Advice needed - London based web designer

[digimars]

Hello, my name is Martin and I'm reaching out to you guys in order to learn some effective marketing tips as my business is pure struggle so far and I honestly need help. Just to briefly outline my background, I'm a former PM coming from an agency background, mainly website development and online marketing, always London based. Started my business 3 years ago but suffered a great set back right during the first year(outsourcing from india) and managed to get back on track a year ago.

The business is basically generating £1k monthly on average which as you can imagine is to barely cover the mandatory expenses to live in London plus the majority of it is from one client only who signed up for a retainer. Once they shut me down I'll be in trouble.

The biggest problem I face is that I haven't got any contacts whatsoever. Coming from abroad, no family in London, non-compete clauses, all that keeps me pretty much in a vacuum. Plus the incredibly competitive market in London. I tried vouchers, cold calls, networking events, contacted everyone I met so far. SEO is way too time demanding which would see me ending up on the street. I'm very impatient so do not keep trying via particular channel for too long if it doesn't work.

I know for fact that there's a market for my services as I did two projects so far which convinced me so. One was for a central London based charity, 3 weeks turn over £5k budget. Bespoke graphic, CMS, accessibility features, donations. Lost the client during the set back period. Called them up last week and they're with another designer. The second one is the one that turned into the retainer. The problem is they're from the City, high risk products, and there's no way to get a referral. I got this client thanks to cold emailing but it was only one out of hundreds of emails.

I was wondering I'd just walk in, door by door in the City but when I tried it's even hard to find the door and if you get in there's a reception you can't get through. Networking events are full of people who are desperate to sell and I it's very time demanding to generate some second level contacts through them.

I would appreciate any advise. Thanks very much in advance.

Regards,
Martin

 

[telemax]

You are not having the appropriate dialogue with prospects. Just asking people 'do you need a website ?' is not enough. Take a vertical, e.g online wine retailers, . The first question you need to be asking is something like 'on a scale of 1 to 10 how satisfied are you with your online systems?', then 'What are your future plans?'. It's all about getting them talking about their needs to you, either on the phone or in person. You will then be in a position to come up with solutions for them.

 

[fisicx]

Where are you advertising? When people search online for your services do you appear in the google adverts?

Your impatience may well be your downfall - it can takes years to build up a reputatiuon and become well known. When you go shopping do you take to retailers about? Are you talking to the tradesmen you meet, the places you go to eat, the people you meet in the park. I get loads of work from just talking to people. These people then talk to their friends and they pick up the phone.

But it takes time. And the wrong approach is to offer a website. You need to discuss their business and the problems thay have and then offer solutions.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

I agree with telemax and fisicx.

To speed up the process, you could proactively seek out "problems". e.g. a local restaurant has a website designed 10 years ago that is not responsive and looks terrible on a mobile. You could do a mock up of a responsive site and approach the owner. Offer to set up G Analytics so he can check how many visitors using mobiles/tablets are bouncing away... Be helpful, rather than trying to sell. Maybe he'll give you the business...?

You could also approach an existing complimentary/non-competing business and do an offer to their customers, splitting the profits.

 

[telemax]

I agree with the above, but I find the best targets to be the ones who already have great looking sites as they are often the one's with money to spend.

 

[digimars]

You are not having the appropriate dialogue with prospects. Just asking people 'do you need a website ?' is not enough. Take a vertical, e.g online wine retailers, . The first question you need to be asking is something like 'on a scale of 1 to 10 how satisfied are you with your online systems?', then 'What are your future plans?'. It's all about getting them talking about their needs to you, either on the phone or in person. You will then be in a position to come up with solutions for them.

I've got to admit that it's exactly what I was doing so far. Just asking people 'do you need a website?' I can see now how ineffective that was. I'll definitely start asking different questions. Your examples are fantastic!

In terms of the verticals, I was thinking that financial institutions and charities could be a good start. Do you think it's too wide? Tried to cold call and cold email but with no success. Further more I made a website for a charity pro bono only to end up with empty hands as their 'board of trustees' didn't agree to provide me with their hosting credentials to upload the website. What a joke. I couldn't believe my ears.

What I find difficult is to find some events I could go free or even paid and meet the decision makers. Some charitable events or meeting of hedge fund managers?

Thanks very much for your reply.
Martin

 

[digimars]

Where are you advertising? When people search online for your services do you appear in the google adverts?

Your impatience may well be your downfall - it can takes years to build up a reputatiuon and become well known. When you go shopping do you take to retailers about? Are you talking to the tradesmen you meet, the places you go to eat, the people you meet in the park. I get loads of work from just talking to people. These people then talk to their friends and they pick up the phone.

But it takes time. And the wrong approach is to offer a website. You need to discuss their business and the problems thay have and then offer solutions.

Hi Graham,

Thanks for your feedback indeed. Unfortunately I cannot afford to feed adwords as of yet and organic seo isn't much better either. I changed my primary keyword many times as I was gradually coming to my senses. From web project management, to digital agency london or freelance web designer. I got PR4 but the backlinks are not consistent.

My impatience is definitely my downfall. Very well put. But I find it extremely difficult to carry on with the though of them bills coming in soon and not getting anywhere. So frustrating. A week ago I decided to focus on networking events, update my website to perfection(neglected case studies), printed new business cards, started working LinkedIn and just stay the course. Do you think it's a good approach?

And you nailed it with the talking to everyone. I should absolutely do that. It takes courage sometimes but definitely essential. Sometimes I make excuses which I'm aware of,if only there was someone to kick my a**.

Thanks very much for you reply. Very motivating.
Martin

 

[digimars]

I agree with telemax and fisicx.

To speed up the process, you could proactively seek out "problems". e.g. a local restaurant has a website designed 10 years ago that is not responsive and looks terrible on a mobile. You could do a mock up of a responsive site and approach the owner. Offer to set up G Analytics so he can check how many visitors using mobiles/tablets are bouncing away... Be helpful, rather than trying to sell. Maybe he'll give you the business...?

You could also approach an existing complimentary/non-competing business and do an offer to their customers, splitting the profits.

Hi Terry,

Thanks for your great tips. Restaurant + GA + responsive is definitely a great mix. I think the reason why I failed here when I tried to contact restaurants is that I didn't do it locally. Email to info@ wasn't simply enough. Incredibly smart move to offer GA free of charge and then boom land the job. Will give it a try!

What would be a complimentary/non-competing business to a web designer?

Cheers
Martin

 

[digimars]

I agree with the above, but I find the best targets to be the ones who already have great looking sites as they are often the one's with money to spend.

But how do you contact them?
Cheers
Martin

 

[fisicx]

In terms of the verticals, I was thinking that financial institutions and charities could be a good start. Do you think it's too wide?

These organisations will not want to deal with a one man band, they work with agencies who can offer the support they need.

You need to start local as I suggested, become known locally as the man to go to for websites.

A short story. I helped out a local business with a simple wordpress site. They told a friend who got in contact and I built their site. A US company brought one of their products and liked the site. They contacted me and now I look after all their websites.

I changed my primary keyword many times as I was gradually coming to my senses. From web project management, to digital agency london or freelance web designer. I got PR4 but the backlinks are not consistent.

Does anyone search for those keywords? I know I wouldn't. Try 'Hammersmith Web Design' or Small Business Websites in Putney'. The longertail the keywords the less competition and the more targeted the search.

 

[telemax]

But how do you contact them?
Cheers
Martin

Do a Google Search, eg Online Wine Retailers. Free lists everywhere.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

These organisations will not want to deal with a one man band, they work with agencies who can offer the support they need.

I agree with fiscix. If you really want to work for these guys, you could look at Jobserve.com. This site lists agency jobs - many in London. Downside is you'll be on a 3-6 month contract, and be required to sit at a client desk all day. i.e. a job! If you decide to take this route, research IR35 first (it's tax legislation related to self employment).

Thanks for your great tips. Restaurant + GA + responsive is definitely a great mix. I think the reason why I failed here when I tried to contact restaurants is that I didn't do it locally. Email to info@ wasn't simply enough. Incredibly smart move to offer GA free of charge and then boom land the job. Will give it a try!

Email is generally the worst way to get work, even if you get the owners email. Unless you've been introduced first. I'd use any other method by preference.

Highlighting a problem, especially one the business owner doesn't know about, gets their attention. And often they'll take the easy option and get you to fix it. That's your foot in the door.

What would be a complimentary/non-competing business to a web designer?

SEO Consultant? Copywriter? ISP? Basically anyone who sells to the clients you want to reach. Doesn't necessarily have to be in the same industry, just someone who has access to the owner/decision maker.

 

[digimars]

These organisations will not want to deal with a one man band, they work with agencies who can offer the support they need.

You need to start local as I suggested, become known locally as the man to go to for websites.

A short story. I helped out a local business with a simple wordpress site. They told a friend who got in contact and I built their site. A US company brought one of their products and liked the site. They contacted me and now I look after all their websites.

Does anyone search for those keywords? I know I wouldn't. Try 'Hammersmith Web Design' or Small Business Websites in Putney'. The longertail the keywords the less competition and the more targeted the search.

That's true, the charity was asking immediately how many are we. But it was very good word of mouth from a very important CEO which outweighed the fact that I'm just a one man show.

Liked your story. Amazing, the mistake I made I can see now is that I was presenting the business as an agency coming from the background.

Well there's a good traffic for digital agency london, but there's no way to rank as the market leaders are all PR4-5 with good number of backlinks. Stupidly I thought I could penetrate that. I will try the longer tail keywords, but there's always good number of competition either and adwords tool shows very low traffic. Will give it a try.

Cheers
Martin

 

[digimars]

Do a Google Search, eg Online Wine Retailers. Free lists everywhere.

And cold call or cold email?
Cheers

 

[digimars]

I agree with fiscix. If you really want to work for these guys, you could look at Jobserve.com. This site lists agency jobs - many in London. Downside is you'll be on a 3-6 month contract, and be required to sit at a client desk all day. i.e. a job! If you decide to take this route, research IR35 first (it's tax legislation related to self employment).

I will rather work as a toilet cleaner than go back to the office. Most of the projects are mess with no documentation, long hours, paid well but takes it's toll.

Highlighting a problem, especially one the business owner doesn't know about, gets their attention. And often they'll take the easy option and get you to fix it. That's your foot in the door.

I agree, email is useless. I read someone consider cold email and call as the spam of the new era. I agree, I hate being cold emailed or called. I like the tactics highlighting problem! But again, be it a restaurant, I walked in, bartender there, don't care, you call in same bartender picks up the phone. You look up the company in a database and guess the owner's email. Which is not hard. But again what next, follow up over and over again, try to get his mobile phone number?

SEO Consultant? Copywriter? ISP? Basically anyone who sells to the clients you want to reach. Doesn't necessarily have to be in the same industry, just someone who has access to the owner/decision maker.

I see, sat down with an accountant yesterday. Offered to design a logo for his new clients free of charge, with the hope for more business. How else can I motivate them to pass the client to me?

Many thanks for your feedback.
Martin

 

[fisicx]

Offered to design a logo for his new clients free of charge, with the hope for more business.

Never ever do stuff free of charge. All you will get is lots of people wanting stuff free of charge.

Don't hope for new business, it will never happen. Go out and look for new business.

And move out of London. Go live where it is cheaper. Clients don't care where you are (most of the time) I'm in Hampshire building a site for a company in China. If the clients wants a visit get on the train and go see them.

 

[RealEcon]

The "free of charge" thing is a bit tricky. If you have reputation, that you can show people you know what your doing and others back you up with testimonials etc., then dont do stuff for free, unless it is a favor.

If you have no rep built up, then make sure you only do stuff for free for those that you are confident will give you recommendations and testimonials (so you can get to the point you have enough rep to stop doing stuff for free). And even then try to just offer a 50% discount over offering services for free.

 

[Paul Murray]

Never ever do stuff free of charge. All you will get is lots of people wanting stuff free of charge.

This is the truth, the same goes for offering a discounted rate. Sometimes it can work to offer a discounted rate to new business, but be aware that not many people will want to pay a higher rate afterwards.

What I sometimes do is offer a (slightly) discounted rate for existing clients as a good will gesture, but only if they bring us a bulk lot of work, or a big project, otherwise it's business as usual.

For new business we always ask for our rate and nothing less. This ensures we're getting clients that are willing and able to pay our rates, and as a whole the projects run a lot smoother for it.

Look into other services you can offer that compliment your design business. Are you re-selling hosting for example? This can be something of a double-edged sword. A lot of people claim it's more hassle than it's worth, others claim they make an easy £600–£800 profit per customer simply through their hosting account.

 

[digimars]

Never ever do stuff free of charge. All you will get is lots of people wanting stuff free of charge.

What a quote.Love it and I will not. Based on this I might probably change this to 30% on corporate identity design? This would give me work on logo, business cards and website at the beginning?

Don't hope for new business, it will never happen. Go out and look for new business.

Just get off you lazy ass innit Love your style Graham.

And move out of London. Go live where it is cheaper. Clients don't care where you are (most of the time) I'm in Hampshire building a site for a company in China. If the clients wants a visit get on the train and go see them.

This is something that I'm not willing to to do. I'd be very unhappy living event on the outskirt of London. Love the atmosphere. Plus being based in Camden it's close to everywhere.

Well done with the China gig!

 

[digimars]

The "free of charge" thing is a bit tricky. If you have reputation, that you can show people you know what your doing and others back you up with testimonials etc., then dont do stuff for free, unless it is a favor.

If you have no rep built up, then make sure you only do stuff for free for those that you are confident will give you recommendations and testimonials (so you can get to the point you have enough rep to stop doing stuff for free). And even then try to just offer a 50% discount over offering services for free.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm now completely discouraged to go with the free stuff at all. I was thinking 30%? Doesn't 50% look like too much? You wouldn't buy a car with 50% off as you'd think something is wrong...?

 

[digimars]

This is the truth, the same goes for offering a discounted rate. Sometimes it can work to offer a discounted rate to new business, but be aware that not many people will want to pay a higher rate afterwards.

What I sometimes do is offer a (slightly) discounted rate for existing clients as a good will gesture, but only if they bring us a bulk lot of work, or a big project, otherwise it's business as usual.

Well I haven't got too many client's in fact I could count them on the fingers of one hand. Hence I do not have too much choice. But to offer a discount seems fair to me. He owns an accounting firm, so 30% discount on corporate identity design might work...?

Look into other services you can offer that compliment your design business. Are you re-selling hosting for example? This can be something of a double-edged sword. A lot of people claim it's more hassle than it's worth, others claim they make an easy £600–£800 profit per customer simply through their hosting account.

Yeap I do, not bad...get more client on and I could get there too. What I find disturbing is that even a VPS server sometime land in junk folder when it comes to email. So the hassle might be to hook it up with Google Apps of Office 365 which should be ok.

Thanks Paul

 

[fisicx]

What a quote.Love it and I will not. Based on this I might probably change this to 30% on corporate identity design? This would give me work on logo, business cards and website at the beginning

Why 30%?

Don't discount, charge what you feel the right price.

You are now starting to diversify into graphic design work and printing. I'd just stick with the websites for now, business cards and logos won't make you any money unless you are a dab hand at photoshop and have a deal with the local printer.

Be patient young grasshopper, Go out into the world and talk to people, be nice and friendly and I bet you pick up a few jobs.

 

[telemax]

30% discount on corporate identity design might work...?

You're not listening. If you ask the right questions, and find out their needs, you're not selling on price at all.

 

[digimars]

Why 30%?
Don't discount, charge what you feel the right price.

You're not listening. If you ask the right questions, and find out their needs, you're not selling on price at all.

Well as I said he's a local accountant. Not my prospect. And I'm trying to team up with him. I was made aware he already got 2 or 3 companies where he sends his clients for websites but agreed with me to use the discount. Hence to motivate his prospects he'll say - if you sign up with me I'll get you 30% on your website - and send the prospect to me. I cannot think of another way how to do this.

Cheers

 

[digimars]

Be patient young grasshopper, Go out into the world and talk to people, be nice and friendly and I bet you pick up a few jobs.

Well put, so kind. I will go!
Thanks a lot.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

I disagree on the comments about giving free stuff and discounts. In this case you are gaining access to the Accountant's customer list (you want to be able to send your offer(s) to his existing clients as well as new ones). This is potentially hugely valuable and is worth freebies or discounts. It makes sense to offer huge value in order to gain access to a list of "buyers".

However, I sense you don't have any plan. To make a success you will want to have offers that appeal to his clients. Do his clients really want a discount or would they prefer added value? Could you put together packages of your most popular services to give better value? (As a new business you might struggle with this - you could test different offers) Could you segment the offers, so they're more specific to the actual business?

The ideal freebie/add on is something you create once and reuse many times. Training courses on video? Wordpress plugins? Whatever it is, it must be of obvious value to your clients or at least easy to explain the value.

And you'll want to have some form of backend offers to make every client you pick up more valuable than just your discounted offer.

Note that I would agree that you shouldn't do work for free or discount, without some justification and benefit to you. Always show the standard price (in order to show the value) and give a good reason for the discount/freebie. (Bank Holiday sale is NOT good enough reason!)

 

[RealEcon]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm now completely discouraged to go with the free stuff at all. I was thinking 30%? Doesn't 50% look like too much? You wouldn't buy a car with 50% off as you'd think something is wrong...?

True. But you really, really need the recommendations/ttestimonials when getting started with digital online work.

fisicx and others have a hefty amount of rep on this forum and else where Im sure. He doesnt need to offer discounts to chum the waters. If I was a business needing a website created and I landed on this thread, I would take a look at a few of fisicx posts, then look at his rep, then I would contact him. The words Free and Discount wouldnt even cross my mind, because he's got big rep.

Then again if I saw someone with a bit less rep on the forum talking a fair game, and they had in their sig: "Next 10 customers willing to leave a review will receive 30-50% discount on website creation!" I would probably contact them as well and see whats up.

But generally from my personal experience, I agree with the rest. When and if possible avoid freebie cheapskate shoppers like the plague. They are always the ones to complain the most and the loudest. Better to live poor with peace under your roof, then with a complaining dripping faucet, I think is the proverb.

 

[digimars]

I disagree on the comments about giving free stuff and discounts. In this case you are gaining access to the Accountant's customer list (you want to be able to send your offer(s) to his existing clients as well as new ones). This is potentially hugely valuable and is worth freebies or discounts. It makes sense to offer huge value in order to gain access to a list of "buyers".

Well that's what I was hoping for. Offer some discount or similar and get at least few clients.

However, I sense you don't have any plan. To make a success you will want to have offers that appeal to his clients. Do his clients really want a discount or would they prefer added value? Could you put together packages of your most popular services to give better value? (As a new business you might struggle with this - you could test different offers) Could you segment the offers, so they're more specific to the actual business?

Surprisingly there was a bit of planning They specialise in startups so the plan was to offer for instance some discount on corporate identity and website? That would at least include logo, business cards, website, maybe hosting? At least some paid work.

The ideal freebie/add on is something you create once and reuse many times. Training courses on video? Wordpress plugins? Whatever it is, it must be of obvious value to your clients or at least easy to explain the value.

Absolutely loved this one Thanks so much for your tips.

Regards
Martin

 

[digimars]

True. But you really, really need the recommendations/ttestimonials when getting started with digital online work.

I understand this very well now. Any successful business owner I talk to sings the same song. Word of mouth.

fisicx and others have a hefty amount of rep on this forum and else where Im sure. He doesnt need to offer discounts to chum the waters. If I was a business needing a website created and I landed on this thread, I would take a look at a few of fisicx posts, then look at his rep, then I would contact him. The words Free and Discount wouldnt even cross my mind, because he's got big rep.

Interesting indeed. I meet with a mentor and she's in strategic marketing, she's got a big rep and people ask her to hire someone to sort out their website under her supervision. They dont care who's gonna be the developer as long as she oversees the process.

Then again if I saw someone with a bit less rep on the forum talking a fair game, and they had in their sig: "Next 10 customers willing to leave a review will receive 30-50% discount on website creation!" I would probably contact them as well and see whats up.

Hmm I see, you can actually use this forum to get some work.

But generally from my personal experience, I agree with the rest. When and if possible avoid freebie cheapskate shoppers like the plague. They are always the ones to complain the most and the loudest. Better to live poor with peace under your roof, then with a complaining dripping faucet, I think is the proverb.

LOL avoid freebie cheapskate shoppers like the plague that made my day.

Thanks very much.
Regards
Martin

 

[digimars]

There's one more thing I was wondering I might be able to carry out. And that is white label production. As I'm a certified and experienced technical project manager (rubbish in sales though) I thought I'd contact a white label agency and use their team as mine and focus on PM work and getting bigger names in. What do you guys think about white label outsourcing? Obviously not from India, but London based team? Can you even make any profit?

Cheers
Martin

 

[RealEcon]

There's one more thing I was wondering I might be able to carry out. And that is white label production. As I'm a certified and experienced technical project manager (rubbish in sales though) I thought I'd contact a white label agency and use their team as mine and focus on PM work and getting bigger names in. What do you guys think about white label outsourcing? Obviously not from India, but London based team? Can you even make any profit?

Cheers
Martin

No idea how this would work.

Can you give a quick example of how you see it working?

Like a restaurant chain contacts you to promote them online. Then you give them your plan. Then you go to a white label shop and use their guys to get the promotions done. Then you just manage the project, and give the client reports.

Is this correct?

 

[fisicx]

What do you guys think about white label outsourcing?

Looks like an excuse to not do any work. If you are rubbish at sales how are you going to get the jobs in the first place?

 

[digimars]

Can you give a quick example of how you see it working?

I get contacted from time to time by a white label agencies based in eg Leeds, Glasgow or even London. You basically use them as a production team which would allow you to take on a larger projects. My fear is 1) waste of time if I try it 2) no profit as they'd definitely ask for 50 quid ph at least.

Looks like an excuse to not do any work. If you are rubbish at sales how are you going to get the jobs in the first place?

Honest and true Love this forum. With no rep they'd probably not even talk to me.

The plan is to take notes from here a put them in practice asap.

Many thanks for your feedbacks.
Martin

 

[dev99]

Hello, my name is Martin and I'm reaching out to you guys in order to learn some effective marketing tips as my business is pure struggle so far and I honestly need help. Just to briefly outline my background, I'm a former PM coming from an agency background, mainly website development and online marketing, always London based. Started my business 3 years ago but suffered a great set back right during the first year(outsourcing from india) and managed to get back on track a year ago.


I would appreciate any advise. Thanks very much in advance.

Regards,
Martin

Hi Martin

I am in Camden next week why don't we meet up and if you have the right talents I can probably get you some work from a couple of companies we service in London.

Regards
Dev

 

[digimars]

Hi Martin

I am in Camden next week why don't we meet up and if you have the right talents I can probably get you some work from a couple of companies we service in London.

Regards
Dev

YESSS! anytime. Sent you a private message.

Thanks
Martin

 

[ethical PR]

A couple of bits of feedback...You mention you were a PM when you worked agencyside...not sure what this means - but assuming as you have set yourself up as a web designer you are someone who has experience of both design and web development.. my comments are within this context

1. You mention you have a mentor who is a big name marketing strategist - so a priority should be for you to work with her to develop an effective positioning for your business that helps set you apart from your competition. Once you have this in place you can work with her to develop a plan to market your business which clearly sets out your objectives, target audiences and tactics you can use to build your business.

2. You won't get very far by having a scattergun approach to marketing and dropping activities that don't have an immediate impact - most don't. You should be spending at least two days a week on your marketing activity to help you build up and retain your client base.

3. If you are short on funds and a portfolio. Get yourself out there and freelance for some of the agencies and in-house teams. You mention you have agency experience so if you are good you will pick up work in London fairly easily. Saying you won't work for agencies when it's a quick fix solution to your short term issues is to be honest a little naive . If you want to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world and you aren't able to generate work from your own business, then freelance through a route you know you can get a decent pay cheque out of, or take on a second job, while you build up your client base.

4. Charities do work with single person businesses in the creative and marketing/PR fields. I have used many freelances and single person businesses over the years for charity clients for brand development, design of advertising campaigns and marketing literature and websites. What's important is -do they have the experience, know how and capacity (working by themselves or with others) to deliver - not the size of the operation. This includes big name charities. There are lots of smaller charities out there too, that you could approach if you use the right channels.

Wasn't sure what your reference was about non compete clauses with your last company but if you are not from the UK and you have been here for some time, I can't see how this could be an issue for you.

By the way great that someone has offered to come and meet you - but do your homework before you meet. No disrespect to the person who made the kind offer. but find out what they do, look up their website, check them out on Linked In etc ask them what sort of projects they are interested in talking to you about etc..(this is the sort of activity anyone should do when they have a prospect like this and help them best prepare for that important first meeting)

There are thousands of designers out there who are more experienced/established, so why do they want to come and meet you? If you do work together make sure you have proper contracts and terms in place and stage payments linked to activity..

 

[digimars]

Hi Helen, appreciate your feedback very much!

A couple of bits of feedback...You mention you were a PM when you worked agencyside...not sure what this means - but assuming as you have set yourself up as a web designer you are someone who has experience of both design and web development.. my comments are within this context

PM as a Project Manager, in fact a Technical Project Manager. The positioning is a tricky one. I've managed small developments as well as large scope builds and campaigns. Mostly working for digital marketing agencies. And what I learned(and verified here too) is that to offer a digital marketing service that includes consulting, design, development, campaign, analytics and support, you need to talk to them big guys. But they will not talk to a one man show gig. Hence the web designer. Start small I reckon?

1. You mention you have a mentor who is a big name marketing strategist...

Unfortunately that was a one off session only which I paid for via business support programme. I'm keen to find a mentor who would be willing to meet twice a month for a lunch which I'm happy to cover, but as always, not easy to find.

2. You won't get very far by having a scattergun approach to marketing and dropping activities that don't have an immediate impact - most don't. You should be spending at least two days a week on your marketing activity to help you build up and retain your client base.

Thanks, honest and true I can see now, there's no cutting corners.

3. If you are short on funds and a portfolio. Get yourself out there and freelance...

Here's where I kindly dare to disagree. But it's only because I didn't explain my situation properly. First of all I believe that it would be a step back as I quit the office to become my own boss. I struggle but absolutely love it. As a PM you get to work on 15 projects at a time, most of them with no documentation, unless you're with the project from the start (unlikely in case of short term contracts) seeing yourself doing 60+ hours a week. Having said that, I tried to get rehired at the beginning but competition is incredibly high seeing me going from interview to interview. Weeks of wasted time. I cannot apply for website developer or a graphic designer as although I got the skill I do not have the appropriate CV. I simply believe and will not give up on my business no matter how bad I struggle.

4. Charities do work with single person businesses in the creative and marketing/PR fields. I have used many freelances and single person businesses over the years...

This is where I'm getting very interested and would like to ask more if you don't mind What is the best way to approach the initial contact? In your case how did you get hold of the freelancers or single person business? What channels would you recommend? See to me it appears in the short term, cold email or cold call, maybe walk in? In the longer term, SEO, blogging, videos, charity events?

Wasn't sure what your reference was about non compete clauses with your last company but if you are not from the UK and you have been here for some time, I can't see how this could be an issue for you.

That's a clause in my contract that prevents me from contacting any of the clients that I worked for while employed as a PM.

In terms of the offer I'm always keen to sit down with everyone business focused as you never know who they know. Further more I got my paperwork quite well organised, not a problem being PM by trade I reckon.

Thanks you so much for your time. I found your input highly valuable.

Regards
Martin

 

[ethical PR]

Hi Martin

Glad to help.

It makes more sense now in terms of freelancing as I thought you were a designer/web developer rather than a project manager.

Does this mean you outsource your design and back end development.?

I would get a commercial lawyer to have a look at your non compete clause as it's unlikely it would be worldwide or indefinite.

I think before looking to target the charity sector unless you already have substantial experience in the sector you need to develop a strong clear positioning and direction for your business. This will help people understand why they should buy from you rather than your many competitors.

Also do your research on your competitors.

I work with freelances who have substantial charity experience and are qualified designers and developers . I don't need someone to PM as I can do that myself.

I work with ten or so fairly regularly.

I source them through word of mouth recommendations, if I see a campaign or project I like I will ask for the designers details and I look at who has won awards or had work featured in charity media.

For larger projects i am more likely to use an agency with an account manager.i

I have never bought through cold calling, emails etc

Have a look at Marketing Donut for guides on developing your brand and marketing strategy.

 

[ethical PR]

By the way put your web details in your signature then people can get more of a feel for what you do and your experience.

 

[Paul Murray]

Well I haven't got too many client's in fact I could count them on the fingers of one hand.

Most design studios, even the big, multi-national ones, rely on just a small number of repeat clients to keep running. This is why you should focus on finding those clients who understand the value of what you bring to their business, rather than someone who's just looking for the cheapest supplier.