Starting from scratch / building credibility

Aaron Doud

11 years ago

I would show him the SEO work you have done for your own websites.

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Aaron Doud - Sales & Success

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Anthem40 11 years ago

Originally Posted by Aaron Doud

I would show him the SEO work you have done for your own websites.

I would second this recommendation.
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NathanZad 11 years ago

Originally Posted by Aaron Doud

I would show him the SEO work you have done for your own websites.

Thanks Aaron, but while I personally take care of Social Media for my clients, I will be outsourcing the SEO services.
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- Aaron Doud 11 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by NathanZad
  
  Thanks Aaron, but while I personally take care of Social Media for my clients, I will be outsourcing the SEO services.
  
  See if you can get some examples of the SEO work your team can do.
  
  Never mention them as not employees. Just call them your team.
  
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  Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
  
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  NathanZad 11 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Aaron Doud
  
  See if you can get some examples of the SEO work your team can do.
  
  Never mention them as not employees. Just call them your team.
  
  Another awesome idea. Thanks, Aaron!
  
  Thanks
  
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DaniMc

11 years ago

Turn it into a positive.

When I launch into a new service line - I use this in my pitch:

"This is a great time for you because I am just launching this service. That means you are getting a great price and you know I am fully committed to making this a successful campaign. I need your testimonial. In the future, I will be charging much, much more."

It really works. This turns on their desire to not miss out on the advantage of being an early customer.

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NathanZad

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan McCoy

Turn it into a positive.

When I launch into a new service line - I use this in my pitch:

"This is a great time for you because I am just launching this service. That means you are getting a great price and you know I am fully committed to making this a successful campaign. I need your testimonial. In the future, I will be charging much, much more."

It really works. This turns on their desire to not miss out on the advantage of being an early customer.

This is a smart, win-win kind of approach. Thanks for the advice.

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mrmatt

11 years ago

What you are proposing you want to do is how I got started.

I knew the business owner had been in business for a long time and knew lots of other businesses. I did the work for free in exchange for a testimonial and referrals.

I ended up getting 9 referrals from him and an awesome testimonial. Plus he ended up hiring me to do more work later.

You do run the risk of them not holding up their end of the agreement.

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NathanZad

11 years ago

Originally Posted by mrmatt

What you are proposing you want to do is how I got started.

I knew the business owner had been in business for a long time and knew lots of other businesses. I did the work for free in exchange for a testimonial and referrals.

I ended up getting 9 referrals from him and an awesome testimonial. Plus he ended up hiring me to do more work later.

You do run the risk of them not holding up their end of the agreement.

Thanks Matt! Glad to know this has worked for you in the past. Because they're a newer company I'm leaning toward Dan's idea above for this one. But I can see it coming in handy for a more established business for sure.

Thanks

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cshilling22

11 years ago

It is really about what you are comfortable with. If you are outsourcing the SEO than your outsourcer should have examples that you can share with the potential client as your own. If you are not comfortable with this I would recommend letting the potential client know that this is a new service that you are offering, but it is a great time for him or her to start using the service because even though you are an expert in the area, because you do not have a lot of client testimonials you are providing the service for a lot cheaper then your regular prices to build up your testimonials and prove the value of the service. Of course as one of the first clients to take advantage of this service offering they are locked into those reduced prices for life.

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NathanZad

11 years ago

Originally Posted by cshilling22

It is really about what you are comfortable with. If you are outsourcing the SEO than your outsourcer should have examples that you can share with the potential client as your own. If you are not comfortable with this I would recommend letting the potential client know that this is a new service that you are offering, but it is a great time for him or her to start using the service because even though you are an expert in the area, because you do not have a lot of client testimonials you are providing the service for a lot cheaper then your regular prices to build up your testimonials and prove the value of the service. Of course as one of the first clients to take advantage of this service offering they are locked into those reduced prices for life.

This is totally pro as well, Chris.

You guys have all been super helpful and I've responded to the potential client. Let's see what happens and now I've got some great ammo for future client dealings. Thanks again!

Thanks

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Jason Kanigan

11 years ago

This will help

What to do when Your Credentials or Experience...

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NathanZad 11 years ago

Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan

This will help

Thanks Jason! It did help, and I'll probably watch that video a few more times later tonight. Thanks again!
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thedudeness

11 years ago

Great thread! I'm building my business plan for my offline web design/marketing company and I have been thinking a lot about testimonials and getting my first clients. I will definitely be implementing the "this is a great time to get my services..." to my pitch. Thanks!

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bsummers

11 years ago

If you have no references yet, best to show them what you have done. I also like your idea to give them a free month trial. I must warn you however that there are opportunist out there.

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