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I Run A Web Design Business. Marketing Is Difficult, I Get Referral Jobs But Nothing Else Works. Any Ideas?

admin    Website Design Resources     Business, design, Difficult, Else, Ideas, Jobs, marketing, Nothing, Referral, Works

I have tried adwords, mailshots, local press, email….everything, but it seems the only way small business owners will make a purchase decision is based on word of mouth.
Any thoughts/opinions from business owners or marketing experts would be most welcome!
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8 Comments to “I Run A Web Design Business. Marketing Is Difficult, I Get Referral Jobs But Nothing Else Works. Any Ideas?”

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  robert m November 2, 2009 at 3:17 pm

  join your local round table or rotary club
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  akr November 2, 2009 at 3:25 pm

  Find a local charity that has a poorly designed web page. Redesign it pro bono, and show people the before and after. Charity websites get seen, and naturally the charity will recommend you. As time permits, do another.
  This will get your work seen. Put a link to your web page.
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  downingt November 2, 2009 at 3:42 pm

  Advertise on you local papers, and PM. there is this site coming up very soon, it’s gonna be the best way to advertise your services…www.rolems-ad.com just watch out…I had the opportunity to know what they are have to offer the public….
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  helixbur November 2, 2009 at 3:44 pm

  Put a sign on your car.
  Have you got a local garage, if so ask to put up a flyer and see if they would hand out some business cards, you may be able to do them a favour.
  Go to local factories and ask them if they have a web page.
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  Andrew M November 2, 2009 at 3:52 pm

  Andrew,
  Try the idea of doing the charity, or pick your best work and run some PR from that, i can help with ideas if youre stuck. Try networking with you local chamber (or busines orgaanisation) and meet other business, networks work.
  While decision get made on person-person basis, marketing helps get your brand out there (among zillions of other web designers) and helps influence before the decision – so it is really vital. It isnt that easy otherreise we’d all be rich! I do marketing consultancy if that helps in the future.
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  rottimmy November 2, 2009 at 4:19 pm

  Word of mouth is your best bet. Assemble a good portfolio on your own site. Talk to other experts, and read sites like alistapart.com, 456bereastreet.com, simplebits.com. Make sure you’re up on all the latest technologies. If you can’t dream in XHTML 1.1 Strict and CSS, then maybe you’re not ready.
  A good portfolio is your best ally, but you have to be ready to market yourself. It sounds like you’re doing some of the right stuff, but it takes time. Go to the sites I mentioned and email the authors, they’re all generally good people and they can probably give a few good pointers.
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  Jayne 2 (LMHJJ) November 2, 2009 at 5:16 pm

  Andrew,
  We do internet marketing and we get the bulk of our customers through adwords. Many of our customers have never heard of us. If you are a good website coder you can work with us. We constantly have use for good designers who do freelance work. Send me your portfolio.
  d.s.foreman@gmail.com
  http://www.foremanpike.com
  Dave
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  Dr. Killbot November 2, 2009 at 5:58 pm

  I have sent details requesting your website address.
  Keith