Best method to approach businesses for Web design?

Hey guys,


I'm from a somewhat disadvantaged area and many of the local businesses either have:
A- HORRIFIC WEBSITES
B- NO WEBSITE AT ALL.


I have done a bit of freelance Web design in the past, but looking to expand to local businesses now and try lock them into a €70-90 contract a month for hosting, maintainence etc.


What would be the most effective way to go about this?
To cold call them directly and try set up a meeting? To just land into the premises and try speak to a manager? To offer audits on existing sites?


Any advice from anyone that has experience in this topic would be greatly appreciated.


(sorry if wrong sub mods)

Just like any selling you need to first create a plan. Figure out what you are going to say to them first, then approach.

If you can a "walk-in" may work, but the manger etc. may not be there. I would just cold call and ask to speak to someone in charge, if they say they are not in - arrange a time to call back.

Also, I doubt anyone will pay a contract when they see adverts for "setting up their own website for free" type stuff from providers like Wix etc.

Try and meet them in person if you can.

What if you invest a bit of time up front setting up a barebones website for each potential client?

Get a hold of them through linked in

Call businesess with no website and tell them you're offering the service in the area, try to talk to whoever is in charge. Set up a meeting, time and date. It's what I've been doing and it works, because they WANT a website, they just have't gotten around to it yet, they probably have a lot of other things going on in their business, so you have to remind them not to let that aspect of their business overlooked.