by xzorpl
15 replies
I am jumping into offline marketing w/both feet. Everyone says that you don't need a lot of experience because you can outsource everything which I am prepared to do. I have a restaurant owner with 7 stores, they have no website and they also have 7 unclaimed facebook pages and 7 unclaimed google places several of which have negative comments. Would someone please tell me where I should begin with these people and maybe an idea of what to charge. Thanks...
#advice #pros
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Since you don't really know what you're doing yet, I recommend that you find someone who does and partner up with them on this first project (at least). Collect a finder's fee for landing the project, and watch everything your technical partner does very closely. Then you'll keep your reputation intact, not screw up and crash, and earn while you learn.
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  • Profile picture of the author sconlinemarketing
    I can help if you need it. Email Don at sconlinemarketing(at)gmail.com
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  • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
    Originally Posted by xzorpl View Post

    Everyone says that you don't need a lot of experience because you can outsource everything ...
    which WSO sellers told you that

    Seriously IMO you need some marketing and business nous and ideally experience , sure some will say you dont, but lets see how well theyre really doing away from their WSO offers ie in the real offline world.

    Business owners will run rings round you talking business and figures , how much to charge? How many new clients can they win from your work and how much is each client worth upfront and long term, what other improvements can this lead to short and long term for promoting their business etc.

    A couple of quick easy basic questions you have to be able to answer ideally before theyre asked , so whoever says you dont need a lot of experience is talking about as in implementing the technical side of it ie gaining rankings for GP, SEO etc , IMO you do need experience in business and marketing and understanding the metrics of an industry and individual businesses .

    So how much should you charge? How much is the outsourcer charging ? How much profit do you want to make each deal/ week whatever? How much is the propsect prepared to pay (see 2nd paragraph)

    Theres no set fee it depends (or it should) on a number of things and none of them should be what other people on this forum charge.

    I hope this was helpful ,sure it may be a bit tough but I dont give out BS as its way more damaging than the truth
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    Mike

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    • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
      Originally Posted by mjbmedia View Post

      which WSO sellers told you that

      Seriously IMO you need some marketing and business nous and ideally experience , sure some will say you dont, but lets see how well theyre really doing away from their WSO offers ie in the real offline world.
      Completely agree.

      Dan
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    • Profile picture of the author xzorpl
      Thank for the great input. Because I have been in business myself for many years I do understand how important this is. There is little doubt that I have purchased too many WSOs. Mostly garbage or lacking any substance worth the asking price, but that is a different matter. My primary question was in which ares to start first. I am planning to begin with Google Places and some reputation mgt. This owner has not optimized any of his pages in the various towns where he owns restaurants. Beyond that I will suggest video for first page recognition and FB customization with and offer of some sort. Then perhaps later a website.
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  • Profile picture of the author mjbmedia
    If that is what the business owner is telling you they want and are happy to pay for now then start with that , get some results (new clients or exisiting clients paying higher prices or making more visits) for them then youre the dogs danglies and theyll love you forever more (until someone better comes along)
    Signature

    Mike

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    • Profile picture of the author TheLocalCoach
      I agree with the earlier comments, you need to narrow the focus of what services you want to, and are capable of providing. If you have the trust of this particular restaurant owner, and he already perceives you as a trusted adviser, then you should not "present" any solutions.

      You want to sit down and find what what is causing him the most pain, and where you can bring the most value. You may identify 2-4 areas during that meeting, but different solutions take varying levels of commitment (time and money) from the business owner. In other words, you might make a quick impression with a mobile website, but a commitment to give you 3 months to implement a strategic SMS program might have more value.

      I've owned restaurants and know plenty of owners, and I can tell you that getting trashed in online reviews is a huge pain point right now, and most owners ave no clue that anything can be done about it...Reputation Management has big value in this niche. Hope these ideas help!
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  • Profile picture of the author SiteSmarty
    Brand them. If they already have a so called brand, re-brand them. Make list of everything under the sun and offer it to them. Convince them that you will be their go to guy.

    Then do what ever it takes to be that go to guy. Learn, out source. Doesn't matter. Just do it. Jump in feet first and make it work.

    If you look through the WForum you'll find everything you need to do this.

    Another thing you could do is head to a printer in your location and see what they can do for you. Most have packages of branding stuff like business cards, menus, letter head all that stuff.

    I'd present your proposal in a high end glossy jacket. Brand yourself first and use your brand as an example.

    Small business owners are brand crazy now-a-days. Once you're their go to guy, everything falls into place.

    Good luck. Go for it.

    Note: If you wait to learn everything before you start, hell will freeze over and you'll still be trying to learn it all.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Davis
    Sorry there sure are some real *@#$%^ on here
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  • Profile picture of the author wrench
    Business Owner: Ok this looks interesting but whats this going to do to my bottom line?

    You: Ahh well, you see the internet is.. Google places wont make you outsource a cold call, I mean.... UUGHH Okay forget it, I will sell you this WSO instead..

    ----

    You Offline WSO'ers.....

    Its a shame because MOST of you are wasting time and money of local businesses that are barely making it to begin with.

    You can convince nearly anyone that an IDEA is good, but if you haven't made that IDEA make MONEY yet, STOP charging businesses.

    Get your experience and knowledge up FIRST then go out and charge for your services.
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