How to take more local work without flyers

[hentondesignsuk]

Hello all,

I am new here and I joined to ask about how I can take more local work without handing out flyers. I am a website designer and I get a lot of work from london but I would like to start getting more local work. If there is anyone out there that has been the same way as me what did you do to get more work? Any help would be great Thanks.

Joss Henton
Henton Designs

 

[Bigga Creations]

Have a look for local networking events in your area, Has worked really well for me.

 

[contract hub]

Hi Joss,

welcome to the forum. ekfarrow is spot on - networking is the best way to get local business. I ran a my own web design business for 3 years and 80% of my work came from networking.

Check out your local BNI (Business network international). There should be branch near you. This is very structured but very effective networking. They usually have web designers in there already but maybe not - only 1 of each profession is allowed to join. The idea is you meet each week and pass referrals for other professions. Worked very well for me...

Kieran

 

[Ben Palmer-Wilson]

As others have said, networking is a VERY good way to get noticed.


Have you tried approaching local businesses directly? I.e going in and talking with them about your services and how it could benefit them?


Could work!

 

[Perfect Windows]

Do remind your existing customers in your area to recommend you. It often doesn't occur to people to recommend and a gentle reminder can work.

 

[JamiePMortimer]

You can also use twitter to search for leads.

If you type in your key phrases similar to your SEO, such as "need a new website" and straight after it put "near:Leeds" (replace Leeds with the area you want to search) it will return any results of that search that have been sent from Leeds.

That might give you another option of finding local work, but as others have said networking is always a start.

 

[James Ties]

Try online classified ads to promote your business in that way you won't get any hassles will doing it...

 

[Buzzworx]

found my web guy when he did cold calling, walked in and left with the job

 

[amphis software]

wear a shirt around town with your logo and url on it. make it clear that you do web design. if it looks good, you will probably get some business that way.

Tom

 

[Gotum]

I was in London recently for a couple of months and set up my own meetup group. I had about 30 people attend each group which I passed on to someone I met at the group when I left London and they had about 50 people at the last meetup.

I wasn't selling design services but would have done very well if I had been

This is the group I set up but feel free to set up your own target group http://www.londonentrepreneurmeetup.co.uk/ The guy who's running it is Aamar, a really smart business guy who will also give you some great advice if you go to the next meetup.

meet up groups are a great way to network.

Hope that helps for now but feel free to contact me for more help if you need it.

 

[lazypbx]

Agree with previous comments networking with local businesses is a great way to get local work. Also search on Twitter and Facebook for business groups in your area.

 

[KerryH]

Another great networking tool is your local Chamber of Commerce. You'll find a pretty comprehensive local membership and a busy schedule of events, seminars and networking opportunities. You know that everyone attending is going to be enthusiastic about seeing local businesses thrive too, which encourages a certain loyalty among members.

I usually have a separate stack of business cards printed to hand out at Chamber of Commerce meetings offering 10 - 15% discount to fellow members. This will give you the edge you might need if there are other web designers in the group. Once people get to know you and your services, they will feel confident recommending you to their own clients too.

Also, send on-spec emails to local copywriters. My clients are usually so thrilled with the new copy I provide for their online presence, they decide to get a complete redesign too. I'm always being asked to recommend great web designers. In return, you can offer to recommend the copywriter's services to your clients if they're in need.

 

[London Bookkeepers]

Networking can be good and you could also perhaps try locally targeted Google Adwords.

 

[cheap]

A couple of good looking girls wearing t shirts walking about you local town.
just a thought.

 

[lazypbx]

a tip. If you are using flyers or local adds to pick up work then make sure you are tracking what business is coming from where. If your not tracking it, you don't know what's being effective. Sometimes a flyer can be stuck on the fridge for weeks or months before you will get a call.

A good way to track is by voucher codes or if your business is driven by phone then use call analytics on the number.

 

[paulstewart64]

You've already had so many good ideas from forum members.

I would also check your area for a "best of ..." website. This is becomong very popular and if you are accepted onto their data base you will be able to lever business from them too.

I'm not sure where you are leafletting. Why not look at direct mail to the local businesses too? It's not difficult if you can write a good marketing letter.