I run a small business creating websites for other small businesses. I’ve spent years making secure and safe websites, and now I need to promote myself.
I’ve worked with SEO tools on my site, done some free work for testimonials (two for family and one for a contact who got a free trial), and I’ve been building my portfolio.
I also started social media accounts and followed various small businesses on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. I tried a few paid ads, but they haven’t worked yet.
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Consider cold calling and emailing small businesses. Just a friendly note to offer your services. I hired someone from this forum for my website, and they did an amazing job.
Bowie said:
Consider cold calling and emailing small businesses. Just a friendly note to offer your services. I hired someone from this forum for my website, and they did an amazing job.
Bowie said:
Consider cold calling and emailing small businesses. Just a friendly note to offer your services. I hired someone from this forum for my website, and they did an amazing job.
I really wouldn’t recommend that. I get 2-3 cold calls or emails daily, and I dislike them. I wouldn’t hire someone even if they had the best service just because they’re wasting my time.
Focus on creating a great product that stands out. Make sure your current clients are happy, and they’ll refer you. If I want something, I’ll look for it or ask around for recommendations.
If you can offer services for free or at a low cost, keep doing that until you gain clients. Joining business mixers can be a low-pressure way to meet new people too.
@Wilder
That’s your view. I don’t mind cold calls and emails and will often use those services if they’re reasonably priced. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean everyone hates it.
Have you thought about helping small businesses transition from outsourcing development to bringing it in-house? That could be a bit different but could provide extra income.
Hey! You’ve done a solid job laying the groundwork—building your portfolio, collecting testimonials, and using social media. Here’s some advice to help you boost visibility and start getting leads, especially by focusing on Local SEO:
1. Boost Your Local SEO:
Google My Business: Set up and optimize your GMB profile if you haven’t done it yet. It’s key for showing up in local searches when small business owners look for web services.
Local Keywords: Use location-specific keywords in your site’s content, title tags, and descriptions (like “web design in [Your City/Area]”). This will help you rank in local searches so nearby businesses can find you easily.
Get Listed in Local Directories: Submit your business to local online directories like Yelp and Bing Places. This can improve your local search ranking and credibility.
2. Get Involved in Community Events:
Local Events: Attend or sponsor local business events or workshops. You could even talk about the importance of an online presence. This helps you connect directly with business owners.
Join Networking Groups: Look for online and offline groups for small business owners in your area. You can share insights, like website optimization tips, and meet potential clients.
3. Use Testimonials to Build Trust:
Showcase Testimonials: Highlight the testimonials you’ve gathered on your website and social media. For example, create a case study showing how a new website improved a client’s engagement or sales.
4. Refine Your Social Media Strategy:
Content Strategy: Post regularly with helpful content for small business owners. Tips on digital marketing or common website mistakes can show your expertise. Try using short videos or carousel posts to keep things engaging.
Targeted Engagement: Engage with local business owners by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. This helps build relationships and trust when they see you often on their feeds.
5. Consider Localized Ads:
Try Paid Ads: Run ads focusing on your area to reach local businesses that might need a new or updated website. Highlight your skills in making secure and SEO-friendly websites for small businesses to attract interest.
6. Create a Lead Magnet:
Free Resources: Offer a free guide on “5 Tips for Small Businesses to Improve Their Website” or “How to Make Your Website SEO-Friendly”. This can help build an email list of potential leads.
Free Audits: Offer free website or SEO audits for local businesses. This can show them your value, and if they like what they see, they might hire you for further work.
By using these strategies, you’ll start attracting more local clients. You’re on the right track with these steps!
Best advice is to avoid paid ads for now. Consider them later when you have a client base and want to grow a bit. Instead, join a few Facebook groups (might not be the best tip but it works for some), start with cold emails and DMs, and call people to show them what you can offer. Attend local events where small businesses gather (trade shows, exhibitions, flea markets), create content for social media, collaborate with small YouTube channels and podcasts to spread the word, and use this forum to find clients. There are subs like for hire and slavelabour where you can get clients without spamming other legitimate subs. Give it a try.
I found my clients this way. I also use Fiverr, which works great for freelance work. Trust me, it works.
There are many ways to promote yourself. You can also focus on SEO. Do you mind sharing your website? I’d love to take a look and share some tips on how to grow your online presence.
Iman said:
There are many ways to promote yourself. You can also focus on SEO. Do you mind sharing your website? I’d love to take a look and share some tips on how to grow your online presence.
Sounds like a paid service or something close to that. I’m looking for general knowledge sharing.