Setting Up a Business for Life!

Hello guys, so this is going to be a little different from what you normally see in the journey section. While I also do the standard "CPA + Youtube" type methods, this journey isn't about that.

I am setting up a "Business Solutions" company, and using my IM knowledge to bring me customers. That means I'll enable my link building, my article writing, SEO and more knowledge to bring customers to my website, and create sales.

Now, you're probably wondering what I mean by business solutions. Well, to begin with, I'll be starting with web design, link building/general seo, article writing etc. Pretty much the skills that I'll be using to bring in the clients in the first place.

Then, I have plans to expand into other areas, such as accounting and bookkeeping, property management (locals only obviously) and others.

I'll be setting myself one target at a time, so that I don't overburden myself.

The plan to start with is to write plenty of articles about web design, SEO and growing your business online, but in a more niche aspect.

So far:

I've been contacting local businesses who look like they need a new website design, as theirs is looking a little stale. Unfortunately, of the 15 odd companies I have contacted so far, I have had no responses via email. I'm reluctant to cold call them, as I feel it is a little intrusive. However, it is always an option in the future.

I have been looking for a local charity, church or other non-profit organisation in the local area to do a free website + SEO service for them, which I would hope would bring in plenty of word of mouth customers. Potentially also contacting the local newspaper about it, to get some free publication.

I'll try and update daily, however, I'm reasonably busy, so it may be every other day.

Hope everyone is well!

You said you were targeting local businesses.

This being the case I would recommend your first contact is a telephone call and not an email.

Targeting local companies gives a smaller pool of potential customers and so it is important not to waste any of those opportunities. Calls will generate more customers than emails.

On the phone you can explain your services better and can answer any questions immediately. You also have a better chance of arranging a meeting, which will result in even better conversions.

You may be nervous about making the calls at first but you will soon get used to it and it gets easier every time.

Here's a good way to get some practice without fluffing any potential opportunities:

Call some companies who are not in your local area first. It won't matter if you don't win any business and you can hone your skills on those practice calls. And if you do pick up clients from those calls that's a bonus.

Once you've built up your confidence then move onto local companies.

Yeah I might try that.

I always feel really uncomfortable calling people, who don't necessarily want what I'm offering. I feel like I'm pestering them, you know? While an email, is easy to just say no to (by not replying).

ArcticPanda said:

I always feel really uncomfortable calling people, who don't necessarily want what I'm offering. I feel like I'm pestering them, you know? While an email, is easy to just say no to (by not replying).

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That's my point - 'an email is easy to just say no to'

If someone is in need of your service they won't see you as pestering them.

When you are cold calling you have to remember there are going to be plenty of people that don't need your service. Politely move on from those and don't take their rejection personally. You are looking for the people that DO need your service. And they are on your list too.

What do you think of the idea of doing some free work for some 'worthy' non-profit organisations for publicity?

I'm considering contacting the church over the road from me

Good idea. It can only have a positive impact.

You could ask them for a 'site designed by' on their site with your link too.

ArcticPanda said:

Yeah I might try that.

I always feel really uncomfortable calling people, who don't necessarily want what I'm offering. I feel like I'm pestering them, you know? While an email, is easy to just say no to (by not replying).

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I would even take it a step further. If I am targeting local businesses, I would stop in and chat with them. Make it personal and show them you really care and explain, fully, how your services would improve their business.

Yeah totally agree with Trepanated, you need to push the sale and call. You think they don't want the call, but actually they don't know what they want, and might not realise their website is bad, you need to tell them and then offer them the solution for a great price and great service.

Good luck op with your journey!

Sorry I've not updated, but here's the first update for you guys!

Update #1

So, I bought a domain name along the following lines "ProfessionInCity.com" (example, obviously). My aim is to rank this one page one of Google for the relating keyword. I bought a load of blog comments with the keyword(s) as the anchor text.

As I write this, the website is ranking at #99 for the keyword search. Which I suppose is a good start considering the website is only 2 days old.

My overall plan once I get this ranked, is to cold call some local private dentists for the city in the keyword, and offer them advertising on the website for $200ish.

If anyone has any questions about this method, please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help

Update #2

Added a little more content to my actual business' website. Nothing too complex, just better flowing content etc for the sales pages. Planning to buy some backlinks for the website in the coming week.

Got TONNES of web design requests via email yesterday, so I'll hopefully have plenty of work this week.

The advertising site, mentioned in the previous update, hasn't really moved along much. Still sitting around 100 on Google according to my Rank Tracker. Anyone got any advice on this? Maybe I'm just being impatient

ArcticPanda said:

Got TONNES of web design requests via email yesterday, so I'll hopefully have plenty of work this week.

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Is this from just ranking your original services website?

Usually terms like "web design" and related are very competitive .

Nilsz said:

Is this from just ranking your original services website?

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Nah, this was mostly from Fiverr unfortunately. But due to my level, i'm able to charge far more than the standard $5, and I just install a premium theme I own, and work from there. So it is pretty easy work.

ArcticPanda said:

Got TONNES of web design requests via email yesterday, so I'll hopefully have plenty of work this week.

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so how did these mails come in from? blog or ads?

Well, I meant Fiverr Emails, sorry, should have been more clear.

One of my gigs just completely BLEW UP the past day or so.

INCOME UPDATE #1

Made $50 in Fiverr Sales, so far today

Very good man keep it up.

Can someone please tell me how I can start a new thread? I want to start a thread about some banking questions I have. Tell me the steps to do so please, anyone?