Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client

mrjosco · 28th May 2013, 06:43 PM

I am a noob. I didn’t choose this life, it just became necessary. I was laid off unexpectedly and I thought, “What am I good at”. Well, I have been involved with some kind of web development and online marketing as a successful hobby for 15 years. I figured I would help other businesses figure it out and get paid to do it (hopefully)

I thought a good way to get my foot in the door is by selling mobile websites. Truth is, my experience has taught me one truth. For a start up business it is not the BEST that survive – it is the BEST SALESMAN that survive. This is tough because I am a better web marketer than I am a salesman – but sometimes we have to fake it till we make it, right?

I have some sales experience, but I also know that I get extreme social anxiety on cold calls. I have even had panic attacks. So I decided to take a chance and hire a cold caller. I didn’t want an obviously outsourced $3 garbage caller representing my business; so I hired a kid with some phone experience for $9/hr plus bonus opportunities. They only work 10 hours a week (as my budget is pretty small). In the first week they got me 4 appointments. 2 turned out to be duds, 1 turned out to be somewhat promising and 1 was a very, very hot lead.

I have quoted prices based on what I have read here, but to be honest I though “There is no way people are paying that kind of money for a mobile website” But when I told my prospect the price and showed them the mockup they said it sound great (for those wondering, the price was $547 for a 9 page mobile website).

Long story less long, this first client experience made me realize a few things:

1. Even small mom & pop businesses are spending good money on advertising. This tiny hole in the wall restaurant is spending $500/month on SMS marketing. The $547 price tag for a mobile site was a NO BRAINER – especially when I told them how many people were searching for businesses like their on a mobile phone.
2. If you charge too little, they will think something is WRONG. They aren’t dumb – they know quality costs money. Quote $99 for a mobile website and they will start to think you are the .99 store of mobile. I don’t think most good leads want discount deals – they want a good product with GOOD SUPPORT.
3. Don’t undervalue your maintenance fee. TO be honest, I thought a monthly fee would turn off buyers. The first thing this guy asked was “What about maintenance?” I quoted him $29 per month. I WAY undershot it. I am offering 4 updates a month – and I should of quoted no less than $49/$99 per month.

I know not every business owner will react the same as this guy – in fact, we had to sort through a few hundred businesses before we found this guy – but we are offering a quality product that will help his business at a fair price. This really is a win-win situation.

I hope my story is inspiring and helpful to some out there. I started this a week ago and am a perfect example of how simply showing up is half the battle.

Sadly, there is no time to celebrate. I have a mortgage to pay – so I better find another client.

WillR · 29th May 2013, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by mrjosco

2. If you charge too little, they will think something is WRONG. They aren’t dumb – they know quality costs money. Quote $99 for a mobile website and they will start to think you are the .99 store of mobile. I don’t think most good leads want discount deals – they want a good product with GOOD SUPPORT.

It's very true. Price has a lot to do with the perceived value of the product or service you are offering. Price things too low and you look kind of desperate or they will not think the quality is there.

As you correctly said, people are actually willing to pay for quality and those business owners that aren't are not the ones you want to be dealing with anyway.

I can tell you from years of experience that it is always the people who purchase your cheap products that drain the most of your time and resources. It's the people who purchase your premium priced products that you hardly ever hear from. They are your best clients.

kebertt · 29th May 2013, 07:58 PM

It's great to hear that you're having some success with your telemarketer!

Would be interested in hearing your overall experience down the road. I know many IMers who went the route you didn't, and hired that $3/hr telemarketer and had awful experiences.

Andy Lemos · 29th May 2013, 09:04 PM

The offline can be a tough experience at first. But it looks like your on right track. Keep pushing man.

mrjosco · 29th May 2013, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by kebertt

It's great to hear that you're having some success with your telemarketer!

Would be interested in hearing your overall experience down the road. I know many IMers who went the route you didn't, and hired that $3/hr telemarketer and had awful experiences.

Thanks! It is still too early to tell if it will be a profitable relationship, but so far so good.

We are only 10 hours or so in. He has generated about 5 leads, but only 1 was really good, 1 was so-so and the rest are DOA.

But 1 in 5 beats 1 in 400 - which is what the full numbers likely are.

I try to call when I have a chance - but preparing for and following up on leads takes a ton of time. Then, I have to actually create a product when I do get a sale. That means I don't have any time for prospecting myself. To be honest, I am not sure how anyone does it without help.

I don't have a big budget. I haven't been planning and saving for this adventure - it just happened.

But I can write articles at night to pay for the work my telemarketer does during the day. This lets me follow up on leads, build my business and fulfill orders.

DexterGallagher · 30th May 2013, 04:27 AM

Use VA's to create your mockups/demo mobile sites and the full blown sites too, concentrate on calling folks up and following up - it works

bwh1 · 3rd Jun 2013, 11:32 PM

Selling is an exchange.

You always have to ask what your worth and want to earn +10% (for negociation).

I only discuss price when they give me some in exchange for it, or if I have less work to do by changing something.

G.

Igor Fridrihs · 4th Jun 2013, 03:39 AM

Awesome! I also get experience offering mobile websites. And sure you must not price your job at low level. For some business owners it becomes suspicious.

Rus Sells · 4th Jun 2013, 10:30 AM

Great job so far but your still low on your pricing if you ask me. I charge $897 for a 5 page business card type mobile site with a monthly of $39. <-- Should probably be a little higher.

atrbiz · 4th Jun 2013, 11:21 AM

When I first started selling to local businesses I charged very low, and I thought I always had to keep the price LOW.

However, my company is doing better now and we're charging much more for our web design/marketing services. We provide quality work and support so it works out.

I'm soo happy those days are over when I charged on the low end.

4webmaster · 4th Jun 2013, 02:25 PM

The arguments on prices still have their detractors. To me, it varies, the other day I met a potential client who wanted a website (not mobile) so I proposed at an affordable price and suggest the mobile version for a small fee. He told me yes, but for less than $ 5.00 per month I have a business website with Godaddy, plus it makes the mobile version too for free. Then he continue: if you build my mobile and standard site with a 50% off your current price and I do not pay you monthly updates I take it!

You could see my head boiling and ready to say him: WT.

From my experience he's not the only kind of guy I met, there are worse.

Canadianajones · 5th Jun 2013, 03:46 PM

Thanks for sharing this valuable experience and lesson. It proves that people out there are looking for quality and most so have the budget. Maintenance fees are inderlooked in a lot of areas, and this is one area that all of us need to take into consideration and integrate into our program.

imarketingpromoter · 5th Jun 2013, 08:10 PM

Great post and thanks you for sharing your experience. It is very true that we should know what to charge and how to maximise revenue from our services with minimal effort and time spent on it. I think as business develops one will know better how to charge and keep customers to themselves!

mrjosco · 5th Jun 2013, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Rus Sells

Great job so far but your still low on your pricing if you ask me. I charge $897 for a 5 page business card type mobile site with a monthly of $39. <-- Should probably be a little higher.

I agree. My pricing structure isn't as fixed as it should be. Especially right now as I am more in 'survive' mode than 'build a business' mode. - but I am getting better, and my attitude is changing.

I have come to a consistent price point of $297 for a five page mobile site. Additional pages are $30 each (assuming just content pages and nothing fancy)

I think I am going to move that up to $347 now that I am starting to get clients and build a portfolio.

I think my prices are fair related to my experience. As I learn my skill in both selling and running my business will increase - which will be the reason my prices increase.

I am also in a position where I can't lose a sale over a few dollars. I know that would be good business - but that isn't where I am in life.

All in all, I have a long way to go - but confidence in my pricing and product are growing and my prices are starting to match that reality.

Aaron Doud · 6th Jun 2013, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by mrjosco

I agree. My pricing structure isn't as fixed as it should be. Especially right now as I am more in 'survive' mode than 'build a business' mode. - but I am getting better, and my attitude is changing.

When you are in "survival mode" is when your pricing structure needs to be the most fixed. Otherwise you will start working for too little and not be able to support yourself.

When every dollar matters is when you can't cut anyone a discount. Also every minute of your time matters so you don't have time to waste on people not buying so you are always ready to walk away to get to the next prospect. Remember to think about it that way.

I always find it funny that when people most need the money and need their time free to make more money is when they are most likely to sell themselves short.

4webmaster · 6th Jun 2013, 11:49 AM

What will be a landing page (1 page) price with a form mail or just a simple mobile page. I've set mine to $150.00 is this cheap?

Amanda786 · 10th Jun 2013, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by atrbiz

When I first started selling to local businesses I charged very low, and I thought I always had to keep the price LOW.

However, my company is doing better now and we're charging much more for our web design/marketing services. We provide quality work and support so it works out.

I'm soo happy those days are over when I charged on the low end.

I agree! the most important thing in business is quality. If you are working hard enough then one day this hard work will give you success.

Birlamedisoft · 10th Jun 2013, 06:34 AM

In SEO, the most important fact is quality links. SO try to focus on that.

Steve1776 · 10th Jun 2013, 07:43 AM

For less than $30 you can have the tools you need to sell mobile sites. I bought both of these and am extremely satisfied with both the product and the customer service. I am not an affiliate, just a satisfied customer. The seller of these products is WillR. See post #2 above.

The products are:
http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ailable.html#1
($19.00)

http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...00-sold.html#1
($9.97)

Jarrod · 10th Jun 2013, 07:51 AM

Very inspiring post.

Don't Be An Idiot - Dwight Schrute The Office -...

29th May 2013, 07:58 PM	#3
kebertt Offline Leads Specialist War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Posts: 397 Thanks: 97 Thanked 122 Times in 82 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: It's great to hear that you're having some success with your telemarketer! Would be interested in hearing your overall experience down the road. I know many IMers who went the route you didn't, and hired that $3/hr telemarketer and had awful experiences.
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29th May 2013, 09:04 PM	#4
Andy Lemos HyperActive Warrior Registered Member War Room Member Join Date: 2013 Location: Brooklyn,NY Posts: 120 Thanks: 22 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts Blog Entries: 1	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: The offline can be a tough experience at first. But it looks like your on right track. Keep pushing man.

30th May 2013, 04:27 AM	#6
DexterGallagher Advanced Warrior Join Date: 2012 Location: Living in Cambridge UK for 2-3 years. Posts: 645 Thanks: 78 Thanked 143 Times in 103 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Use VA's to create your mockups/demo mobile sites and the full blown sites too, concentrate on calling folks up and following up - it works

3rd Jun 2013, 11:32 PM	#7
bwh1 You can call me"easycash" War Room Member Join Date: 2007 Location: sunny Brazil Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 642 Thanked 745 Times in 550 Posts Blog Entries: 3	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Selling is an exchange. You always have to ask what your worth and want to earn +10% (for negociation). I only discuss price when they give me some in exchange for it, or if I have less work to do by changing something. G.
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4th Jun 2013, 03:39 AM	#8
Igor Fridrihs HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2012 Location: Cyprus Posts: 459 Thanks: 13 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Awesome! I also get experience offering mobile websites. And sure you must not price your job at low level. For some business owners it becomes suspicious.
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28th May 2013, 06:43 PM	#1
mrjosco HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2011 Location: USA Posts: 209 Thanks: 106 Thanked 99 Times in 49 Posts	Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: I am a noob. I didn’t choose this life, it just became necessary. I was laid off unexpectedly and I thought, “What am I good at”. Well, I have been involved with some kind of web development and online marketing as a successful hobby for 15 years. I figured I would help other businesses figure it out and get paid to do it (hopefully) I thought a good way to get my foot in the door is by selling mobile websites. Truth is, my experience has taught me one truth. For a start up business it is not the BEST that survive – it is the BEST SALESMAN that survive. This is tough because I am a better web marketer than I am a salesman – but sometimes we have to fake it till we make it, right? I have some sales experience, but I also know that I get extreme social anxiety on cold calls. I have even had panic attacks. So I decided to take a chance and hire a cold caller. I didn’t want an obviously outsourced $3 garbage caller representing my business; so I hired a kid with some phone experience for $9/hr plus bonus opportunities. They only work 10 hours a week (as my budget is pretty small). In the first week they got me 4 appointments. 2 turned out to be duds, 1 turned out to be somewhat promising and 1 was a very, very hot lead. I have quoted prices based on what I have read here, but to be honest I though “There is no way people are paying that kind of money for a mobile website” But when I told my prospect the price and showed them the mockup they said it sound great (for those wondering, the price was $547 for a 9 page mobile website). Long story less long, this first client experience made me realize a few things: 1. Even small mom & pop businesses are spending good money on advertising. This tiny hole in the wall restaurant is spending $500/month on SMS marketing. The $547 price tag for a mobile site was a NO BRAINER – especially when I told them how many people were searching for businesses like their on a mobile phone. 2. If you charge too little, they will think something is WRONG. They aren’t dumb – they know quality costs money. Quote $99 for a mobile website and they will start to think you are the .99 store of mobile. I don’t think most good leads want discount deals – they want a good product with GOOD SUPPORT. 3. Don’t undervalue your maintenance fee. TO be honest, I thought a monthly fee would turn off buyers. The first thing this guy asked was “What about maintenance?” I quoted him $29 per month. I WAY undershot it. I am offering 4 updates a month – and I should of quoted no less than $49/$99 per month. I know not every business owner will react the same as this guy – in fact, we had to sort through a few hundred businesses before we found this guy – but we are offering a quality product that will help his business at a fair price. This really is a win-win situation. I hope my story is inspiring and helpful to some out there. I started this a week ago and am a perfect example of how simply showing up is half the battle. Sadly, there is no time to celebrate. I have a mortgage to pay – so I better find another client.

4th Jun 2013, 10:30 AM	#9
Rus Sells Russell Hayes War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Location: Denver Posts: 3,995 Thanks: 1,622 Thanked 1,972 Times in 1,063 Posts Blog Entries: 6	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Great job so far but your still low on your pricing if you ask me. I charge $897 for a 5 page business card type mobile site with a monthly of $39. <-- Should probably be a little higher.

4th Jun 2013, 11:21 AM	#10
atrbiz Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Wash DC area Posts: 909 Thanks: 27 Thanked 134 Times in 81 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: When I first started selling to local businesses I charged very low, and I thought I always had to keep the price LOW. However, my company is doing better now and we're charging much more for our web design/marketing services. We provide quality work and support so it works out. I'm soo happy those days are over when I charged on the low end.

4th Jun 2013, 02:25 PM	#11
4webmaster Advanced Warrior Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 735 Thanks: 33 Thanked 144 Times in 119 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: The arguments on prices still have their detractors. To me, it varies, the other day I met a potential client who wanted a website (not mobile) so I proposed at an affordable price and suggest the mobile version for a small fee. He told me yes, but for less than $ 5.00 per month I have a business website with Godaddy, plus it makes the mobile version too for free. Then he continue: if you build my mobile and standard site with a 50% off your current price and I do not pay you monthly updates I take it! You could see my head boiling and ready to say him: WT. From my experience he's not the only kind of guy I met, there are worse.
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5th Jun 2013, 03:46 PM	#12
Canadianajones Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2013 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 56 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts Blog Entries: 4	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Thanks for sharing this valuable experience and lesson. It proves that people out there are looking for quality and most so have the budget. Maintenance fees are inderlooked in a lot of areas, and this is one area that all of us need to take into consideration and integrate into our program.
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5th Jun 2013, 08:10 PM	#13
imarketingpromoter Active Warrior Registered Member Join Date: 2013 Location: United States Posts: 43 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: Great post and thanks you for sharing your experience. It is very true that we should know what to charge and how to maximise revenue from our services with minimal effort and time spent on it. I think as business develops one will know better how to charge and keep customers to themselves!
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6th Jun 2013, 11:49 AM	#16
4webmaster Advanced Warrior Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 735 Thanks: 33 Thanked 144 Times in 119 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: What will be a landing page (1 page) price with a form mail or just a simple mobile page. I've set mine to $150.00 is this cheap?
	https://stevesuard.com

10th Jun 2013, 06:34 AM	#18
Birlamedisoft We care healthcare Join Date: 2012 Location: Pune Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: In SEO, the most important fact is quality links. SO try to focus on that.

10th Jun 2013, 07:43 AM	#19
Steve1776 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 101 Thanks: 79 Thanked 28 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Don’t be an idiot – What I learned from a client Share on: For less than $30 you can have the tools you need to sell mobile sites. I bought both of these and am extremely satisfied with both the product and the customer service. I am not an affiliate, just a satisfied customer. The seller of these products is WillR. See post #2 above. The products are: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ailable.html#1 ($19.00) http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...00-sold.html#1 ($9.97)
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