Unsolicited Email

[MargieG]

I'd appreciate some advice and viewpoints on the following.

I'm trying to expand my (very small) web development business and don't have the budget for marketing and advertising.

So, I've been cold-calling local companies by phone and following up with an email if they agree to me sending one, but with no success so far. All I'm doing is running up my phone bill. As everyone knows, it is a very competitive market.

I was wondering if I can send unsolicited emails to companies, or would that be considered spam.

I'll only use information publicly found in the Yellow Pages, Online Directories and local newspapers. So, although the email would be unsolicited, I'll be open about where I got their information.

In a previous thread (which I couldn't find again), cold-calling was vilified by many. And I'm nervous of running foul of the law.

But how else can I promote the service I offer and gain some customers?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

 

[Syzygy78]

I wouldn't suggest going online and collecting email addresses and thereafter sending out a generic mailer to all of them.

You could send an opt-in email. That way the recipient would never ever receive the email again from you if they don't want it. However, that really is not the approach I would suggest.

If you are knowledgeable on what makes a good website, then why not go through each website that you deem worthy of a makeover and make a detailed analysis? You can then send a customised email to each company stating where you can help them.

It also sounds like because you are a new company, you may not have much work to do. I then recommend offering each company that you wish to help something of value. Perhaps helps them with some SEO, sign them up for a google adwords voucher etc.

 

[Fudzy]

Build up a profile of dummy sites and estimated costs.

 

[Biscuit1018]

I'd appreciate some advice and viewpoints on the following.

I'm trying to expand my (very small) web development business and don't have the budget for marketing and advertising.

So, I've been cold-calling local companies by phone and following up with an email if they agree to me sending one, but with no success so far. All I'm doing is running up my phone bill. As everyone knows, it is a very competitive market.

I was wondering if I can send unsolicited emails to companies, or would that be considered spam.

I'll only use information publicly found in the Yellow Pages, Online Directories and local newspapers. So, although the email would be unsolicited, I'll be open about where I got their information.

In a previous thread (which I couldn't find again), cold-calling was vilified by many. And I'm nervous of running foul of the law.

But how else can I promote the service I offer and gain some customers?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Before I forget. Good luck in your business.

First off there is nothing wrong with cold-calling as long as
- you get the phone numbers legally (like from the web or a phone book)
- if a company says no and asks you not to call again... you respect that

Having said that I don't think cold calling works...

Ideas
- Website
- Social media linking back to website
- Free advertising on GumTree, classified directories (there are hundreds.)
- Offer something free - like the 1st hours of a prototype

But the best way is your current network. You must know someone that you can do some discounted work for..
Word of mouth and track record is best

 

[^^vampire^^]

Before I forget. Good luck in your business.

First off there is nothing wrong with cold-calling as long as
- you get the phone numbers legally (like from the web or a phone book)
- if a company says no and asks you not to call again... you respect that

Having said that I don't think cold calling works...

Ideas
- Website
- Social media linking back to website
- Free advertising on GumTree, classified directories (there are hundreds.)
- Offer something free - like the 1st hours of a prototype

But the best way is your current network. You must know someone that you can do some discounted work for..
Word of mouth and track record is best

Word of mouth gets me tons of website business.
I wouldn't take the spamming approach as companies may earmark you as someone whose services they then won't use as they see it as unfavourable.

Maybe look around your local community and classified. Look for people advertising that use a gmail address or check if their listed emails domain has a site or not. If not, throw together a quick mockup (jpg or similar) and email it to them saying you noticed they don't have a site and that you have made a quick mockup to show them what it could look like. Hell even if they do have a site make a quick mockup of a better one and then mail them suggesting they should upgrade. This shows you are hard working and willing to help which I have gotten business from before rather than contacting and saying "hey want a site". Be pro-active and show them something straight away - I find it easier to get my foot in the door that way.

 

[Fudzy]

How many web developers 'warm' call potential customers? In other words do mock ups of some site designs customised to the customer?