About Marketing

[jahangir18590]

Hello
I have very recently started a debt management and IVA referral company. The issue is Leads. At the moment its myself and my business partner that are working for the company. How do I generate very good leads online and offline. I have been using a freelance IT guy to help advertise our services through Google, Social media etc.. and we are getting a few good leads. Is hiring a marketing company to generate leads a good idea? Is there other ways to generate leads. Our budget is around £5000.

 

[Simon Collins]

It can never hurt to talk to a few small companies and get their ideas. As a start-up cash is precious, which is why many large marketing and PR companies seldom work with them. Have a chat with some local marketing and PR freelancers or fellow start-ups and get an idea of how they feel they can help you - don't be afraid to ask for them to build a picture of how they can give you a ROI. (Although it will take a bit of good faith from both sides on that front).

 

[ethical PR]

Did you put together a marketing strategy when you set up your business?

If not this should be your priority and will help you identify which channels to use and also how you differentiate yourself from your competitors .

Looking for a marketing freelance with experience in your sector to work with you to developi it.

I wouldn't go for a start up - go for someone with a track record of success.

 

[DaveHawke]

My first thoughts are: KISS - Keep it Sensible and Simple.

The internet is unlikely to be a quick winner for you as your startup. The sector is huge, and heavily saturated with competitors. It's time to maximise your unique position. Your a local business, your a micro business (two hands, a head, and a heart) so get your face out there locally. create awareness by attending your local chamber of commerce, free business networking events. Volunteer your experience to local support groups, you don't have to push an IVA to offer sane tips on keeping costs down and identifying consumers.

if your qualified you can contract to the larger national names, on a case by case basis, they pass you a qualified lead, in return for a fixed fee, or reduced commission. Though you will need to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications, registrations, and licenses to operate in order to secure the deal.

 

[SugarCubeProductions]

Try looking up your local networking events. They bring you face to face with people who'll get to know you and then recommend your services. Most cost about £10 a week and include food, but some are free.

 

[Explainaboom Videos]

Try looking up your local networking events. They bring you face to face with people who'll get to know you and then recommend your services. Most cost about £10 a week and include food, but some are free.

Local networking events are a great shout, they can initially seem daunting - but a great way to generate warm leads/recommendations.

 

[colour24]

What was your marketing plan prior to setting up? I would look for a way to promote yourself very differently to your competitors. You need to stand out.

 

[Mark Whitehead]

I agree with the trend of the advice here. A strong marketing plan will help you define your market, differentiate your offering and enable you to carry out cohesive and coherent marketing that delivers results.

As a first port of call I would recommend you contact your Local Enterprise Partnership or Growth Hub as they may be able to give free support and advice.

 

[Parcelhub]

Before starting ANY marketing, define what your unique selling points (USPs) are. Why should I be interested in your debt management / IVA referral company over all the others out there? Ask yourself questions like that. Then focus on content marketing - Permission Marketing by Seth Godin is worth a read before you start shelling out money for marketing.

 

[Parcelhub]

Also testimonials, a cool video to describe your service, we used an agency in Nottingham called Bottletop for ours; it keeps people more engaged when first visiting our website.

 

[HazelC]

Try looking up your local networking events. They bring you face to face with people who'll get to know you and then recommend your services. Most cost about £10 a week and include food, but some are free.

I came here to say exactly that - My business is 20 months old and most of our sales have come through networking, social media (not paid ads), the website and word of mouth (from existing clients and networking people).