a marketing plan for freelancers
Oct. 27th, 2003 08:45 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dragonlady7I'm brainstorming ways of acquiring new customers today, in my slow moments, so I thought I'd add in my list--
1) networking
Events, organizations designed for that, and in social situations-- become adept at giving a good, short, glib pitch whenever someone asks what you do. (i've seen this discussed elsewhere as your elevator tip, i.e. before the elevator gets to the top, you've explained what you do in a manner that makes it perfectly plain to your listener whether you could benefit him or not.)
2) searching
look around for businesses that suit your niche-- i.e., businesses with a poorly-written website that you could rewrite. establish contact with that business, in the manner you prefer, and see if they're interested in your services (which you've pitched effectively and quickly so that they understand the benefits you provide).
3) print ads
come up with a good, solid print campaign, whether it be running ads in newspapers, leaving postcards promoting your services at cash registers in businesses where your potential customers go, tacking business cards to bulletin boards, leafleting cars, mailing letters to the businesses you searched for, above, mailing brochures to potential customers, etc.
4) promote yourself
start a weekly or biweekly email newsletter with interesting, good, new content your potential customers would be interested in, or with content that would interest those you network with. participate actively in forums and contribute really helpful knowledge. promote good karma by helping people out, like doing free work for charities.
what you need to do these things:
1) a strong brand / identity / niche
2) from that identity, a strong, well-worded, well-thought-out, compelling pitch describing your business in brief in a benefits-oriented way.
3) time, money, commitment, and a good sense of purpose.
what have I missed and what's wrong there? let me know, I have no time to proofread just now. :D
1) networking
Events, organizations designed for that, and in social situations-- become adept at giving a good, short, glib pitch whenever someone asks what you do. (i've seen this discussed elsewhere as your elevator tip, i.e. before the elevator gets to the top, you've explained what you do in a manner that makes it perfectly plain to your listener whether you could benefit him or not.)
2) searching
look around for businesses that suit your niche-- i.e., businesses with a poorly-written website that you could rewrite. establish contact with that business, in the manner you prefer, and see if they're interested in your services (which you've pitched effectively and quickly so that they understand the benefits you provide).
3) print ads
come up with a good, solid print campaign, whether it be running ads in newspapers, leaving postcards promoting your services at cash registers in businesses where your potential customers go, tacking business cards to bulletin boards, leafleting cars, mailing letters to the businesses you searched for, above, mailing brochures to potential customers, etc.
4) promote yourself
start a weekly or biweekly email newsletter with interesting, good, new content your potential customers would be interested in, or with content that would interest those you network with. participate actively in forums and contribute really helpful knowledge. promote good karma by helping people out, like doing free work for charities.
what you need to do these things:
1) a strong brand / identity / niche
2) from that identity, a strong, well-worded, well-thought-out, compelling pitch describing your business in brief in a benefits-oriented way.
3) time, money, commitment, and a good sense of purpose.
what have I missed and what's wrong there? let me know, I have no time to proofread just now. :D
