Foot in the Door
 

Seeing the # of 'does mobile marketing work?' threads got me to my own common sense strategy I'm currently investing in. Here it is:

A. Find a local business that is currently on the come and somewhat established in the area. Make sure this business has a high volume of customers and would self promote their site for their own good. (Ie. Don't approach an old school barber shop just because they have volume)
B. Make sure this business is one that would without question benefit from having a mobile specific site (not app) and already has a working website with some content.
C. Have some connection to this place whether it be someone you know that uses them or specific things that don't make you look like some salesman off the street selling something
D. Make sure this place is run by a younger generation individual who gets it sees the big picture with mobile.
E. Once A-D are established, approach them with an honest appeal that you are new into mobile site design/promotion however have some amazing ideas and see their business as the ultimate type to use mobile to their advantage. Tell them about your list A-D and why you chose them. Go in with a mockup in hand of what their site currently looks like vs your amazing mobile look.

Here's the final part: Do it for free. Don't charge a penny. Give them everything they want and more. Tell them this up front with the idea that if they like your work all you ask in return is referrals. If they need printed QR codes on placards to increase promotion, do it for them. Don't make them lift a finger. Yes, its gonna cost you $$ but see it as an investment. Tell them you would appreciate placing your company name w/ a link on their mobile site with a link to your site.

When its set up, there you are. You've established credibility and now have a portfolio started. Give them a stack of business cards to give to inquiring customers. These type of businesses will have potential customers coming through on a daily basis.

Am I doing this? Heck yes. My wife frequents a business that fit all of the above criteria and their mobile site is up and running and they LOVE it. I've already had multiple inquiries from their customers (one a lawyer, another a caterer) and its only been active for a week. Crossing my fingers it continues and develops into more paying clients.

JR