Local Marketing Strategy 101

Most likely your local market is untapped when it comes to an online presence. When doing local marketing be sure to have business cards and a plan for getting clients. Have a well though out speech already made in your mind. I remember when I first started going to local business I was scrambling my words a little bit and I was very nervous. Make sure to practice your speech out loud, it will help more then you thing. Always remember to give eye contact and have a positive attitude.

Its always good to have a back up plan if they say no to web hosting or web design. For example: I talk to lots of companies that already had a website/web hosting so I would offer them a better deal first. Then offer them internet marketing, computer repair, and other ways to make money online. Be creative and think out side of the box when talking to potential clients. Try and make them laugh to make a good impression.

Small talk is a very good strategy too. When you go into a business and talk to the owner ask him how he got started in his business. That will spark a conversation and could lead to a good reputation/client with him/her. Another little trick I use is when talking to the opposite sex is do a little flirting but don't get carry away. Try and flirt with your eyes if you know how to do that . I think that's the best way in my opinion. People always love to talk about them self, so use that to your advantage.

If you get a potential client and they say we will call you. Wait 2-3 days if they don't call you and go back to there business or call them to show that you do mean business. Usually after 3 days they have forgot about you. Another great tool is your local chamber of commerce. Sign up with them to market your company and ask them if you can do a presentation at their next event.

If you don't like to talk to people you can always do flyers. Print hundreds of them and go downtown and put them on cars, pass them out to people etc. Your main go in marketing/networking is to get your name out there. Always try new ideas and see what works best for you.

That is some great information and nice resource. Something to add, make sure to talk to them at their level. Not above or not below. Us IT guys tend to talk down to people instead of talking with them.

I think I've mastered the skill of "lay manizing" many tech phrases and tips. Most people I work with tell me "wow, you explained that very good". If you can at least make them this they understand then they're likely to buy from you.

As far as local business, many people underestimate the power of classifieds. I put an ad in the paper roughly 3 months ago for 2 weeks. If cost me $14 & and I got about $2300(net) from that one ad. I'm actually waiting till I get a bit more time before placing another ad, as right now I just don't have the time to deal with the overwhelming response I'll get.

Most say to start locally for many reasons. Obviously one reason is because it's cheaper. Don't try to compete with online advertising when you just start out.

A word of caution regarding placing flyers on cars etc - check with the city regarding any such action. In many cities it is against the law to place flyers on cars. And depending on the parking lot (or street) it can be posted as a penalty also. Not all places are open to the posting or handing out of flyers, so check the local laws on that first.

Everything else - highly advise. Pounding the pavement to get word of mouth out there is highly effective.

Thanks for sharing, and also TJ is right. Adding your add to the claffifieds will get you a good amount of exposure and might bring some clients in. Even if you do not get any clients, the exposure alone is good. Exposure will turn your company's name into something people will remember; more so like a brand name...We all know what they are when described to us..

Give it a try, it might work for you.

I never thought of that. Thank you so much for that tip. I can't believe I never thought of that. If you don't mind me asking what paper did you put your classified in TJ?

I haven't done the flyers yet because I haven't had the time to create one. I never thought you could get in trouble for putting flyers on cars because I seen it before. Will have to check that out.

We use to do alot with the Chamber of Commerce. It didn't do much but did get us a lot of sales calls from other companies.

We have people lately for a lawn service posting these stickies on everyone's car in like a 3 mile radius. Instead of sticking flyers on my car why not go out in work.

I'm considering the whole classified ads too. I didn't think of that for web hosting or design. I guess I didn't put it together that someone would even look for a business site there.

yes, I am curious to as to which paper did you put your classified in?

Another strategy is to trade services. I know we partnered with KETC Channel 9 in St. Louis (and many other organizations), and that worked out very well.

This is one tip I wouldn't touch with a 20 foot pole. It does address the psychology of sales though, and you do need to understand the type of individual you're addressing. Are they number crunchers or socialites? Different personality types need to be approached accordingly.

I agree. Too tricky. Everything was good until that one haha.

I tried a classifieds ad once and got no response. Not sure if I'll do it again. Targeting local businesses directly seems to be more effective even if daunting.