How to sell websites to local businesses (FULL BLUEPRINT)

Summary

This video shares five effective strategies for finding local web design clients: cold outreach, local SEO, opening your mouth (talking to everyone about your services), leveraging local connections, and using physical methods like flyers or car decals. It emphasizes the importance of charging between $3,000-$5,000 for local business websites and highlights the potential for referrals in tight-knit communities. The video also provides an example of a successful cold outreach message and a 'golden question' to engage prospects about updating their websites.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Focusing on a local geographical area for web design services can reduce competition and make it easier to stand out.
• 💰 Local businesses typically have smaller budgets, so aim to charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for a website.
• 🔍 Local businesses often need standard brochure websites rather than custom solutions, making projects faster and easier to manage.
• 🗣️ Cold outreach can be effective on a local scale because it can feel more personal due to shared community interests and connections.
• 📈 Local SEO is crucial for ranking in organic search results and on maps; creating a Google business profile and collecting reviews can help.
• 🏢 Leveraging local connections such as Chamber of Commerce, speaking events, and complimentary partnerships can lead to a steady stream of referrals.
• 📢 'Open your mouth' marketing, or simply talking about your services to everyone you meet, can lead to unexpected business opportunities.
• 👕 Physical marketing, like wearing a t-shirt that says 'I build websites', can initiate conversations and create awareness about your services.
• 📱 Using social media platforms, particularly Facebook, can be an effective way to connect with local businesses and potential clients.
• 🔑 The 'golden question' to ask prospects is 'When was the last time you updated your website?' as it opens a non-confrontational discussion about web design needs.

Q & A

What are the five proven strategies mentioned for finding local web design clients?

The five strategies are: 1) Cold Outreach, 2) Local SEO, 3) Open Your Mouth (OYM), 4) Local Connections, and 5) Physical methods like wearing promotional t-shirts or putting decals on cars.

Why is focusing on a local geographical area beneficial for web designers?

Focusing on a local area is beneficial because it offers less competition, making it easier to stand out and compete with a smaller pool of designers within the same community.

What is the typical budget range for local businesses when it comes to web design projects?

Local businesses typically have smaller budgets, and web designers should aim to charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for a website, depending on the client's needs and budget.

How does the speaker suggest using templates for local business websites?

The speaker suggests using templates for local business websites because clients usually don't require custom solutions and are looking for standard brochure websites, which are faster and easier to manage.

What is the advantage of working with local businesses in terms of referrals?

Working with local businesses has the advantage of high referral potential due to the tight-knit nature of communities where business owners are more likely to recommend services to others.

Why does the speaker find cold outreach effective on a local scale?

Cold outreach is effective on a local scale because it can be made to feel like warm outreach due to shared community interests, connections, and the ability to bring up relevant and personal topics.

What is the significance of creating a Google business profile for local SEO?

Creating a Google business profile is significant for local SEO as it helps in ranking higher in organic search results and on maps, making the business more visible to local clients.

How does the speaker recommend collecting Google reviews for a business listing?

The speaker recommends collecting Google reviews by asking past clients, friends, and family who are familiar with the work and character of the business to improve the visibility and credibility of the business listing.

Can you provide an example of how the speaker used cold outreach to land a web design client?

The speaker used cold outreach by sending a personalized message to a mutual contact on Facebook about a new gym opening, expressing interest in the business and offering web design services, which eventually led to a meeting and a web design project.

What is the 'golden question' the speaker suggests asking prospects to initiate a conversation about web design?

The 'golden question' is 'When was the last time you guys updated your website?' This question is non-confrontational and opens the door for discussing web design services and offering help.