One easy way to set yourself apart is by creating a CD disk or audio recording that you give to clients and prospects, and that gives them valuable information about web design and development.
It is so easy these days to create these products, using free Wavpad software plus a decent PC microphone.
The key is to create valuable content. Don’t talk about your firm, but rather the key things your target market needs to know to succeed using the Web.
Keep your talk short, no more than 10 minutes.
And make some sort of offer for them to contact you to learn more or get started.
These types of products are easier to “sell” than your services. Give them for free to your prospects, and ask for their feedback. Offer them on your web site. Bring a few along to networking meetings.
Do this well, and people will view you as a thought leader, the go to professional in your field.
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June 22nd, 2005 at 3:44 pm
Great idea. If you have fears about the sound quality (i.e. publishing non-professional materials under your name), remind yourself that your target niche isn’t professional in this area at all. Unless it is sound studios of course :)
June 22nd, 2005 at 5:58 pm
I love the idea! I am thinking of one of those small CDs. with the following documents on it:
Articles:
1. Web site self assessment report card, with encouragement to submit it to you for feedback from the professional.
2. A sample app/ screenshots that you have created.
3. Maybe a patriotic background they can use on their computer, with a company logo at the bottom.
4. Case studies.
5. Othher articles that would be useful to the target market.
What other content ideas do you have for this cd?
Andrew, you said audio. What specifically did you have in mind?
June 23rd, 2005 at 6:20 am
An interesting idea. Thanks. I’ll work on that one…
June 23rd, 2005 at 2:04 pm
The key is to create valuable content.
That’s the point.
July 8th, 2005 at 12:02 pm
Interesting–Doesn’t the Web Design Business Kit (published by SitePoint) advise against doing those cd-roms for distribution? I’ll need to go back and see.