6. Write articles and free reports. Writing short articles on Internet Business and Web Development is a great way to get your name out and generate new clients. You can submit articles to your local print media, Chamber of Commerce, and business publications. You can also syndicate this content online for online publications and websites. One short article can go a long way in generating new business.

7. Focus on a niche. By narrowing your focus it will be much easier for you to find new web design clients. It’s tough to be everything to everybody. Look at your existing client base and think about industries your best clients come from. Pinpoint best two or three and then focus your effort to only those types of businesses. It’s easy to get leads for specific industries from list brokers such as Info USA (http://infousa.com) and others. You can then contact similar businesses and let them know you specialize in creating websites just for their type of business. Tell them about specific tools you can install to help their business increase profits, save money, and gain an advantage over their competitors.

8. Smile and dial. Telemarketing can be a great way to find new business clients when done properly. The best way to do it is to start with a free offer that will help you qualify lead. For example, if you create a community directory, you can then simply call businesses in directory and let them know they are entitled to a free listing. This will give you an opportunity to chat with them and see what their needs are. You can then email or fax them a brief form asking for a description of their business to post on community website. Let them know when it’s up and then send them full details on your web development services. From there it will be easy to set an appointment.

9. Send postcards. Direct mail using postcards can be a very effective and cheap way to get word out about your services. If you use full color postcards you can even showcase screen-shots of some of sites you’ve designed. Always offer some type of free offer on postcard, such as a “FREE Website Analysis,” “FREE Search Engine Readiness Review,” etc. in order increase response.

10. Follow up. Follow up. Follow up. There is an old adage in marketing that says it takes at least seven contacts before a prospect will purchase. This is as true in selling web design services as it is with anything else. No matter what marketing tactics you use, remember that you must relentlessly follow up with people that have expressed need for your services. If you keep in touch, a good percentage will eventually become clients.

There you have it, ten of best ways to find new clients and increase your Web Development business this year. But remember, none of them will work unless you use them. So stop fiddling with your computer and get marketing!

Here in "Sleepy Hollow" (with one of highest unemployment rates in country) in little provincial New Zealand near bottom of world, we sell our various products around globe in response to customer needs.

3. Consolidate your business by focusing on what you do best. Don't try to be "all things" to your customer, nor try to offer too many products. Concentrate on perfecting and marketing your "best sellers" in your CORE business activities. That is area which produces most profitable results for your organization. (remember "80-20 rule" - 20% of your activities produces 80% of your results/profit and vice versa!). For us it's creative writing courses.

Define your "USP" (or "unique selling proposition") - a "fancy" term loved by "those marketing types". What is key, that makes your product or service really special?

Now for one rather more philosophical...

4. Honour your parents, your teachers and your communities and especially your family. Family is most precious of all and strong and stable family units make for a strong and stable country. Parenting, I believe is most noble occupation of all - and parents want their children to be safe on line, so supervise them closely. Teach them responsibility in internet usage... so they don't push your telephone bill sky high (as my dear boys do - but then that's price of having and educating children - a tax on sex!). Teach your children well (as Crosby, Stills, Nash ... and Young used to sing so melodiously) and wisely. Let them learn that net is a great EDUCATION tool for present and future and they could be learning "practical skills on job" and preparing for a future technological career.

5. Do not send spam (sending masses of unsolicited e-mail) - under any circumstances. You are likely to be cut off by your server. I find it rather irritating receiving "mountains" of spam and simply delete all unsolicited e-mail selling products and services... and wouldn't you do likewise; because it just clutters up your mailbox?

I hope this info may be helpful to you in your internet marketing... however key is always EFFECTIVE ACTION. Seeing what strategies work best for you and making adjustments, as you go along. Keep TRYING new things, as you "tinker".

Good luck

Craig Lock

http://www.craiglock.com

END OF PART ONE About author:

Craig Lock has been marketing products online for past five years. Craig is a writer, who believes in sharing information, as well as encouraging and helping others to find their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish their dreams in life - whatever they may be.

Creative Writing Course http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html

Craig's various books are available at: http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/books.html and http://www.novelty-gift.com/ebooks.html

* Hard copies, CD's and e-books: Fiction and non-fiction, novels travel, humour, inspiration, self help and money books

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