36 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
36 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Got my first client :o)

by bigmaz
32 replies
Ok, so starting a new SMS coupon service. To build my subscription list, I am going to be advertising a deal to be used in a local shop, and to text my shortcode with the keyword to claim, then they will be added to my list. So, contacted 2 businesses and both are interested in having their coupon sent out. I am going to do them for free, as I dont have many subscribed and they are kind of doing me a favour giving me a coupon to send out and build my list. When is a good time to start promoting the coupon on Facebook? Basically the post will be "Get 20% off blah blah blah, text (KEYWORD) to (Shortcode) to claim". Is Saturday an ok time to post on FB to get exposure for this? Or should I post it up a few times a day?
#client
  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    First off your whole attitude is setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.
    You think that them "letting" you promote their coupon is doing you a favor?

    Not sure how doing free work is getting a client...

    Also if you dont have a super duper offer people are not going to give a crap about it and opt in. 20% off a popular restaurant that never puts out coupons perhaps( but this is unlikely to be the case), 20% if they are mostly unknown then highly unlikely.

    Do you already have a page on Facebook with lots of fans to promote to or are you planning to buy ads? or are you going to promote from you personal profile, ie your friends?

    Also just because they text to get this coupon does not give you permission to continue sending them offers unless you tell them upfront that they will be getting more texts from you.
    Signature
    Promise Big.
    Deliver Bigger.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8704925].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
      Originally Posted by Eddie Spangler View Post

      First off your whole attitude is setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.
      You think that them "letting" you promote their coupon is doing you a favor?

      Not sure how doing free work is getting a client...

      Also if you dont have a super duper offer people are not going to give a crap about it and opt in. 20% off a popular restaurant that never puts out coupons perhaps( but this is unlikely to be the case), 20% if they are mostly unknown then highly unlikely.

      Do you already have a page on Facebook with lots of fans to promote to or are you planning to buy ads? or are you going to promote from you personal profile, ie your friends?

      Also just because they text to get this coupon does not give you permission to continue sending them offers unless you tell them upfront that they will be getting more texts from you.
      your probably right, but i cannot charge to blast out coupons if i do not have a list. I am telling them that its a free trial, so if it works well for them, they will want to pay next time
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8704955].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
        My advice is to look at this mate, i'm not affiliated but remember reading this a good while back. It's a wso but it's from Will the mobile go to guy.

        http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...just-lazy.html

        Dave
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8704984].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author eperkins153
        Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

        your probably right, but i cannot charge to blast out coupons if i do not have a list. I am telling them that its a free trial, so if it works well for them, they will want to pay next time
        What does it matter that you don't have a list?

        I CHARGE BEFORE I MAKE THE WEBSITE

        I CHARGE BEFORE I RANKING THEM FOR PROFITABLE KEYWORDS

        I CHARGE FOR JUST CONSULTING THEM ON A BETTER STRATEGY

        IF YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING ONLINE YOU PREPAY BEFORE IT COMES IN THE MAIL DON'T YOU?

        Jeez la weez

        Your shooting yourself in the foot.

        Give a free trial that's fine, but ONLY under the condition that they pay upfront and you provide a refund if results aren't delivered.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8704993].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
          Originally Posted by eperkins153 View Post

          WHY CAN'T YOU CHARGE IF YOU DON'T HAVE LIST.

          I CHARGE BEFORE I MAKE THE WEBSITE

          I CHARGE BEFORE I RANKING THEM FOR PROFITABLE KEYWORDS

          I CHARGE FOR JUST CONSULTING THEM ON A BETTER STRATEGY

          IF YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING ONLINE YOU PREPAY BEFORE IT COMES IN THE MAIL DON'T YOU?

          Jeez la weez

          Your shooting yourself in the foot.

          Give a free trial that's fine, but ONLY under the condition that they pay upfront and you provide a refund if results aren't delivered.
          It isnt a campaign for an individual business. Its an sms coupon service in my local town. So any business can use my sms list to promote themselves. So its my list, I am not running a campaign for a particular company. mind u I might end up doing that soon for individual companies once companies see how well it works
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705011].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author eperkins153
            Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

            It isnt a campaign for an individual business. Its an sms coupon service in my local town. So any business can use my sms list to promote themselves. So its my list, I am not running a campaign for a particular company. mind u I might end up doing that soon for individual companies once companies see how well it works
            How do you expect to grow if you don't collect compensation for the results you deliver? Your hope and wish mentality isn't going to get your the results you desire. Unfortunately your going to waste alot of time and energy and be exactly in the same spot you started after your work has been completed. They have received completely free work from you and you haven't made any money from it.

            My point is you can sell something you don't have yet...you don't have to provide free services. You get paid for it then you use the money to get the work completed.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705017].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
            I think you've done this back to front. If you are building your own list you should have built a decent list first then approached businesses that way you have bargaining power.

            What are you doing to build your list? local ads, facebook page, social media? Do you have a webste that people can register on?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705020].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
              Originally Posted by mcfcok View Post

              I think you've done this back to front. If you are building your own list you should have built a decent list first then approached businesses that way you have bargaining power.

              What are you doing to build your list? local ads, facebook page, social media? Do you have a webste that people can register on?
              I do not understand how its a bad way of doing it? What better way of promoting the service than saying to text my number to get the special offer and sign up to my subscription list. Along with my FB page, website, flyers and local ads, which I have....
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705027].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
                Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

                I do not understand how its a bad way of doing it? What better way of promoting the service than saying to text my number to get the special offer and sign up to my subscription list. Along with my FB page, website, flyers and local ads, which I have....
                I meant you should have built this list of deal hunters then gone to the businesses saying hey i have a list of raving customers looking to use your product/service then you can charge upfront for a text blast yes?
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705034].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
                  Originally Posted by mcfcok View Post

                  I meant you should have built this list of deal hunters then gone to the businesses saying hey i have a list of raving customers looking to use your product/service then you can charge upfront for a text blast yes?
                  It takes too long for this, I would rather get customers business while I build the list at the same time, it takes about a month or 2 to build a list. Why not be productive in that time along with all the usual promotional items?
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705043].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
                    Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

                    It takes too long for this, I would rather get customers business while I build the list at the same time, it takes about a month or 2 to build a list. Why not be productive in that time along with all the usual promotional items?
                    Well i personally value my time and i would build the list first then charge.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705049].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
                      Originally Posted by mcfcok View Post

                      Well i personally value my time and i would build the list first then charge.
                      So do I, and building a client base is value to me
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705052].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
                  What's your facebook optin page mate?
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705044].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        So who are you texting?

        Have they signed up with you for something, eg cheap food in Glasgow or unique weekly specials on Fishing equipment?

        ie Are you texting something relevant to whoever you have in your list?

        Like the person above I am not sure why you think you have a client. What did he pay you?

        It's like saying I can hand out some of your flyers out for you for free.

        Ok then, if you want go ahead.

        Dan
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8704994].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
          Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

          So who are you texting?

          Have they signed up with you for something, eg cheap food in Glasgow or unique weekly specials on Fishing equipment?

          ie Are you texting something relevant to whoever you have in your list?

          Like the person above I am not sure why you think you have a client. What did he pay you?

          It's like saying I can hand out some of your flyers out for you for free.

          Ok then, if you want go ahead.

          Dan
          But why would they pay me to distribute to a list that does not exist? I am using it as a free trial, so when they see the effectiveness of it they will be inclined to use my list in the future
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705022].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
            Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

            But why would they pay me to distribute to a list that does not exist? I am using it as a free trial, so when they see the effectiveness of it they will be inclined to use my list in the future
            You should have approached them after you built the list mate.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705025].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author eperkins153
            Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

            But why would they pay me to distribute to a list that does not exist? I am using it as a free trial, so when they see the effectiveness of it they will be inclined to use my list in the future
            You don't tell them the list doesn't exist.

            You tell them you can get the results they desire

            You then require them to pay you

            You then take the money and use it to get the results they desire.

            You then have a long term client.

            You then have referral opportunities.

            How are you going to get them quality results without any money to put into the project?

            Unless its coming out of your own pocket but again that's unnecessary.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705028].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
            Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

            But why would they pay me to distribute to a list that does not exist? I am using it as a free trial, so when they see the effectiveness of it they will be inclined to use my list in the future
            If you have no list then who are you sending these coupons to?

            Surely the Free trial will result in zero people coming in to the place which is now game over for you not just with them but everyone they know.

            What effectiveness will they see in your opinion?

            Dan
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705059].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
              Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

              If you have no list then who are you sending these coupons to?

              Surely the Free trial will result in zero people coming in to the place which is now game over for you not just with them but everyone they know.

              What effectiveness will they see in your opinion?

              Dan
              please read my original post
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705066].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author VirtualPurity
    it would be better if you build your list first and than seek out customers for your service.. And like the member above said where did you get these opt ins ? Are they at least niche related ?
    Signature
    Offshore Dedicated Servers - DMCA Free - Streaming Servers - Offshore VPS - Offshore Hosting
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705012].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
    I just read ur putting an ad up in a shop? Mate you need more than that fella. I hope you do well the idea is decent but putting an ad up in a shop isn't going to build decent optins imo.

    Mobuzz did this but he had big banners in the town centre and got about 4k optins.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705079].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
      Originally Posted by mcfcok View Post

      I just read ur putting an ad up in a shop? Mate you need more than that fella. I hope you do well the idea is decent but putting an ad up in a shop isn't going to build decent optins imo.

      Mobuzz did this but he had big banners in the town centre and got about 4k optins.
      Thats not what I am doing, not sure if your reading it properly? Besides my campaign I am starting with these 2 businesses, I have an opt in website, fB page, flyers and putting up ads in various outlets
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705087].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
        How long have you been advertising these optin platforms? How many subscribers do you have? When are these 2 businesses expecting to receive some customers?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705098].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
          Originally Posted by mcfcok View Post

          How long have you been advertising these optin platforms? How many subscribers do you have? When are these 2 businesses expecting to receive some customers?
          Only been advertising for a week. For this particular campaign, I am relying on FB posts and shares of the offer to get subscribers to sign up and take the offer. Both from my page, a few local groups and the business that I am promoting's page.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705105].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
          Can you post a link to your website and facebook page?
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705109].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mcfcok
            Fair play to you for getting off your butt. I just think it would be better to build a nice list first then go to businesses armed with potential buyers.

            The problem you got imo is these 2 businesses might be thinking how long is it taking this guy to bring in customers potentially affecting your credibility.

            These businesses aren't going away they'll always be there, use all these methods you mention get 2/3 k on your subscriber list then go for it.

            Btw are you splitting your opins into groups ie those that want bar/restaurant offers to others that might want beauty offers etc?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705124].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
              If this person isn't really lifting a finger to get clients, than what's the big deal if he/she marketed as a 'free trial'...if she/he gets 'results', than they'll be able to offer some up-sells/back-end sells at a later date/time!

              Then again, I could have sworn I've seen posts on this forum where it's often stated to offer the first few clients a 'freebie' in order to build a portfolio/build credibility and everyone 'agreed'...guess that's only effective when it comes to promoting a WSO or something!

              Yeah...let's just 'dish' on this person for getting off their ASS and doing SOMETHING, whether it's a way you would have done the deal OR NOT...versus the other 99.999% who don't do SH** and just 'read' all day!
              Signature

              "Whether you think you can or not...you'll always be 100% right!" |

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705158].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
                Originally Posted by Ray Erdmann View Post

                If this person isn't really lifting a finger to get clients, than what's the big deal if he/she marketed as a 'free trial'...if she/he gets 'results', than they'll be able to offer some up-sells/back-end sells at a later date/time!

                Then again, I could have sworn I've seen posts on this forum where it's often stated to offer the first few clients a 'freebie' in order to build a portfolio/build credibility and everyone 'agreed'...guess that's only effective when it comes to promoting a WSO or something!

                Yeah...let's just 'dish' on this person for getting off their ASS and doing SOMETHING, whether it's a way you would have done the deal OR NOT...versus the other 99.999% who don't do SH** and just 'read' all day!
                I WISH I was intending to start a WSO, wouldnt mind some of the money those guys are making. I am genuinely a newbie, no experience at all with marketing, this is on the side of my main job....

                By the way, thanks for the support appreciate it
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705164].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
    I am sure all u guys are right, but I will give it a go, I am confident it will work. Will keep u guys up to date how it go's over the next few months.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8705108].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
    Well it seems to be going very well so far, the businesses are all keen. I have managed to secure a large chain in the area who own various bars/clubs. they have a bar and a club in the area where I am targeting. I have come to a deal with them, if they help me get numbers, then they are keen to get something in return. I will be sending coupons to my list for them for free in return. I am still struggling to get people to sign up to my shortcode, despite flyers, Facebook, word of mouth. So hopefully this big chain will make people know that I am serious about getting good deals for them, and they will sign up.

    What kind of SMS coupon deals have worked for you guys? 2 for one meals? Free bottle of wine with your meal?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8736866].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author imsolutionsgroup
      Originally Posted by bigmaz View Post

      Well it seems to be going very well so far, the businesses are all keen. I have managed to secure a large chain in the area who own various bars/clubs. they have a bar and a club in the area where I am targeting. I have come to a deal with them, if they help me get numbers, then they are keen to get something in return. I will be sending coupons to my list for them for free in return. I am still struggling to get people to sign up to my shortcode, despite flyers, Facebook, word of mouth. So hopefully this big chain will make people know that I am serious about getting good deals for them, and they will sign up.

      What kind of SMS coupon deals have worked for you guys? 2 for one meals? Free bottle of wine with your meal?
      Awesome, keep up the good work! For the business owner, 2 for 1 deals are always great...because that will bring in more customers and hopefully more beverage, alcohol, ect. sales.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8739078].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bigmaz
    Originally Posted by aurettemag View Post

    What's really your coupon sms service is?
    I send out special offers to my SMS list. The companies pay me to blast their special offer
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8738167].message }}

Trending Topics