17 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
17 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to find partners for "Local SEO" firm?

by PatrickLSO
14 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I have been trying to find partners for the Local SEO company I work for, but I am not finding as many as I would like. We feel we can increase our spread by finding partners that reach small businesses, but I am not sure how to find the appropriate people.

We have had success reaching out directly to businesses, but that is not very scalable. I have been looking for web designers, SEOs, agencies, directories, marketing firms, publishers, or anyone else that reaches local businesses, but most just think we are sales people trying to make a buck. Our services are very high quality and could make our partners, and their customers, tons of profit, but how do I convey this without them thinking we are just some type of MLM scheme?

I have not included my sig, because I think it would violate TOS.
#find #firm #local seo #partners
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Patrick are you referring to resellers of your services?

    I haven't had anything to do with this before, and I too would be interested in learning more. I would assume that the "recurring income" for businesses would surely be attractive.
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6590284].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PatrickLSO
      Originally Posted by John Romaine View Post

      Patrick are you referring to resellers of your services?

      I haven't had anything to do with this before, and I too would be interested in learning more. I would assume that the "recurring income" for businesses would surely be attractive.
      Hi John. Well the business/partner could offer our service as an upsell, just sell our service, co-brand with us, or even white label.

      The recurring income aspect does seem to attract businesses, but most people stop reading/listening before they hear the benefits. Once they hear "local search optimization" they associate us with the 1000s of SEO firms outsourcing over seas.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6590387].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
        Two things I have had a lot of success with.

        First, contact the web designers of clients you already are working with. This is often an easy sell since you already have a client in common. Explain what you are doing for that client and how you can potentially work together.

        Second, CPA's can be a fantastic referral source. They work with a ton of business owners. You can exchange referrals, pay them for each new client, or whatever other arrangement you want to do.

        Most of mine give me referrals for free. In exchange, I do SEO for their site or I have done webinars for their clients. The CPA's love this because they can sell it as a free part of their service they are doing for their client. I do it online, so I don't have to be in the same town with the clients (although I have done it locally too).

        You just do a basic overview of search engine traffic, how to improve rankings, and that give them your contact info. No real selling. It's more of a "here are all the things you can do to get more search engine traffic or you can contact me to do it for you" kind of thing.
        Signature

        For SEO news, discussions, tactics, and more.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6590474].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author PatrickLSO
          Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

          First, contact the web designers of clients you already are working with. This is often an easy sell since you already have a client in common. Explain what you are doing for that client and how you can potentially work together.
          I like this idea a lot. Any in, is a good way to start a conversation.

          Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

          Second, CPA's can be a fantastic referral source. They work with a ton of business owners. You can exchange referrals, pay them for each new client, or whatever other arrangement you want to do.
          I had never thought of reaching out to someone like this. It makes sense, they are in contact with tons of businesses. The tough part would be explaining what it is we do, and how it would be beneficial for them to offer it to their clients.

          Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

          You just do a basic overview of search engine traffic, how to improve rankings, and that give them your contact info. No real selling. It's more of a "here are all the things you can do to get more search engine traffic or you can contact me to do it for you" kind of thing.
          That's a great method. I've been working on something similar and I think it should work out well.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6590760].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PatrickLSO
    Originally Posted by Portlandrocks View Post

    Are you offering referrals to them as well? I have built a referral network that has been doing well of other businesses that compliment the skill set I have.

    I just got on Craigslist, looked in the business section and emailed businesses saying I was wanting to start a referral network. I said I would send business their way and they could send business my way.
    Ah, that is a brilliant idea. We don't currently do anything like that, but it seems easy enough to do.

    Where do you get these referrals?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6590296].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Pat, how many of these people have you actually met "face to face" with? Any?
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6593473].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    I think that might be worth considering. It might also encourage others to jump onboard. (especially if they provide testimonials etc)
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6596310].message }}

Trending Topics