Best way to start getting clients?

[gws]

Hello,

I am starting a web development, programming business. I know its very competitive but I do not believe it is THAT saturated.

Anyways, any tips on how to start generating clients? I was thinking of telemarketing!

Any inputs appreciated. Thanks folks :D

 

[baba]

Develop a website describing your services. Optimize your website and approach to target clients. You can take projects from freelancing websites.

 

[ErinWrites]

If your business is going to be mainly based online (web development), you absolutely need a website that you can point people toward. Even if you plan on telemarketing (and yes, calling a business without a website is a great way to gain clients, especially if your services are affordable), you need something that proves you have experience on the web and putting together your own website will help with that.

Incidentally, if you need help with your writing, marketing or promotions, I know of a great person who can help you out

 

[the_arv]

I would spread the word among friends and family and try to get the initial work/projects that way. I think most people know someone who knows someone who needs a website. Personal relations is the best way and least time consuming in my experience.

Hope this helps!

----------------------------------
Block Management
Cambridge Web Design
Printed Carrier Bags
Cardboard boxes

 

[RLW]

What about doing some designs for some local charities or associations to help build a portfolio? Places like this often have ties to a great number of people in the community.

As an example, a local business owner who donates to that charity might see that they have a new website (which looks great), see that you donated it to the charity, and then decide that since you support the same charity as him/her, you must be a great bloke and the right guy to redesign his businesses web site.

You definitely need to have a portfolio that potential clients can see on your website.

 

[atrivlib]

What about doing some designs for some local charities or associations to help build a portfolio? Places like this often have ties to a great number of people in the community.

As an example, a local business owner who donates to that charity might see that they have a new website (which looks great), see that you donated it to the charity, and then decide that since you support the same charity as him/her, you must be a great bloke and the right guy to redesign his businesses web site.

You definitely need to have a portfolio that potential clients can see on your website.

Besides the building of the portfolio developing a charity website you can gain a valuable backlink to help your own website. Make sure you get to include a description of your services somewhere on the charity website.

 

[FatHive]

do one or two very simple projects for free ... ask them to write you a review in return ... that will speed up the rate you get clients and interest,

 

[rosy]

To get clients just make your website,give a good description of your services and after that optimize your site in search engine.....
you'll get the clients automatically

 

[BlueSkyCamping]

Could you take a networking approach and maybe get involved with other people who own web-based businesses in your local area?

 

[vWiz]

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get your company name out there. Also forums such as namepros are also great. It is free advertising and thousands of people are on these types of forums. I get a vast majority of my clients through forums and free advertising.

 

[flinvest04]

You already know that this is a very competitive market. There are plenty of companies like that around yours. The first thing, I think, you should note is the value of your service. Offer customers the best support to get their beliefs. Own a website with rich content! Make your site professional! Now, people prefer staying at home to find services and buy thing than going to shops. Plan for your online biz! If you don't have time, you can hire SEOs to do that for you. Its popular now and quite effective.

 

[dimedesign]

I was thinking the same thing, and was about to post a thread on it until I saw this one, so I decided to just give my input here.

There has to be a better way than SEO and forums though, that's what I'm thinking. I know that one of the best investments I ever made was the $10 membership fee for Elance. Just spending that $10 made me probably $300 worth of clients, and I even became good buddies with a client from there (Adam Horwitz of DudeIHateMyJob.com).

The only problem with a freelance site like that is, you have to be really good in order to impress people on there, since they usually aren't expecting cheap prices, and are looking for the best quality they can get rather than the best deal they can get. Just follow your passion, get your site up, and try out some freelancer sites.

Regards,
Jared

 

[arnoldsmithh]

Well try Twitter Search. You can get good clients on twitter.

 

[manson4ik]

Telemarketing is good, but today's world is an E-world.....get a a website and promote it.

Internet and social networks- this is what you should pay attention to!

 

[ahsan_003]

Well I believe you should better put on some adverts of your business and spread the word. Other than this do some white SEO stuff on it as well go for some blog,forum workout. Surely after few days you will get a good response!

Hope this helps!

Thanks

 

[bfxs]

Target locally. Identify which business establishments in your area need online presence. Your website should be the best example of your work so better have it perfect from an SEO standpoint up to the aesthetics.

 

[Chuck Williams]

Hello,

I am starting a web development, programming business. I know its very competitive but I do not believe it is THAT saturated.

Anyways, any tips on how to start generating clients? I was thinking of telemarketing!

Any inputs appreciated. Thanks folks :D

It IS that saturated. My best advice to give you is to not try to market to EVERYONE, or you'll end up marketing to no one.

What else do you like doing? Do you have a hobby? Lets say you like tinkering with cars? Why not try to make web based solutions for gearheads? Or guys who own garages? Make it easier from them to get parts... or to figure out an optimal air-fuel ratio for a particular engine.

Find something you're passionate about, and then use your skills to help people in that niche. Give stuff away! Ask people on forums how you can help in their projects. Be a giver, and soon you'll be taking trips to the bank.

I can expand on this if you like... I just don't want to write a 20 page forum post, someone will kick me :lol:

 

[BlueSkyCamping]

It IS that saturated. My best advice to give you is to not try to market to EVERYONE, or you'll end up marketing to no one.

What else do you like doing? Do you have a hobby? Lets say you like tinkering with cars? Why not try to make web based solutions for gearheads? Or guys who own garages? Make it easier from them to get parts... or to figure out an optimal air-fuel ratio for a particular engine.

Find something you're passionate about, and then use your skills to help people in that niche. Give stuff away! Ask people on forums how you can help in their projects. Be a giver, and soon you'll be taking trips to the bank.

I can expand on this if you like... I just don't want to write a 20 page forum post, someone will kick me :lol:

I think there's some really good advice here.

Sticking to a niche that you know well and take an interest in is likely to give you a better chance. You'll also find it easier to stay motivated I suspect.

 

[Chuck Williams]

I think there's some really good advice here.

Sticking to a niche that you know well and take an interest in is likely to give you a better chance. You'll also find it easier to stay motivated I suspect.

Definitely, if your only motivation is money, you aren't going to have the genuine passion that will earn you lifelong customers.

 

[domainstaff]

Definitely, if your only motivation is money, you aren't going to have the genuine passion that will earn you lifelong customers.

Chuck, you're the man! As always awesome advice.:sold: