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Why did you go into offlinemarketing?

by robbiestone
8 replies
Hi Everyone

I was wondering, why did you guys decide to go into local business?

I was speaking to a member the other day who gave me some fantastic advice and to steer away from affiliate marketing and go into local busines

A few years ago I did fix pcs locally so found getting customers the hardest bit. If there a wso you all recommend?

I need to get my finances sorted so been advised with hard work, offline is better than waiting months online to build up

Do you think i am better targetting businesses to work on their Google Places first and then seo later? mainly im wondering why did you decide to go local

Don't you find many companies already have another company working for them?

Many Thanks

Rob
#offlinemarketing
  • Profile picture of the author Wild
    I didn't decide to Rob and still haven't, but when people ask what I'm doing and I tell them, their response is "Wow, you need to help us out. " I am working with just a few people now. But there is a huge need by business owners and managers. Many of them don't have time to keep up to date and they don't know who to trust. Agencies are generally not good with SEO - that's been my experience. So when there is a hole in the market, it makes it easier.
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  • Profile picture of the author globalpro
    Rob,

    I have been providing online technical services and support for many years, along with trying to build an online business. The online business suffered for all the time that went into the technical services and support.

    I started looking at what goes into offline marketing and found the same services could be offered to local businesses for a lot more money, with pretty much the same amount of time and effort.

    The one area I found that is much needed is mobile marketing. Even businesses that have websites already, usually aren't working the mobile aspect of it and the numbers show they are missing a lot of business by not being mobile friendly.

    To get your foot in the door, try some different options. Google place optimization, free website with monthly (paid) hosting, SEO analysis, etc. A little research on your local businesses in advance will tell you what they need. Then go from there.

    A lot of different ways to go, but it helps if you have some finances to back you up while you get going. Once you get a few clients under your belt, it will come a lot easier.

    Thanks,

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author robbiestone
      Originally Posted by globalpro View Post

      Rob,

      I have been providing online technical services and support for many years, along with trying to build an online business. The online business suffered for all the time that went into the technical services and support.

      I started looking at what goes into offline marketing and found the same services could be offered to local businesses for a lot more money, with pretty much the same amount of time and effort.

      The one area I found that is much needed is mobile marketing. Even businesses that have websites already, usually aren't working the mobile aspect of it and the numbers show they are missing a lot of business by not being mobile friendly.

      To get your foot in the door, try some different options. Google place optimization, free website with monthly (paid) hosting, SEO analysis, etc. A little research on your local businesses in advance will tell you what they need. Then go from there.

      A lot of different ways to go, but it helps if you have some finances to back you up while you get going. Once you get a few clients under your belt, it will come a lot easier.

      I am still at the teething stage to figuring out what type of client to go after but thats half the fun eh, researching lol

      Thanks,

      John
      Hi Guys. Thanks for your replies, great to hear your feedback.

      I think my position is probably very similar to many where we want to get going but not sure on the getting clients but also the financies to get going in the first place.

      Does seem more my forte as I am an IT engineer for the day job rather than wait a good while to get an affiliate site or two ranked and not something I see as longterm myself.

      I saw the other thread pointed about mobile marketing, very intruiging but feel I need more experience dealing with clients first before moving into it but definatly something to work towards.

      Thanks again

      Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author SamirRastogi
    I got into the offline business by accident. I ran into a problem, didn't find a solution so I created one and the rest is history!

    As an IT engineer, you have a lot to offer because most small businesses are not computer savvy. Just think along the lines of how you can take a problem they are having and make it simpler for them and you'll be set.
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    • Profile picture of the author robbiestone
      Originally Posted by SamirRastogi View Post

      I got into the offline business by accident. I ran into a problem, didn't find a solution so I created one and the rest is history!

      As an IT engineer, you have a lot to offer because most small businesses are not computer savvy. Just think along the lines of how you can take a problem they are having and make it simpler for them and you'll be set.
      Hi Samir

      I don't class myself as that technical thesedays when it comes to IT Support but then again, I probably know more than most.. but im no geek

      In a way I suppose you are on about, i could offer them pc support / remote support as well as seo, mobile services....

      Cheers

      Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author gorufus
    Rob,

    I think you were on track with your first question. But stay there. Don't try to do it all at once when you first start out. You know that you want to be an "offliner" now find out exactly what you want to do, seo, website creation, facebook fan pages... whatever it is and focus on that, then add additional services. Focus is the key right?
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    • Profile picture of the author squaremart
      Hi Rob,

      I think an online business is a better option. Your target audience will much wider. Though you do need to work on the SEO, but this might take a few months. So keep your day job, and start preparing for an online business. Spend 1-2 hrs a day. Thats my take on the subject.
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      • Profile picture of the author robbiestone
        Thanks Squaremart

        Interesting to hear someone say to stay with online, in the offline forum lol

        I have narrowed it down to either specialising in Google Places services or an online aspect

        Very much appreciate everyones replies, I may test both for a few weeks and see which one picks up the best

        Cheers again

        Rob
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