My Startup Agency cant get off the ground! And Hi im new here.

8 years ago

Hi cpgilleytech9,

I took a quick look at your website and it definitely is not helping you. Your website lacks focus, lacks a unique value proposition, or any value proposition, and has no clear call-to-action, nor why a person would want to consider using your products/services over another.

Based on your website you seem to be offering 13 different products and a half dozen different services and as far as I could tell by the website you do not seem to specialize in any particular thing, more like a hodgepodge of services and products, with absolute no specific details about any of them, or why someone might need them, or what they specifically get out of those products or services.

Your website is awash in vagueness, ambiguity, and non-specificity. All well known conversion killers.

Your website is all about you, and nothing about what is in it for your potential clients.

At this point you would be better off cold calling and door-to-door sales, hoping that no one asks to see your website.

You certainly are not going to get many conversions if you advertise this website as is.

Since you are selling marketing services, can your clients expect the same level of success that you are currently achieving? I'm serious, have you even thought about that?

If you truly know a few things about marketing then please start applying them to your own business.

Someone once asked, what's the difference between advertising, selling and marketing, and one of the best answer's I've heard to that question is the difference is "measuring". The goal of advertising is to sell a product or service, the goal of marketing is to learn how to improve the results of selling & advertising.

In marketing you must measure, make changes and test the new ideas. What, if anything have you measured, what if anything have you changed and tested?

Marketing also involves market segmentation. What if anything have you done to segment your market? What if anything have you done specifically to address the needs of specific market segments that you may be targeting? Have you measured the results of each segment and established the relative value of each segment so that you can optimize your marketing?

Please note that I am asking you specific questions, effective marketing is all about being specific. People just don't respond to vague, or general ideas, it takes specificity to get action, or reaction from prospects.

What monitoring and measuring systems do you have in place? What insights have you gained from your marketing analytic data?

What specifically is your strategy? Have you gathered data and used that data to guide your next move?

Have you set specific marketing goals, implemented a plan, created a process, monitored and measured the results to see where you are on target, and where you are missing benchmarks?

The solutions you need are to be found by examining your results, it's all right there in front of you, are you paying attention to what your data is telling you?

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9 8 years ago

Thanks. I was going to work on my website for that reason. My landing page is more what I'm pushing right now that I linked. My core service is in vendasta- software and services for businesses that need marketing and listing online. The software does and guides most of what is needed to be done. Clients can do it themselves with the software or can pay for my services and add ons to do listing distribution, review solicitation and more
- Thanks
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Michael Nguyen

8 years ago

The best advice I can give you right now is forget your website and materials. You're just losing time. Use that time to get in front of clients. Cold call, network, friends and family, door knocking, offer free audits. Don't expect to automate so quickly, get some business first before you tweak your site.

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9 8 years ago

My automation is already built for the most part. Now just need to figure out ways to get business owners or ceos into the funnel. Been brain storming on lead magnets that will pull in the right type of clients. I'll be doing cold calling and knocking as well this week to start. I need to design and print some business cards.
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ewenmack

8 years ago

What pain point are you solving and for whom?

What have you done to verify it exists?

Best,
Ewen

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Pain point is small businesses don't have time or know-how to do all the listing management, review solicitation, and marketing for their business.

Thanks
2 replies

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Oziboomer

8 years ago

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

Pain point is small businesses don't have time or know-how to do all the listing management, review solicitation, and marketing for their business.

Are you sure about that?

Many small business owners do...whether they have the skills or not.

To grab some of their marketing budget...

...you might want to show how you can do it better.

Best regards,

Ozi

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Oziboomer

Are you sure about that?

Many small business owners do...whether they have the skills or not.

To grab some of their marketing budget...

...you might want to show how you can do it better.

Best regards,

Ozi

My white label platform that im using as a reseller does a snapshot score report on how they are doing vs how i can help them. It also has its own email campaign automation that keeps sending them different snippets of things I can help them with.

Thanks
1 reply

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domainer45 8 years ago

I got my 1st client cold calling for webdesign services and as mentioned above you need to solve a problem clients have. Something I've learned from my offline biz is to go above and beyond the clients expectations the 1st time around, they often comeback for more services.
- Thanks
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ewenmack

8 years ago

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

Pain point is small businesses don't have time or know-how to do all the listing management, review solicitation, and marketing for their business.

And how up the desirability ladder would solving them be?

Best,
Ewen

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by ewenmack

And how up the desirability ladder would solving them be?

Best,
Ewen

I think this is what i need to make percieved higher. Because i have had plenty of leads that almost jump into a client and back out of the last second because they feel they can do this themselves.

Thanks
1 reply

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ewenmack

8 years ago

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

I think this is what i need to make percieved higher. Because i have had plenty of leads that almost jump into a client and back out of the last second because they feel they can do this themselves.

So by your answer you demonstrated that what you offer is of low perceived value.

No matter how you dress up your solution to the problem
being fixed, it still boils down to they see little reward in
fixing the problem, either by using you or doing it themselves.

There's low reward for you being in that space.

Time to move on to a more lucrative space where rewards for client
and you are much higher.

Best,
Ewen

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by ewenmack

So by your answer you demonstrated that what you offer is of low perceived value.

No matter how you dress up your solution to the problem
being fixed, it still boils down to they see little reward in
fixing the problem, either by using you or doing it themselves.

There's low reward for you being in that space.

Time to move on to a more lucrative space where rewards for client
and you are much higher.

Best,
Ewen

I dont think its time to move on, i think im just trying to find my place in it. So your saying digital marketing services for small to medium businesses is dead?

Thanks
1 reply

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ewenmack

8 years ago

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

I dont think its time to move on, i think im just trying to find my place in it. So your saying digital marketing services for small to medium businesses is dead?

There's plenty of opportunity to provide Internet marketing services
to offline businesses that are profitable.

It's just that the problem you are trying to solve,
out of all the marketing possibilities, is low irritation
and low reward for it being fixed.

By moving on, I mean find another marketing problem that the clients want
fixing badly enough that they will gladly pay you big money to have it fixed.

Does this make sense now?

Best,
Ewen

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9 8 years ago

Im looking at building around the niche of getting businesses into the google 3 map pack. That way im niched down, specific, and have a usp that people can understand. And then have the other things as side benifits to that main goal. Someone that works on their google map listing spot is also in need of seo, ppc, social, and all other relevant things google considers.
- Thanks
- 1 reply
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- ewenmack 8 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9
  
  Im looking at building around the niche of getting businesses into the google 3 map pack. .
  
  You haven't been connecting to a real problem.
  
  If you did you would know the emotive words your
  prospective audience use around the problem they experience.
  
  They don't express it in marketing words.
  
  Get back to hearing what your prospective clients
  are saying.
  
  In the tech start up community they have a saying...
  get out of the building and have real conversations with prospective buyers.
  
  Just about every time that is done,
  assumptions get blown away.
  
  Best,
  Ewen
  
  Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  animal44 8 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by ewenmack
  
  In the tech start up community they have a saying...
  get out of the building and have real conversations with prospective buyers.
  
  Gary Halbert had a few failures before his success with his coat of arms letter. Story goes success came when he picked a name, printed a letter off and went around to the addresses, knocked on the door, and discussed the letter with his prospects. As a result he went back to his office, wrote the successful version of his letter (it's claimed in four hours) and went on to make 140 million...
  
  Not bad for four hours work...
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.
  What I do for a living
  
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  cpgilleytech9 8 years ago
  
  I run a business in the cell phone repair business, forgot to mention that part. I have been running it and doing the marketing and advertising, hiring and firing, payroll, bills, technician training and work, r and d, and on and on for 5 years now. When i first started building this and signed up with vendasta at the beginnning of the year I thought i could go to my same market of owners in the cell phone repair and electronics business. I picked up a client or two but for the most part just got turned down by multitudes of others, and yes i learned a lot about the fact i was trying to sell something i didnt understand.
  
  I have spent the last 3-4 months trying to understand this from a real world game changing level. Maybe I just have so much ground to make up with learning sales and marketing that that is why i struggle to get business. I am in a new game with new rules and I learn way more than I feel a normal person could bear, all while still running the electronics repair business. The growth in that business has skyrocketed by the way. I just dont own it and so im trying to build my own company.
  
  What lead me down this path to sales and marketing and advertising is a year of finding and paying and learning from high level mentors online. They all say the same thing, the big money is in the marketing. I follow and read and have taken a huge amount of courses from Eben Pagan, Dan Kennedy, Digital Marketer, Clickbank Labs, etc etc....Last year I knew nothing of the level i do now, i still have huge things to learn, as evidenced by the fact i struggle to get agency clients. Its something i wont give up on. One thing i do have a hard time with is actually going and cold calling and cold knocking on businesses doors. I have this fear and hate for this because i absolutely hate the 3-5 calls i get a day at my electronics store soliciting marketing and website or google services. I want to find a way to do magnetic marketing where the client comes to me begging for my products ans services. That has to be possible.
  
  Thanks
  
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hf1664

8 years ago

Can anyone help me understand the process of a marketing agency? I've searched online and can't find a clear explanation. I've read David Ogilvy's book " Ogilvy on advertising ", but he is only talking about all the roles in a really big agency. I just want to know what usually happens once you get a client? ( assuming I'm the only person serving him )

You can check my thread for more details since my question is more clear. I didn't get a single reply and I am not a hundred percent sure of the process in a marketing agency.

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by hf1664

Can anyone help me understand the process of a marketing agency? I've searched online and can't find a clear explanation. I've read David Ogilvy's book " Ogilvy on advertising ", but he is only talking about all the roles in a really big agency. I just want to know what usually happens once you get a client? ( assuming I'm the only person serving him )

You can check my thread for more details since my question is more clear. I didn't get a single reply and I am not a hundred percent sure of the process in a marketing agency.

I use a platform that is made for agencies so that when i sell a client, i have a proven system and then they even outsource the work for me. then if the client needs other services that are not offered there the services and quotes can be setup alecarte to provide the seo or ppc or whatever service they may need. You can also use outsourcing websites for that as well so you just add some on top and do recurring monthly retainers for it. I could get you info to what i use if you want, its highly recommended as it has much setup to it that helps get more clients, automation, and also adds ways to get more money per client.

Thanks
1 reply

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Mark Singletary

8 years ago

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

Only have 1 client and if you want to include my company im ceo of than that would be 2.

Wondering if i can get some starting advice on how to market to brick and mortar local small businesses online.

Originally Posted by cpgilleytech9

I use a platform that is made for agencies... its highly recommended as it has much setup to it that helps get more clients, automation, and also adds ways to get more money per client.

Not trying to be a jerk but do you see the inconsistency between your two statements here?

If I were a local doctor (or plumber or store owner or whatever) and I found your website and asked you how I could market to local small businesses online what would you tell me? Whatever the answer is, that should work for you too, right?

How could your software help me? Why isn't it helping you?

While we all have to start somewhere and none of us are experts or highly skilled at everything, it seems that you are offering something that you can't do for yourself.

One day that is going to bite you hard if you don't figure out the answers.

Some here have suggested, for those just starting out, to set up a separate website for testing purposes. Pick an affiliate product (or one you can quickly create) and see if you can get traffic to it. See if you can make any sales. Use your software. Test out the processes, etc. Then you can go and use what you learn to truly help your clients after you find them.

An alternative would be to answer the question above about the local business owner needing help marketing. Lay out what you would do, work through the process from A-Z, use the software, etc. but do it on your own site first. See if you can get more than 1 client. If you can't, does that mean the software doesn't work? Or does it mean you still need to work on the implementation of everything? Does it mean you need to throw it all out and start over with a different path?

Good luck.

Mark

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

Not trying to be a jerk but do you see the inconsistency between your two statements here?

If I were a local doctor (or plumber or store owner or whatever) and I found your website and asked you how I could market to local small businesses online what would you tell me? Whatever the answer is, that should work for you too, right?

How could your software help me? Why isn't it helping you?

While we all have to start somewhere and none of us are experts or highly skilled at everything, it seems that you are offering something that you can't do for yourself.

One day that is going to bite you hard if you don't figure out the answers.

Some here have suggested, for those just starting out, to set up a separate website for testing purposes. Pick an affiliate product (or one you can quickly create) and see if you can get traffic to it. See if you can make any sales. Use your software. Test out the processes, etc. Then you can go and use what you learn to truly help your clients after you find them.

An alternative would be to answer the question above about the local business owner needing help marketing. Lay out what you would do, work through the process from A-Z, use the software, etc. but do it on your own site first. See if you can get more than 1 client. If you can't, does that mean the software doesn't work? Or does it mean you still need to work on the implementation of everything? Does it mean you need to throw it all out and start over with a different path?

Good luck.

Mark

Im just starting out, the company i resell the software for has been around for a long time with 100s of thousands of customers using its software. Only inconsistency is fact that im building my business. That is why i joined warrior forum. To learn, grow, and get feedback.

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9 8 years ago

Also, I think when anyone states why is this business not working for me in my business they are not seeing the difference in markets and marketing. My business is for small to medium businesses to help in their marketing to consumers or customers. I have to market different then they do to their customers. Im attempting so far to market via the internet, alas why i am here in warrior forum looking for help.
- Thanks
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gingerninjas

8 years ago

Just a quick comment, I didn't focus any effort into my website to start with until I really knew what I was offering. I had a simple landing page with my branding and very short and sharp info about my services, contact details and that was it. You're starting out and you're probably going to fine tune your offering. i would take the advice shared here and start to understand your business a little more and focus on getting clients and new business as without this, a shiny website won't really mean anything. All the best for your business.

Thanks
1 reply

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cpgilleytech9

8 years ago

Originally Posted by gingerninjas

Just a quick comment, I didn't focus any effort into my website to start with until I really knew what I was offering. I had a simple landing page with my branding and very short and sharp info about my services, contact details and that was it. You're starting out and you're probably going to fine tune your offering. i would take the advice shared here and start to understand your business a little more and focus on getting clients and new business as without this, a shiny website won't really mean anything. All the best for your business.

My website is my bigger vision for my company, im really bad about putting the cart before the horse, lol. But i will not give up. I do have landing pages that are niched down i build on the fly in a few minutes with leadpages.net its my best friend right now. I will probrolly go back and niche my website down to just business local listing and google map pack placing and distribution only and put the other things like accounting, bookeeping, consulting on the backburner until i have a huge client base using my core trip wire offerering.