Is anyone giving away mobile sites?

Brendan Vraibel · 5th Oct 2011, 03:04 PM

The first week that I started selling mobile sites went pretty well. I was charging between 297-397 for them and sold a few of them the first couple of weeks. I then hit a crazy cold streak, I was getting meetings but they went no where.

I was spending a lot of time through this business model as well. I would go through the cold calling process which wasn't all that time consuming. But then I would create mock ups for all of my meetings and since I live in the city it was also not easy walking + train/bus all day long going to these meetings.

It was also discouraging that when I google mobile websites or some form of it, there are people basically giving away sites for pennies. Even on fiverr, there are an endless list of people willing to build sites for $5.

It's making me debate giving these websites away for free as long as they sign up with hostgator and I'd get as much as $125 referral fee from them ($125 if you sign up 21+ clients in a month).

Is anyone else using this business model? Would love to hear of people's experiences.

SFumi1 · 5th Oct 2011, 03:17 PM

I try to get in the door by pricing myself at a slightly lower price than the competition. If you earn their trust, more (PAYING) business will follow.

You could go for the Hostgator referral fee, or you could get a reseller account and then charge them a monthly fee to host for them. Passive, monthly income is nice...and you make make more that way, if they stay long-term.

And once you earn their business, don't be shy about asking for referrals to other businesses who they feel would appreciate the excellent work that you do.

Video Whiz · 5th Oct 2011, 03:25 PM

I've been having good success by selling to restaurants. I will let them know that these sites cost $247 + $27/month... however since I enjoy this place so much and go there regularly, that I would be willing to take $200 in trade at the restaurant instead (plus the $27/month).

I can tell you that they normally jump at this deal.

This way I secure the monthly income, I get "something" of value rather than just simply give it away, and the restaurant owner feels great about the transaction.

Brendan Vraibel · 5th Oct 2011, 03:51 PM

Yeah I agree that it is a good way of getting your foot in the door which was another reason that I thought of doing things this way. It looks like it may be the way to go for me as there isn't much selling or even leaving your office/house for that matter.

WillR · 5th Oct 2011, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by B and B

The first week that I started selling mobile sites went pretty well. I was charging between 297-397 for them and sold a few of them the first couple of weeks. I then hit a crazy cold streak, I was getting meetings but they went no where.

I was spending a lot of time through this business model as well. I would go through the cold calling process which wasn't all that time consuming. But then I would create mock ups for all of my meetings and since I live in the city it was also not easy walking + train/bus all day long going to these meetings.

It was also discouraging that when I google mobile websites or some form of it, there are people basically giving away sites for pennies. Even on fiverr, there are an endless list of people willing to build sites for $5.

It's making me debate giving these websites away for free as long as they sign up with hostgator and I'd get as much as $125 referral fee from them ($125 if you sign up 21+ clients in a month).

Is anyone else using this business model? Would love to hear of people's experiences.

Let me ask you this.

How many free online website builders are there? How many people are there who will happily build you a website for under 100 bucks? Yes, plenty.

Now let me ask you this.

How many people are spending thousands of dollars a day having websites built for their business? Plenty.

People are willing to pay for quality and they will often associate quality with the price being charged. Don't use these other 'competitors' as an excuse to stop selling. You have proven to yourself that people are more than happy to pay good money for these mobile sites (heck, you sold two of them in one week).

Don't take this the wrong way but if you are scheduling a lot of meetings but you are failing to close any of them, don't be so quick to think it is the price that is the problem.

There are usually only 4 reasons why someone doesn't buy something from you. They don't need it, they don't want it, they can't afford it, or they don't trust you. All of these objections are up to you to resolve. By the way, the 'cant afford it' is never to do with price - it just means you have not done a good enough job of presenting the value to them. If you can demonstrate to someone that they will be receiving more value than the money they are spending they will buy every time. People can always find money if they need to.

So all I am saying is, it might be time to have a look at your current sales presentation and see what you could improve. Write down the most common objections clients have been raising and figure out ways to resolve those objections, BEFORE they arise, in all your future sales presentations.

Brendan Vraibel · 5th Oct 2011, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the input as always Will.

I completely agree that my sales presentation is not where it needs to be. I've read about what you are saying about bringing up the possible objections before the client does and fixing them in Dan Kennedy's No B.S. Sales.

I guess all I'm trying to do is figure out the numbers of the whole thing. Even if I dedicate myself and teach myself to be the best salesman that I can (which I'm doing anyways), would I be able to sell 2 sites at $297 each (2 x $297=$594) easier/quicker than I could give away 5 of them (5 x $125=$625) without going to any meetings and only through the cold calling process.

Time will tell I guess.

midasman09 · 5th Oct 2011, 05:05 PM

I learned Loong Ago that....if I offered the SAME stuff as all my competitors....the ONLY reason for prospects choosing to buy from ME...was on ....Price!

So....I've always tried to offer something "DIFFERENT" than everyone else!

I prefer to "Stand Out"....be "One Of A Kind"! So I am NOT....competing on Price!

So....re: Mobile Sites;

What could I offer....that was DIFFERENT than all my competitors?

Well....what about a ......hold onto your hat...."Local Mobile Site Directory"?

Example: right now, as we speak....the Domain, "BostonMobileDirectory.com"....is available!

So....what if you were to make up a "Directory" of Mobile Sites in the Boston Area...where you listed Sites in Categories...like;

Accountant
Auto Repair
Beauty Salon
Health Club
Massage
etc

and....instead of letting everyone into their category....you limit each business category to 1 or 3, at the most (Boston's a big town)

You make a 1 Page Mobile Site for ONE biz in each category! Just a "Listing" kinda thing.....with Logo (or photo) at top, 1 paragraph about the biz, Tap To Call and a Google Map at bottom.

Simple....easy to make AND....EXCLUSIVE!

NOW....you have something NOBODY ELSE can offer! NOW....you do NOT have to consider "Price"! You can "charge what you want! ....especially, a LOT more than what you've been charging!

My motto has always been...."Give them a REASON WHY they should WANT what I have to offer!"....then....I can charge what I WANT to charge....with NO competition.

So....go grab that domain....use Will's or Quentin's program to create your Directory and make up 1-page Mobile Sites (make each biz a SUB-domain)

Give em somthing they CAN'T GET...elsewhere!

Don Alm....one-of-a-kind

WillR · 5th Oct 2011, 05:45 PM

By the way, in terms of pricing there are certain techniques you can AND should be using when presenting your offer to clients. I wrote another post on one of these techniques in the offline marketing section.

http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ould-help.html

godinu · 5th Oct 2011, 06:48 PM

Another thing you could try is continuing your pitches and meetings as you have been, but mention some nice "freebies" to go with it such as 3 free QR codes which link to mobile coupons or anything the client wants, etc. Just make it seem like they're getting a whole lot for their money, and more than what the other guys will offer them.

Brendan Vraibel · 5th Oct 2011, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by midasman09

I learned Loong Ago that....if I offered the SAME stuff as all my competitors....the ONLY reason for prospects choosing to buy from ME...was on ....Price!

So....I've always tried to offer something "DIFFERENT" than everyone else!

I prefer to "Stand Out"....be "One Of A Kind"! So I am NOT....competing on Price!

So....re: Mobile Sites;

What could I offer....that was DIFFERENT than all my competitors?

Well....what about a ......hold onto your hat...."Local Mobile Site Directory"?

Example: right now, as we speak....the Domain, "BostonMobileDirectory.com"....is available!

So....what if you were to make up a "Directory" of Mobile Sites in the Boston Area...where you listed Sites in Categories...like;

Accountant
Auto Repair
Beauty Salon
Health Club
Massage
etc

and....instead of letting everyone into their category....you limit each business category to 1 or 3, at the most (Boston's a big town)

You make a 1 Page Mobile Site for ONE biz in each category! Just a "Listing" kinda thing.....with Logo (or photo) at top, 1 paragraph about the biz, Tap To Call and a Google Map at bottom.

Simple....easy to make AND....EXCLUSIVE!

NOW....you have something NOBODY ELSE can offer! NOW....you do NOT have to consider "Price"! You can "charge what you want! ....especially, a LOT more than what you've been charging!

My motto has always been...."Give them a REASON WHY they should WANT what I have to offer!"....then....I can charge what I WANT to charge....with NO competition.

So....go grab that domain....use Will's or Quentin's program to create your Directory and make up 1-page Mobile Sites (make each biz a SUB-domain)

Give em somthing they CAN'T GET...elsewhere!

Don Alm....one-of-a-kind

Always have a creative way of spinning things, thanks a lot for the idea Don.

Originally Posted by WillR

By the way, in terms of pricing there are certain techniques you can AND should be using when presenting your offer to clients. I wrote another post on one of these techniques in the offline marketing section.

http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ould-help.html

Very nice tip Will, thank you. For years my only real way that I've used for educating myself was this forum. I've been diving into some more mainstream books recently and love picking up useful tips like this. Really appreciated as always Will.

512 Designs · 5th Oct 2011, 09:07 PM

Well, you guys may hate me, but I'm using mobile websites as a lost leader as my model.

I'm building the mobile sites for free and charging for hosting (using Will's template is very fast) which gets me in the door for doing some upselling.

For instance, I just came back from a meeting at a music school and not only am I going to be creating their mobile website (which is already 70% built as a mock up I did for them anyway), but I"m also going to be re-building their real website, taking over the hosting of it at $24/month and we talked about doing youtube video, qr code, facebook fanpage and other marketing campaigns.

So even though I know there's a true value in mobile websites for the customer in general, to me the value is getting me in the door to sell my other services.

Plus, as a side note....I discovered that Yellow Book is giving away mobile websites in our area just to get the hosting fees. I want to get to these businesses before they do.

Mike

Neil B · 6th Oct 2011, 05:31 AM

Each to their own but I prefer to get paid for my work and NEVER sell on price...ever!

Will makes a very good point that clients associate quality with price and as I've mentioned before you can easily 'price condition' your prospects during your sales pitch and get the price you really want AND should be charging as long as your mobile sites stand out and you're showing them HOW it WILL increase their business.

Don hit the 'nail on the head'...be DIFFERENT to the pack and you'll get there.

Would you rather give away 100 mobile sites and make pennies on hosting or SELL 20 for $1070.8 each (thats what I charge for a small 10 page mobile site £699 in real money lol)...I'd rather have the 21K and only 20 clients to deal with than 100 who paid no money but will still expect the same level of service.

Neil B

mjbmedia · 6th Oct 2011, 05:58 AM

if youre selling the mobile site, and nothing/ not much more..............then thats pretty worthless

If youre selling a complete ongoing developing marketing strategy thats going to take that business into the next 5-10 years in a very healthy position........... then thats priceless

Mobileico · 6th Oct 2011, 07:13 PM

Use Apple's business model. Never settle. If you go cheap as them, you'll only be worth $5. Using great tools like Social Media (LinkedIn, etc.) is one way. The masses are out there and I feel that if you keep trying you'll find your answer, just don't settle. The more you put your name out there the more people will know who you are. Average turnarounds are 1 week, so never rush it. One thing I have found is that when you concentrate on the First Responders, which are businesses that could benefit with this the most like taxis, independent deliveries (pizza, Chinese), etc. they work the best. First and foremost, this type of business will call for you to be resilient and cunning. Good luck in everything you do

Mobileico · 6th Oct 2011, 07:26 PM

@MrCouchPotato. Why should anyone hate you? I think you are a great marketer. You keep us on our toes

In response to mjbmedia, I think you are right too...a little. I think as just having a mobile website in it's value alone is actually the worth of $29.99 and up, even though some of us offer discounts. I think where the "worthless" comes in is letting it sit idle. Like a standard website or Facebook fan page, it's worth nothing just being created. I emphasize to my clients to campaign their mobilites. To me it's, "Campaign, campaign, campaign." My value comes from the weekly analytics I provide, the design with the Social Media Control Panel I include and the consultations I give. Many people add a fan page and other stuff in the mix and that's awesome, we are all different people. We have to work with our strengths. I just know that the worth I give lies withing the mobilites I create and the customer service that follows. Best wishes in everything you do

mjbmedia · 7th Oct 2011, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by Mobileico

In response to mjbmedia, I think you are right too...a little. I think as just having a mobile website in it's value alone is actually the worth of $29.99 and up, even though some of us offer discounts. I think where the "worthless" comes in is letting it sit idle. Like a standard website or Facebook fan page, it's worth nothing just being created. I emphasize to my clients to campaign their mobilites.

that was exactly my point, thats why so many business owners were peeved off with their first websites , they got them were all chuffed and then had no idea or assistance in what to do with them so in essence to the future of the business they were worthless.
I get the sense the same thing will happen with mobile sites from some suppliers (not here) they'll cash in on the craze but wont deliver any real value.
Our purpose is to reach out to these business owners first before they get ripped off

deum · 8th Oct 2011, 06:45 AM

im in shock here!

You guys are killing this industry.

Low price killed so many industry out there.

Giving away stuff transform it into a low value item.

We sell mobile for no less than 1500 dollars with full design and social integration like custom FB pages.

My sales team has to face low value site offers everyday but we are still getting clients. So many people are trying to benefit from the mobile wave with under quality products.

You are cutting your own throats!

trumpador · 8th Oct 2011, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by deum

im in shock here!

You guys are killing this industry.

Low price killed so many industry out there.

Giving away stuff transform it into a low value item.

We sell mobile for no less than 1500 dollars with full design and social integration like custom FB pages.

My sales team has to face low value site offers everyday but we are still getting clients. So many people are trying to benefit from the mobile wave with under quality products.

You are cutting your own throats!

Completely agree. Not fond of the develop cheap site (mobile and traditional) and then leaving the small biz owners on their own - type of strategy. Most of the time they give you their business because they don't have the knowledge nor the time.

I'd feel pretty terrible just giving them a site and then thats it. In fact, I've gotten business because others have done this.

One of the pain points of my clients has been "they gave us the site and that was it. We don't know how to update or get to the info" as well as the fact that they have no time/no staff to manage it even if they were given documentation on how to admin their sites.

I've been charging $600-$1500 per mobile site (depending on their needs) plus ongoing of approx $200-$600 per month as their digital marketing partner, again, depending on their needs.

I've only been doing mobile for a little while but I like helping my clients make money. When I help them make money; what I charge them becomes irrelevant. Especially once, I've gotten their trust that I am genuinely there to help their business grow.

I'm no sales expert and I apologise if I come across a little braggy, but the best results, in terms of closing the deal, has been when they see that I am there to help grow their business and showing (educating) them how to use tech to bring in more business.

Lastly, find a way to differentiate your offering. For me, Yellow pages offers free or very cheap mobile sites (I don't actually know as I haven't bothered to look - this is what people tell me) but I differentiate by offering a bespoke solution and non-directory style site. If my prospect objects by siting said "cheaper" service, then I simply ask them how they expect to be found amongst the multitude of generic "cheap" sites and put it back on them. Do they value their business and would they want their customers to value their service/products? If so, then invest in their brand etc. Again, this goes back to partnering with them.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. Hope this is useful to someone

deum · 8th Oct 2011, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by trumpador

Completely agree. Not fond of the develop cheap site (mobile and traditional) and then leaving the small biz owners on their own - type of strategy. Most of the time they give you their business because they don't have the knowledge nor the time.

I'd feel pretty terrible just giving them a site and then thats it. In fact, I've gotten business because others have done this.

One of the pain points of my clients has been "they gave us the site and that was it. We don't know how to update or get to the info" as well as the fact that they have no time/no staff to manage it even if they were given documentation on how to admin their sites.

I've been charging $600-$1500 per mobile site (depending on their needs) plus ongoing of approx $200-$600 per month as their digital marketing partner, again, depending on their needs.

I've only been doing mobile for a little while but I like helping my clients make money. When I help them make money; what I charge them becomes irrelevant. Especially once, I've gotten their trust that I am genuinely there to help their business grow.

I'm no sales expert and I apologise if I come across a little braggy, but the best results, in terms of closing the deal, has been when they see that I am there to help grow their business and showing (educating) them how to use tech to bring in more business.

Lastly, find a way to differentiate your offering. For me, Yellow pages offers free or very cheap mobile sites (I don't actually know as I haven't bothered to look - this is what people tell me) but I differentiate by offering a bespoke solution and non-directory style site. If my prospect objects by siting said "cheaper" service, then I simply ask them how they expect to be found amongst the multitude of generic "cheap" sites and put it back on them. Do they value their business and would they want their customers to value their service/products? If so, then invest in their brand etc. Again, this goes back to partnering with them.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. Hope this is useful to someone

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU

it was the same in a bunch of markets

a lot of small players are just destroying a complete indudtry to make how much?

nothing

as soon as they destroy the industry they just run to the next. they dont make a living out of it, they are like viruses.

Its like a bunch of junkies piranhas on acid running to the next Klondike that they will overrun with a bunch low value offers.

Giving Away Websites? Come on! to make 10 dollars a month on cheap hosting in a server that they keep in their children closet?

Its almost a joke if it was not killing us all genuine entrepreneurs with a vision on helping clients making money and developing their brick and mortar businesses on the net!

there is a way to make a very good living in this industry if everyone keep the price real and give an added value to the client.

Develop a real product with an added value attached to it and youll get the rewards that you deserve.

this industry is becoming too open and as a result is generally suffering.

But trust me! there is market out there for good value and benefits!

Stop slashing the prices! it wont benefit you at the end!

WOW that was my rambling speech of the day!

I could not prevent myself from reacting!

GIVING AWAY WEBSITES?

PLEASE SELL YOUR BLOOD FIRST!

or make it as a business model with a paid membership where you attract 30 k free members but 120 k paid members like a company i know!

making it as a side business and make no money make sense to you?

trumpador · 11th Oct 2011, 02:04 AM

w00t! Just etting you guys know that the market for mobile sites is still growing. Please don't under sell just to get hosting.

I'm sitting here right now with a client waiting for a $1500 cheque. They already paid a deposit of $777 and it looks like they are going to agree to $150/month maintenance.

I'll take a pic later and post it here if I have the privileges to post pics (less business name of course.

I've gone from $0 to approx $15k per month in revenue. I've put on 2.5 men (actually the 0.5 is a college girl) in the last few weeks.

FYI, I use education based marketing and really show them that I am here to help them grow their business. Sell the benefits of what you do! Woo hoo!

This may just come across as bragging but I'm just stoked right now.

I got another meeting tomorrow for a project that is probably going to be north of $4k plus ongoing maintenance.

Anyway, now, I'm in a really good mood

Neil B · 11th Oct 2011, 02:23 AM

Originally Posted by trumpador

w00t! Just etting you guys know that the market for mobile sites is still growing. Please don't under sell just to get hosting.

I'm sitting here right now with a client waiting for a $1500 cheque. They already paid a deposit of $777 and it looks like they are going to agree to $150/month maintenance.

I'll take a pic later and post it here if I have the privileges to post pics (less business name of course.

I've gone from $0 to approx $15k per month in revenue. I've put on 2.5 men (actually the 0.5 is a college girl) in the last few weeks.

FYI, I use education based marketing and really show them that I am here to help them grow their business. Sell the benefits of what you do! Woo hoo!

This may just come across as bragging but I'm just stoked right now.

I got another meeting tomorrow for a project that is probably going to be north of $4k plus ongoing maintenance.

Anyway, now, I'm in a really good mood

Nice one trumpador!!!

Thats definately the way to do it...well done!

Neil B

TJ Kazunga · 11th Oct 2011, 03:19 AM

Originally Posted by deum

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU
...Its almost a joke if it was not killing us all genuine entrepreneurs with a vision on helping clients making money and developing their brick and mortar businesses on the net!...

I don't see how it follows that "some people" are ruining it for everyone else by selling cheap. That's business and as far as I know, most industries have competitors selling at all sorts of price levels. Cheap, medium and high.

As has been pointed out, it just means that we need to be more creative in our sales, offer more benefits and differentiate our services.

Personally I don't like selling low, and I have found ways to get a good price by bundling all these different "tools" into a "lead generation" package.

After all, as we know, most businesses don't really want a mobile website, or a fanpage or a video or whatever, they want more business. The way I see it, my job is to decide what "tools" (i.e. fan pages, websites, PPC, SEO, mobisites whatever) will do the best job in driving more leads for that particular client.

I then charge accordingly. I decide whether they need a mobile website, PPC or whatever and charge them a handsome fee that covers everything.

Seems to be working for me. BTW, props to Peter Maxwell for helping to clarify my thinking around this area. One of the few warriors who's WSO's I really "buy without reading the sales letter"! lol

trumpador · 11th Oct 2011, 03:24 AM

You make an excellent point. The market provides a breadth of services from low to high end services.

Pricing is entirely dependent on the target market.

TycoonRob · 11th Oct 2011, 06:09 AM

When I sell mobile sites, I am starting with pitching an SMS campaign. If they're sold on SMS then the next logical step is a mobile site. After all, if they send out an SMS message with a link and it comes up on their "normal" site - which is NOT mobile-optimized - then it will look "bad" to the viewer. So then I explain how the mobile site will give people the basics - location, contact, directions, menu/services, social media, etc. - without being slow to open on a phone. Basically - it's a NECESSITY now that they are using SMS. So we started at $299, but then we went up to $349 and now $399 and they don't even blink at those prices. I also offer a monthly option to spread the payments out over a year, which a lot of people seem to prefer, but then I won't push the domain or let them host the site until it's paid in full.

thriftgirl62 · 11th Oct 2011, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by B and B

The first week that I started selling mobile sites went pretty well. I was charging between 297-397 for them and sold a few of them the first couple of weeks. I then hit a crazy cold streak, I was getting meetings but they went no where.

I was spending a lot of time through this business model as well. I would go through the cold calling process which wasn't all that time consuming. But then I would create mock ups for all of my meetings and since I live in the city it was also not easy walking + train/bus all day long going to these meetings.

It was also discouraging that when I google mobile websites or some form of it, there are people basically giving away sites for pennies. Even on fiverr, there are an endless list of people willing to build sites for $5.

It's making me debate giving these websites away for free as long as they sign up with hostgator and I'd get as much as $125 referral fee from them ($125 if you sign up 21+ clients in a month).

Is anyone else using this business model? Would love to hear of people's experiences.

Websites and Apps are given away [monthly hosting not included] because they are ad-supported. If you're managing all your client's sites then offer a free or less expensive branded site and a non-branded version they can pay for whenever they want.

You can choose prospects in the automotive industry [not required] and really stand apart from the rest. Some will think you're crazy but everyone will remember you for being different. Now think different too.

512 Designs · 11th Oct 2011, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by trumpador

I'm sitting here right now with a client waiting for a $1500 cheque. They already paid a deposit of $777 and it looks like they are going to agree to $150/month maintenance.

Tbat's awesome!!!!

Would you mind sharing what will be on a $1500 mobile website? Everyone says there's only a few things that should be on one. Tap to Call, Location, Contact Us, and if it's a restaurant, the Menu Items.

Are you getting $1500 for a site that has these basic things? Or is there a lot more involved like a shopping cart, or something that takes a lot of time to code?

Thanks.

Mike

KCNL · 11th Oct 2011, 09:22 AM

Hmm, this is getting crazy.

Was just making a few mockups for restaurants in my area and thinking what to charge them.
Then i discovered a provider who let them make their own sites for just 6 euro p.m. with analytics, a free .mobi domain and no setup fees. ...sjeesz..

Gonna be pretty hard working against that sort of competition, lets hope a lot of businessowners still want to have it it all done for them.

trumpador · 11th Oct 2011, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato

Tbat's awesome!!!!

Would you mind sharing what will be on a $1500 mobile website? Everyone says there's only a few things that should be on one. Tap to Call, Location, Contact Us, and if it's a restaurant, the Menu Items.

Are you getting $1500 for a site that has these basic things? Or is there a lot more involved like a shopping cart, or something that takes a lot of time to code?

Thanks.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Yes, the site is the basic stuff, as you listed. Tap to call, location info, contact. I've also included a reservation system. This is essentially a contact us going to a specific email addy and integrates with Mailchimp.

What they are a paying a premium for though is the art/design work plus a little strategy document that tells them how to build a list (which they can market to in the future) and really stay ahead of their comp - that, and that they are an up market joint.

If a business sees themselves as the top cream, then you can't low ball your price or they'll think you are joking or un professional. I also got inside info on how much they paid for their website.

The best news is the ongoing monthly maintenance and I am in pole position for their new business venture next month. Should also pickup the website gig too.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

Mobileico · 12th Oct 2011, 10:35 AM

I am not going to go into prices here as i did that in my last reply...I believe. How about giving away options? That's the most valuable

Michael Clough · 12th Oct 2011, 03:17 PM

Nobody is ruining anything! If you haven't realized, we are in a bloody recession, folks.
FREE? No way, I don't work for free.

But many of the small businesses around here simply can't afford jack squat! $1500 for a Mobile Website? Bah-hahahahaa.....oh please! You just can't pork people like that. Or maybe you're targeting real high-end corporations....if so, then fine.

Charging for hosting? Huh? If they already have a hosting account, there is no fee to add a mobile site.

trumpador · 12th Oct 2011, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Rowdy Yates

Nobody is ruining anything! If you haven't realized, we are in a bloody recession, folks.
FREE? No way, I don't work for free.

But many of the small businesses around here simply can't afford jack squat! $1500 for a Mobile Website? Bah-hahahahaa.....oh please! You just can't pork people like that. Or maybe you're targeting real high-end corporations....if so, then fine.

Charging for hosting? Huh? If they already have a hosting account, there is no fee to add a mobile site.

Well like some already pointed out, there is a spectrum of businesses to target for mobile sites.

I'm in Australia, and it seems the businesses I'm targeting have not had the same impact from the recession.

Besides, these guys are smart business people. They saved and put away when times were good and now that times are bad, they're investing in their business to compete in a tight market (they're words not mine).

Also, the mobile site is just the tech solution and is essentially just the beginning. What is on offer is a way for them to use today's technology to allow them a better capability to compete in their marketplace. I.e help them make money.

Lastly, yes I'm targeting te bigger end of SMEs but not big corps. So that helps. If I help the micro biz owner, then I make sure to go for a segment with large revenues.

So, I'll take back my request to not give it away for free but certainly go for a segment/industry that you are comfortable with.

5th Oct 2011, 03:04 PM	#1
Brendan Vraibel Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 618 Thanks: 79 Thanked 217 Times in 108 Posts	Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: The first week that I started selling mobile sites went pretty well. I was charging between 297-397 for them and sold a few of them the first couple of weeks. I then hit a crazy cold streak, I was getting meetings but they went no where. I was spending a lot of time through this business model as well. I would go through the cold calling process which wasn't all that time consuming. But then I would create mock ups for all of my meetings and since I live in the city it was also not easy walking + train/bus all day long going to these meetings. It was also discouraging that when I google mobile websites or some form of it, there are people basically giving away sites for pennies. Even on fiverr, there are an endless list of people willing to build sites for $5. It's making me debate giving these websites away for free as long as they sign up with hostgator and I'd get as much as $125 referral fee from them ($125 if you sign up 21+ clients in a month). Is anyone else using this business model? Would love to hear of people's experiences.
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5th Oct 2011, 03:17 PM	#2
SFumi1 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2007 Location: West Chester,Ohio Posts: 173 Thanks: 45 Thanked 47 Times in 41 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: I try to get in the door by pricing myself at a slightly lower price than the competition. If you earn their trust, more (PAYING) business will follow. You could go for the Hostgator referral fee, or you could get a reseller account and then charge them a monthly fee to host for them. Passive, monthly income is nice...and you make make more that way, if they stay long-term. And once you earn their business, don't be shy about asking for referrals to other businesses who they feel would appreciate the excellent work that you do.

5th Oct 2011, 03:25 PM	#3
Video Whiz Warrior Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 27 Thanks: 24 Thanked 64 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: I've been having good success by selling to restaurants. I will let them know that these sites cost $247 + $27/month... however since I enjoy this place so much and go there regularly, that I would be willing to take $200 in trade at the restaurant instead (plus the $27/month). I can tell you that they normally jump at this deal. This way I secure the monthly income, I get "something" of value rather than just simply give it away, and the restaurant owner feels great about the transaction.

5th Oct 2011, 03:51 PM	#4
Brendan Vraibel Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 618 Thanks: 79 Thanked 217 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Yeah I agree that it is a good way of getting your foot in the door which was another reason that I thought of doing things this way. It looks like it may be the way to go for me as there isn't much selling or even leaving your office/house for that matter.
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5th Oct 2011, 04:22 PM	#6
Brendan Vraibel Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 618 Thanks: 79 Thanked 217 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Thanks for the input as always Will. I completely agree that my sales presentation is not where it needs to be. I've read about what you are saying about bringing up the possible objections before the client does and fixing them in Dan Kennedy's No B.S. Sales. I guess all I'm trying to do is figure out the numbers of the whole thing. Even if I dedicate myself and teach myself to be the best salesman that I can (which I'm doing anyways), would I be able to sell 2 sites at $297 each (2 x $297=$594) easier/quicker than I could give away 5 of them (5 x $125=$625) without going to any meetings and only through the cold calling process. Time will tell I guess.
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5th Oct 2011, 05:05 PM	#7
midasman09 Banned Join Date: 2009 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 7 Thanked 1,526 Times in 532 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: I learned Loong Ago that....if I offered the SAME stuff as all my competitors....the ONLY reason for prospects choosing to buy from ME...was on ....Price! So....I've always tried to offer something "DIFFERENT" than everyone else! I prefer to "Stand Out"....be "One Of A Kind"! So I am NOT....competing on Price! So....re: Mobile Sites; What could I offer....that was DIFFERENT than all my competitors? Well....what about a ......hold onto your hat...."Local Mobile Site Directory"? Example: right now, as we speak....the Domain, "BostonMobileDirectory.com"....is available! So....what if you were to make up a "Directory" of Mobile Sites in the Boston Area...where you listed Sites in Categories...like; Accountant Auto Repair Beauty Salon Health Club Massage etc and....instead of letting everyone into their category....you limit each business category to 1 or 3, at the most (Boston's a big town) You make a 1 Page Mobile Site for ONE biz in each category! Just a "Listing" kinda thing.....with Logo (or photo) at top, 1 paragraph about the biz, Tap To Call and a Google Map at bottom. Simple....easy to make AND....EXCLUSIVE! NOW....you have something NOBODY ELSE can offer! NOW....you do NOT have to consider "Price"! You can "charge what you want! ....especially, a LOT more than what you've been charging! My motto has always been...."Give them a REASON WHY they should WANT what I have to offer!"....then....I can charge what I WANT to charge....with NO competition. So....go grab that domain....use Will's or Quentin's program to create your Directory and make up 1-page Mobile Sites (make each biz a SUB-domain) Give em somthing they CAN'T GET...elsewhere! Don Alm....one-of-a-kind

5th Oct 2011, 05:45 PM	#8
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,472 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: By the way, in terms of pricing there are certain techniques you can AND should be using when presenting your offer to clients. I wrote another post on one of these techniques in the offline marketing section. http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ould-help.html
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5th Oct 2011, 06:48 PM	#9
godinu Write and Shine the Light War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 367 Thanks: 69 Thanked 97 Times in 78 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Another thing you could try is continuing your pitches and meetings as you have been, but mention some nice "freebies" to go with it such as 3 free QR codes which link to mobile coupons or anything the client wants, etc. Just make it seem like they're getting a whole lot for their money, and more than what the other guys will offer them.

5th Oct 2011, 09:07 PM	#11
512 Designs Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Location: USA Posts: 720 Thanks: 65 Thanked 162 Times in 97 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Well, you guys may hate me, but I'm using mobile websites as a lost leader as my model. I'm building the mobile sites for free and charging for hosting (using Will's template is very fast) which gets me in the door for doing some upselling. For instance, I just came back from a meeting at a music school and not only am I going to be creating their mobile website (which is already 70% built as a mock up I did for them anyway), but I"m also going to be re-building their real website, taking over the hosting of it at $24/month and we talked about doing youtube video, qr code, facebook fanpage and other marketing campaigns. So even though I know there's a true value in mobile websites for the customer in general, to me the value is getting me in the door to sell my other services. Plus, as a side note....I discovered that Yellow Book is giving away mobile websites in our area just to get the hosting fees. I want to get to these businesses before they do. Mike
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6th Oct 2011, 05:31 AM	#12
Neil B Mobile Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: UK Posts: 190 Thanks: 616 Thanked 205 Times in 134 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Each to their own but I prefer to get paid for my work and NEVER sell on price...ever! Will makes a very good point that clients associate quality with price and as I've mentioned before you can easily 'price condition' your prospects during your sales pitch and get the price you really want AND should be charging as long as your mobile sites stand out and you're showing them HOW it WILL increase their business. Don hit the 'nail on the head'...be DIFFERENT to the pack and you'll get there. Would you rather give away 100 mobile sites and make pennies on hosting or SELL 20 for $1070.8 each (thats what I charge for a small 10 page mobile site £699 in real money lol)...I'd rather have the 21K and only 20 clients to deal with than 100 who paid no money but will still expect the same level of service. Neil B
	INFUSE Mobile+Facebook+Youtube+Twitter NOW! It's LIVE 'MOBILE NICHES RICHES''

6th Oct 2011, 05:58 AM	#13
mjbmedia The Prince of Profit War Room Member Join Date: 2008 Location: UK Posts: 1,294 Thanks: 189 Thanked 283 Times in 225 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: if youre selling the mobile site, and nothing/ not much more..............then thats pretty worthless If youre selling a complete ongoing developing marketing strategy thats going to take that business into the next 5-10 years in a very healthy position........... then thats priceless
	Mike

6th Oct 2011, 07:13 PM	#14
Mobileico Mobile design and creator Join Date: 2011 Location: Greeneville, Tennessee. Posts: 135 Thanks: 9 Thanked 48 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Use Apple's business model. Never settle. If you go cheap as them, you'll only be worth $5. Using great tools like Social Media (LinkedIn, etc.) is one way. The masses are out there and I feel that if you keep trying you'll find your answer, just don't settle. The more you put your name out there the more people will know who you are. Average turnarounds are 1 week, so never rush it. One thing I have found is that when you concentrate on the First Responders, which are businesses that could benefit with this the most like taxis, independent deliveries (pizza, Chinese), etc. they work the best. First and foremost, this type of business will call for you to be resilient and cunning. Good luck in everything you do
	"My aim in design and UX is elegance, intelligence, functionality, and fun." - Wallace Morrison. Desktop - Mobileico.com / Mobile - m.mobileico.com Featured in Google's video about mobilizing, Mobile 1:35 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Rzs5Iud20bk

6th Oct 2011, 07:26 PM	#15
Mobileico Mobile design and creator Join Date: 2011 Location: Greeneville, Tennessee. Posts: 135 Thanks: 9 Thanked 48 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: @MrCouchPotato. Why should anyone hate you? I think you are a great marketer. You keep us on our toes In response to mjbmedia, I think you are right too...a little. I think as just having a mobile website in it's value alone is actually the worth of $29.99 and up, even though some of us offer discounts. I think where the "worthless" comes in is letting it sit idle. Like a standard website or Facebook fan page, it's worth nothing just being created. I emphasize to my clients to campaign their mobilites. To me it's, "Campaign, campaign, campaign." My value comes from the weekly analytics I provide, the design with the Social Media Control Panel I include and the consultations I give. Many people add a fan page and other stuff in the mix and that's awesome, we are all different people. We have to work with our strengths. I just know that the worth I give lies withing the mobilites I create and the customer service that follows. Best wishes in everything you do
	"My aim in design and UX is elegance, intelligence, functionality, and fun." - Wallace Morrison. Desktop - Mobileico.com / Mobile - m.mobileico.com Featured in Google's video about mobilizing, Mobile 1:35 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Rzs5Iud20bk

8th Oct 2011, 06:45 AM	#17
deum MOBILE MANIAC Join Date: 2011 Location: Montreal - Toronto - CANADA Posts: 59 Thanks: 4 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: im in shock here! You guys are killing this industry. Low price killed so many industry out there. Giving away stuff transform it into a low value item. We sell mobile for no less than 1500 dollars with full design and social integration like custom FB pages. My sales team has to face low value site offers everyday but we are still getting clients. So many people are trying to benefit from the mobile wave with under quality products. You are cutting your own throats!

11th Oct 2011, 02:04 AM	#20
trumpador Active Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 48 Thanks: 17 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: w00t! Just etting you guys know that the market for mobile sites is still growing. Please don't under sell just to get hosting. I'm sitting here right now with a client waiting for a $1500 cheque. They already paid a deposit of $777 and it looks like they are going to agree to $150/month maintenance. I'll take a pic later and post it here if I have the privileges to post pics (less business name of course. I've gone from $0 to approx $15k per month in revenue. I've put on 2.5 men (actually the 0.5 is a college girl) in the last few weeks. FYI, I use education based marketing and really show them that I am here to help them grow their business. Sell the benefits of what you do! Woo hoo! This may just come across as bragging but I'm just stoked right now. I got another meeting tomorrow for a project that is probably going to be north of $4k plus ongoing maintenance. Anyway, now, I'm in a really good mood
	"Take over the world, like Donald Trump Shi&" - Mac Miller Last edited on 11th Oct 2011 at 04:42 AM. Reason: Add photo*

11th Oct 2011, 03:24 AM	#23
trumpador Active Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 48 Thanks: 17 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: You make an excellent point. The market provides a breadth of services from low to high end services. Pricing is entirely dependent on the target market.
	"Take over the world, like Donald Trump Shi&*" - Mac Miller

11th Oct 2011, 06:09 AM	#24
TycoonRob IMBizCoach - Rob R War Room Member Join Date: 2005 Location: Area 51 Posts: 1,323 Thanks: 305 Thanked 408 Times in 282 Posts Blog Entries: 4	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: When I sell mobile sites, I am starting with pitching an SMS campaign. If they're sold on SMS then the next logical step is a mobile site. After all, if they send out an SMS message with a link and it comes up on their "normal" site - which is NOT mobile-optimized - then it will look "bad" to the viewer. So then I explain how the mobile site will give people the basics - location, contact, directions, menu/services, social media, etc. - without being slow to open on a phone. Basically - it's a NECESSITY now that they are using SMS. So we started at $299, but then we went up to $349 and now $399 and they don't even blink at those prices. I also offer a monthly option to spread the payments out over a year, which a lot of people seem to prefer, but then I won't push the domain or let them host the site until it's paid in full.
	Doubt everything you believe.

11th Oct 2011, 09:22 AM	#27
KCNL Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Posts: 83 Thanks: 23 Thanked 29 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Hmm, this is getting crazy. Was just making a few mockups for restaurants in my area and thinking what to charge them. Then i discovered a provider who let them make their own sites for just 6 euro p.m. with analytics, a free .mobi domain and no setup fees. ...sjeesz.. Gonna be pretty hard working against that sort of competition, lets hope a lot of businessowners still want to have it it all done for them.

12th Oct 2011, 10:35 AM	#29
Mobileico Mobile design and creator Join Date: 2011 Location: Greeneville, Tennessee. Posts: 135 Thanks: 9 Thanked 48 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: I am not going to go into prices here as i did that in my last reply...I believe. How about giving away options? That's the most valuable
	"My aim in design and UX is elegance, intelligence, functionality, and fun." - Wallace Morrison. Desktop - Mobileico.com / Mobile - m.mobileico.com Featured in Google's video about mobilizing, Mobile 1:35 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Rzs5Iud20bk

12th Oct 2011, 03:17 PM	#30
Michael Clough Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: 2008 Location: NE Posts: 1,190 Thanks: 346 Thanked 162 Times in 143 Posts	Re: Is anyone giving away mobile sites? Share on: Nobody is ruining anything! If you haven't realized, we are in a bloody recession, folks. FREE? No way, I don't work for free. But many of the small businesses around here simply can't afford jack squat! $1500 for a Mobile Website? Bah-hahahahaa.....oh please! You just can't pork people like that. Or maybe you're targeting real high-end corporations....if so, then fine. Charging for hosting? Huh? If they already have a hosting account, there is no fee to add a mobile site.
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