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Question

Using free consultations as a marketing strategy

by Nov 8, 2015 2:54PM PST

Hi there,
I'm not sure this is the right board for this post, but here goes...

I provide digital marketing training and assistance for people who don't really understand it. A big part of this is building trust with the (potential) client. So I have started with "free consultations" to a couple of potential clients as a way of hopefully talking them into hiring me. The problem, though, is me. I give too much a way. I have tried this a few times and the potential clients all left feeling as though they had their questions answered with no (immediate) need to hire me.

I am looking for advice on how to manage myself better. Strict time limits? Strict rules about what I say and don't say?

Has anyone done this successfully?

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Riley

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Answer
Reference
by Nov 8, 2015 6:43PM PST
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Thanks
by schicken46 Nov 9, 2015 5:35AM PST

Thanks, this is useful.

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How 'bout this
by Nov 10, 2015 2:48AM PST

Free initial consultation is one of the best way to get clients because they need an assurance that you know what you are doing before they trust you and hire you. If your problem is that you give away too much because they ask a lot of questions, you should learn how to control the situation by setting a limitation by telling your potential client that this will be the scope of the initial consultation and exceeding that they'll have to hire you to learn more.

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Thanks
by schicken46 Nov 10, 2015 5:53AM PST

Yeah, I need to learn how to control the conversation. That has been my problem so far.

I am thinking of setting the agenda with an introductory email and then keeping a fairly strict time limit.

Thanks for input.

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Think of these.
by Forum moderator Nov 10, 2015 9:01AM PST

1. The Elevator Pitch.

Do you have your Elevator Pitch?

2. The 5 minute intro.

In fact in today's world you may have to have 1,2 and 5 minute ready to use presentations.

3. As to the consultation.

I don't know your business. Maybe it's a soup to nuts consulting firm. However you can't solve their issues with a free consult. You could share with them your pitches and introductions, rates etc.

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Market Strategies
by Nov 16, 2015 11:51PM PST

Hello,
well it's a good thing to start the free consulting business. In this you provide the digital marketing is option for those who really need about this.
so it's a quite impressive that you will doing well,tried and want to know more tips about potentially handle the customer. we are helping you to go through this link below for any query related to your business and handle the client with satisfy answer.

Edit: Email address removed. Mod.

Post was last edited on November 17, 2015 12:29 AM PST

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Free Advice & Time Limits
by Nov 19, 2015 9:16AM PST

I think this is fairly common - we do the same. Yes, limit your time and build in a potential sale point.

Note: Link removed by a forum moderator

Post was last edited on November 19, 2015 9:52 AM PST

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Answer
marketing strategy
by Feb 26, 2016 2:39AM PST

First you require to find out what your business requirements: new customers or increased business from current customers. Both are worthwhile goals and you should probably have a marketing strategy designed to assist with each of these.

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