You sell web services, but do you have a website?

by ckbank
7 replies
This is sort of funny. I've met some people on here who sell web design and offline services, but don't even have their own websites.
#sell #services #web #website
  • Profile picture of the author BillyParadise
    cue the shoemaker's son jokes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    This is not a necessity, which may seem interesting. If you do not have a site, the major thing going for you is that no one will prejudge your efforts. Put something up, and now they have a target to shoot at, "Oh, I don't like that."

    In the copywriting field, many writers do not provide samples. Same reason. And they don't want their copy ripped off and turned into some Frankenstein monster.

    What's more important, and where your credibility will come from is the quality of the questions you ask your prospect. Those will show whether you understand their world or not, and from that they will determine if they trust you.
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    • Profile picture of the author ckbank
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      This is not a necessity, which may seem interesting. If you do not have a site, the major thing going for you is that no one will prejudge your efforts. Put something up, and now they have a target to shoot at, "Oh, I don't like that."

      In the copywriting field, many writers do not provide samples. Same reason. And they don't want their copy ripped off and turned into some Frankenstein monster.

      What's more important, and where your credibility will come from is the quality of the questions you ask your prospect. Those will show whether you understand their world or not, and from that they will determine if they trust you.
      What do you say, when you're selling web design, if the client asks why don't have a website?
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      • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
        Originally Posted by ckbank View Post

        What do you say, when you're selling web design, if the client asks why don't have a website?
        Same thing you say if you're a copywriter and you don't share samples.

        "Our designs are specifically tuned for each individual client and their market. What colors, layout and other features are used work in that arrangement; however, these may not be the best in another niche. So if we show you something, and you fall in love with it, that simply is not the best thing for your business. Others may take the cookie-cutter approach to web design: we need to know about your market to build the machine that works. Let's talk about your business."

        If you were feeling especially uppity,

        "So you want me to show you a series of sample websites, so you can decide whether you like them, and compare them to those from other designers? ... I'm not prepared to do that today. Let's talk about your business."

        If they balk: "That doesn't give you the effective website you want. Understanding your marketplace does. Tell me about..."

        I've done the same thing in job interviews. Floors 'em and get's them back on track.
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  • Profile picture of the author winagain
    I think it would be difficult fo rme to choose a provider that doesn't use it's own services.
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  • Profile picture of the author moneyman2010
    Yea when i first got started in offline i didn't have a website i would make cold calls to set an appointment with the business owner and i still made sales..But after my first few sales i had a site made..I would say don't let knot having a site stop you from getting started.
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    My current site is very outdated in my eyes. I am sure no one judges me poorly over it because I still have plenty of work.

    Though I am launching a new one in a few weeks. This probably has more to do with my own insecurities about the site than clients actually judging me. In the back of my mind, I am not happy with it anymore, so that affects the way I do things sometimes.

    My advice: Don't get one until you can afford to have a good one built and some solid content.

    Don't underestimate the time it will take you to launch a site. This will eat into the time you could be earning.

    If you launch a site prematurely and it is half-assed, it will bother you.

    If you are going to do it, do it right. If you can't do it fully, then wait until you can.
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    Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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