New Business Idea - Thoughts Needed Please!

[Kieran Audsley]

Hey everyone,

I've got an idea for a business but I'm unsure on a few bits of the idea formulation; if it's something people would actually want, what the price point would be if it is, what bits of the service wouldn't be needed etc.

So, the business idea is an 'all-in-one' startup solution that handles and provides the below for a fixed price (I do have my own thoughts on price but would love to know what you guys think)

1. Branding
- Logo
- Colour Palette
- Typography
- Imagery
- Resulting Full CVI Provided

2. Infrastructure
- Business Bank Account
- Domain

3. Market Ready
- Website Landing Page
- Email Address
- Social Media Accounts Set Up (and built out, first 10 posts, mixture of content, outlining your brand)

I got the idea because it's exactly what I was looking for when I set up my first business and had no idea what I was doing, I wanted one company to just get the bits I need to get started. Now they do exist but the quotes I received were 6 figures...

But I could be an outlier in wanting this service!

Please tell me all of your thoughts and feedback, and if it is something that people would want, what do you think people would be willing to pay?

Many thanks
Kieran.

 

[fisicx]

Hi @Kieran Audsley and welcome to UKBF.

This isn’t a new idea and one that has been attempted many times before in various guises.

Many small and new businesses will want some but not all those services so I suspect you will struggle to get many good leads.

As you suggest, I think you are an outlier.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

Hi @Kieran Audsley and welcome to UKBF.

This isn’t a new idea and one that has been attempted many times before in various guises.

Many small and new businesses will want some but not all those services so I suspect you will struggle to get many good leads.

As you suggest, I think you are an outlier.

Hey fisicx thank you for the feedback! So would it be better if it was a pick n' mix with the ability to choose what you want to create your own bundle?

 

[fisicx]

Maybe. But I can go get my own bank account, build a site using wix or whatever, use a freelancer to create a logo, sign up for Facebook and so on.

It could work but I’m not sure there will be enough potential clients to make this viable. It all depends on your marketing plan. The services you offer are less important than how good you are at selling the concept.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

Maybe. But I can go get my own bank account, build a site using wix or whatever, use a freelancer to create a logo, sign up for Facebook and so on.

It could work but I’m not sure there will be enough potential clients to make this viable. It all depends on your marketing plan. The services you offer are less important than how good you are at selling the concept.

Yeah completely agree with that! Appreciate the feedback

 

[fisicx]

What can work really well is the upsell. Offer one thing and once you have the lead offer to help with other services.

For example, become really well known locally for managing social media accounts or running a local business directory. You then offer to sort out websites and do graphic design.

Or maybe become the go to person for nail salons or dentists or whatever.

Niches can be very lucrative. But as I said before, it’s all about marketing. If you are good at marketing you can sell anything.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

What can work really well is the upsell. Offer one thing and once you have the lead offer to help with other services.

For example, become really well known locally for managing social media accounts or running a local business directory. You then offer to sort out websites and do graphic design.

Or maybe become the go to person for nail salons or dentists or whatever.

Niches can be very lucrative. But as I said before, it’s all about marketing. If you are good at marketing you can sell anything.

That's really helpful and a good shout, thank you! I'll be the first to admit that marketing is not my forte and something I'm working to get better at. I agree that an upsell model would be fitting

 

[Mark T Jones]

As @fisicx has suggested, it's been done many, many times in both modular and packaged forms.

I'm sure some people have made money from it, but it's never taken off as a concept.

Many years ago I was part of a packaged called 'business in a box', where we supplied refurb/used equipment - PC, printer, copier, fax machine etc (yes, that long ago) on a lease - which made some money, but never took off.

The big hurdle, as I see it is that start ups isn't really a niche, as much as a concept. It's also a haven for chancers & scammers.

Rather than focusing on the services you offer, work on finding a niche where you can truly add value.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I currently offer something similar (when I have the time to promote it).

I do not have all of what you offer and a couple bits you do not. The one thing you are missing is advice & guidance, which is the most important thing many start ups either do not get or think they do not need!

 

[Kieran Audsley]

As @fisicx has suggested, it's been done many, many times in both modular and packaged forms.

I'm sure some people have made money from it, but it's never taken off as a concept.

Many years ago I was part of a packaged called 'business in a box', where we supplied refurb/used equipment - PC, printer, copier, fax machine etc (yes, that long ago) on a lease - which made some money, but never took off.

The big hurdle, as I see it is that start ups isn't really a niche, as much as a concept. It's also a haven for chancers & scammers.

Rather than focusing on the services you offer, work on finding a niche where you can truly add value.

Really interesting and insightful. Completely agree that 'start ups' is not a niche - appreciate the feedback Mark

 

[Kieran Audsley]

I currently offer something similar (when I have the time to promote it).

I do not have all of what you offer and a couple bits you do not. The one thing you are missing is advice & guidance, which is the most important thing many start ups either do not get or think they do not need!

Yep completely agree with that! I'm still very much in the ideation of this in terms of what an MVP would look like, if there's even a market for this, gaining feedback etc, but I can't help to drift towards the end state goals and, to your point, I'd love to be able to provide some form of accelerate/advice/guidance model but with my current resources and skills I don't think it's an ingredient that I could appropriate/morally offer right now... Thank you for the feedback it is helpful!

 

[Ozzy]

I have a little insight into this from some other business interests past and present, and as others have said it isn't anything new but the obstacles are doing to the providers. The most obvious example is the bank account - you simply cannot provide that service in any meaningful way as banks will not support opening the account on behalf of your customer.
What usually ends up happening is someone providing a service will collaborate in a group of other complementing providers together, but each providing their own service in their own right.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

I have a little insight into this from some other business interests past and present, and as others have said it isn't anything new but the obstacles are doing to the providers. The most obvious example is the bank account - you simply cannot provide that service in any meaningful way as banks will not support opening the account on behalf of your customer.
What usually ends up happening is someone providing a service will collaborate in a group of other complementing providers together, but each providing their own service in their own right.

I think I was a bit caviler in my usage of the word new! And yep you're correct about the bank account issue, that's a failure of my due diligence - apologies.

My main thinking around the idea was to provide a packaged service in a way that reduces friction on new founders to get what they need, and deliver these services (which tend not to be timely or cost-effective), in a timely and cost-effective way. As the hurdles I had to overcome were dealing with lots of moving parts for the business set up with various freelancers (which was time-consuming when I wanted to be working on the business, therefore a task I would happily delegate/outsource completely) and also it was mega expensive when it didn't need to be.

Mistakes of inexperience that I would like to help other new founders avoid. At any rate - I appreciate your insight!

 

[Shopclicks]

So, the business idea is an 'all-in-one' startup solution that handles and provides the below for a fixed price

Hi Kieran.

I think the big question you need to ask yourself is 'Are you the best person to offer this service?' What is your background? Do you know how to post effectively on Social Media? Do you know the best platform to create a landing page? Do you know how to create a branding package?

Are you planning on doing this yourself? Or outsourcing?

It's a nice proposition in theory but there's a huge difference between providing a service and providing an effective service.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

Hi Kieran.

I think the big question you need to ask yourself is 'Are you the best person to offer this service?' What is your background? Do you know how to post effectively on Social Media? Do you know the best platform to create a landing page? Do you know how to create a branding package?

Are you planning on doing this yourself? Or outsourcing?

It's a nice proposition in theory but there's a huge difference between providing a service and providing an effective service.

Couldn't agree more, in my opinion, these questions are a prerequisite for anything anyone is looking to do. And it's why's that I mentioned further up re providing advice/guidance I outlined that I am not the right person for this.

However, for the things outlined, I feel that I'd definitely be able to provide value in this area, which is what spurred the idea! I've forged many good contacts who are very effective at delivering a mixture of these key elements in a timely and cost-effective manner.

My job, provided this passes the ideation phase, would be to be the organising force, front end customer service and marketing/sales of the service.

 

[Shopclicks]

I've forged many good contacts who are very effective at delivering a mixture of these key elements in a timely and cost-effective manner.

What is the benchmark? How are you measuring their performance? I'm guessing that these contacts have performed at a reasonable standard in your view? What you need to know is, how do they perform against others in the same sector.

If you're going to deliver outstanding results for your clients, you need to work out what outstanding looks like. Trying to do that across as many job roles as you've mentioned is going to require an in-depth understanding of each of those roles.

You would need to be in a position to look at a project and know that Graphic Designer B, Web Developer C and Social Media Manager A, are right for this job.

And when the client doesn't like what Graphic Designer B produced, you'll need to deal with that and factor your options into your pricing. Middlemen/women are on the way out because it's an extra, often unnecessary layer of expense.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

What is the benchmark? How are you measuring their performance? I'm guessing that these contacts have performed at a reasonable standard in your view? What you need to know is, how do they perform against others in the same sector.

If you're going to deliver outstanding results for your clients, you need to work out what outstanding looks like. Trying to do that across as many job roles as you've mentioned is going to require an in-depth understanding of each of those roles.

You would need to be in a position to look at a project and know that Graphic Designer B, Web Developer C and Social Media Manager A, are right for this job.

And when the client doesn't like what Graphic Designer B produced, you'll need to deal with that and factor your options into your pricing. Middlemen/women are on the way out because it's an extra, often unnecessary layer of expense.

I understand where you're coming from, and I completely agree with your initial point, however, disagree with your conclusion, entrepreneurs are inherently the organising forces. And middlemen/women increasing massively in value, perhaps just not as they are historically viewed... Uber doesn't employ drivers, they provide a marketplace for drivers and riders to connect - becoming the middlemen and taking commission. Fiverr doesn't provide any services, they provide the market for freelancers and people needing stuff doing to connect. Youtube is the marketplace for content consumers and creators. Amazon is increasingly becoming a marketplace for third-party sellers and buyers. UKBF is the middleman which is enabling this conversation. etc etc.

I feel there's a lot of value in becoming a middleman/woman, if done effectively. My question was specifically geared to whether or not there's even a market for this and what people's pricing points were. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your feedback.

 

[fisicx]

Ah. If all you are doing connecting people then the business will struggle even more.

Suppose I’m your client and I have a question about my website or instagram. I will expect you to answer the phone and help me with my problem. If you then need to contact the freelancer to fix whatever I’m soon going to get fed up.

I might as well save my money and find my own logo designer on ffiver.

 

[Shopclicks]

Uber doesn't employ drivers, they provide a marketplace for drivers and riders to connect - becoming the middlemen and taking commission. Fiverr doesn't provide any services, they provide the market for freelancers and people needing stuff doing to connect. Youtube is the marketplace for content consumers and creators. Amazon is increasingly becoming a marketplace for third-party sellers and buyers. UKBF is the middleman which is enabling this conversation. etc etc.

I think you've inadvertently made my point. All of the businesses you mention offer from a pool of resources. They also dominate the space they are in and control their standards. I wouldn't describe any of them as middlemen/women, they are platforms for the exchange of goods and services.

I'm not negative on your proposal, just pointing out that to provide the service you want to deliver, you really need to understand the services your trying to sell.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Noooooooooo. If all you are doing is creating a platform where you will farm each of those services out, don't do it unless you have manpower to manage it.

Even then, unless you have control of most/all areas,.you increase the chance of failure - you are only as strong as the weakest link!

 

[Mark T Jones]

I understand where you're coming from, and I completely agree with your initial point, however, disagree with your conclusion, entrepreneurs are inherently the organising forces. And middlemen/women increasing massively in value, perhaps just not as they are historically viewed... Uber doesn't employ drivers, they provide a marketplace for drivers and riders to connect - becoming the middlemen and taking commission. Fiverr doesn't provide any services, they provide the market for freelancers and people needing stuff doing to connect. Youtube is the marketplace for content consumers and creators. Amazon is increasingly becoming a marketplace for third-party sellers and buyers. UKBF is the middleman which is enabling this conversation. etc etc.

I feel there's a lot of value in becoming a middleman/woman, if done effectively. My question was specifically geared to whether or not there's even a market for this and what people's pricing points were. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your feedback.

You are working hard to sell this idea to yourself.

If you're connecting people, that's essentially what many, many networking organisations aim to do - with the added benefit (at least in theory) that they will also benefit from reciprocal business.

My advice for what it's worth-

Drop the cliches and generic twaddle about start ups and 'entrepreneurs' and start thinking in terms of exactly what you are offering, to whom and how you will differentiate yourself.

As I've said before, there is undoubtedly a living to be made, but it needs focus and clarity.

 

[tomyderigo]

Hey everyone,

I've got an idea for a business but I'm unsure on a few bits of the idea formulation; if it's something people would actually want, what the price point would be if it is, what bits of the service wouldn't be needed etc.

So, the business idea is an 'all-in-one' startup solution that handles and provides the below for a fixed price (I do have my own thoughts on price but would love to know what you guys think)

1. Branding
- Logo
- Colour Palette
- Typography
- Imagery
- Resulting Full CVI Provided

2. Infrastructure
- Business Bank Account
- Domain

3. Market Ready
- Website Landing Page
- Email Address
- Social Media Accounts Set Up (and built out, first 10 posts, mixture of content, outlining your brand)

I got the idea because it's exactly what I was looking for when I set up my first business and had no idea what I was doing, I wanted one company to just get the bits I need to get started. Now they do exist but the quotes I received were 6 figures...

But I could be an outlier in wanting this service!

Please tell me all of your thoughts and feedback, and if it is something that people would want, what do you think people would be willing to pay?

Many thanks
Kieran.

Hey everyone,

I've got an idea for a business but I'm unsure on a few bits of the idea formulation; if it's something people would actually want, what the price point would be if it is, what bits of the service wouldn't be needed etc.

So, the business idea is an 'all-in-one' startup solution that handles and provides the below for a fixed price (I do have my own thoughts on price but would love to know what you guys think)

1. Branding
- Logo
- Colour Palette
- Typography
- Imagery
- Resulting Full CVI Provided

2. Infrastructure
- Business Bank Account
- Domain

3. Market Ready
- Website Landing Page
- Email Address
- Social Media Accounts Set Up (and built out, first 10 posts, mixture of content, outlining your brand)

I got the idea because it's exactly what I was looking for when I set up my first business and had no idea what I was doing, I wanted one company to just get the bits I need to get started. Now they do exist but the quotes I received were 6 figures...

But I could be an outlier in wanting this service!

Please tell me all of your thoughts and feedback, and if it is something that people would want, what do you think people would be willing to pay?

Many thanks
Kieran.

Hi Kieran,
My take on what you said about your idea. The idea is good, but your approach is wrong.

You are a one-man band. You may have some of the skills this idea needs but you'd lack competitiveness in execution.

'All-in-one' is an offer that agencies and tech start-ups with bags of VC money and almost infinite resources can provide. If you are unfamiliar with, or keep forgetting to apply, IKIGAI to your ideas, then you should check them against it.

You can aim to become an 'all-in-one' agency in the medium to long-term future, but you will not succeed in being one at the start. Take an inventory of your skills and passions (a'la IKIGAI). Start with a small niche of the 'all' you can master, then widen your offer into a couple of more areas. Advice: all of what you listed can be done with AI apps these days. Incorporate AI in your journey; you may get to 'all' before AI takes it all. Good luck!

 

[fisicx]

In the end it comes back to marketing. If you can sell the idea to a potential client you can make money. The hardest part is finding those potential clients. Which means lots of market research followed by a well crafted advertising campaign backed up with lots of evidence that you can actually deliver. This isn’t going to be cheap. You will need considerable investment before seeing any profit.

 

[Thom_Baker]

Hey everyone,

I've got an idea for a business but I'm unsure on a few bits of the idea formulation; if it's something people would actually want, what the price point would be if it is, what bits of the service wouldn't be needed etc.

So, the business idea is an 'all-in-one' startup solution that handles and provides the below for a fixed price (I do have my own thoughts on price but would love to know what you guys think)

1. Branding
- Logo
- Colour Palette
- Typography
- Imagery
- Resulting Full CVI Provided

2. Infrastructure
- Business Bank Account
- Domain

3. Market Ready
- Website Landing Page
- Email Address
- Social Media Accounts Set Up (and built out, first 10 posts, mixture of content, outlining your brand)

I got the idea because it's exactly what I was looking for when I set up my first business and had no idea what I was doing, I wanted one company to just get the bits I need to get started. Now they do exist but the quotes I received were 6 figures...

But I could be an outlier in wanting this service!

Please tell me all of your thoughts and feedback, and if it is something that people would want, what do you think people would be willing to pay?

Many thanks
Kieran.

A lot of agencies work in the way you're describing - using freelancers as and when etc. The trick is finding people who you trust, who can deliver - and be able to manage the work coming in. And like @fisicx says - you can market anything, but you need an audience to market it to, and them be receptive to the idea to buy.

Can you communicate exactly *what you do* easily? (Brand/Marketing 101) Niches are powerful. Laser focus and clarity win out in business.

What value do you bring to the customer? How are your logos better than tripe from fiverr (I see it mentioned a lot and it makes my eye twitch - you get what you pay for!).

What makes you different? How do you stand out from the 6 figure offerings?

Why does it matter to a potential customer? Most businesses do things as and when they become necessary/relevant/affordable. Is there a need (you might be an outlier!), who wants it (market research)

 

[MarketingQuote]

Just reading through the replies, thinking of what your USP would be, did you have anything new to offer that makes you stand out?

 

[Newchodge]

Can I suggest that 'start ups' are not the best target for any kind of service like this. A real start up won't know what they need and will probably have very little capital to spend on something that may or may not be useful. What most start ups need is someone to hold their hand and explain how things work and how to get where they need to be. A one size fits all package is probably not the best.

 

[Kieran Audsley]

Loving all of this feedback guys. May I say - what an incredible community, where has this been all my life??

Really appreciate all of the genuine thoughts and feedback from everyone on this, it's given me a lot to think about which is fantastic as I was hitting a bit of wall regarding the ideation, the operational model, the MVP, how to market etc. All of your feedback has given me the questions I need to be able to push through and understand this better and plot a potential route through.

Again, can't thank you all enough it's sped my learning and thinking up exponentially! I'm continuing to monitor this thread so if you've got my thoughts please do post them!

While I appreciate the more critical feedback over the idea holistically, I am still going to test this idea and see what comes of it - I'm over-optimistic, wide-eyed and naive to a fault, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. In the past, I've talked myself out of every single idea and learned nothing - constantly planning, never doing. Instead, I now execute, test, fail and learn. So, appreciate the critical feedback and it's taken into consideration, but I'm going to give it a go and see what happens!

 

[ethical PR]

Hey fisicx thank you for the feedback! So would it be better if it was a pick n' mix with the ability to choose what you want to create your own bundle?

There are lots of people already offering start up services, what makes yours different/better. How would you market your services to those you have identified as your target market. What background do you have in branding/marketing?

 

[Rydale]

Lots of interesting points and feedback! I've scanned through it all - so don't think this has been said already.

2 things really: I think a webpage getting people 'off on the right foot' might be interesting. There is something in online marketing about 'giving away the good stuff;' to raise credibility.

The reason for this (in my mind) is that I tell people to get a domain in the same minute they are registering their ltd company.

So - it's easy to miss out on finding out who needs what. As someone mentioned - opening a bank account - you need to get in really early to get 'in' on this.

I once met a business called Knowledge Bank which operated (and still does) an interesting concept: 'scrape' companies house for newly registered businesses, then mail them banking / insurance documents - like within 48 hours. Any slower - and the boat is missed. Not cheap though - to go down this avenue.

As I think Shopclicks said - what are you providing / can you provide? What are you specialities / strengths?

If you're just offering a load of advice / links / contacts - ok - but can you do that for free? Then really try to add value on top of that? I do like the idea of building a Brand Identity / Brand Guidelines - something that you might be expert in - but people generally aren't.

Again though - can you set something clever up that creates a basic one - for free - then look to do something even better!?

 

[Kieran Audsley]

Lots of interesting points and feedback! I've scanned through it all - so don't think this has been said already.

2 things really: I think a webpage getting people 'off on the right foot' might be interesting. There is something in online marketing about 'giving away the good stuff;' to raise credibility.

The reason for this (in my mind) is that I tell people to get a domain in the same minute they are registering their ltd company.

So - it's easy to miss out on finding out who needs what. As someone mentioned - opening a bank account - you need to get in really early to get 'in' on this.

I once met a business called Knowledge Bank which operated (and still does) an interesting concept: 'scrape' companies house for newly registered businesses, then mail them banking / insurance documents - like within 48 hours. Any slower - and the boat is missed. Not cheap though - to go down this avenue.

As I think Shopclicks said - what are you providing / can you provide? What are you specialities / strengths?

If you're just offering a load of advice / links / contacts - ok - but can you do that for free? Then really try to add value on top of that? I do like the idea of building a Brand Identity / Brand Guidelines - something that you might be expert in - but people generally aren't.

Again though - can you set something clever up that creates a basic one - for free - then look to do something even better!?

Love this, heaps of valuable feedback and insight - all taken on board, thank you.

 

[fisicx]

Have you narrowed down who you will be targeting? New businesses cover everything from cleaning windows down the road to nationwide services. It’s far to big a range for anyone to encompass.

Once you have identified your niche you can begin your market research. Might even be worth just working with one local new business just to get a feel for the sort of services they might be interested in. And more importantly, how much they are prepared to spend. Especially as most of what you offer can be done for free or at very low cost.

 

[Rydale]

Another area which is entirely 'grey' - yet you could provide (chargeable ) value is getting people off the ground with online advertising. I think Facebook / Tiktok / Google ppc are underutilised, misunderstood, and potentially important avenues to go down. What people lack is (1) confidence (2) experience (3) a clear view of ROI.

Just a (another!) thought. Better than just doing SEO I think...

 

[fisicx]

Another area which is entirely 'grey' - yet you could provide (chargeable ) value is getting people off the ground with online advertising. I think Facebook / Tiktok / Google ppc are underutilised, misunderstood, and potentially important avenues to go down. What people lack is (1) confidence (2) experience (3) a clear view of ROI.

But you really need to do the training yourself. If they call you with a question about the ad campaign it’s not going to go down well if you then have to get the answer from somebody in Vietnam who doesn’t understand the nuances of the English language.

 

[datagatherer]

Yeah completely agree with that! Appreciate the feedback

For 15+ years I only had a website for a portfolio, never social media, never paid for any online marketing.

I physically went from town to town, different one every 2 or 3 days. I would walk in, look around, spot things I felt were missing or in need of updating - I looked at the signage too.

Look for businesses that look to be opening soon. Pop a card in or look for something telling you who will be opening their business there soon. Ask the people doing any work inside for the new occupier, get contact details.

Take photos of the outside of shops, do a quick mock up with a logo or information you can find from another premises they have perhaps. Send it over in your introduction. I might be 15 minutes "wasted", but it opens up dialogue. It might also become a £3k+ customer.

Pop in, make a few notes. Find out who runs the business or deals with marketing.

Let them know what you can do, offer to come to them in person and sit in a corner and design with them, they like this.

Show them your portfolio.

Face to face can get you some far bigger jobs.

I once popped in and noticed some business cards with the printed number crossed out and one handwritten one.

It was also on their sign, the window graphics, menus and more. Noticing this one thing, and offering to assist with everything got me a £3,500 job as they decided to upgrade their signage, print new menus and more. Profit was well over £1,500 and all designed within 3 days, new signage was up 2 weeks later - 30-40 hours work.

Face-to-face, give it a go. So many businesses are too lazy to pick up the phone. Go to them, make it easier for them. It'll be easier for you.

Do not go without a business card, get a business WhatsApp because trust me, the independent businesses, or those "too busy" but always have their phone in their hand cannot be bothered to check emails and reply back and forth - Whatsapp, no problem. NEVER give out your person mobile or Whatsapp - but do be prepared for messages or sometimes to be helping some customers until 10-11pm, especially ones with catering businesses of some sort, possibly those originating from outside the UK. But if you can go to them, happy to work outside the 9-5, you'll do well.

Also, get a virtual business number (from Yay.com maybe) and make sure you have a portfolio on your website.

Get sticker samples, leaflet samples, know your finishes, weights, sizes...

Guarantee you can get 2-3 jobs a day ranging from £50 to £500. I've often gone out, first business I spoke to, ended up there from 9.30am until 4pm, £650 invoice, £250 profit. Many jobs worth more, but it happens once or twice a week.

Have a trusted white label printer and signage supplier in advance. Your customer doesn't need to know where you're making your profit. Send direct to the customer, or to yourself, remove anything which might indicate where your supplier is based, do a quality check, then deliver to your customer.

I only worked 7-8 months of the year for 15+ years by doing this. The internet is full of people competing for the same work. Be proactive and get out there.

Get in touch if you need some further assistance.

Jack

 

[Kieran Audsley]

For 15+ years I only had a website for a portfolio, never social media, never paid for any online marketing.

I physically went from town to town, different one every 2 or 3 days. I would walk in, look around, spot things I felt were missing or in need of updating - I looked at the signage too.

Look for businesses that look to be opening soon. Pop a card in or look for something telling you who will be opening their business there soon. Ask the people doing any work inside for the new occupier, get contact details.

Take photos of the outside of shops, do a quick mock up with a logo or information you can find from another premises they have perhaps. Send it over in your introduction. I might be 15 minutes "wasted", but it opens up dialogue. It might also become a £3k+ customer.

Pop in, make a few notes. Find out who runs the business or deals with marketing.

Let them know what you can do, offer to come to them in person and sit in a corner and design with them, they like this.

Show them your portfolio.

Face to face can get you some far bigger jobs.

I once popped in and noticed some business cards with the printed number crossed out and one handwritten one.

It was also on their sign, the window graphics, menus and more. Noticing this one thing, and offering to assist with everything got me a £3,500 job as they decided to upgrade their signage, print new menus and more. Profit was well over £1,500 and all designed within 3 days, new signage was up 2 weeks later - 30-40 hours work.

Face-to-face, give it a go. So many businesses are too lazy to pick up the phone. Go to them, make it easier for them. It'll be easier for you.

Do not go without a business card, get a business WhatsApp because trust me, the independent businesses, or those "too busy" but always have their phone in their hand cannot be bothered to check emails and reply back and forth - Whatsapp, no problem. NEVER give out your person mobile or Whatsapp - but do be prepared for messages or sometimes to be helping some customers until 10-11pm, especially ones with catering businesses of some sort, possibly those originating from outside the UK. But if you can go to them, happy to work outside the 9-5, you'll do well.

Also, get a virtual business number (from Yay.com maybe) and make sure you have a portfolio on your website.

Get sticker samples, leaflet samples, know your finishes, weights, sizes...

Guarantee you can get 2-3 jobs a day ranging from £50 to £500. I've often gone out, first business I spoke to, ended up there from 9.30am until 4pm, £650 invoice, £250 profit. Many jobs worth more, but it happens once or twice a week.

Have a trusted white label printer and signage supplier in advance. Your customer doesn't need to know where you're making your profit. Send direct to the customer, or to yourself, remove anything which might indicate where your supplier is based, do a quality check, then deliver to your customer.

I only worked 7-8 months of the year for 15+ years by doing this. The internet is full of people competing for the same work. Be proactive and get out there.

Get in touch if you need some further assistance.

Jack

Really insightful feedback and offline outreach is an area that I've felt should be the main focus of my marketing initiatives. Saving this comment to refer back to - cheers!