Most of you here on DP are very well versed in the ways of the web as it exists today. I consider myself a web designer, nothing more - I couldn't code my way out of a wet paper bag, and I have no desire to do such a thing. What I can do is make some rather impressive websites by combining my skills with Dreamweaver/PS/Flash to make an awesome looking webpage. Such a thing is very attractive to the locals here in my small town. I have built up a small client base here, but I'm afraid most of these contacts have come through word of mouth and referrals through my family. I'm now at the point where I need to go off on my own, into the real world and nab some jobs for myself. Obviously this is not a venture that one can jump right into, though I do have a leg up on most young people in my position as I do have the design experience and portfolio/technical skills to prove I'm not full of shit. I have the experience making websites, but what I'm lacking in is an effective way of communicating to potential clientèle that they NEED me to fabricate them a website. I've found in my rather limited experience that a lot of people out there could really use a website for their small business, they just don't realize it. Local saw mills, veterinarians, auctioneers. These are the people I deal with, these are the people I've serviced. However, there is an untapped wealth of potential money to be made here, but what I've really really been lacking is the effective means of communicating and convincing these people they need web visibility. Should I print out some fancy charts? Lots of numbers, showing increased sales from past clients? Build a website of my own, show off what I can do, give them a tech demo? Will these notions be a wasted effort? Like I've said, never before have I needed to persuade a small business they need an online presence. I've now reached that point - please, share with me your best sales techniques. I would like to know what has worked for you, what you consider to be a good act of persuasion. Thanks DP!
It sounds lie you may live in a small town. Nothing wrong with that - I live in Nebraska. We also sell websites, and the #1 barrier to small businesses is upfront cost. You need to define your goals. Do you want to build a portfolio? Make lots of money? Design artistically challenging sites? Once you know what will make YOU happy, then you can worry about how to sell it - or how to make money off of it. Suggestion #1 - if you are in a small town, offer to design the town's .gov website. Controlling a .gov website is PURE gold. You could sell backlinks for bundles, as Google gives .gov websites the gold standard. P.S. If you do this, you owe me a backlink You could sell businesses pages on the .gov site rather than selling them entire websites. Charge them monthly and build a good monthly recurring income. Don't bore them with technical details. Find a way they can make more money with a website and sell the benefits, not the features. Then look to neighboring towns. Tell them your town did it, and they love it. You know how small town rivalries work. Just some hints to get your entrepreneurial juices broiling. Good luck, and don't forget my backlink!