Wouldn’t it be great if all you had to do to make money
designing web sites is create your own site as a shining example
of your creative talent, and then sit back and wait for the
offers to come pouring in? Don’t hold your breath.
There are thousands of competing web site designers promoting
their services. Unless you get your site ranked among those on
the first page or two of the search engine listings, most
prospective clients will never even see it. But this isn’t an
article about how to get better search engine rankings.
There is another way to find clients – advertising. More
specifically, advertising focused directly at your target
market, which is small business owners looking for your services.
Here’s a tip: do not follow the advertising examples you see in
newspapers, the Yellow Pages, or on the Internet – most of them
are ineffective. They feature nice graphics and have attractive
layouts, but they use phrases like “Database development,
Interactive Forms, HTML/ASP/XML services...” Put yourself in
your prospect’s shoes. Do those words tell him anything useful?
What if he’s not “Internet-savvy,” doesn’t know if he needs a
database, or has no clue what HTML is?
Instead, explain how your service will give your prospect what
he needs. For example, “Increase your sales and profits by
promoting your products and services online with a
well-designed, effective web site…” Describe the benefits of
having a web site. Use terms that will appeal to the prospect
(save time, save money, increase profits, etc.). Instead of
trying to convince people that you are the best designer,
convince them that you understand their needs and can solve
their problems!
Here are some more advertising tips:
• Tell EVERYONE that you are starting a web site design business
and are looking for clients. • Contact your local newspaper and
tell them about your new business that offers services to the
community. Sometimes human-interest stories like this are just
what they’re looking for. • Write articles about the importance
of web sites in promoting business on the Internet, and submit
them to the newspaper, Chamber of Commerce newsletters, and any
other sources you can think of.
You must understand the importance of promoting yourself and
your services; it’s a key element of a successful business. But
don’t spend all of your time talking about your business; spend
most of it listening to other people. Build rapport. Get people
to identify you as someone who understands their business needs.
Keep the focus on them, find out what they need to make their
business better, and then tell them how you can help them get it!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
------------- Bonnie Lowe is a copywriter specializing in web
site marketing. For more information on how to build or enhance
your web site design or webmaster business, download the
comprehensive and FREE “Webmaster Business Master Course” from
the following link:
http://webmasterbusiness.sitesell.com/propelprofits.html
|
