Ways to get my name about

[calibra]

Hi
I was wondering if you guys have any ideas on how an IT Managed Service Provider can increase business using marketing. So far, all my attempts have failed

I've tried

1) Creating post cards and delivering them through business doors (I gave away a free service and backup solution)
2) I've put the postcards in to an envelope with a 2nd class stamp and posted them via royal mail (I got all the addresses from sites like free index)
3) I have signed up to lots of business directories.(Some I've paid for premium spots)
4) I've attended a few network meetings
5) I joined the FSB
6) I joined the chamber of commerce
7) I've had a website developed
8) I've advertised on the radio (only been on air for 2 weeks)
9) I've got the Microsoft small business specialists status and done all the exams like MCSE, MCITP, etc

My next move is to sticker the car up.

I am unable to join morning BNI or 4Networking due to my other job.

My services are aimed at the SMB market.

The other problem I have is budget is becoming tight. I'm wondering if I have missed anything out.

Thanks

James

 

[amphis software]

just a few thoughts that might help...

I think your web site looks good but I couldn't see the standard company number, VAT registration and "where registered" information anywhere which I think would put people off.

for SEO, I'd suggest changing your home page title. if we were looking for IT Support, we'd type "IT Support Bath" into google for example to look for a local company. if you want local businesses to find your web site I'd suggest adding the area you support to the page title so that you appear in search results for local businesses.

regarding the prices, although you give hourly rates, that doesn't tell me as a client how much anything would cost me to have done as I don't know how many hours it would take, so if possible I would give examples of typical costs for typical jobs eg setting up a 5 PC network or installing Small Business Server.

your referrals list is empty - normally if I click referrals I'd expect to see some glowing testimonials from satisfied clients. I'd suggest maybe doing some work for free to urgently build up some good testimonials if you haven't already got some.

one last thing - if possible I'd offer a money back guarantee if you cannot fix a problem you have been called out to fix.

I hope that helps.

Tom

 

[Esk247]

are you getting sales? as in, are you growing no matter how slowly?

if you are, then you're doing everything right as it is, some updates to your website and a little tinkering and you'll be fine.

the problem comes when you're not making any sales or headway at all..then you have a problem

 

[Alby10]

Nice website.

If your looking for local clients, make sure that you show up for the local listing in Google. Also you may want to do a press release to the local papers.

In addition, do some on page SEO to ensure you are targeting the right keywords and then do some backlinks, using anchortext, to help you show up for the relevant local keywords.

Might also be a good idea to put some client testimonials onto your website.

Generally it takes time to build a level of clients, but if your service is good and reliable, word will soon spread.

 

[LicensedToTrade]

You could always follow Jimmy Carr's advice on getting your name known...kill a prostitute.

 

[Call Tracker]

Your postcard idea would be ok for the consumer household market but with business to business to need your message to get through to the right person. Why don't you try a targeted mailer to your market. Get a small list and work through calling the businesses to get the right contact and then send them an introductory letter (and your postcard) with a good offer to get them hooked in to using you. Follow-up with a call and try to get an appointment or at least a some dialogue so you know they would be willing to use you in the future. Once this is done add some more to your list and carry this exercise out on a weekly basis.

You can use the list you already mailed to but get the contact names as this is really important. You generally have to make contact with new businesses at least seven times before they buy from you so keep going.

 

Hi
I was wondering if you guys have any ideas on how an IT Managed Service Provider can increase business using marketing. So far, all my attempts have failed

I’ve tried

1) Creating post cards and delivering them through business doors (I gave away a free service and backup solution)
2) I’ve put the postcards in to an envelope with a 2nd class stamp and posted them via royal mail (I got all the addresses from sites like free index)
3) I have signed up to lots of business directories.(Some I’ve paid for premium spots)
4) I’ve attended a few network meetings
5) I joined the FSB
6) I joined the chamber of commerce
7) I’ve had a website developed
8) I’ve advertised on the radio (only been on air for 2 weeks)
9) I’ve got the Microsoft small business specialists status and done all the exams like MCSE, MCITP, etc

My next move is to sticker the car up.

I am unable to join morning BNI or 4Networking due to my other job.

My services are aimed at the SMB market.

The other problem I have is budget is becoming tight. I'm wondering if I have missed anything out.

Thanks

James

-Marketing/Advertising
All attempts have failed? Out of the 9 which method has produced the most results?

You have a referral system in place this should be grabbing peoples attention.

-Website
I cannot find an 'About us' page, a 'Terms & Conditions' page, an address. This would put me off.

 

[Car Arena]

Have you tried the sponsored links on Google?

We're fortunate in that we have a high advertising budget but that is needed for advertising nationally with Google and the sector we operate in.

You should be able to set up a cost effective local campaign to target businesses close to you. It is worth having a look, you can control what you spend and easily monitor it.

It would be worth looking at what keywords any competitors use...this may be a quick way to start generating new business. Longer term you need to look at search engine optimisation in the hope that the search engines find your site and place it on the free natural listing pages. This can take some time and can involve a lot of work.

For now I would stay away from companies that say they can do it for you unless you get someone recommended to you.

Best of Luck
Ashley
Car Arena

 

1) Creating post cards and delivering them through business doors (I gave away a free service and backup solution)

what did it say on yourpostcards?

Tell me eaxactly word for word please? I can help you

 

[calibra]

just a few thoughts that might help...

I think your web site looks good but I couldn't see the standard company number, VAT registration and "where registered" information anywhere which I think would put people off.

Since 1995, when I left school I worked full time for companies doing IT. Shortly after 1999, to gain more experience I decided to work extra hours supporting small businesses outside of normal working hours (Employee by day, and sole trader by night). I've still got all the original customers I gained in 1999.
Now times are changing, and I want to get this off the ground and build it up. The last two years have been investing in upgrading all my qualifications reviewing and purchasing the required software/hardware and lately, other things such as advertising.
The answer to your question is, I am a sole trader and don't have a VAT number etc.[/font]
I do however have a limited company which isn't trading yet. Maybe I should start trading from this company.[/font]

for SEO, I'd suggest changing your home page title. if we were looking for IT Support, we'd type "IT Support Bath" into google for example to look for a local company. if you want local businesses to find your web site I'd suggest adding the area you support to the page title so that you appear in search results for local businesses.

This is a very good point. I would want to aim my services down the south east, and not really limiting it to one town. Maybe I should pick the biggest town around this area and put that in the title [/quote]

regarding the prices, although you give hourly rates, that doesn't tell me as a client how much anything would cost me to have done as I don't know how many hours it would take, so if possible I would give examples of typical costs for typical jobs eg setting up a 5 PC network or installing Small Business Server.

Great idea!. Thanks for that.
I will speak to the web developer and see what he can do

your referrals list is empty - normally if I click referrals I'd expect to see some glowing testimonials from satisfied clients. I'd suggest maybe doing some work for free to urgently build up some good testimonials if you haven't already got some.

I have existing customers that I have had for ages, but they are all too busy at the moment to create them. They are basically telling me to write it and if they like it, they will approve them.

one last thing - if possible I'd offer a money back guarantee if you cannot fix a problem you have been called out to fix.

Without sounding big headed, I've never come across a problem I couldn't solve. Sometimes I have to revisit the drawing board, but they are always solved, so yes I shall put that down on the site.
Thanks for your input!

 

[calibra]

are you getting sales? as in, are you growing no matter how slowly?

I'm growing with my existing customers. For example, they grow and and the end result is I get more work from them.

I am not getting any new customers.

if you are, then you're doing everything right as it is, some updates to your website and a little tinkering and you'll be fine.

I shall tinker with the website and do the suggestions above.

the problem comes when you're not making any sales or headway at all..then you have a problem

I think this is my problem. I've had a couple of responces, but they've mainly been I like the sound of your service and prices. We will give you a call when our PC's break

Thanks

James

 

[calibra]

Nice website.

Thanks

If your looking for local clients, make sure that you show up for the local listing in Google.

I feel I've done this, but it doesn't hurt to go over it again

Also you may want to do a press release to the local papers.

I agree, a press release would be good. Only down side is what really is a press release.

Maybe I could do free IT support for old peoples homes and then make a press release out of that? I don't really understand what a press release is since I've seen so many types and styles.

In addition, do some on page SEO to ensure you are targeting the right keywords and then do some backlinks, using anchortext, to help you show up for the relevant local keywords.

This is one of the things on my to do list.

Might also be a good idea to put some client testimonials onto your website.

Agree with you, this needs doing a.s.a.p

Generally it takes time to build a level of clients, but if your service is good and reliable, word will soon spread.

I'm fairly confident once I get some new customers, especially in retail, word of mouth will help alot.

My existing customers don't really mix with the public.

Thanks

James

 

[calibra]

You could always follow Jimmy Carr's advice on getting your name known...kill a prostitute.

Bit hard working from the prison showers while trying to pick up soap

 

[calibra]

Have you tried the sponsored links on Google?


It would be worth looking at what keywords any competitors use...this may be a quick way to start generating new business. Longer term you need to look at search engine optimisation in the hope that the search engines find your site and place it on the free natural listing pages. This can take some time and can involve a lot of work.

For now I would stay away from companies that say they can do it for you unless you get someone recommended to you.

Best of Luck
Ashley
Car Arena

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

Yup I tried google adwords and found this was the best way to get people to my site. No sales though, but I think that was due to me setting it up wrong. I will have another go, just need to sit down and have a proper read.

Thanks

James

 

[calibra]

Your postcard idea would be ok for the consumer household market but with business to business to need your message to get through to the right person. Why don't you try a targeted mailer to your market. Get a small list and work through calling the businesses to get the right contact and then send them an introductory letter (and your postcard) with a good offer to get them hooked in to using you. Follow-up with a call and try to get an appointment or at least a some dialogue so you know they would be willing to use you in the future. Once this is done add some more to your list and carry this exercise out on a weekly basis.

You can use the list you already mailed to but get the contact names as this is really important. You generally have to make contact with new businesses at least seven times before they buy from you so keep going.

Thanks, I will give your advice a shot

 

[calibra]

-Marketing/Advertising
All attempts have failed? Out of the 9 which method has produced the most results?

So far yes, all attempts have failed to pull in new customers. I've not recieved a call yet.

Granted, most items such as the radio where started a month ago so it may just be waiting on time.

You have a referral system in place this should be grabbing peoples attention.

Should be, but I have to get people to the site to see it.

-Website
I cannot find an 'About us' page, a 'Terms & Conditions' page, an address. This would put me off.

I shall get moving on these things.

I need to find someone who can advise on the terms and conditions page.

Thanks

James

 

[calibra]

1) Creating post cards and delivering them through business doors (I gave away a free service and backup solution)

what did it say on yourpostcards?

Tell me eaxactly word for word please? I can help you

Thanks, I will scan the leaflet in and send it to you

Cheers

James

 

[Mark Pocock]

1. Your site is in reverse type. This affects readability.

2. You don't have an irresistible offer.

3. There is no guarantee.

4. Pile on the benefits to the person.

5. Put a picture of yourself on the site.

6. You're not building a list.

7. "Specialising in delivering affordable IT service solutions to the small and medium business market"

Your headline needs re-writing. At the moment the headline
is .... well what does it mean?

Try this

"If I can't fix your computer I'll buy it off you."

8. You have no proof you can do what you say you can do.

9. You have no sitemap, privacy page, T & C, Blog, about you pages that Google likes.

10. You need to offer a free report so you're seen as the expert.

11. Fix all these and your web site will pull better.

Next

Send a letter to your ideal prospects. And follow up with a
phone call.

If you can'd do the above learn direct marketing.


hope that helps

Mark

 

[Gaynor Ward]

I have posted my new business on every free website I can think of, also if I have done business with anyone I have asked them to link my business with theirs on their own website (it ups the ratings for you)

I have even spoken to my local council who have offered to put my leaflets in with theirs when they do mail outs.

You could also register with a business such as mine, who would find the leads for you.

Good Luck

 

[gina2086]

where>?? I did not see it, can you mention it?

 

[gina2086]

how do you put your business on free website?could you tell me?

 

[bdw]

The answer to your question is, I am a sole trader and don't have a VAT number etc.

Most people are not really interested in VAT numbers but they do want to see where you are based. when I look at your website there is no indication of where you are (other than your dialling code).

People will not contact you on the off chance that you are in their area. To me this is a major omission on your site. Computer support is largely a local business so people need to know where you are. (The use of a map of your area on your website can help with this as people can instantly identify with this.)

If you don't want to publish your address then just tell people where you are, "we are based in xxxxx and we cover the following towns/areas ...". Having the town/area names in your text will help to attract traffic from people who are searching for computer support yourtownname. You must get the names of the areas you cover on the page for both the search engines and your clients. This is extremely important.

Now this next part is just my opinion and others may differ. I don't like the shades of blue used in your colour scheme, to me it is cold and depressing. This could also be a factor in your conversion rate. Colour triggers different emotions and blue is ... well blue!

Hope this helps.

.

 

[Richmond Gal]

Hi
I was wondering if you guys have any ideas on how an IT Managed Service Provider can increase business using marketing. So far, all my attempts have failed

I've tried

1) Creating post cards and delivering them through business doors (I gave away a free service and backup solution)
2) I've put the postcards in to an envelope with a 2nd class stamp and posted them via royal mail (I got all the addresses from sites like free index)
3) I have signed up to lots of business directories.(Some I've paid for premium spots)
4) I've attended a few network meetings
5) I joined the FSB
6) I joined the chamber of commerce
7) I've had a website developed
8) I've advertised on the radio (only been on air for 2 weeks)
9) I've got the Microsoft small business specialists status and done all the exams like MCSE, MCITP, etc

My next move is to sticker the car up.

I am unable to join morning BNI or 4Networking due to my other job.

My services are aimed at the SMB market.

The other problem I have is budget is becoming tight. I'm wondering if I have missed anything out.

Thanks

James

I don't know if it helps but I am currently building our business listings and button advertising on our online guide for the whole of Richmond upon Thames and can offer you a great adverising package for less than £21 a month?