the other posters were. I figure if I'm missing something about contracts being necessary for a monthly, then I'd like to know.

        Peter_act seemed to get the ball rolling with his post about lack of a contract, of which I agree.

        LastWarrior
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        • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
          Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

          Up your reading comprehension skills please. We are not talking about that here.... or so it appears to me from the title of the post.

          I thought I made it clear we are talking about a month-to-month thing. I don't see the necessities in that, yet people here talk as if it is necessary, so hence my questions.

          We are not talking about renting cars, houses, etc. LOL! We're talking a contract for the month-to-month rental of a website.... or it appears the other posters were.

          Peter_act seemed to get the ball rolling with his post about lack of a contract, of which I agree.

          LastWarrior
          How is the month to month rental of a website different to the month to month rental of a car, or a house? Is it because it's merely just a "website" that you see as having less value than a house or car? Or is it because your business model doesn't require rentees to commit to a minimum rental term? Or something completely different?

          If you own something and you are renting it out to someone with no contract you are leaving yourself open to all sorts of problems. Contracts are not to be viewed as the devil either, they are there to protect both parties. That's why with everything we rent, we sign contracts for. I don't know of any product available to rent where you wouldn't sign a contract (of some form) for and I don't see why a website should be different - minimum term contract or otherwise.

          If you are happy without one then go ahead and run your business that way. I'm not and to finish, can we please stick on the topic of this thread, if you want to discuss contractual agreements and other technicalities, feel free to start your own.
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          • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
            Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

            How is the month to month rental of a website different to the month to month rental of a car, or a house? Is it because it's merely just a "website" that you see as having less value than a house or car? Or is it because your business model doesn't require rentees to commit to a minimum rental term? Or something completely different?

            If you own something and you are renting it out to someone with no contract you are leaving yourself open to all sorts of problems. Contracts are not to be viewed as the devil either, they are there to protect both parties. That's why with everything we rent, we sign contracts for. I don't know of any product available to rent where you wouldn't sign a contract (of some form) for and I don't see why a website should be different - minimum term contract or otherwise.

            If you are happy without one then go ahead and run your business that way. I'm not and to finish, can we please stick on the topic of this thread, if you want to discuss contractual agreements and other technicalities, feel free to start your own.
            That's fluff. You didn't even address my question. I guess I typed too fast or something.

            Ok, lets do it this way...

            1.) YOU are offering a website to be rented BY-THE-MONTH
            2.) YOU feel it necessary to have a contract
            3.) Have an example of what that contract would say?

            And please, don't talk about other things that are not part of the discussion as you did twice now. I feel my questions are fairly simple and straight forward! LOL!

            And remember, we are talking about a month-to-month website site rental project, not about cars or renting houses. LOL!

            LastWarrior
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            • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
              Originally Posted by LastWarrior View Post

              That's fluff. You didn't even address my question. I guess I typed too fast or something.

              Ok, lets do it this way...

              1.) YOU are offering a website to be rented BY-THE-MONTH
              2.) YOU feel it necessary to have a contract
              3.) Have an example of what that contract would say?

              And please, don't talk about other things that are not part of the discussion as you did twice now. I feel my questions are fairly simple and straight forward! LOL!

              And remember, we are talking about a month-to-month website site rental project, not about cars or renting houses. LOL!

              LastWarrior
              Sorry, I don't see why you keep asking me to answer your questions when I have done already whilst you continue to refuse to answer my questions. In addition, ammending LOL to the end of your arguments doesn't make you look very clever either. Each to their own, I s'pose.

              I still can't fathom why you have such a large problem with me comparing a website rental to rentals in other markets. In fact, you seem hell bent on ignoring the comparison completely without answering my question as to why?

              1) That's correct. I offer websites to be rented by the month in local markets. I secure page one rankings and traffic for the website and then rent it out for a miminum of either 6 or 12 months at X price.

              2) Yes, I feel it's neccessary to have a contract.

              3) The contracts cover the basics such as no promises on traffic volume, no liabilty for business generation or revenue, the frequency I will update the website with new information, payment periods and length, missed payment penalties, hosting clauses if needed and so on.

              I don't simply say "Pay me $X every month and if you don't I'll take your site away" because it's futile and leaving me open to all sorts of problems.

              Now, I feel I've tried to answer your questions best I can. Could you please type a little bit slower and use less big words (3 syllables max please) and give me an answer to the following;

              1. Why is renting a website "BY-THE-MONTH different from renting any other product or service "BY-THE-MONTH."

              2. If you believe it to be the case, do you think that your business is protected without a contract or a written agreement of some sort in place?

              (Remember, contracts aren't used solely for minimum rental term websites, in fact let's ignore that point for now. Assume there is no minimum term and the leasee can cancel at any time.)
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          • Profile picture of the author enterpryzman
            Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

            How is the month to month rental of a website different to the month to month rental of a car, or a house? Is it because it's merely just a "website" that you see as having less value than a house or car? Or is it because your business model doesn't require rentees to commit to a minimum rental term? Or something completely different?

            If you own something and you are renting it out to someone with no contract you are leaving yourself open to all sorts of problems. Contracts are not to be viewed as the devil either, they are there to protect both parties. That's why with everything we rent, we sign contracts for. I don't know of any product available to rent where you wouldn't sign a contract (of some form) for and I don't see why a website should be different - minimum term contract or otherwise.

            If you are happy without one then go ahead and run your business that way. I'm not and to finish, can we please stick on the topic of this thread, if you want to discuss contractual agreements and other technicalities, feel free to start your own.


            The main topic and tip was great, thanks BUT.....a very clear difference exist in rental of a website than the other items talked about. As a simple example, a car can easily cause the death of a person which requires as much protection as possible......apples to apples is what I suggest, not large contrast such as that.

            Perhaps a variation of the OP's suggestion would be to create a card that only states the URL or possibly a banner to display on location that states the URL. Once the client builds a relationship with the URL and considers it their identity......you can then enter into a long term contract or sell it.

            Enterpryzman
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  • Profile picture of the author AussieT
    Guys this seems to be going rapidly off topic. The guys wanted to share a little tip that he found helpful and now its become a debate about the pros and cons of a contract.

    Thanks for the tip, I will keep it mind in the future.
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  • Profile picture of the author krzysiek
    I just want to chime in here. Not taking any side at all, so please... if you're going to flame, keep that last point in mind.

    Now, about contracts. Although, 'ideally' I would not use a contract because I wouldn't have to etc - .... if the world didn't have the messed up people that it does.

    I am starting out with renting sites, and I do plan on having a contract. Maybe I won't even include anything about securing the client in for X period of time, but at the very *least* I would state the services offered on a monthly basis for the price paid - even if I am not going to ask them to stick with me for 6 months, etc.

    One day someone can just pull some crazy legal stuff on you and demand a refund because you didn't do this or that or whatever else they may have felt would be justified for the price they're paying, and without a contract they are pretty much in the 'right' because they can provide receipts of payments made, but you can't really provide any sort of proof of their prior agreement to said payments for said service.

    I mean, HOPEFULLY you never have to come to such a case/situation, maybe you never will.... but I am sure it will happen to someone, somewhere. Sure, this is only one example, but it is example enough for me to employ just a small, basic contract. I Just want to stay on the safe side, knowing I am getting paid for the service I am providing, and ensuring both parties are on the same level, not just through conversation, but on paper.
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    • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
      Originally Posted by krzysiek View Post

      ...I do plan on having a contract. Maybe I won't even include anything about securing the client in for X period of time, but at the very *least* I would state the services offered on a monthly basis for the price paid...
      Ok, now we're cooking with gas. At least that reply is straight forward and on topic! I can see that as an option.

      LastWarrior
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  • Profile picture of the author philboy uk
    so any tips on renting out sites ?
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by philboy uk View Post

      so any tips on renting out sites ?
      Yes

      Get a page one ranking for their main search term, print out the traffic stats and present them to the business owner along with a live demo of the website, going to Google and showing him his potential site showing up on the first page.

      Traffic doesn't need to be in the hundreds either... a website for a plumber I completed got around 120 visits last month from being on page one of "Town+Plumber"... 120 potential customers for a plumber...

      I use Wordpress and Thesis to design these websites and have a system where I can knock out a generic website in a matter of hours which can then be easily changed down the line to suit the person renting it.
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      • Profile picture of the author zoro
        Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

        Yes

        Get a page one ranking for their main search term, print out the traffic stats and present them to the business owner along with a live demo of the website, going to Google and showing him his potential site showing up on the first page.

        Traffic doesn't need to be in the hundreds either... a website for a plumber I completed got around 120 visits last month from being on page one of "Town+Plumber"... 120 potential customers for a plumber...

        I use Wordpress and Thesis to design these websites and have a system where I can knock out a generic website in a matter of hours which can then be easily changed down the line to suit the person renting it.
        Thanks for the great info. I have set up 2 websites (1 Real Estate + Town the other Resturant + Town) and I've got them both ranked position 3 on first page of google but I'll be dammed if I can get anyone interested?
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        • Profile picture of the author Bon508
          I'm going to be testing a different freebie -- a (short) video on YouTube promoting their business which will direct viewers to the website. It might have a higher perceived value than a stack of new business cards. But (depending on how much you'll be getting from the client) maybe both gifts would be cool.
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          • Profile picture of the author peter_act
            Originally Posted by Bon508 View Post

            I'm going to be testing a different freebie -- a (short) video on YouTube promoting their business which will direct viewers to the website. It might have a higher perceived value than a stack of new business cards.
            This is what I use Bonnie,

            I show them my promo video at and offer them a free one just like it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hugh
    No contract here, either. But I do email a memo of understanding to
    cover the main of our agreement. I ask for a reply in agreement.
    Much less threatening.

    To OP. Thanks for the tip.

    Hugh
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by Hugh View Post

      No contract here, either. But I do email a memo of understanding to
      cover the main of our agreement. I ask for a reply in agreement.
      Much less threatening.

      To OP. Thanks for the tip.

      Hugh
      In essence, is a memo of understanding not also pretty much the same as a contract? If things went pear shaped down the line could you refer to this and it would stand up legally, or not?

      I think it's important to have something in place to cover your back.
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    • Profile picture of the author Valerie DuVall
      Originally Posted by Hugh View Post

      No contract here, either. But I do email a memo of understanding to
      cover the main of our agreement. I ask for a reply in agreement.
      Much less threatening.

      To OP. Thanks for the tip.

      Hugh

      I am in Hugh's camp - this is the tactic I take with my offline clients as well as MY offline business.

      Unless I was offering a guarantee (which I do not) I wouldn't have a formal contract.

      But that is my policy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    To the OP's first post and the idea of gifting the client with a free order of business cards, I think it's a great idea.

    ...and you would surely have access to a copy of their LOGO so could include that design on the new cards....frankly, if they see their logo on it they will be happy...and appreciative.
    (regardless whether they have other cards or not)
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by brucerby View Post

      To the OP's first post and the idea of gifting the client with a free order of business cards, I think it's a great idea.

      ...and you would surely have access to a copy of their LOGO so could include that design on the new cards....frankly, if they see their logo on it they will be happy...and appreciative.
      (regardless whether they have other cards or not)
      _____
      Bruce
      From what I've experienced, they are always happy to receive anything that will help them grow their business or show it in a good light.
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  • Profile picture of the author localbusinessguy
    What a great ides :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
    Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

    This saves them the hassle of having new cards made to advertise their website on AND it ensures they HAVE to stay renting the website from you or face changing all their business cards... AGAIN!
    How?

    If they stopped paying, they'd simply revert to their old business cards if they ever stopped using them and started using yours.
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by Mike Grant View Post

      How?

      If they stopped paying, they'd simply revert to their old business cards if they ever stopped using them and started using yours.
      Let's say you're a plumber and you've given out a business card with a website address on it to a customer. Two years down the line that customer needs your services again and navigates to your website and sees it's a completely different company altogether with no sign of your business. What will that customer think?

      Local business owners are extremely paranoid about what people think of their business... be it friends, family or customers and if they have a website and they advertise that website they certainly don't want people thinking something is up if suddenly they don't have it anymore.

      It's just a small way to encourage the business owner to stick with renting (or buying if a fee can be agreed) the website instead of turning their attention elsewhere.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
        Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

        Let's say you're a plumber and you've given out a business card with a website address on it to a customer. Two years down the line that customer needs your services again and navigates to your website and sees it's a completely different company altogether with no sign of your business. What will that customer think?

        Local business owners are extremely paranoid about what people think of their business... be it friends, family or customers and if they have a website and they advertise that website they certainly don't want people thinking something is up if suddenly they don't have it anymore.

        It's just a small way to encourage the business owner to stick with renting (or buying if a fee can be agreed) the website instead of turning their attention elsewhere.
        No, I get the reasoning for it, but it wouldn't stop them from having to continuously reprint new cards.
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        • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
          Originally Posted by Mike Grant View Post

          No, I get the reasoning for it, but it wouldn't stop them from having to continuously reprint new cards.
          Of which you could be there go to guy?

          Of course they will need to reprint new cards continually. Encouraging them to highlight their website on the cards is just a way to keep them renting their site from you.
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          • Profile picture of the author peter_act
            Actually, my post about not having a contract was supposed to be a tip on renting out sites - somehow it deteriorated into people suing each other etc.

            I find most of my clients are relieved they don't have to sign a contract - they don't want to enter into a commitment.

            May I also point out that most of the posts above deal with the client not being happy - a contract has two parties, so what if I am not happy with the client? Now I am stuck with a contract I wish I hadn't signed.

            I give my client a statement of services I can provide, but they are in addition to the site rental, where the only thing in question is that the clients are renting a site on the first page of Google. Notice that is not something I could ever put in a contract - if Google ever changes the rules, and my site dropped off the first page, with that clause in a contract I would be in deep trouble.

            No, I just say "I will rent you this site for as long as you want it - as soon as you don't, just cancel the Paypal subscription"

            I really don't mind if they do stop paying, I'll just rent the site to his competitor (and he/she knows I will!)

            And, as stated in my earler post, no-one has ever stoped paying-why would they?

            Perhaps the US is too much of a litiginous society that you need contracts over there.
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            • Profile picture of the author philboy uk
              Originally Posted by peter_act View Post

              Actually, my post about not having a contract was supposed to be a tip on renting out sites - somehow it deteriorated into people suing each other etc.

              I find most of my clients are relieved they don't have to sign a contract - they don't want to enter into a commitment.

              May I also point out that most of the posts above deal with the client not being happy - a contract has two parties, so what if I am not happy with the client? Now I am stuck with a contract I wish I hadn't signed.

              I give my client a statement of services I can provide, but they are in addition to the site rental, where the only thing in question is that the clients are renting a site on the first page of Google. Notice that is not something I could ever put in a contract - if Google ever changes the rules, and my site dropped off the first page, with that clause in a contract I would be in deep trouble.

              No, I just say "I will rent you this site for as long as you want it - as soon as you don't, just cancel the Paypal subscription"

              I really don't mind if they do stop paying, I'll just rent the site to his competitor (and he/she knows I will!)

              And, as stated in my earler post, no-one has ever stoped paying-why would they?

              Perhaps the US is too much of a litiginous society that you need contracts over there.


              Is there much evidence of companies being sued when renting out websites and not having a contract?
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            • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
              Originally Posted by peter_act View Post

              Actually, my post about not having a contract was supposed to be a tip on renting out sites - somehow it deteriorated into people suing each other etc.

              I find most of my clients are relieved they don't have to sign a contract - they don't want to enter into a commitment.

              May I also point out that most of the posts above deal with the client not being happy - a contract has two parties, so what if I am not happy with the client? Now I am stuck with a contract I wish I hadn't signed.

              I give my client a statement of services I can provide, but they are in addition to the site rental, where the only thing in question is that the clients are renting a site on the first page of Google. Notice that is not something I could ever put in a contract - if Google ever changes the rules, and my site dropped off the first page, with that clause in a contract I would be in deep trouble.

              No, I just say "I will rent you this site for as long as you want it - as soon as you don't, just cancel the Paypal subscription"

              I really don't mind if they do stop paying, I'll just rent the site to his competitor (and he/she knows I will!)

              And, as stated in my earler post, no-one has ever stoped paying-why would they?

              Perhaps the US is too much of a litiginous society that you need contracts over there.
              You make some very solid points. No one wants to enter into a monetary commitment for anything. I would be so much happier not having to sign a 24 month cell phone contract or be stuck with the same car for the entirity of the 2 year lease, for example.

              And I also agree that you can just "rent it out to their competitor" if they give up the website. However, I prefer to secure the lease for a minimum term so I can guarantee the income for least amount of work. I've not been doing this long enough to have someone cancel or to have to renew a contract yet so I'm very much still learning as I go.

              As for the "first page of Google" promise, I'm stating quite clearly if it drops off the first page, they have the site for free until it's back on it or they can choose to terminate the contract with no penalty.

              Another advantage of a contract is the fact that you can stipulate pricing reviews every 12/24/however many months you choose... much like a property rental contract. If you are renting out a site for $99 a month and market forces decide someone is willing to pay $499 a month for it, how can you increase your pricing if you don't have a pricing review section stipulated in contract? Do you just say straight up "Hey, the price is going up, if you want to keep it cancel the subscription and set up a new one?"

              Contracts are used in all walks of life for very many reasons and I'm not sure I want to go down the road of leasing out websites without one.
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              • Profile picture of the author peter_act
                Originally Posted by J.M.Wilson View Post

                You make some very solid points. No one wants to enter into a monetary commitment for anything. I would be so much happier not having to sign a 24 month cell phone contract or be stuck with the same car for the entirity of the 2 year lease, for example.

                And I also agree that you can just "rent it out to their competitor" if they give up the website. However, I prefer to secure the lease for a minimum term so I can guarantee the income for least amount of work. I've not been doing this long enough to have someone cancel or to have to renew a contract yet so I'm very much still learning as I go.

                As for the "first page of Google" promise, I'm stating quite clearly if it drops off the first page, they have the site for free until it's back on it or they can choose to terminate the contract with no penalty.
                Seems like you agree with me on everything!

                [QUOTE If you are renting out a site for $99 a month and market forces decide someone is willing to pay $499 a month for it, how can you increase your pricing if you don't have a pricing review section stipulated in contract? [/QUOTE]

                That's easy! I gave my word at $99, and so $99 it will be. I'll rent another site to someone else (not his competitor) at $499.

                I also like Hugh's approach - if a client kicks up a fuss, I don't want his money.

                Remember we're only talking $99 a month - no-one is going to start legal proceedings over such a piddly amount.

                He stops paying, I stop renting, and we both walk away - no need for any legal mumbo-jumbo!

                P.S. Back to the subject of the thread - Another freebie I offer, in addition to the video, is a QR code, which leads to a mobile website which I own, and is available for rental also.
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  • Profile picture of the author CMCarlin
    Will you guys please stay on topic. Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author Jungle123
      I think idear is great! Even for non local busineses out there!
      I am just wondering - when you make those business cards for them do you mention your own business somwhere? Like created by.....or copyrights.....or provided by....e.t.c.?
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      • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
        Originally Posted by Jungle123 View Post

        I think idear is great! Even for non local busineses out there!
        I am just wondering - when you make those business cards for them do you mention your own business somwhere? Like created by.....or copyrights.....or provided by....e.t.c.?
        No. I give the cards as a gift with no strings. I don't think they would be best pleased to have my advertising on their cards as well as at the bottom of their website
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        • Profile picture of the author ApeXX
          Out of curiosity, how much success are people having competing with local Google Places listings?

          I'm finding that even if I can get on page one, it's still behind the listing for Google places, which the customer is listed in... :confused:
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          • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
            Originally Posted by ApeXX View Post

            Out of curiosity, how much success are people having competing with local Google Places listings?

            I'm finding that even if I can get on page one, it's still behind the listing for Google places, which the customer is listed in... :confused:
            Go after the business owners who aren't showing up in the 7 or so places listings... or the one's who are may just see the value in having TWO places on the front page.
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  • Profile picture of the author jgant
    Any perceived free value-add to a client is nice touch. People love a freebie.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bon508
    I've got them both ranked position 3 on first page of google but I'll be dammed if I can get anyone interested
    I can understand this from the business owner's perspective, especially if he/she is already showing up high on Page 1 with a Google Places listing which is free and (in many cases) they got without any effort. In these situations, saying you can get them on the first page of Google isn't effective because it doesn't offer them anything they don't already have.

    So it might be better to focus on the benefits they'll gain by having a website, rather than the positioning of that website in search engines.

    "You're business will be found by hundreds of people searching for the service you provide" is NOT a good benefit IF that's already the case thanks to Google Places. But explaining what can be put on a website that can't be put on a Google Places listing, for example, and how that content can attract more prospects and convert them into happy customers who then generate referrals, might convince them to rent the site.
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    • Profile picture of the author Russell Hall
      Originally Posted by Bon508 View Post

      I can understand this from the business owner's perspective, especially if he/she is already showing up high on Page 1 with a Google Places listing which is free and (in many cases) they got without any effort. In these situations, saying you can get them on the first page of Google isn't effective because it doesn't offer them anything they don't already have.

      So it might be better to focus on the benefits they'll gain by having a website, rather than the positioning of that website in search engines.

      "You're business will be found by hundreds of people searching for the service you provide" is NOT a good benefit IF that's already the case thanks to Google Places. But explaining what can be put on a website that can't be put on a Google Places listing, for example, and how that content can attract more prospects and convert them into happy customers who then generate referrals, might convince them to rent the site.
      Very good points here Bonnie,
      why try and reinvent the wheel and be seen to be offering then what they already have? I'd have to agree entirely that it;s the actual website they have that makes all the difference to the results they're going to pull from their Places GP1 position.

      OK,.. so they're at GP1,.. or let's say any client is on GP1 either via their own site, Places or a competitor,- what matters is the amount of leads and conversions coming from that otherwise it's kind of like having a 4 unit display in the first 2 category pages of the old Yellow Pages but having a display ad that sucks (seen plenty) and did nothing to entice people to actually call them!
      In selling it's simply a matter of finding the client's/customers pain and then providing the solution to that pain that they'll gladly pay money for and there's no hard sell involved at all!
      I really like your approach Bonnie... well thought out.

      Best regards,
      Russell Hall
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  • Profile picture of the author koppster
    Great tips and information
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    • Profile picture of the author tanya7zhou
      The clients I work with are a bit big than average. But I do have a few small businesses I have worked with. What I do is, I communicate with them via email, I make sure I use Google. If we agree on anything, I kind of, summarize things via email and then archive the emails. For those business owners, the email is the contract for me.

      I then send them an invoice. On the invoice, I summarise what I do and what they do and ask for MONEY!

      That's It. You will realize that it depends with the business and the type of customer you are dealing with. Some of them, you've got to create a simple contract and some you just send them an invoice and others you do a handshake deal. It depends!

      If you feel like someone is cocky, create a contract that will solve any future problems.


      As for designing nice quality business cards and promotional material for your clients to give them as a gift..........that is a clever idea. I do all sorts to keep my customers happy. I also believe in giving. I am always on the look out for things that will help their business to grow. If I find something useful or think of a joint venture partner, or an upsell opportunity or back-end offers, i notify them straightaway.

      I am their trusted advisor. Focus on providing real VALUE to your clients and prospects.

      Keep on following up on those who are showing you no interest.

      Keep yourself in their mind all the times. Let them know that you're around and will always be there for them.


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  • Profile picture of the author amaechi007
    Hi Guys,
    Can anyone recommend a course that teaches this business model? I've a number of them but they all are expensive starting from $2000
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    • Profile picture of the author BrashImpact
      Originally Posted by amaechi007 View Post

      Hi Guys,
      Can anyone recommend a course that teaches this business model? I've a number of them but they all are expensive starting from $2000
      Amaechi007,
      Everything you need is in My Signature for this Model, including the
      "How to hire Sales Super Stars Manifesto..." Which is guaranteed to
      take the guess work out.

      To Your Continued Success,
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
    Great idea and I usually offer 1 free month if they prepay for 6-12 months all at once. I also set it up in paypal so that after the 6 or 12 months is up it starts billing them on a monthly basis. That way I dont have to remember to ask them if they want to renew. It does it automatically.

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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by Dr Dan View Post

      Great idea and I usually offer 1 free month if they prepay for 6-12 months all at once. I also set it up in paypal so that after the 6 or 12 months is up it starts billing them on a monthly basis. That way I dont have to remember to ask them if they want to renew. It does it automatically.
      Good advice that, I've not tried giving out a free month in the way you have. I've toyed with the idea of offering a free trial month with no obligation to continue but haven't got around to implementing this yet.

      What I would say is that for the automatic billing I would be stating that emphatically to the business owner at the time of agreement to ensure they are aware that they will be billed after 12 months unless they cancel.

      Another useful reason for a contract to lay these terms out in a clear manner.
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      • Profile picture of the author sjohn
        Hi JM Wilson,
        Do you have a different contract for each customer you have, or do you use the same one.
        Also is this contract one you have developed by a lawyer, or is there a free alternative that you use?

        Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author arkhamindustries
      Originally Posted by Dr Dan View Post

      Great idea and I usually offer 1 free month if they prepay for 6-12 months all at once. I also set it up in paypal so that after the 6 or 12 months is up it starts billing them on a monthly basis. That way I dont have to remember to ask them if they want to renew. It does it automatically.
      That is not a bad idea. I like the first month free idea.
      Im a bit curious, Dr. Dan. With the 200-400/month you claim to charge for your google love method, how many customers do you usually have at one time? Or is that number ever increasing?

      I guess Im curious if it gets to be too much work after so many clients.

      How many new customers do you add a month?
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      • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
        Originally Posted by arkhamindustries View Post

        Dr. Dan. With the 200-400/month you claim to charge
        Not sure what you meant by this statement?

        Just like having a list of buyers in affiliate marketing, I upsell my clients with additional services so I dont need too many clients at any one time.
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  • Profile picture of the author WAWarrior
    hi warriors,

    regarding renting of local site ( I suppose that is for a specific niche with a page 1 ranking), do you rent it to only one client, or were you able to get a few clients to advertise on your niche site? I have not done that but I am just wondering if clients would resist this as they are competing for attention on the same page - if the companies are located in the same city.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hugh
    I rent one website to one business. Keep him happy. Over-deliver.
    Rinse and repeat. Now at a comfortable number. Don't want UNcomfortable.
    If an owner is unhappy, I don't want his money.
    Will use the freebie cards idea. Thanks.

    Hugh
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  • Profile picture of the author phillimac
    You know I never really thought of renting a website. I imagine it can work wonders, but I just never seemed to try it. It seems to be working great for you so I may try it myself.
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