I want to know what is the best way to promote my computer consulting business to small businesses?

Answer 1

Usually by joining your local business association or volunteering in a local non-profit.

The key is being involved at a committee or board level because you get to establish relationships with the most "connected" people in your community.

Speaking to local groups and writing for local newspapers are also a great way. Good luck!

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Geez what a bunch of spammers hang out here. At least "Tats" gave a real answer.


First, congratulations: you have made the critical analysis that marketing is the key to your success.

I'm an IT consultant, as well as being a marketing geek (interesting combo, huh?).

There are a number of good "kits" out there, all following basically the same model, and if you do what they tell you to do, you will succeed.

First I'd recommend you visit their sites and sign up for their info packets and mailing lists. Simply by analyzing how they market (they are consultants, after all) you can learn some useful things.

http://www.technologymarketingtoolkit.com
http://www.computerconsultingkit.com

Perry Marshall is best known as a Google Adwords guru, but his first, core product was a technology sales kit. He really understands the B2B and technical buyer mindset, and how to position and sell in that market.
www.perrymarshall.com

David Frey is more generic, but I bought his kit and have used it successfully.
http://www.market-your-services.com/...

Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing system is basically the "godfather" template that all these other guys copied. His stuff is generic, as Dan would say, your business is not different - the same rules apply. Also check out his consulting kit.
www.dankennedy.com

Most important, is to become a student of marketing, just as you have been a student of the IT world. Think of it as getting another certification, except this cert will give you way more hard dollars income than all of your others put together.

Good luck, I think you will succeed.
Scott

Answer 4

Have you thought about pay per click programs? The two biggest, I think, are Yahoo! and Google

A few free resources – check out the sources box for links:

1) Create a blog pertaining to your field

2) Use Yahoo! Local & Yahoo! Groups – Be sure to read the TOS for each one!

3) Write articles pertaining to your field and/or expertise.

4) Advertise on Craiglist

Also, consider signing up for an affiliate program. These programs enable you to advertise on other's sites (your affiliates) and once a sale is made to you, your affiliates & the program are paid a commission.

I listed a few handy sites & articles relating to marketing, promotion & advertising. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 301 Do-It-Yourself Marketing Ideas: From America's Most Innovative Small Companies by Sam Decker
* Off The Wall Marketing Ideas: Jumpstart Your Sales without Busting Your Budget by Nancy Michaels, Debbi J. Karpowicz
* Guerrilla Marketing for Free: Dozens of No-Cost Tactics to Promote Your Business and Energize Your Profits by Jay Conrad Levinson
* Entrepreneur Magazine's Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide: Over 1500 Great Marketing Tricks That Will Drive Your Business Through the Roof by James Stephenson

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 5

Compared to offline businesses, the investment required to start an online business is minimal. A popular way of earning money on the internet is by providing information and services. This can be monetised by advertising or charging a subscription. You can also make money online by selling products on auction websites like eBay or through your own website. More information available at http://tinyurl.com/syw6m

Answer 6

Good question.

1.Get a website, email. w/enough info for your potential clients

2. Select a local area you want to offer your expertise at.

3. Research your competition.

4. Visit your potential clients and find opportunities.

5. Differentiate yourself from the competition.

6. Be confident.

7. Your buss cards must be clear about Company name, services, your name .

I hope this has helped a little.

Answer 7

Dear Bobby,
my suggestion is get your website built, once you have your website built, you can place it everywhere you like, your business card, your car screen, your condominium notice board, shopping complex notice board etc...

Please register here to get your domain name, email account & webhosting http://www.domainie.ws My website is built from the same link and you can visit it here http://www.silverroad.ws It is simple as I dont have any IT knowledge at all.

Once your website done, make sure you are going to visit the corporate company to make them aware on your business. They will contact u in future once they know that you are reachable for computer consulting.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

you can try direct mailing which is very cheap and effective. After getting responses, you can try direct selling. Try to highlight the cost benefits for your prospective customers and give some quantitative examples in your communications to get better response.

refer marketing management12e by kotler and keller (page 557-582)

Answer 9

There is a good website, which offers various advertising options and you set the advertising amount, since it is run by few college students. Please visit http://marketingdreamz.tripod.com/
or contact [e-mail]

Good Luck!