43 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
43 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Do you sell just website design/development services?

by theultimate1
34 replies
Hello Warriors,

So right as the thread title goes... Do you sell just website design/development to offline businesses? Do you target Mom & Pop shops? Or who do you target mostly?

Do you prospect using the phone or e-mail, or both? What's the bait you offer to your prospects to keep listening to you? What are the objections you face, and of course, how do you usually overcome them?

Also, what's the real value in offering an offline business just a website? The reason why I ask is because just having a website is equivalent to just having a phone number. If it ain't ringing, it ain't bringing business.
#design or development #sell #services #website
  • Profile picture of the author sooWoo
    This is what I want to know more about.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9212265].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    I don't sell website design by itself.
    I will only do web design as part of a funnel.

    I have been asked several times to build someone a website, and I won't do it.
    If you don't have the budget to create a full blown funnel, go somewhere else.
    There are plenty of people that will build a decent website for under $1,000.

    I get contacted as a result of relationships I had built iin the past. I used to build websites as a stand alone service, so I would get calls from those clients or their referrals. I focus on buildiing their business as a whole and don't believe a website by itslef is enough.
    Signature
    Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone
    - Neale Donald Wilson -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9212400].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by vndnbrgj View Post

      I don't sell website design by itself.
      I will only do web design as part of a funnel.

      I have been asked several times to build someone a website, and I won't do it.
      If you don't have the budget to create a full blown funnel, go somewhere else.
      There are plenty of people that will build a decent website for under $1,000.

      I get contacted as a result of relationships I had built iin the past. I used to build websites as a stand alone service, so I would get calls from those clients or their referrals. I focus on buildiing their business as a whole and don't believe a website by itslef is enough.
      Yes, I agree fully with this. Same with sales training: I get asked for scripts, or "2 hours of coaching" as a sort of tune-up and I won't do it. The prospects are often astonished I won't, but it shows a lack of understanding of the process, commitment and what is required to succeed. One piece by itself won't get you anywhere.

      ADDITION:

      This is a great differentiator and qualifier as well. If you stick by it, you'll only get clients who have the budget, commitment and understanding of what's necessary to win.
      Signature
      >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

      >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9212407].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Peter Lessard
    I build web sites as part of a greater marketing plan. If someone just wants a site I tell them to go get one built and later when they want to increase their sales I can make them a new one that is part of funnel.

    Somewhat related a funny story that just happened today.

    I have a client that has become a friend over the years.
    I helped him build his multi million dollar mini storage business.
    He has a marketing machine that keeps his units full and he is not afraid to spend money because he understands that you don't just build a web site you build a machine that generates profits. He tracks conversions and does not let someone that is not a closer answer his phones. H responds to form submits within minutes and knows how essential it is to close rates. His marketing machine consists of site(s), great social presence, ppc and some JV's and a slick back end that automates billing and relieves stress.

    He was considering helping a friend that is a contractor because even though he is a great contractor he just can't seem to get it together. He figured by partnering with him and handling all of the marketing/back office that this guy might finally get where he should be. I don't take on many locally focused clients anymore but he asked for a favor so I met the contractor.

    I spent an hour with the guy detailing a plan and showing a few examples. My mouth waters at the thought of tackling contractor/service niches as I love the impact I can have and find it fun!! I gave him an absurdly low price because I am great friends with the storage guy.

    The storage guy wanted to make sure the contractor was committed to this so he told him that they would split the cost of the initial marketing setup so the already low price was actually being split in two.

    When he left the contractor called the storage guy and said "why don't we just get a site for $50 because they are all the same, we just need to get online and the work will roll in."

    The storage guy called me and apologized for wasting my time and cancelled any plans of a partnership with the contractor telling him that his problem was much more than taking care of accounting and he could not help him.
    Signature
    Ready to generate the next million in sales? The Next Million Agency
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9212671].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mystery777
      Originally Posted by plessard View Post

      When he left the contractor called the storage guy and said "why don't we just get a site for $50 because they are all the same, we just need to get online and the work will roll in."
      Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't help but guess that the reason was that your friend (the storage guy), while talking to his other friend (the contractor), initially referred to you as: my "website guy" or "the guy who built and takes care of my website"...etc. rather than my "marketing" or "business consultant"...etc.

      That was the selling point and why he decided to meet. The other stuff was unexpected and overwhelming. He either needs some time to think it over or is not ready yet.

      Also, for the love of God, who the *beep* builds websites for $50?! o_O

      .
      Signature
      Best Web Hosting
      Web Hosting Reviews
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9212729].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author chaotic squid
        Originally Posted by Mystery777 View Post

        Also, for the love of God, who the *beep* builds websites for $50?! o_O
        I'm from the Milwaukee area. Just popped on Craigslist and found someone that will build you a "professional" site for the low price of $50.

        $50 Professional Websites

        Sucks because people who charge this low not only hurt themselves, but everyone in the industry
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213231].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
          Originally Posted by chaotic squid View Post

          I'm from the Milwaukee area. Just popped on Craigslist and found someone that will build you a "professional" site for the low price of $50.

          $50 Professional Websites

          Sucks because people who charge this low not only hurt themselves, but everyone in the industry
          And did you see the websites? They are literally $50 websites. He has 3 templates he changes in about 15 minutes, uploads to crappy servers, most likely on shared hosting and says, tada, look at this great website!

          I had one customer I was helping with some marketing and I asked, um, why isn't your website mobile friendly? Oh my web designer said mobile wasn't important...

          Looked at the code, 7 year old code using tables, no <divs>. Find out, his website was hacked because this "designer" is hosting all of the websites on a single shared host.

          I don't pretend to be this monster developer but even I keep my skills up to date...
          Signature
          Learn how to set up a powerful, functional yet easy to use e-commerce website at cartprep.com.

          Not sure what ecommerce solution to use? Watch my video walk through of popular shopping carts.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9290786].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
        Originally Posted by Mystery777 View Post

        Also, for the love of God, who the *beep* builds websites for $50?! o_O
        .
        You're kidding, right?

        There are people here giving stuff away.

        For them, asking for even $50 is out of the question. They are "...trying to help business owners for free in order to get the word out".

        Of course, there might be a small issue with sustainability. But, such details are boring and the "vision" is much more fun anyway.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213652].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
          Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

          You're kidding, right?

          There are people here giving stuff away.

          For them, asking for even $50 is out of the question. They are "...trying to help business owners for free in order to get the word out".

          Of course, there might be a small issue with sustainability. But, such details are boring and the "vision" is much more fun anyway.
          Too bad they don't realize:

          a) giving something for Free takes as much selling as earning money in return for your effort

          and

          b) the kind of clients attracted to Free are the kind who don't value your work, don't have any money, and don't have any customers. How can you help someone like that??

          This makes the freebie provider jaded in a hurry. All customers suck. Every client is a rip-off artist. They all want something for nothing. Well, YOU attracted them, YOU created this situation!

          All a person who does this is going to "get the word out" about is that they are the web designer (or whatever) who works for nothing.

          That sustainability thing you mentioned, yeah, the fact that our freebie giveaway guy or gal needs to pay rent and buy groceries and get the car payment over and done with...crash and burn. Three months max.

          Use free giveaways as a positioning tool--a report, a book, a dvd...but not YOUR FREAKIN' WORK.

          That there is your expertise, and that's what you get paid to bring to the table! If you give that away for free, you got nuthin' left!!

          Now, we who charge for our efforts don't have to worry. The $50 or free designer does not hurt us. Our kind of customer is repelled by that kind of pricing. They know it isn't for them, that it won't really work. That competency costs money. So don't worry. Just get sorting.
          Signature
          >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

          >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213821].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Mystery777
            Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

            Use free giveaways as a positioning tool--a report, a book, a dvd...but not YOUR FREAKIN' WORK.
            There you go.. that's what I was trying to explain.

            .
            Signature
            Best Web Hosting
            Web Hosting Reviews
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213845].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Ron Lafuddy
            Right on the money as usual, Jason.

            Blaming the prospect goes hand in hand with this type of behavior.

            When I see blame type of posts, "he/she just doesn't get it". I know
            underneath it all, the poster has self esteem issues.

            They don't believe that what they have to offer has real value to someone else.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213905].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
              Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

              Right on the money as usual, Jason.

              Blaming the prospect goes hand in hand with this type of behavior.

              When I see blame type of posts, "he/she just doesn't get it". I know
              underneath it all, the poster has self esteem issues.

              They don't believe that what they have to offer has real value to someone else.
              Here's the issue:

              Selling is CONCEPTUAL, not technical.

              Most people never suspect this.

              That's why they keep hunting for the magic "close" or script.

              If you can't conceive it, you can't do it.

              "Oh, I could never approach that person; they're too (big? good?) for me."

              And so you train yourself to never even see those kinds of opportunities.

              Those who have the self-concept of the janitor approach the janitor. Not knocking on janitors. It's a metaphor for business.
              Signature
              >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

              >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213923].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Mystery777
          Originally Posted by Ron Lafuddy View Post

          There are people here giving stuff away.
          There's a difference between offering to do stuff for free or a special discounted rate for a while, and telling them the main rate for building a website is a measly $50.

          They are "...trying to help business owners for free in order to get the word out".
          And how is that working for them so far? Losing all kindda respect from their clients.

          Even when I was a total newbie in the offline marketing world and didn't have a single client, I didn't approach it that way. Guess it's a personality thing.

          Of course, there might be a small issue with sustainability. But, such details are boring and the "vision" is much more fun anyway.
          Thanks God, I can smell the sarcasm here.

          .
          Signature
          Best Web Hosting
          Web Hosting Reviews
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213835].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
            Originally Posted by Mystery777 View Post

            Even when I was a total newbie in the offline marketing world and didn't have a single client, I didn't approach it that way. Guess it's a personality thing.
            .
            You--yes, you, reading this, whoever you are, not Mystery777 because that person has probably already figured this out--

            Even if you have no clients and are brand new to the business

            YOUR PROSPECT DOESN'T KNOW IT

            All that crap you're carrying around in your head, all those fears, worries, anxieties...throw them away. Your prospect doesn't know anything about them.

            All they see is the person, you, sitting in front of them.

            If you've got head trash gnawing away at your mind while you're talking with them, the only things you're going to be thinking are:

            * I sure hope they don't find out I'm new

            * I'll bet they ask for references, darn it

            * I can't charge much; I'm new

            etc.

            How are those things supportive to your selling process?

            DON'T LIE. DON'T MISREPRESENT YOURSELF.

            But you don't have to tell them everything about yourself, completely unsolicited, either.

            There is a huge difference between faking that you're the web designer to the stars and sitting there quietly asking questions, genuinely demonstrating your competency, developing rapport, finding out about their world, and determining if and how you can solve their problem.

            You do not have to gush out your life's story and the fact that you're new and they would be your very first customer.

            And charge what you're worth, for crying out loud.
            Signature
            >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

            >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213893].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author theultimate1
    I would love to offer a marketing funnel/consulting kind of service, but I currently don't have the amount of time I can dedicate to doing that. Also, and I'll be honest here, I'm not the best at offering marketing consulting to a business, yet. Sure I can throw around a few ideas but nothing impactful (notice my language... yes I'm shamelessly pleading guilty). I want to get there, and someday I will.. hopefully soon.

    But, currently, my skill is only to be able to make websites (not ranking or off-page SEO). So, I need to know what is the value in what I'm going to be offering.
    Signature
    If Content Is Your King, Then This GhostRider.. err.. GhostWriter Is Your Knight!
    My Sample Articles
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213097].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Ill be the blunt one here. If you are JUST building a site. you have nothing to offer but vanity at best. If at the very least you cant incorporate on page SEO, you in my opinion are doing your clients a dis service, and not helping them at all.

      A page with no traffic is right up there with useless. No traffic means no money, and the clients ROI is nil. Hard to get referals that way!

      You might want to really study the bare minimum of page SEO and how you can incorporate that into the design. It truly is the easiest during the design phase then it is coming back in later and "Fixing" it all.

      Gain the knowledge of LOCAL SEO along with the page SEO and you have something there.

      Hope that Helps!


      Originally Posted by theultimate1 View Post

      I would love to offer a marketing funnel/consulting kind of service, but I currently don't have the amount of time I can dedicate to doing that. Also, and I'll be honest here, I'm not the best at offering marketing consulting to a business, yet. Sure I can throw around a few ideas but nothing impactful (notice my language... yes I'm shamelessly pleading guilty). I want to get there, and someday I will.. hopefully soon.

      But, currently, my skill is only to be able to make websites (not ranking or off-page SEO). So, I need to know what is the value in what I'm going to be offering.
      Signature
      Success is an ACT not an idea
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213125].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author theultimate1
        Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

        Ill be the blunt one here. If you are JUST building a site. you have nothing to offer but vanity at best. If at the very least you cant incorporate on page SEO, you in my opinion are doing your clients a dis service, and not helping them at all.

        A page with no traffic is right up there with useless. No traffic means no money, and the clients ROI is nil. Hard to get referals that way!

        You might want to really study the bare minimum of page SEO and how you can incorporate that into the design. It truly is the easiest during the design phase then it is coming back in later and "Fixing" it all.

        Gain the knowledge of LOCAL SEO along with the page SEO and you have something there.

        Hope that Helps!
        Being blunt comes to us so easy, dunnit? I'll not blame you or anyone. It's just us... humans.

        Anyway, I didn't mean to be sarcastic. If you read my first post and the one you quoted, you'd understand that I've essentially said the same thing in both my posts as you did in yours. Even I'm looking to understand what the real value is in merely offering a website that a business' target market isn't interacting with or even looking at.

        Also, I mentioned that I have no knowledge of off-page SEO. I guess that implied that I can and will do the on-page SEO for my clients' websites. Maybe I should have said that explicitly anyway. However, most offline business websites are wafer thin, so while I can do the local on-page SEO thing in my get-a-website package, I'm not sure how much value that'll provide in terms of targetted traffic. Maybe you have different thoughts or some proof-points to help me see things otherwise.
        Signature
        If Content Is Your King, Then This GhostRider.. err.. GhostWriter Is Your Knight!
        My Sample Articles
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9213582].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marco005
    Hi,

    there are some curious things there;

    A webdesigner builds website not make seo.

    Seo and Webdesign are two different industry things.

    Internet Marketing is another thing too. A Internet marketer is not a Webdesigner.,theese are two different shoes.

    So okay when you have knowledge of them you can put it in your Webdesign service pack.

    I make little money in europe with Webdesign and offer many services including,but the clients not will pay more than 250€.I not understand theese peoples here on wf who telling us how sell Webdesign/Wordpress themes for $1000 each.

    Nobody will pay this sum for a webseite/wordpress website, for an ecommerce store/shop,yes,but not for an business website.

    Ok I make little money and can reinvest that,but often I be little bit down,this is the "work for the man" thing.

    I have no plan to sell my webdesign+service including for higher price,I sell on ebay and with a price over 220€-250€ I make no sales.

    Build shop/ecommerce website there I have no much knowledge is not my thing in the moment,only build business websites-btw. websites for business owners,like dentist,real estate,.........

    One of the site from my clients in the Promotion Consulting branch,his website ranks after 2 months on #1-3 with deeper pages on google!

    But they not will pay more than 220€-is here the devil in detail?



    best wishes
    marco005
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214157].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by marco005 View Post

      Hi,

      there are some curious things there;

      A webdesigner builds website not make seo.

      Seo and Webdesign are two different industry things.

      Internet Marketing is another thing too. A Internet marketer is not a Webdesigner.,theese are two different shoes.

      So okay when you have knowledge of them you can put it in your Webdesign service pack.

      I make little money in europe with Webdesign and offer many services including,but the clients not will pay more than 250€.I not understand theese peoples here on wf who telling us how sell Webdesign/Wordpress themes for $1000 each.

      Nobody will pay this sum for a webseite/wordpress website, for an ecommerce store/shop,yes,but not for an business website.

      Ok I make little money and can reinvest that,but often I be little bit down,this is the "work for the man" thing.

      I have no plan to sell my webdesign+service including for higher price,I sell on ebay and with a price over 220€-250€ I make no sales.

      Build shop/ecommerce website there I have no much knowledge is not my thing in the moment,only build business websites-btw. websites for business owners,like dentist,real estate,.........

      One of the site from my clients in the Promotion Consulting branch,his website ranks after 2 months on #1-3 with deeper pages on google!

      But they not will pay more than 220€-is here the devil in detail?



      best wishes
      marco005
      "Nobody"

      ...

      You have your blinders on.

      Look for the kind of prospects you have not been talking to yet. The kind you're a bit scared to talk to.

      Solve a little problem, get paid a little amount.
      Signature
      >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

      >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214252].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marco005
    Hi

    Jason: what do you mean?

    I have a portifolio,satisfied clients, many service including and the clients will not paying more than 250€ to my service.

    I must find out why? Or I concentrate on theese "stunning" glitter-glubber websites (they are not good for seo) who are sell for high price?

    ??
    I have no idea in the moment.


    best wishes
    marco005
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214391].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by marco005 View Post

      Hi

      Jason: what do you mean?

      I have a portifolio,satisfied clients, many service including and the clients will not paying more than 250€ to my service.

      I must find out why? Or I concentrate on theese "stunning" glitter-glubber websites (they are not good for seo) who are sell for high price?

      ??
      I have no idea in the moment.


      best wishes
      marco005
      I am saying you have to talk to new people to find those with problems that justify the budget for solving them, ie. an increased fee for you.

      And it's probable that these people are those who you feel uncomfortable about contacting.

      When we get comfortable with a niche--and I have done this myself--we put blinders on. We literally stop seeing opportunities around us because they don't fit the "I solve this kind of problem for this kind of client" format.

      In my own case, I had to completely stop talking to the old group and that forced me to find new and higher-value customers.
      Signature
      >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

      >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214397].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author wordpressmania
    Yes, I personally sell both. But you have to consider that the web design service market is becoming more and more competitive. I personally do not do a simple website below $799 but it does not mean that you can not sell you service above this rate. That is my personal rate. If you do Google you will find that people are offering website design service below $100! You know it is crazy. Because you can not make profit with such a low rate.

    People are getting more aware and they love to save money with buying themes. That is why I love to create themes and sell online. I believe there is much more options to earn more by developing themes other than selling services. It is because there is no rule for freelancers about pricing and the market seems going to lower rate.

    What is most annoying is people keep asking for amendments when you develop website for people. And it will just kill your time and people never realize that how much time can be lost while doing their amendments. When I get a project I try to finish it within 2 or three days as I have a lot of works to do. But another problem then appear clients can not provide content for their website within such a short time and it makes more more slower and kill more time.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214552].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by wordpressmania View Post

      Yes, I personally sell both. But you have to consider that the web design service market is becoming more and more competitive. I personally do not do a simple website below $799 but it does not mean that you can not sell you service above this rate. That is my personal rate. If you do Google you will find that people are offering website design service below $100! You know it is crazy. Because you can not make profit with such a low rate.

      People are getting more aware and they love to save money with buying themes. That is why I love to create themes and sell online. I believe there is much more options to earn more by developing themes other than selling services. It is because there is no rule for freelancers about pricing and the market seems going to lower rate.

      What is most annoying is people keep asking for amendments when you develop website for people. And it will just kill your time and people never realize that how much time can be lost while doing their amendments. When I get a project I try to finish it within 2 or three days as I have a lot of works to do. But another problem then appear clients can not provide content for their website within such a short time and it makes more more slower and kill more time.
      "People" generally know zilch about web design. And they don't want to.

      You are viewing society from your viewpoint. This is called "The Curse of Knowledge"; we assume because we know something, it's commonplace.

      It's not.

      "The market" is whatever niche you are focusing on. If you're focusing on the low end, do it yourselfers, then yeah, you are going to have a tough time with pricing. Why should they pay you?

      But that is not the only niche, not by a long shot.

      As far as amendments and waiting for content, go, you are allowing your customers to do that to you. Give them a three change rule when they buy, and after that they're on the clock at $X/hr.

      If you don't want to wait for content, tell your buyer you don't accept projects until the client has the content ready.

      Feeling the fear yet? "Oh no, I could never tell them that!" Yes, you can. And raise your prices to boot. Get paid 100% up front and take money off the table. Then, while it still matters how long you have to wait for the content to arrive, you've still been paid and it's more their problem than yours.
      Signature
      >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 12+ Year Vet]

      >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214592].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author wordpressmania
        Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

        "People" generally know zilch about web design. And they don't want to.

        You are viewing society from your viewpoint. This is called "The Curse of Knowledge"; we assume because we know something, it's commonplace.

        It's not.

        "The market" is whatever niche you are focusing on. If you're focusing on the low end, do it yourselfers, then yeah, you are going to have a tough time with pricing. Why should they pay you?

        But that is not the only niche, not by a long shot.

        As far as amendments and waiting for content, go, you are allowing your customers to do that to you. Give them a three change rule when they buy, and after that they're on the clock at /hr.

        If you don't want to wait for content, tell your buyer you don't accept projects until the client has the content ready.

        Feeling the fear yet? "Oh no, I could never tell them that!" Yes, you can. And raise your prices to boot. Get paid 100% up front and take money off the table. Then, while it still matters how long you have to wait for the content to arrive, you've still been paid and it's more their problem than yours.
        I got you point about getting paid, I ask for 50% upfront. You know it is not that bad. My minimum webdesign service price is $799 and definitely I get more higher price for my services. Likely I am currently doing a project for $xxxx.

        Everything changes. The trend for web development is also changing. That is why there is so many template selling website doing business. Why people will spend so much money when they can get a website with a lowest rate?

        Freelancing market places are going to be more and more popular. Like this forum also belongs to a freelancing market place. You know what I am trying to say. things are changing that freelancing market places are going to be more and more stronger. They are trying to reach each door of the people. And eventually the prices will be decreased.

        Selling things with low rate is not bad if the quantity its big enough
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214611].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mystery777
      Originally Posted by wordpressmania View Post

      But you have to consider that the web design service market is becoming more and more competitive.
      Tell that to a company in my city that builds websites for an equivalent of over USD 20k+ a pop.

      Granted, that would be the cost of their premium package ($26,900 to be exact).

      However, their very basic starter package (you know, built on wordpress cms, coming with only 5 pages..etc.) runs for $4,100. Of course they have other packages in between as well.

      Plus, according to my sources, they've got clients lining up to use their services all the time.

      Believe it or not, there are certain big companies and corporations who actually "refuse" to accept paying less than that for a service. Some just "seek" using the services of this company as a status symbol. That's all.

      Best thing is to brand yourself as the "Go-to-Guy" for big mutha****ers with egos. Great marketing strategy.

      .
      Signature
      Best Web Hosting
      Web Hosting Reviews
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214720].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Peter Lessard
    wordpressmaina,

    Gas is getting more expensive every single day and has been for years. The economy is in crisis. The sky is falling...
    but wait....
    why is it that they still sell million dollar homes, there are waiting lists for Italian sports cars and even on my trip to Jamaica the poorest of the poor at the dance club where talking on their new iphones and wearing $150USD jeans?

    there is always room for a mid to high level service you just have to decide to provide it.

    Personally I hope everybody starts selling sites at $50 a pop because the service, sites and results will be so poor I will not be able to keep up with the high end clients that are happy to pay 2k for a simple 5 page web site if it is handled properly and setup to make them more than it cost them.
    Signature
    Ready to generate the next million in sales? The Next Million Agency
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214627].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author wordpressmania
      Originally Posted by plessard View Post

      wordpressmaina,

      Gas is getting more expensive every single day and has been for years. The economy is in crisis. The sky is falling...
      but wait....
      why is it that they still sell million dollar homes, there are waiting lists for Italian sports cars and even on my trip to Jamaica the poorest of the poor at the dance club where talking on their new iphones and wearing $150USD jeans?

      there is always room for a mid to high level service you just have to decide to provide it.

      Personally I hope everybody starts selling sites at $50 a pop because the service, sites and results will be so poor I will not be able to keep up with the high end clients that are happy to pay 2k for a simple 5 page web site if it is handled properly and setup to make them more than it cost them.
      You are right about the price point and smart paying clients. Surely there was, is and will be high lever services. But why not take advantages of developing a system that will generate money for you while you sleep. Really, making a website with product can do it for you. There is little work and you can sell same product again and again.

      What I said, low price is always not bad when you got a lot of sells

      P.S. I am totally agree with your view point. Just arising a business thought that can help people.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9214729].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
    I saw the post here about the $50 services. It does hurt other marketers because IMers who do offline know that they can charge higher, and when you contact certain business owners who know your price, they'll say things like "I could get this for $80 on CL". It's frustrating at times when this happens, and you'll come to find that eventually you will find clients who don't do research through CL.
    Signature
    Tired of Google?! Exhausted from all the rehashed trash?!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9223393].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marco005
    Hi,

    yeah, its correct what Jason said.
    Look at your best +++ skills you can do and stop hurt yourself with 100 web design service.

    For myself I be on ebay in the moment,but I not plan to do this all long in the future.

    I will try yellow pages listing (free)
    google+
    and write guestpost at niche related Blogs,websites,
    and cold email acquise

    This all is for free I hope it will work to get higher paying clients.

    This week I had post from adwords a 200€ free bonus for adwords. I be not new on adwords I have my adwords account since last 4 years,but I not have buy adwords or have set my bank account into them, so I will try this 200€ free bonus. I have found good keywords so that I can test it with a 50€ budget for a fully month (around 250 clicks).

    I will test adwords to see does interesting clients buy web design online (I have my paypal button on my site) we will see..........

    But I be sure that clients who will pay up at $800 will not buy web design online,they will see you first or will call at phone first to you.

    best wishes
    marco005
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9288802].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
    Originally Posted by theultimate1 View Post

    Hello Warriors,

    So right as the thread title goes... Do you sell just website design/development to offline businesses? Do you target Mom & Pop shops? Or who do you target mostly?

    Do you prospect using the phone or e-mail, or both? What's the bait you offer to your prospects to keep listening to you? What are the objections you face, and of course, how do you usually overcome them?

    Also, what's the real value in offering an offline business just a website? The reason why I ask is because just having a website is equivalent to just having a phone number. If it ain't ringing, it ain't bringing business.
    Most of my business is through referrals. I do such good job with people (wow i hurt my arm patting myself on the back) that they refer me to others. I have one client that uses me 20 hours a week which keeps me pretty busy and allows me to test all kinds of things so I just fill it in with offline clients and the courses I create, plus my own commerce sites...
    Signature
    Learn how to set up a powerful, functional yet easy to use e-commerce website at cartprep.com.

    Not sure what ecommerce solution to use? Watch my video walk through of popular shopping carts.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9290788].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author imbikinigirl
    Wow great comments on this thread. We have done one-off websites in the past but know the client needs so much more. Unfortunately they don't often recognize it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9302109].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ATAC
    As far as sell web design service my answer is .. Not unless I have to but usually I will outsource the work if I fall into a job but its definitely not my lead offer..

    I lead with leads new customers or return customers , simply increase their business and show fast result's and then I sell them everything that I think will help them or I will set up a funnel for them to generate leads.. Which is a great service to sell along with social media management .
    I like to go after the money and not finicky people that you have to explain what a custom website means.

    I work with car dealers,pizzerias, lawyers I have a dinette store, chiropractors and a few non profit ad word gigs that pay real well also I have a pressure cleaning company along with a few others that I do SMS marketing for that pay me monthly. I did not count selling a few mobile sites here and there to some local businesses.

    Web design is terrible business model and not enough money in it along with very difficult to compete in the cut throat business with all the free website commercials on television these days.
    Signature
    This all-in-one marketing platform saves me over $7,000 per year. See how:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9302203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KloudStrife
    Selling websites a $50 is next to no money on their end. God help that person.

    Charging low prices for high services blows my mind, but even more so I think about the situation with the media industry hitting a point where media based services will no longer hold much value, due to large companies doing the service for cheaper then your average freelancer
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9302308].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matt Lee
    You have to convey to those mom & pop operations that their old website is costing them money instead of making it for them.

    Their website should be their number 1 lead generator. Make sure they understand the value of a website that captures leads, integrates with social platforms, and looks pretty on multiple devices.
    Signature
    "One of the Most Successful Offline WSO's Ever!
    Get More High $$$ Clients with this Small Business Marketing PLR Magazine
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9303667].message }}

Trending Topics