Using freebies to sell [review my method]

bestfriend2 · Dec 26, 2012

Hey,

The basic story is I'm a photographer creating virtual tours which directly link into customers places page (I'm basically shooting google streeview inside business, and registered with google to do so).

I've had success with going door to door, however this takes a lot of time and effort. So I'm thinking of a way to streamline the process.

I'm planning on either bulk emailing (or bulk posting) a free document to business, on how to set-up their own places page and the benefits on doing so (it's a prerequisite to the tours anyway). I'll only send this to businesses who don't have a verified places listing. Now, I don't want it to seem too sales'y, or make it seem like I've contacted every business in the area. So I was thinking of targeting the businesses more directly, using names (where possible), and tailoring each email/letter to the customer.

I would send them something like this (this is only a template, I will get someone to copywrite it properly before sending).

Dear {Business Owner}

I just noticed that you have not claimed your free listing on google places for you business. Now as I'm sure you're aware, more and more people are turning away from traditional advertising formats such as the yellow pages, and using the internet to find businesses. This month alone, XXX people searched for {your niche keyword}.

When I searched for {keyword related to business and area}, I found that you were {state where in the listings}. Did you know that 90% of people only check the first page of google results? That means your losing out on a lot of potential customers.

One of the reasons your competitors rank so highly is because they have a listing on google maps. This allows people to find their business quickly and easily.

{Screenshot of competitors on google with their places listing}

I have included a free document I wrote which will help you get your business on the map. It walks you step-by-step through creating your free google places listing, and it will give you the exposure you deserve. This is a very easy process and only takes 10-15 minutes.

Setting up your page on google isn't the end of the story. Whilst it will give you additional exposure, you need to make sure it has quality content which draws customers to your business. This is where I specialise. I'm actually a local photographer from {town nearby} who has recently undertaken training with google to shoot street view inside business. This service allows customers to take a virtual walk-through of your business, without needing to leave their house!

{Image of an optimised results page, with a tour embedded}.

As you can see above, when users search for that business they will be able to see a link to the tour, directly within the search results! Try searching for it yourself and see the tour for yourself.

Shooting streetview involves a one-off cost, which depends purely on the size of your business. After that, the tour will be live forever and constantly help attract new customers. If you want more information, please XXXX {blocked by moderation} me at XXXXX for a free, no-obligations consultation.

Yours sincerely

{name and signature}

P.S. For a limited time, when someone books a shoot I'm also giving away copies of my 100 page {or whatever it is} in-depth guide on maintaining your places page. Normally search engine optimisation companies charge hundreds for this information!

My question is, do you think this method could be succesfull? Obviously the only real test is to go out and do it. But is the idea sound, should I try to sell them my service directly in the first letter, or would it be better to follow up in a second letter/call/drop-in with the sales pitch?

Thanks for any help!

OfflineMaster · Dec 27, 2012

We currently have calling campaigns for 2 videographers. Basically, we have lists of different types of businesses that can benefit from having a short video on their homepage. We call, ask them if they'd like to see some samples and set up an appointment for our videographer to call or stop in...they go in and sell themselves.

Emails probably won't work as well on this niche because they won't check them and you are soliciting people that don't think they need you...you need to present to them face to face once they show some type of interest, and when you can SHOW them your work.

In addition, the market is SATURATED with SEO/Website people (like the ones here and all over) that are doing everything from calling, to dropping in, to emailing, to postcards...once they read "google" in your email, it's out the door.

Using freebies to sell [review my method]

bestfriend2

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OfflineMaster

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