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Who Has the BEST WSO on Consistant Offline Client Generation - No Cold Calling

by Peter Helps
45 replies
Hi Guys,

I was just wondering if anyone here know who has the BEST WSO out here right now that focuses on generating clients for offline business. Here's what I'm looking for:

- No Cold calling
- Step by step
- WSO that's an actual system that will work continuously
- Possibility to outsource it, at least parts of it
- WSO that actually has a track record where people have successfully duplicated the system

Thank you very much. I hope it's ok to post this here.

Peter
#calling #client #cold #consistant #generation #offline #wso
  • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
    John's free threads on this section... read them all!
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Helps
    Which John are you referring to?

    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
      Originally Posted by Peter Helps View Post

      Which John are you referring to?

      Peter
      John Durham Some other guys have great threads too!
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  • Profile picture of the author MonteMichaels
    John's are about cold calling, which he is not looking for.

    What are you trying to accomplish by not cold calling? How much are you looking to spend, or are you trying to do this for free? Are you thinking direct mail, email, seo, or whatever?

    There are alot of factors when it comes to marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
      Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

      John's are about cold calling, which he is not looking for.

      What are you trying to accomplish by not cold calling? How much are you looking to spend, or are you trying to do this for free? Are you thinking direct mail, email, seo, or whatever?

      There are alot of factors when it comes to marketing.
      You can find a way to change it, like email or direct mail and I think he may have some without it too..
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    • Profile picture of the author Peter Helps
      I don't want to cold call because 1. I don't like cold call. I hate when people do it on me. 2. I think it's hard to scale with cold calling plus it takes up lots of time.

      What I am trying to accomplish with this is to start driving consistent leads into my offline business. I have several clients but I I need to chase the new clients instead of having a consistent funnel that brings those clients over to me, a system that once set up, will bring qualified clients.

      As far as paying money, I don't mind doing it as long as the ROI is there. Free is always good but most of the time FREE doesn't bring quality and is not as reliable. Therefore, I am willing to spend money for something that works and can be easily duplicated.

      My business provides SEO, website redesign and other services for businesses. My biggest money makers are obviously SEO (Monthly reoccurring) and website redesign (money up front).

      What I would consider to marketing?

      -Online
      -Offiline postcards/direct mail
      -Combination of both

      I hope I made it clearer. Thank you for all of your help so far.

      Peter

      Originally Posted by MonteMichaels View Post

      John's are about cold calling, which he is not looking for.

      What are you trying to accomplish by not cold calling? How much are you looking to spend, or are you trying to do this for free? Are you thinking direct mail, email, seo, or whatever?

      There are alot of factors when it comes to marketing.
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by Peter Helps View Post

        I don't want to cold call because 1. I don't like cold call. I hate when people do it on me. 2. I think it's hard to scale with cold calling plus it takes up lots of time.
        I know you don't want this response... but just because you hate when people do it to you doesn't mean that a business owner isn't there waiting for a call from somebody that can help. Also, it is very easy to scale up, and it is the least time consuming method out there.

        Now after talking about that...

        You can send cold emails... the conversion is so low that you'll be out of business before you can really take advantage of it.

        You can try chamber's or BNI or other forms of networking, but if you don't like cold calling you're probably awkward in a professional setting like that.

        I would say go with direct mail, PPC and other forms of advertising.
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        • Profile picture of the author John Durham
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          I know you don't want this response... but just because you hate when people do it to you doesn't mean that a business owner isn't there waiting for a call from somebody that can help.
          A normal man can afford to see things only through his own eyes...but a king must have a broader perspective.
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      • Profile picture of the author econnors
        Originally Posted by Peter Helps View Post

        I don't want to cold call because 1. I don't like cold call. I hate when people do it on me. 2. I think it's hard to scale with cold calling plus it takes up lots of time.

        What I am trying to accomplish with this is to start driving consistent leads into my offline business. I have several clients but I I need to chase the new clients instead of having a consistent funnel that brings those clients over to me, a system that once set up, will bring qualified clients.

        As far as paying money, I don't mind doing it as long as the ROI is there. Free is always good but most of the time FREE doesn't bring quality and is not as reliable. Therefore, I am willing to spend money for something that works and can be easily duplicated.

        My business provides SEO, website redesign and other services for businesses. My biggest money makers are obviously SEO (Monthly reoccurring) and website redesign (money up front).

        What I would consider to marketing?

        -Online
        -Offiline postcards/direct mail
        -Combination of both

        I hope I made it clearer. Thank you for all of your help so far.

        Peter
        I hate when people do it ON me, too. (smile)

        I kid. I kid. There is a saying that goes "if you want to get something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done". Cold calling (whether face-to-face or on the phone) works if you work it. It's proven. Have you ever tried it? I would suggest trying it first before you completely give up the idea. If you have already, then you may consider hiring someone to do it for you as others have suggested. I cold call residences and speak to both nice and not so nice people. But, when I get a lead for my agent, he can sell it and make a good chunk of change (AFAIK). Instead of investing in that WSO, you should try investing in something that will either make cold calling easier for you or pay someone to do it for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    This forum is full of free systems. The one most easily outsourced is cold calling.

    What are you selling?
    How much?
    How much profit after outsourcing?

    Tell me these and I can give you ideas.

    "Systems" don't work unless they are tailored to your business model. But we can give you ideas that you can customize to yours.

    1. Cold calling: which you don't want
    2. Cold walking: assuming this is out too
    3. Networking via the chamber and such: Slow and likely too much like cold calling so I guess out.
    4. Direct mail: depends on your budget but you will need to have a number for them to call. It won't be a cold call so hopefully that is ok.
    5. Cold email: Not likely to convert well but a lot of people use it. A lot of people play the lotto too. Not sure which will help you live your dream better.

    If you want to not work you have one way to do it but two choices within that way.

    Your way to do it is to build a business that will produce income.

    Your choices are
    1. Money to pay for labor to get it started
    2. Labor from you to get it started.

    Once you get it going and it is producing good income you can use the income to hire people and in time you will need very little hands on.

    Rise and repeat this a few times and you can maybe one day great your own version of Virgin. Branson's model can be repeated on any scale you want.

    The key is you have to put money and or yourself into a business to build it. But once the business matures it gives you relatively passive income if you have scaled it up big enough.
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    Aaron Doud - Sales & Success
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Try looking up "Bob Ross" or "Bruce Newmedia" in the WSO section for some good direct mail strategies... I dont know that its possible to get "predictable" results right away until you know your numbers, but if you are looking for a potential answer to not cold calling, those guys are your best bet! Frankly, some of their people are on my list and I have heard great things about their strategies.

    As far as anyone else doing "online" marketing for it...I couldnt tell you. Direct marketing is the best for offline... and that includes cold calling.

    Originally Posted by Peter Helps View Post

    I don't want to cold call because 1. I don't like cold call. I hate when people do it on me. 2. I think it's hard to scale with cold calling plus it takes up lots of time.
    If you want success, you play by ITS rules... or you'll be in here 6 months from now pulling your hair out saying "I quit. nothing works".

    Just a heads up. You have to do what works , or find something you like better... but WHATEVER success requires, you have to do if you want it.
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    • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
      If I understand your post you don't want to cold call. That's fine a lot of people don't. However you said you had clients. You had to get them somehow. How did you get them?

      Since your client acquisition mehtod worked, why not rinse and repeat?

      Also, why aren't you asking them for referrals (I assume you aren't since you didn't say you were)?

      If you don't want to cold call, another good idea would be to tell everyone you deal with on a daily basis from dry cleaner to stone mason what you do. That isn't cold calling at all. It is giving your 15 second elevator speech.

      To me, you don't need a WSO to put these steps into practice.

      I don't know if this is what you are looking for but if it is, I hope it helped. Tom
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  • Profile picture of the author Stranger Danger
    EDIT: If your business already provides SEO services, you can bring in clients that way - via the Internet. Otherwise, you can look at setting up a nice referral program that will bring customers to you, instead of you having to reach out to them. Once your business grows, as long as you are providing value to your clients, referrals may come naturally. Until then, you can look at providing discounts and freebies to existing clients that bring in referrals.

    I'm sorry. I cannot recommend any WSO's on this subject. I misread your entire post. : (
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  • Profile picture of the author Adwizard
    Sounds to me like you don't mind doing the work but don't want to do the sales. Direct mail isn't going to work for you. Read all of Johns stuff... he will teach you how to share the sale with salespeople to keep them happy and doing the cold calling for you. If you have a problem with paying out the lions share of the profit then I might suggest you just buy yourself a printing press so you can print your own money. There is no magic bullet, and sometimes we just have to toughen up and learn to do those things which we dislike the most... follow Johns advice and you may even end up liking them.

    Another good option for you may be to advertise your service to those people who may want to sell what you specialize in and may not do themselves. I personally don't have any problem with cold or warm calling on prospects but I don't do SEO. (I think it would be one of the easiest sales there is in marketing because you are certainly selling a ROI... therefore I may be interested in farming out work to you.)

    Hope that helps,
    Ed
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    Building Businesses Beyond their Four Walls by
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    Is anyone capable of designing a mobile site for
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  • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
    Another option:

    Pay commission to advertisers, like magazines, radio, tv, blogs that have your audience. Tell them they can keep 50 percent of money for sale and well sized amount you get than they could agree. But, you need to know your customer long term value and make sure that it is worth giving up part of upfront sale..
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  • Profile picture of the author ShawnSells
    I've bought many offline WSO's that teach direct mail, not cold calling. One of the best I got long ago, but I still think it's the most useful. Its' called magicmailings.
    Bruce newmedia is who puts it out, and he's a copywriter also.

    Also Bob Bly, the copywriter has some excellent direct mail material.
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  • Profile picture of the author eguinan
    I would first a person not afraid of the cold calls. It is best to have someone else close the sale for you. Focus on what your good at.
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  • Profile picture of the author Erica Leggette
    Instant Client Craze!! By sDotspells

    No need for cold calling because once you set yourself up, the clients COME TO YOU. It's a very unique way to get clients.
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    Be easy.


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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by Erica Leggett View Post

      Instant Client Craze!! By sDotspells

      No need for cold calling because once you set yourself up, the clients COME TO YOU. It's a very unique way to get clients.
      This one is for: http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...ml#post6107785
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Erica Leggette
        [QUOTE=iAmNameLess;6107794]This one is for: [url]

        What are you implying?

        In case it's not obvious, your thread doesn't apply to the thought process behind why & what I shared or what the poster is asking for. Or that WSO for that matter.

        It's a great point you are making in the thread though. Only a fool would think they could build anything, let alone a business without doing anything.
        Some of us are gonna succeed and some of us are gonna fail. We get that.

        But don't try to color what we are talking about here with that same brush. Some of us desire to add clients to the books without having to call them. That doesn't mean we have the mentality of the people you are patrionizing in that post just because the question is asked and met with an answer.

        He asked for what he wanted and explained why, & I shared
        something that fits the description.

        Just thought I'd address that since you quoted me and all. I figured you assumed it had relevance to my post or your inspiration for sharing it was flawed. It happens...
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        Be easy.


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        • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
          Originally Posted by Erica Leggett View Post

          This one is for: [url]http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-marketing-discussions/offline-marketing-discussions/offline-marketing-discussions/

          What are you implying?

          In case it's not obvious, your thread doesn't apply to the thought process behind why & what I shared or what the poster is asking for. Or that WSO for that matter.

          It's a great point you are making in the thread though. Only a fool would think they could build anything, let alone a business without doing anything.
          Some of us are gonna succeed and some of us are gonna fail. We get that.

          But don't try to color what we are talking about here with that same brush. Some of us desire to add clients to the books without having to call them. That doesn't mean we have the mentality of the people you are patrionizing in that post just because the question is asked and met with an answer.

          He asked for what he wanted and explained why, & I shared
          something that fits the description.

          Just thought I'd address that since you quoted me and all. I figured you assumed it had relevance to my post or your inspiration for sharing it was flawed. It happens...
          Let's not clog this thread, we can continue this elsewhere. In the meantime you might want to change your signature link, no affiliate links are allowed here( I know it isn't directly an affiliate link but its still against the rules, don't want anyone temp banned for something so small)... AND empower network? REALLY?!? Out of curiosity, how is that working for you? I know somebody that is killing it on there but it isn't my cup of tea, I don't like that type of model. I also had a couple people wanting websites geared around the empower network.

          BTW.. the thread isn't really AIMED at you... but the thinking of MANY MANY people on here, your post just kind of fueled that, that's all!

          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          A normal man can afford to see things only through his own eyes...but a king must have a broader perspective.
          Very true!
          Signature
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          • Profile picture of the author Erica Leggette
            Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

            Let's not clog this thread, we can continue this elsewhere. In the meantime you might want to change your signature link, no affiliate links are allowed here( I know it isn't directly an affiliate link but its still against the rules, don't want anyone temp banned for something so small)
            Continue what elsewhere?
            You said what you had to say in reference to the original post, my post, & other posts in this thread, and I'm doing the same. That's all we're doing here. And it's ok.
            Now you instruct me to "not clog the thread" but yet it's cool to share your insight, inquire about empower network and warning me about my sig - I get it.

            In the future, if you're not interested in a discussion with me, or it's not the appropriate time or place to try to understand where each other is coming from, it's probably the best option to not quote or reference me or ask questions directly. Just share your thoughts for what it is & personalize it with your truths and not assumptions of other people's character or accusations of what someone's mindset may or may not be.

            But anyway, It's all good, I hope.
            Let's just share some ideas or mute it. I'm down for that.

            I gave what I knew when I said INSTANT CLIENT CRAZE by sDOTspells. The Clients Come TO YOU!- so

            I love discussions about client acquisition, sales training, and the different methods of building our businesses. (FYI: Since you asked, the training in Empower Network provides great training that can be applied to my thought process & business practices so it's a good resource for me)

            Oh, I read the sig rules and I can't for the life of me see what's wrong with my signature :confused: . I am Erica Leggett and my links are pointing to an extension of that fact. Maybe I'm missing something...or you
            Signature
            Be easy.


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            • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
              Originally Posted by Erica Leggett View Post

              Continue what elsewhere?
              You said what you had to say in reference to the original post, my post, & other posts in this thread, and I'm doing the same. That's all we're doing here. And it's ok.
              Now you instruct me to "not clog the thread" but yet it's cool to share your insight, inquire about empower network and warning me about my sig - I get it.

              In the future, if you're not interested in a discussion with me, or it's not the appropriate time or place to try to understand where each other is coming from, it's probably the best option to not quote or reference me or ask questions directly. Just share your thoughts for what it is & personalize it with your truths and not assumptions of other people's character or accusations of what someone's mindset may or may not be.

              But anyway, It's all good, I hope.
              Let's just share some ideas or mute it. I'm down for that.

              I gave what I knew when I said INSTANT CLIENT CRAZE by sDOTspells. The Clients Come TO YOU!- so

              I love discussions about client acquisition, sales training, and the different methods of building our businesses. (FYI: Since you asked, the training in Empower Network provides great training that can be applied to my thought process & business practices so it's a good resource for me)

              Oh, I read the sig rules and I can't for the life of me see what's wrong with my signature :confused: . I am Erica Leggett and my links are pointing to an extension of that fact. Maybe I'm missing something...or you
              Okay..

              1.) You're delusional if you think that WSO is actually going to have clients coming to you instead of you having to make effort to get to those clients. I question the fact that if you REALLY have a business or not, other than a blog and affiliate links.

              2.) Empower network... is usually for gullible people that are unsuccessful in other areas of internet marketing. Generalizing here... but yeah.

              3.) Your signature is essentially an affiliate link. Just because it goes to your URL, doesn't mean it is okay to have an affiliate link for the empower network. If you want, ask a mod if it's okay... If Mike Aleer (dunno if I'm spelling it right) got banned for the SAME exact thing, you may as well, not trying to pick on you or anything, I'd rather have someone entertaining here instead of getting banned.

              Now... I was going to come back and edit all this.. it might seem hard to believe, but I REALLY don't mean this as offensively as it might sound. So, please ignore a harsh tone, it isn't meant to be that way, I just don't know how to beat around the bush, and sugar coat things.

              Really... I think if someone is going to recommend WSO's, they should be successfully practicing what it taught. I don't see anything that remotely looks like a business for you, let alone, anything that you even generate leads or set something up to have a client.

              Your blog is thin... your upgradeyourlife website is thin.. You're probably terrified to remove the affiliate link, because the only traffic you receive is probably from this forum and your signature link.

              How can somebody suggest a WSO for running a business, when they don't run a business? From the looks of it, you haven't followed any decent WSO, successfully. You want to talk about sales acquisitions, then lets talk about that, instead of mentioning a WSO that you haven't applied.

              Lets be real... and let's not suggest things you don't know first hand if it works or not. Just because a WSO gets WSO of The Day, does NOT mean it is a proven system, regardless of what the sales copy may suggest.

              You're suggesting a product by somebody, whose goal is to make money off of people like you. Out of the 100s who have bought the WSO, one has come back saying they made money. Isn't that alarming?

              Nothing against the man, it isn't his fault nobody will take action. The problem is when people who have no success with something, think they can offer the holy grail of advice because they bought a product. That, is the problem.
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              • Profile picture of the author McGruff
                Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

                Okay..

                1.) You're delusional if you think that WSO is actually going to have clients coming to you instead of you having to make effort to get to those clients.
                The topic is client attraction without cold calling. That doesn't mean(and I don't think she implied) that you can attract clients without any effort put forth. Of course action/effort is required with any endeavor, but there are methods other than cold calling to achieve this, and I can say without hesitation and in NO uncertain terms that this method has generated clients for me... But if you want to label me delusional as well, have at it. LOL.
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                • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
                  Originally Posted by McGruff View Post

                  The topic is client attraction without cold calling. That doesn't mean(and I don't think she implied) that you can attract clients without any effort put forth. Of course action/effort is required with any endeavor, but there are methods other than cold calling to achieve this, and I can say without hesitation and in NO uncertain terms that this method has generated clients for me... But if you want to label me delusional as well, have at it. LOL.
                  Well, the way it was phrased made it seem like that.

                  This method, may have generated clients for you, although I DO doubt that..but the main problem with the whole scheme is that these sites HOLD YOUR MONEY.. don't even tell me that they don't because I'm VERY familiar with the method taught in the WSO, I've done marketing in 9 cities, 9 different markets for 9 different companies that are described in the WSO. I also know that MANY are going out of business, so they not only KEEP your money when that happens, you are stuck with the deals left to fulfill. There are many problems with this...

                  The OP asked for a WSO for CONSISTENT offline client generation.. The one brought up, is not one to build a business off of. I mean no disrespect to you when I say this... but it is bad business and really not a legit way of building a foundation for a lucrative business. It is a method that will die out and prove to be incomplete and a bad idea. You just don't see it, because you don't know the industry.
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                  • Profile picture of the author McGruff
                    Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

                    Well, the way it was phrased made it seem like that.

                    This method, may have generated clients for you, although I DO doubt that..but the main problem with the whole scheme is that these sites HOLD YOUR MONEY.. don't even tell me that they don't because I'm VERY familiar with the method taught in the WSO, I've done marketing in 9 cities, 9 different markets for 9 different companies that are described in the WSO. I also know that MANY are going out of business, so they not only KEEP your money when that happens, you are stuck with the deals left to fulfill. There are many problems with this...

                    The OP asked for a WSO for CONSISTENT offline client generation.. The one brought up, is not one to build a business off of. I mean no disrespect to you when I say this... but it is bad business and really not a legit way of building a foundation for a lucrative business. It is a method that will die out and prove to be incomplete and a bad idea. You just don't see it, because you don't know the industry.
                    You can doubt all you want, but I have gained clients whether you believe me or not..it doesn't matter or affect my business in the least...It is just one tool that should be tested, and whether or not it will last remains to be seen. if it can attract a happy client, then it has served it's purpose as a door opener. It then becomes up to me to nurture the relationship and prove myself with additional services down the road.

                    I am indeed familiar with the industry and I'm fully aware of all the negatives surrounding it primarily brought on by the major dominant player. Several copycats have sprung up as a result of the dominant leader. Let's just say that many of these competitors have dealt with the issue of holding money back and have positioned themselves nicely by dealing with that draw back. Perhaps you're not yet aware of some recent developments, but I won't jump to that conclusion because I don't know you. You may doubt my statements all you want, but you don't have a clue what I know or don't know.
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    • Profile picture of the author McGruff
      Originally Posted by Erica Leggett View Post

      Instant Client Craze!! By sDotspells

      No need for cold calling because once you set yourself up, the clients COME TO YOU. It's a very unique way to get clients.
      I couldn't agree more with this recommendation.

      Excellent WSO
      Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    Have you tried adwords?

    They still work, especially local.

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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    How come none of you S.E.O. experts ever use S.E.O. to get clients?
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      How come none of you S.E.O. experts ever use S.E.O. to get clients?
      Excellent question. I have often wondered this.
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      • Profile picture of the author Aussieguy
        Firstly, unless there's simply something I missed in that WSO, I just didn't get it. Where was the original idea worthy of selling? I didn't see it.

        Secondly...
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        Excellent question. I have often wondered this.
        I don't see why there is even a question. I've answered this question more than once. Obviously, you can be (or hire) the best seo expert in the world, and be no.1 on google for all your best keywords...and you will pick up clients who are searching the internet for your services. But you won't pick up all those clients who are not searching for anything whatsoever to do with IM. i.e. The clients who don't know they need you yet, the one's who need some IM education etc. Now, the one's doing the searching may well make the best (or worst) clients. But it's always struck me as obvious why great seo is not necessarily going to be the most successful method of gaining offline business owners as clients. You have to communicate where the market is. If your market isn't searching on google for how to have a great website, facebook for business etc, they'll never find you. I'm surprised you even posed the question, John!

        Thirdly...
        As much as I respect the cold callers (some of my favourite threads are written by cold callers)...of course you can build a business without cold calling, using other marketing and advertising media.
        For freelancers? According to research I've read, most freelancers who are working successfully in their field are gaining work through referrals. If anyone disputes that, I'm interested to here. So, if you're going for a successful freelancing career (and people may or may not be)...that would suggest that, far more important than how you gain your initial network of clients, is your ongoing relationship with them.
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        • Profile picture of the author John Durham
          Originally Posted by Aussieguy View Post

          Firstly, unless there's simply something I missed in that WSO, I just didn't get it. Where was the original idea worthy of selling? I didn't see it.

          Secondly...

          I don't see why there is even a question. I've answered this question more than once. Obviously, you can be (or hire) the best seo expert in the world, and be no.1 on google for all your best keywords...and you will pick up clients who are searching the internet for your services. But you won't pick up all those clients who are not searching for anything whatsoever to do with IM. i.e. The clients who don't know they need you yet, the one's who need some IM education etc. Now, the one's doing the searching may well make the best (or worst) clients. But it's always struck me as obvious why great seo is not necessarily going to be the most successful method of gaining offline business owners as clients. You have to communicate where the market is. If your market isn't searching on google for how to have a great website, facebook for business etc, they'll never find you. I'm surprised you even posed the question, John!

          Thirdly...
          As much as I respect the cold callers (some of my favourite threads are written by cold callers)...of course you can build a business without cold calling, using other marketing and advertising media.
          For freelancers? According to research I've read, most freelancers who are working successfully in their field are gaining work through referrals. If anyone disputes that, I'm interested to here. So, if you're going for a successful freelancing career (and people may or may not be)...that would suggest that, far more important than how you gain your initial network of clients, is your ongoing relationship with them.
          Indeed. I dont know why I even posted that either. Must have been the moment. I have practically quoted what you just said 100 times. "offline clients arent online".

          Thanks for the admonition my friend!
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    • Profile picture of the author sb
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      How come none of you S.E.O. experts ever use S.E.O. to get clients?
      I dominated the #1 position on Google for all of my primary, secondary and other keywords for many years but my ROI wasn't worth it.

      With all the other internet marketing companies constantly nipping at my heals, trying to overtake me (and it was amusing to watch at times), it got to the point that I was no longer interested in wasting my time doing the things necessary to stay in the #1 position. It had become an ego thing and cool for bragging rights but was nowhere worth my time to keep up.

      It's been somewhat of a bummer to watch my rankings slip, but I'm over it.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by sb View Post


        It's been somewhat of a bummer to watch my rankings slip, but I'm over it.

        It's been done, you have already proved you can do it. I understand.
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  • Profile picture of the author somacorellc
    Well, all WSOs are crap, so get that out of your mind if you want something that works.

    My honest sincere advice would be to set up an appointment with your local SCORE rep (or equivalent if you're outside the US) and talk to them about client-attraction. It's a program made up of retired business executives that can give great, free, insight on how to best succeed with your business. Free Small Business Advice | How-to Resources | Tools | Templates | SCORE.

    Most people here are going to harp on cold calling, which works and is responsible for about 80% of my client base today. However if you want a little more stable long term success you're going to want to diversify your client acquisition strategies. Cold calling, referrals, direct mail, PPC, local ads, offline JVs and local networking are all great things to do, and only a couple of those involve interacting with actual people.

    Look at Hubspot. They focus on creating killer content, publishing it on the web, spreading it around, getting tons of client-to-be's into their system, and recruiting the ones that fit their model. It's a ton of work (the content, etc) but the end result is a LOT of clients for them.
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    • Profile picture of the author AfteraDream
      Originally Posted by somacorellc View Post

      Look at Hubspot. They focus on creating killer content, publishing it on the web, spreading it around, getting tons of client-to-be's into their system, and recruiting the ones that fit their model. It's a ton of work (the content, etc) but the end result is a LOT of clients for them.
      Could you elaborate more on that? I think I'm going similar way- consultative selling - provide clients with great content that they could do even themselves to get a website, but the one's that value their time would hire me. Would love to see some analysis on Hubspot!
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  • Profile picture of the author Adwizard
    IMO, when approaching a business about using your SEO service vs. someone elses, I would definitely want to see you ranked in your own business to feel comfortable about giving you money to handle mine.

    Just my 2 cents
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    • Profile picture of the author RoryF
      This may be another discussion, but whose would you recommend as the best offline client generation that INCLUDES cold calls?
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    • Profile picture of the author McGruff
      Originally Posted by Adwizard View Post

      IMO, when approaching a business about using your SEO service vs. someone elses, I would definitely want to see you ranked in your own business to feel comfortable about giving you money to handle mine.

      Just my 2 cents
      Say you're a roofer, wouldn't you rather I show you the 1st page lead site that I ranked ? Maybe i'll send you some free leads before you decide to work with me. Do you still want to see my site ranked, or would you rather allow me to send you quality roofing leads?
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      • Profile picture of the author sb
        Originally Posted by McGruff View Post

        Say you're a roofer, wouldn't you rather I show you the 1st page lead site that I ranked ? Maybe i'll send you some free leads before you decide to work with me. Do you still want to see my site ranked, or would you rather allow me to send you quality roofing leads?
        Exactly. I used to be so proud of my personal site rankings and used it in my conversations with prospects but it never seemed to impress or influence them much.

        It's all about them and how you can help them.
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    • Profile picture of the author sb
      Originally Posted by Adwizard View Post

      IMO, when approaching a business about using your SEO service vs. someone elses, I would definitely want to see you ranked in your own business to feel comfortable about giving you money to handle mine.

      Just my 2 cents
      That's what I always thought but it never mattered. The proof I use is the rankings of my clients sites. When a shop of any sort sees what I've done with the same kind of shop in a different city or non competing business, they're all in.

      I don't remember ever being asked about my own rankings and if I ever do get asked, I'll say the same thing I've said here.
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  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I never cold call. I treat myself like one of my clients.
    Dominate Social Media, Google Places, Search Marketing...
    Then I attend local business mixers and networking group to get my name know in town.
    Been working awesome for 4 years now :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Amsterdam81
      yeppp, agree! this is THE BEST tactics, go offline: brochures, leaflets, trade fairs, are still indeed working perfectly to these days incompared with SEO as google always changes all the time, look at what happened recently

      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      Excellent question. I have often wondered this.
      Originally Posted by sdentrepreneur View Post

      I never cold call. I treat myself like one of my clients.
      Dominate Social Media, Google Places, Search Marketing...
      Then I attend local business mixers and networking group to get my name know in town.
      Been working awesome for 4 years now :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Aermud
    Here is my system that I've used that's been extremely successful. I've now scaled the system out to two more sub contracted partners.

    1. Make a phone call to the business (not a cold call) simply to get the main decision maker' direct email address, name, and phone number.

    2. Email them a Free QR code that links to their Facebook. In the email explain how by simply putting QR codes up in their business they are getting free viral marketing...DONT TRY TO SELL THEM ANYTHING...

    3. Follow-up and see how the QR code is working. Schedule a time where you will demonstrate how how the QR code can be used effectily and to show them some very cool other things you can help them out with.

    4. During the schedule appointment time (on skype or in person) poke holes in their marketing.

    5. Close the deal.

    -Ronnie Sandlin
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