Help! My business needs business

10 years ago

I don't recall my computer ever breaking down. Ever.

Your solution is for a single problem. Find ways to expand to other "problems" your potential customers would/could experience.

Virus removal? Backup and Restore solutions? Network connectivity resolution and wireless setup services?

Focus on the problems people may encounter, sell the problems because you have a solution.

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1 reply

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John Jonas Phil VA

10 years ago

Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc

I don't recall my computer ever breaking down. Ever.

Your solution is for a single problem. Find ways to expand to other "problems" your potential customers would/could experience.

Virus removal? Backup and Restore solutions? Network connectivity resolution and wireless setup services?

Focus on the problems people may encounter, sell the problems because you have a solution.

jamesfreddyc is right. Focus on immediate, recurring problems that computer owners regularly encounter but don't have the time to fix themselves. I know one successful computer repair shop and one of their most popular services is standard software installation. It's a really job but you'd be surprised how many people are willing to pay for someone else to install their operating systems and programs for them.

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DABK

10 years ago

It's easy if you know what you're doing. For a lot of people... not so easy. They just learned how to send an email.

Originally Posted by John Jonas Phil VA

It's a really job but you'd be surprised how many people are willing to pay for someone else to install their operating systems and programs for them.

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Andrew H

10 years ago

Concentrating specifically on fixing computers is a bad business model. We live in a throw away culture (I can't remember seeing a 'tv repair shop' in the last 5 years). Like james said, focus on the ancillary services: virus removal, backups, network solutions, etc. Also focusing on businesses rather than individuals will prove to be more profitable.

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Jay Levine

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HappyComputer

I repair computers, and my job is lousy.

How do i get more business? I am a mobile computer repair service, all makes and models!

Locally owned and operated

Great points above.

First you need to figure out how to get new customers. But, ideally the services you offer them should include something with a monthly or recurring billing. If you don't do that, you'll always be looking for new customers, and we already know that is not always the best way to go.

As for getting new customers, it amazes me how many people don't yet know the power of the web. Imagine if you had the top ranking website in your city for the term "Computer Repair Service..." And when people came to your site it looked great and sold them. Do you think that would help? You bet it would.

Getting out and promoting at Chambers of Commerce, BNI groups, Meet-ups, etc. still works too. Just make sure you provide a service people want, and that you have a way to keep them coming back.

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umc

10 years ago

Just an idea, but what if you targeted small businesses that are likely to have several computers but no dedicated guy that repairs them on staff. Contract with them to maintain their hardware as needed on a monthly retainer, or on an as-needed basis. Might be easier to find a higher concentration of work that way than to target individual computer owners. Also, as mentioned above, getting into the software side and offering things such as virus removal would be a good idea.

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DABK

10 years ago

I know a 4 computer repair businesses. The one that's doing the best does this. Or a variation. They fix computers, they fix security problems, they set up, maintain, advise, teach.

The one that's doing the worst does nothing but repairs computers.

The in=between ones repair and help new companies set up (and hope the new company computers break).

Originally Posted by umc

Just an idea, but what if you targeted small businesses that are likely to have several computers but no dedicated guy that repairs them on staff. Contract with them to maintain their hardware as needed on a monthly retainer, or on an as-needed basis. Might be easier to find a higher concentration of work that way than to target individual computer owners. Also, as mentioned above, getting into the software side and offering things such as virus removal would be a good idea.

Thanks

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Aaron Doud

10 years ago

Let this guy inspire you. Basically he started with what you are doing.

What I do for a living to afford a Lamborghini. -...

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NewParadigm

10 years ago

many of today's computers are pretty much disposable for consumers point of view. If it lasts more than 2-3 years and they run into a problem, they buy a new one.

The BIG area is data recovery. I would focus here, and the prices are more in the premium category. Offer quick responsive service.

Also, along the same lines. One big hassle for consumers/businesses is when they get a new computer, HOW the heck do they transfer all their data to the new computer? Many just suck it up and start all over. I think this is a BIG oppty for someone like you.

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dpac123

10 years ago

Some good suggestions on here

Thanks
1 reply

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HappyComputer 10 years ago

Well i offer all those services ... Sorry I wasn't more specific. I'm on a marketing forum, i'm asking for marketing advice.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
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- HappyComputer 10 years ago
  
  I just started my website:
  
  Shield Computer Repair and Internet Marketing
  
  Help!
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Jay Levine 10 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by HappyComputer
  
  I just started my website:
  
  Shield Computer Repair and Internet Marketing
  
  Help!
  
  You're a computer repair guy. Unless you also want to be a web design and SEO guy, I suggest you hire the best web designer you can afford, or at least someone who knows his business very well. The website will pay for itself many times over, if you have the budget. Of course I'm talking long term here.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  Learn web design, marketing, and SEO from beginner to agency owner. Save time and energy by tapping my 20 years of agency experience for free at BestWebSecrects.com
  
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Rasa2722

10 years ago

Hello happy computer. I am sure you have tried craigs list. If not give it a try. A paint brush made picture with a good phone contact should keep you very busy. I cannot find a person who can come home and fix a computer in a local area between evening hours. I once thought about doing this biz on my own. Remote check in for minor fixes will get you even more biz. I am sure you have looked in to it. Just my 2 cents on it.

Thanks

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RandyChen

10 years ago

Get your business on yelp and get satisfied customers to write a good review . Offer discounts to customers for finding your business on yelp. Yelp reviews are one of the best thing you can do to your local business.

Thanks

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amcg

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HappyComputer

I repair computers, and my job is lousy.

How do i get more business? I am a mobile computer repair service, all makes and models!

Locally owned and operated

Whilst you might repair computers, how can you sell it better? Is it just hardware or can you do networking, systems etc? Most large technology companies started off as de-facto consultancies, think about the services you offer and how you package them.

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1 reply

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HappyComputer

10 years ago

I was looking for like, hey put an ad in a newspaper, or hey try this?

I offer all IT consulting services, and am experienced in it all, but not alot of references. I was going to start a foundation in residential and small business.

Thanks
1 reply

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umc

10 years ago

Originally Posted by HappyComputer

I was looking for like, hey put an ad in a newspaper, or hey try this?

I offer all IT consulting services, and am experienced in it all, but not alot of references. I was going to start a foundation in residential and small business.

Well, it isn't just a matter of where you advertise as much as it is your message. Most mediums could work for you if your copy is compelling. Put an ad in the paper, find someone with a related yet different service and give them a cut for their referrals, contact your current clients and ask for referrals, target some online ads through ppc, get on some local forums and answer some computer questions, produce a direct mail campaign, deliver flyers in your neighborhood and brand yourself as the neighborhood computer repair guy who can help them out quickly because you're right there, contact businesses like I said earlier in this thread that may not have the money for a dedicated IT person and offer your services, advertise on Craigslist, blah blah blah. There are tons of ways to advertise yourself. Did you really need us to make a list of various avenues of marketing, or are you looking for something more? There is no magic button. Just put yourself out there in various ways and work on your copy to find the message that resonates with your target market.

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arindamroy

10 years ago

Hi,
I think you should promote your business locally. You can create banners and flags and surely that will increase your business exposure. Above all advertising - an inflatable advertising provider might be helpful to you.

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King Innovations

Banned 10 years ago

[DELETED]

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HappyComputer 10 years ago

Thanks guys, these are really good tips.

Has anybody read offline legion? What If I applied that to my business? To generate my own leads? I'm new to all this marketing jazz.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
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- karenfisher252 10 years ago
  
  Whatever leads you generate, make sure to follow each of them with the same enthusiasm. Be in touch regularly with emails or a a call here and there.
  
  Thanks
  
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Help! My business needs business

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