How to market a business selling design/websites

[MindyL]

Hi there! I have enjoyed this forum immensely, but today I have a question of my own.

What ideas do you have for me in the way of marketing my business? We are primarily a design firm, but have added a new website that sells ready-made websites in the past 6 months. Right now business is at a bit of a lull and I'm looking for creative or new ideas that can bring people in. I'd love to hear any suggestions you may have for me. Today I plan to go to a nearby business park and introduce myself to other small businesses and hand out my business card. I also plan to send out some mailers with a follow-up call. Any other ideas are more than welcome!

Thanks!

[Audrey]

Mindy,

I would give one away....having a random contest to give one away can bring 1000 people or more to your site. I would also ask for referrals. A wonderful gal made me a header and background for my blog. She gave it to me. She wanted the exposure and just gave it to me. I have her button on my blog, I've told others about her. And she has gotten business from my referrals.

[rachael24]

Audrey has some great ideas here...I would def. take her advice. Good luck!

[Audrey]

I sent Mindy a PM with some specific sites to help her give away one free design.

[Lori]

I wonder if you could make some sales on ebay with your 'ready made sites'.

[rfresh]

Free classified ad websites are a good source to promote your web business to name just one. There are many other ways such as a posting on Craigslist. You might also find a free business listings forum where you can post your services for free as well. Good luck to you!

[MindyL]

Thanks for your responses!

[nyeoman]

I have done the marketing via free websites like craigslist and I have to say it's hit or miss. Many times, your ad will be flagged for removal or you just end up getting messages from people who are trying to sell you something.

Other free sites have it where you must spend a certain amount of time viewing other people's ads or sites for credit that can be turned into views of your site or ad. That's not bad - if you have the time!

Sometimes you get what you pay for! FREE isn't always the greatest. I think that reasonably priced advertising in a good location frequented by many is better than always relying on the FREE stuff.

Just a thought! :zrazz:

Nova
www.JobDrama.com

[MindyL]

Thanks for all the advices given to me a while back. We finally got around to offering a special. We are now for the month of August, offering $50 off, so thanks for the tips!