The best ways to sell digital marketing services to local businesses are:
- Attending networking events
- Conducting cold outreach
- Creating a referral program
- Partnering with complementary businesses
- Optimizing for local SEO
- Using email marketing
- Advertising on social media
- Listing on Google Business Profile
- Hosting educational workshops
- Launching direct mail campaigns
Selling digital marketing services to local businesses is highly effective. This is because many small business owners need a strong online presence. According to a Social Media Today Report, a whopping 86% of consumers find a local business online. However, these businesses usually lack resources for effective online marketing. A Zippia survey found that 23.5% of small business owners say they want a website but have yet to get one. Digital marketers can take advantage of that and offer their services. These services include website design and development, local SEO optimization, social media management, content marketing, PPC advertising, etc...
Digital marketing helps local businesses boost online visibility, build brand awareness, and attract quality leads. One example of this is Shegerian & Associates. As an employment law firm in Los Angeles, CA, they needed to find a way to stand out among the other firms in the area. So they decided to reach out to the digital marketing agency Spiralytics. This investment led to a 1,233% monthly lead conversion growth. Spiralytics was able to bring in more clients by implementing customized SEM strategies. This included creating a landing page to boost lead conversion and optimizing keywords for better traction. Here's another success story from one small business owner on Reddit:
The common challenges digital marketers face when selling their services to local businesses are how to reach owners, explain the value of digital marketing, and prove ROI. Reaching business owners is hard due to the marketing pitches they receive daily. Explaining the value of the services requires overcoming skepticism and showing its effectiveness. Proving ROI is challenging as it takes time to see digital strategies yield results. Here is what other digital marketers have to say:
In this article, we'll show you how to sell digital marketing services to local businesses in 16 ways. We'll provide effective strategies to convince business owners to invest in your service. We'll also talk about how to build trust and much more.
1. Sell Digital Marketing Services at Networking Events
Selling digital marketing services at networking events is a great way to find clients. This is because you're engaging with them in person. Personal interactions often lead to stronger connections and trust. Business owners can ask questions and get immediate feedback. An HT Media Report found that 73% of B2B marketers say in-person events are the most effective way to get leads. Here is how to sell digital products and services at networking events:
- Choose networking events that are relevant to your niche. This can include chamber of commerce meetings, industry conferences, and community meetups. Make sure it's attended by potential clients
- Set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve (e.g., number of contacts, leads, meetings scheduled). Try as much as possible to fulfill this goal while you're at the networking event
- Prepare an elevator pitch. Craft a concise and compelling introduction to your digital marketing services
- Hand out brochures and business cards. This should look professional with all your details. This includes business details, services offered, client testimonials, and polished presentations
- Engage and build relationships. You should be approachable, show genuine interest, ask questions, and listen to potential clients' needs
- Showcase your expertise. You can share success stories, offer valuable insights, or present case studies
- Don't forget to follow up. Get their contact information and call or send a personalized email or message within a few days. You can even offer a free consultation if they're unsure about your digital marketing services
2. Sell Digital Marketing Services Through Cold Outreach
Selling digital marketing services through cold outreach targets clients you never contacted before. You'll send them emails, social media messages, or make calls about your services. This allows you to grow your existing contacts or inbound leads. Also, cold emails and tailored phone pitches can grab attention. According to Crunchbase, 69% of business owners accept a cold call from new providers. However, you must know how to do proper cold outreach to see results. This includes:
- Research. Understand the local market and identify potential clients. Tailor your pitch to address their specific needs
- Personalization. Customize your message to each recipient. Mention their business name and address specific pain points
- Value proposition. Clearly state the benefits of your services. Explain how your services can improve their business
- Follow-up. Always follow up if you don’t get a response. Persistence can pay off
This should be the cold call pitch when you're selling digital marketing services:
- Introduce yourself by giving your name and your company
- Briefly explain the reason for your call, email, or message
- Highlight common challenges that local businesses face in their online marketing efforts. You can also go over why having a strong online presence is so important for local businesses
- Offer specific digital marketing services that address the challenges
- End with a clear call to action, such as scheduling a meeting or a follow-up call
3. Sell Digital Marketing Services With a Referral Program
Selling digital marketing services with a referral program can grow your client base organically. This is because the program encourages satisfied clients to recommend your services. In turn, they get extra perks for each referral, such as discounted services. This strategy works as people trust recommendations from peers over company ads. Moreover, it strengthens customer loyalty and retention. Here is how to create an effective referral program:
- Set clear goals. What do you want your referral program to achieve? Is it to increase clients, boost sales, enhance brand awareness, etc...?
- Know your target audience. It's important to identify the clients who are most likely to refer others. This way, you can tailor the program to their needs and preferences
- Decide on attractive referral incentives for referrers and new clients. This can be discounts, free services, gift cards, exclusive access to premium content, etc... Make the referral process as simple as possible by providing clear instructions. You can also use referral tools like unique referral links and referral codes
- Promote the program. Use email marketing, social media, your website, and other communication channels. Send reminders to your existing clients to participate in the program
- Track its performance. Use tracking tools to monitor referrals and measure success. Analyze the data to understand what works and what doesn’t. Adjust the program based on insights to improve its effectiveness
Dropbox is a great example of this. They increased their user base by 3900% in just 15 months with their simple referral program. For this, they offered extra storage space for both the referrer and the referred. This not only boosted their user numbers but also enhanced engagement and loyalty.
4. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Partnering With Complementary Businesses
Selling digital marketing services by partnering with complementary businesses expands your reach. It can enhance your service offerings, too. For example, digital marketing agencies can collaborate with web development firms. This partnership helps tap into new client bases and strengthens each other's offerings. An Impact study found that mature partnerships generate 28% of business revenue. Here is how to partner with a complementary business:
- Look for mature partners. These are businesses that offer complementary services to yours. They should also share similar target audiences and business values. Never partner with a business that competes against your services
- Choose a partnership structure. This can be a referral agreement where you both refer clients in exchange for a referral fee. You can also do joint ventures where you work together on specific projects
- Set clear goals and expectations. Always outline the objectives of the partnership. Clearly define each party’s roles and responsibilities. It's crucial to get this straight so there's no confusion
- Develop joint marketing strategies. Plan co-marketing campaigns to promote both services. Share marketing resources like email lists, social media platforms, and advertising budgets
- Maintain open communication. This is important to keep the partnership on track. You must address any issues or concerns quickly to maintain a healthy relationship
- Track the performance of the partnership. Evaluate the success based on predefined metrics and make necessary adjustments if necessary
5. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Utilizing Local SEO Optimization
Selling digital marketing services by utilizing local SEO optimization will bring clients to you. This is because it enhances your business visibility in local search results. So if a local business owner searches on Google for a ''local SEO agency near me', your website might appear first. Since your business is exactly what they're looking for, they are likely to hire your services. Intergrowth found that 28% of top local searches convert into clients within 24 hours.
If you offer local SEO services, getting your website to the top proves you can help them with the same thing. This also applies if you provide web design or development services and have a great website, etc... Here is how to utilize local SEO optimization:
- Complete and verify your Google Business Profile listing. Add your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. Make sure all your information is accurate and up-to-date. You should also upload high-quality photos of your business, products, or services. Regularly post updates and offers to engage with potential customers
- Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information is consistent across all platforms. This helps build trust with search engines and improves your local search rankings
- Collect and respond to client reviews. Always encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews online. You should respond to all reviews, including addressing any negative feedback. This shows that you value client input
- Use local keywords in your website content. Add relevant keywords to your website’s titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content. An example keyword is 'local SEO agency in Los Angeles, CA'. This helps search engines understand your location and the services you offer
- Create location-specific pages on your website. If you offer your services in many locations, create separate pages for each address. Include location-specific content, such as contact information, directions, and localized keywords, to improve visibility for searches in those areas
- Build local backlinks with local businesses, directories, and community websites. This shows that your business is trusted and relevant within the local community
- Make your website mobile-friendly. A Synup survey found that 58% of people who search for local businesses use their phones. If your website is not optimized for mobile users, these visitors won't stay or engage with it
- Use schema markup for local businesses. This provides detailed information about your business address, hours, services, and reviews. This can enhance its appearance in search results and improve click-through rates
6. Sell Digital Marketing Services With Email Marketing
Selling digital marketing services with email marketing is still highly effective. A Sopro survey of B2B buyers showed that email is the most reliable channel for finding services. This is because it allows direct communication with potential clients. You get to showcase your expertise and services, too. Here is how to do this:
- Build an email list of local businesses you want to work with. It's a good idea to divide your list based on the different types of businesses. This way, you can send tailored messages that resonate with their digital marketing needs
- Personalize your emails. Use the recipient's name, reference their business, and address specific challenges. These types of emails are more likely to get opened and read
- Add key elements to your email. This includes an engaging subject line, an introduction about your services, and a clear call to action
- Highlight success stories and case studies. Show how your digital marketing services have helped other local businesses. You need to build trust and credibility
- Include visuals and infographics. Visual content can make your email more engaging and easier to digest. Infographics that show statistics and ROI can be particularly effective
- Send follow-up emails. You need to keep the conversation going. Plus, it's a good way to remind potential clients of the value of your services
- Offer a free consultation or an initial audit. This can be an incentive for recipients to take the next step and engage with your services
7. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Advertising in Social Media
Selling digital marketing services by advertising on social media can reach a broader audience. A 2021 WifiTalents Report found that 93% of small businesses are active on social media. However, instead of sending each business a message, you can use targeted ads. The best part is that social media ads can zero in on specific demographic segments. Rest assured your digital marketing services will reach the right audience. If your ads are strategically designed, it will be very effective. Iron Paper provides a graph on the effectiveness of social media ads for B2B marketers:
Ads are not the only way to sell your digital marketing services in social media. You can also make your profiles easy to find and informative. Here is how to use social media to promote digital marketing services to local businesses:
- Run targeted ad campaigns. This allows you to target specific local business owners in particular industries. The most effective B2B ad campaigns are on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Facebook
- Optimize your profiles. Make your social media profiles complete and professional. Use consistent branding and include keywords related to digital marketing. This will make your profile more "seen" by local businesses looking for your services
- Share valuable content. You should educate and inform local businesses about the benefits of digital marketing. Share tips, case studies, and success stories that demonstrate your expertise. Explain how you can address specific challenges. This can capture the attention of small business owners
- Engage with the community. Actively participate in local social media groups and forums where business owners gather. Offer advice, answer questions, and build relationships to establish yourself as a trusted expert
- Host webinars and live events. Here, discuss digital marketing strategies for local businesses. Promote these events in advance and encourage participation to showcase your expertise
- Collaborate with local influencers. Influencers and business leaders have a following that trusts them. If they promote your services, you'll become credible in their follower's eyes. Plus, this can expand your reach even more
8. Sell Digital Marketing Services Through Google Business Profile Listing
Selling digital marketing services through a Google Business Profile listing will increase visibility. When people search for local services on Google, the first thing to pop up is the Local 3-Pack listing. This acts as a central hub to quickly find business information, including services offered, phone numbers, business hours, etc... It attracts and brings in more potential clients. A Partoo study shows that 50% of users are likely to hire a service from a complete listing. Here is how to optimize your Google Business Profile listing:
- Claim and verify your listing. First, search for your business on Google to see if a profile already exists. If it does, claim it by verifying that you are the owner. If not, create a new profile and follow Google's verification steps. This includes receiving a postcard at your business address
- Complete your business information. Make sure all the details are accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, business hours, and categories
- Upload high-quality photos. Make the pictures showcase your business, products, and services. You should also include a logo and cover photo to make your profile more attractive. What's more, regularly update your photos to keep your profile fresh and engaging
- Write a compelling business description. You need to highlight your unique selling points and key services. Use relevant keywords to improve your profile’s searchability, but avoid keyword stuffing
- Add your services. List all the digital marketing services you provide. Include detailed descriptions and pricing if applicable
- Encourage and respond to reviews. Ask satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on your profile. Respond to these reviews, too - both the positive and negative
- Post regular updates. Use Google Posts to share news, successes, events, and other updates. This keeps your audience engaged and can boost your profile’s visibility
- Utilize the Q&A section. This allows you to provide accurate and helpful answers to questions. It also shows that you're well-versed in your service industry
- Monitor insights and performance. Use Google Insights to understand how clients interact with your profile. Then, use the data to make informed decisions on how to improve your profile
9. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Hosting Educational Workshops
Selling digital marketing services by hosting educational workshops will attract the right audience. The business owners who join are looking for valuable insights and practical advice. To be sure, they're already interested in digital marketing. You can use these workshops to convince them even more why it's so crucial. It's also a great time to establish yourself as an expert in your digital marketing field. Plus, you can build relationships and generate leads for your services. Customer experience is a deciding factor when looking for a service. Providing great educational workshops will help improve your customer experience. Here is how to organize a workshop:
- Define your objectives. Write a list of your workshop goals. This can include generating leads, establishing expertise, or providing value to existing clients. This will help you shape the content and structure of your workshop
- Select your target audience. You need to know who will benefit most from your workshop. This can include small business owners, marketing professionals, or entrepreneurs. You can then tailor your content to meet their specific needs and challenges
- Choose a format and platform. You can host an in-person or virtual workshop. For virtual events, select a reliable platform like Zoom or Google Meet. Decide what kind of format you want. This can be a presentation, panel discussion, or interactive Q&A session
- Select a date and time. Try as much as possible to make it convenient for your target audience. Take into account their time zones and work schedules to maximize attendance
- Plan your content. Create an outline of the topics you will cover. Remember, it should provide value and address common pain points. It's good to prepare slides, handouts, or worksheets to enhance the learning experience
- Promote your workshop. You can use social media, email marketing, and your website to promote the event. Highlight the benefits of attending and any key takeaways participants can expect
- Register participants. Set up a registration system to collect attendees’ information. You can use platforms like Eventbrite, Google Forms, or your website. Don't forget to send confirmation emails and reminders leading up to the event
- Follow up. After the workshop, send a thank-you email and any materials or recordings. Provide additional resources or offers to encourage further engagement with your services
- Evaluate and improve. Collect feedback from participants to understand what worked well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to refine future workshops and enhance your offerings
10. Sell Digital Marketing Services Through Direct Mail Campaigns
Selling digital marketing services through direct mail campaigns creates a lasting impression. Today, local businesses see thousands of digital ads and receive even more emails. These can easily be overlooked, filtered out, deleted, and forgotten. However, direct mail is tangible and engages recipients on a personal level. They may keep physical mail around for future reference, extending its impact. MarketingCharts created a survey to see how effective direct mail campaigns are today. 59% of the respondents said that direct mail results in a good return on investment (ROI). If you want to go down this path, here are the steps:
- Find local business addresses. Determine who your ideal clients are. Then, find their locations through online directories, business listings, and local networking events. You can also buy a mailing list from a reputable provider
- Set a budget and timeline. Your budget should include design, printing, postage, and any additional cost. Make a timeline for the campaign, too, from design to delivery
- Create a compelling offer. Your mail needs a strong offer that provides value to your target audience. This can be a free consultation or discounts on your services. You want to motivate the recipients to take action right away
- Design your mailer. Create an eye-catching and professional mailer design that aligns with your brand. Include your company logo, contact information, and a clear call-to-action (CTA). Make sure the design is visually appealing and easy to read
- Personalize your message. Make it relevant to each recipient. One way to do this is to include the recipient's name, company, or other specific details. Personalization increases engagement and improves response rates
- Choose the right format. It can be a postcard, brochure, or letter. Select the most appropriate one that suits the message and audience
- Print and mail. Work with a reliable printing service that meets your quality standards. Coordinate with a mailing service to distribute the mailers to your target audience
- Measure the campaign results. You can do this by using tracking mechanisms such as unique phone numbers, landing pages, or coupon codes. Analyze the data to assess the ROI and identify areas for improvement
- Follow up with recipients. Contact them through phone calls, emails, or additional mailings. This helps reinforce your message and increases your chances of converting leads into clients
11. Sell Digital Marketing Services at Local Business Expos
Selling digital marketing services at local business expos is one of the best marketing strategies. The Changing Environments of Exhibitions reports that a whopping 99% of exhibitors found local expos more effective for marketing than other methods. This is because local business expos bring together various business owners and entrepreneurs. They network, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities to grow their businesses. It's a very concentrated audience. Setting up a booth will draw attention to your digital marketing services. Here is how to sell digital marketing services to local businesses at scale:
- Research and select the right expos. Only attend the ones where you'll likely meet business owners interested in digital marketing services
- Plan your booth. Design an engaging booth that clearly showcases your services. You can set up screens to display successful case studies. Or, you can show interactive presentations that highlight the benefits of digital marketing
- Prepare your pitch. You'll need to make a concise, clear, and compelling pitch about the benefits of your services. Focus on how your services can solve common problems and help achieve business goals
- Engage the attendees. Offer demonstrations of your services, answer questions, and provide informative materials. You can even host mini-workshops or presentations at your booth
- Collect contact information. Have a system in place for collecting contact information from interested attendees. The best way is to use sign-up sheets, tablets, or laptops
- Offer special promotions. To drive higher conversions, create exclusive offers or discounts for expo attendees. Highlight these promotions in your materials and during conversations to encourage immediate interest
- Network with other exhibitors. Take the opportunity to network with other exhibitors who may have complementary services. Building partnerships can lead to referrals and collaborative opportunities
- Follow up with the contacts you collected. Send personalized emails or messages thanking them for visiting your booth. You can then offer additional information or a consultation
12. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Highlighting Client Testimonials
Selling digital marketing services by highlighting client testimonials builds trust and credibility. In turn, this will attract new clients and increase conversion rates. According to Vendasta, 92% of people read online reviews before choosing a business. Another study by Wyzowl saw that 95% say that reviews have a big influence on their decisions. Business owners also state that having 10 or more reviews increases traffic by 15-20%. Here is how to to leverage testimonials for digital marketing services with local businesses:
- Provide high-quality digital marketing services. Of course, to receive positive reviews, you need to satisfy your clients
- Collect testimonials. The simplest way is to ask satisfied clients to leave a review or provide a testimonial. You can guide them on what to highlight, such as specific benefits or success stories
- Choose interesting testimonials. These can be the ones that are detailed and specific. You can also focus on the ones that address common concerns or show improvements and results
- Get permission and details. For authenticity, include the owner's full name, business name, and position. You'll first need to ask their permission before sharing this information publicly
- Design visually appealing displays. You can use quotes with eye-catching graphics or video testimonials. Video testimonials are especially effective. One study showed that 79% of people watch them to find out more about a company, product, or service
- Place testimonials on key pages of your website. This includes the homepage, service pages, or a dedicated testimonials page. Make them easy to find and visually appealing
- Share testimonials on social media platforms. Use engaging visuals or video formats. It's good to tag clients when appropriate to expand reach and authenticity
- Incorporate testimonials in marketing materials. Add them to brochures, email campaigns, and presentations. This will support your marketing messages and build trust
- Develop detailed case studies. To use case studies to sell digital marketing services to local businesses, you must mention the specific client challenges, the strategies you implemented to solve them, and the results
13. Sell Digital Marketing Services Through Content Marketing
Selling digital marketing services through content marketing is a subtle yet effective way to get new clients. Content marketing involves creating valuable and relevant content about your services. You can write articles or blogs, make YouTube videos, start a podcast, etc... This strategy positions you as an expert, builds trust, and generates leads.
Neil Patel uses content marketing to promote his digital marketing services. He produces high-quality, informative content that educates and engages his audience. Patel discusses all things digital marketing, SEO, and online business strategies. He quickly became an authority in the industry. Since he always plugs in his services in every post, people who need those services go to him. Neil Patel's success is evident from his impressive client list. This includes Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Google, and NBC. Here is how Patel promotes his services in his blog post:
Yes, content marketing takes time. However, the long-term benefits can lead to sustainable growth and increased revenue. Here is how to pitch digital marketing services to clients:
- Write explainer articles. These are articles that explain complex digital marketing concepts. This helps potential clients understand the benefits of your services
- Highlight case studies. Real-world examples showcasing your successful campaigns provide evidence of your expertise. Post past work with local businesses, highlighting results and improvements
- Publish blogs and eBooks. Keep your audience informed and engaged with industry trends, tips, and more. You can then give the solutions you offer to their pain points and encourage them to take action
- Create white papers and guides. Offer in-depth insights and step-by-step guides on various aspects of digital marketing. This shows the value and effectiveness of what you can offer
- Make videos and host webinars. This can include tutorials, Q&A sessions, or deep dives into specific topics. You'll establish yourself as an expert who is willing to help local businesses
- Post social media content. This will attract local business owners on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Engaging posts can show these owners the value of digital marketing. Since you were the one who showed them that, they may hire your services
- Design infographics. Visually appealing infographics can simplify complex information. They can increase engagement, boost brand visibility, and drive traffic to your website. Plus, infographics are very shareable, spreading your services to even more people
14. Sell Digital Marketing Services Through Targeted LinkedIn Campaigns
Selling digital marketing services through targeted LinkedIn campaigns is a great idea. For one, LinkedIn has advanced and powerful targeting options. You can set parameters such as job title, location, industry, and company size. You can directly reach business executives and decision-makers. Also, LinkedIn has an audience that is generally more business-focused. This increases the relevance and impact of marketing efforts. A SmarkLabs study says that the average conversion rate for LinkedIn ads is 6.1%. Here are the steps to implement this strategy:
- Identify your audience. Come up with the specific characteristics of your ideal clients. Remember, LinkedIn allows you to target job titles, industries, regions, and more
- Create engaging ad content. Your ad should speak directly to the needs and interests of your target audience. Use benefits, case studies, and testimonials
- Put a clear call to action. Include a strong call to action in your ads to encourage prospects to take the desired next step. This can be scheduling a consultation or downloading a resource
- Set up campaigns. Use LinkedIn’s Campaign Manager to set up and manage your ads. Track performance closely and adjust targeting as needed
- Engage with prospects. You should respond quickly to inquiries generated from campaigns. Send personalized follow-up messages to help convert leads into clients. You can also connect on LinkedIn to nurture relationships and move them through the sales funnel
15. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Offering Free Audits
Selling digital marketing services by offering free audits is a great way to build trust. At the same time, you can use it to convince local businesses to invest in your services. A free audit involves analyzing a business's online presence, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, and providing actionable insights for improvement. When business owners see that you have the answers, they may be willing to hire your services. HubSpot says that offering something valuable for free leads to higher conversion rates. However, you should follow these steps if you want to do it right:
- Choose what kind of audit you'll be providing. This should be based on businesses' needs and your expertise. Examples include SEO audits, social media audits, website performance audits, etc...
- Contact local businesses that are likely to benefit from your services. You can reach out to them through Facebook groups, email, phone, or networking events
- Explain the benefits of your free audit. Let the business owners know you'll help them understand where they stand in the market. In turn, you can work together to identify growth opportunities
- Conduct a comprehensive audit. You can analyze the business's online presence manually or with audit tools. Then, evaluate strengths and weaknesses to gather valuable insights into areas for improvement
- Prepare a detailed report. Your audit report is the most important piece. This is the one that will determine if the business gets your services or not. Make sure to create a clear and concise report outlining your findings. Highlight both positive aspects and areas requiring improvement. Include specific, actionable recommendations that show your expertise. However, don't give everything away. Create a need for your services
- Present your findings. Schedule a meeting with the business owner to discuss the audit results. To convince local businesses to invest in digital marketing services, explain the potential impact of the insights from your audit and how you can help achieve their goals
- Follow up with a proposal. Send a tailored proposal outlining how your services can address their needs. Emphasize the value and benefits they will receive. This will reinforce your role as a trusted advisor
16. Sell Digital Marketing Services by Partnering with Local Influencers
Selling digital marketing services by partnering with local influencers can broaden your reach. Local influencers are trusted figures within their communities. If they recommend your services, their followers are likely to trust you as well. This boosts credibility and attracts more potential clients. Plus, you don't have to actively seek out new audiences. A Digital Marketing Institute report saw that businesses earn $5-$18 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing. Here is how to implement this strategy:
- Find relevant local influencers to partner with. Make sure their audience aligns with your target market. They should also have good reach, engagement rate, and trust within their community. Your marketing efforts won't be as successful if you partner with just any influencer
- Build a relationship. You can do this by interacting with their content, commenting, and sharing their posts. Establish a genuine connection before proposing a partnership. This creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect
- Propose a collaboration. Make sure this outlines the benefits of partnering with your business, and vice versa. For example, you can help them refine their brand, while they allow you to tap into a loyal, targeted audience
- Develop a campaign plan. This should align with your brand goals and resonate with their audience. Work together to define key messages, content types, and campaign objectives
- Fulfill your end of the deal. This can be monetary payment, free services, commissions, etc... Make sure the local influencer fulfills their ends, too
- Monitor and measure results. Use metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates. Analyze the data to assess the campaign's effectiveness. Make adjustments as needed for future partnerships
How to Build Trust With Local Businesses for Digital Marketing Services
- Understand their needs. Take the time to learn about the specific challenges and goals of the local businesses. Show empathy and interest in their stories. Then, tailor your services to reflect your understanding of their market dynamics
- Provide transparent communication. Always be upfront about what you can deliver and what the process involves. Share insights into your strategies and be honest about any limitations. This shows your integrity and commitment to their success
- Showcase your expertise. Knowledge and skill are what local businesses look for in digital marketing services. They need to know that you can really help their business grow. So share success stories and testimonials from other local businesses you've worked with. You can even offer to connect potential clients with past clients. This way, they get first-hand accounts of your work
- Build personal relationships. Don't shove your services in their faces. If you do, it can come across as insincere or sales-driven. In turn, it may annoy or alienate potential clients. Instead, become an active participant in the local business community. Show genuine interest in their business and personal stories. Celebrate their successes as your own. Nurture these relationships with regular, informal check-ins
- Deliver consistent results. The best way to build and maintain trust is to follow through on your promises. Even better, go the extra mile to exceed expectations. Communicate the positive outcomes clearly and enthusiastically, reinforcing your reliability and dedication
- Educate and empower them. Be their partner rather than just a service provider. This means sharing some of your knowledge and skills. You can do this through workshops and personalized sessions
- Provide ongoing support. Stay connected with your clients even when the campaign is complete. Offer regular updates and check-ins. So if the local business owner needs any help, they will think of you first. Or, they will be very willing to get a good word out there about your services to their peers
What Are the Easiest Ways to Sell Digital Products to Local Businesses?
Testimonials, email marketing, and social media advertising are the easiest ways to sell digital products to local businesses. Testimonials from satisfied clients act as powerful social proof. These show that your products or services deliver real value and results. Daniel Fazio, the creator of Cold Email Wizard, uses this strategy to sign new clients.
Email marketing is excellent for guiding potential customers through a sales funnel. You'll send them emails at every stage of their buying journey. It starts with the awareness, interest, and consideration stages. Then you can move on to the intent, purchase, and post-purchase stages. These help you nurture leads, build trust, and encourage conversions. You can use ConvertKit to send an automated sequence of emails to potential clients.
Social media advertising can easily bring potential clients to your sales page. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram can target specific demographics and interests. You can be sure that your ads are reaching the right audience. What's more, eye-catching visuals and compelling ads can capture attention and generate interest. Here are other strategies for selling digital products and services from Reddit users:
Focusing on building your skills and credibility is what to do if you are new to selling digital marketing services. Before you begin, continuously learn your craft through online courses and certifications. Conduct trial and error tests. Utilize Reddit communities for advice and networking opportunities. You can then start offering services at a discounted rate to attract initial clients. You should also build a small portfolio that you can show these potential clients. Partnering with a more experienced marketer is another good idea. Slowly but surely work your way up.
Is It Worth Starting a Digital Marketing Agency in 2024?
It is worth starting a digital marketing agency in 2024 if you enjoy creating innovative marketing strategies. The field requires technical skills like SEO, PPC, or whatever niche you focus on. If you don't have a passion for that, you might struggle to persevere through the hard times. You should also be comfortable managing ongoing client relationships and handling sales activities.
If you have the passion, skills, and knowledge, you can capitalize on the growing demand and high profit. More and more consumers are searching for local businesses online. Local business owners need an online presence to attract and engage these searchers. No wonder Statista predicts that digital marketing spending will reach $800B by 2026. So it's a good time to take advantage of that. Moreover, profit margins for a digital marketing agency can average around 7.9% and go as high as 40%. ZipRecruiter lists the yearly earnings of digital marketing agencies in the US as $87,719 a year. Glassdoor says the average salary for a digital marketer is $62K-$116K a year. Here is what digital marketers on Reddit earn:
The digital marketing industry is very competitive. It will be hard to stand out. Having a strong online presence and a unique selling proposition (USP) is how to sell your digital marketing agency. This is a great time to implement your own digital marketing tactics for YOUR business. You can even use this as proof of your expertise when approaching potential clients. Your USP can focus on:
Innovative solutions
Client-centric service
Industry focus
Listening to concerns and addressing them effectively is how to handle objections when selling digital marketing services to local businesses. One of the most common objections from small businesses is, "We don't have a budget for this right now." For this, you can ask about their budget, focus on ROI, and highlight the long-term value. Another objection is, "We handle our own digital marketing." Offer complementary services, such as technology they may not have access to. You should also emphasize the benefits of having a dedicated team.
What Services Do Digital Marketing Agencies Offer?
Here are the services that digital marketing agencies offer:
- Lead generation
- SEO (search engine optimization)
- Social media marketing
- Content marketing
- Ppc advertising
- Email marketing
- Web design
- Web development
- SEM (search engine marketing)
- Video marketing
Conclusion: Local Lead Generation Is the Best Digital Marketing Service to Sell to Local Businesses
Local lead generation is the best digital marketing service to sell to local businesses as it's low risk and can earn passive income. This involves creating a service website and ranking it through local SEO. When it's already getting organic traffic, you rent the website to a local business and add their NAP. With this, local businesses will generate quality leads. According to Invoca, 55% of consumers search for home services on Google.
Other digital marketing services, like SEO and PPC, require constant work. If you want more revenue, you'll have to always find new clients and try to keep existing ones. Local lead generation can earn passive income since you'll earn from "rent" every month. Sure, building up a website takes time and hard work. But once it's rented, you can earn a streamlined revenue of $500 to $3,000 a month without worrying about it.
What's more, other digital marketing services are a bit risky. SurferSEO places the initial investment in digital marketing agencies at $730-$29,100. Plus, you're never sure if potential clients will hire your services. So you can spend a lot but never succeed. Local lead generation, on the other hand, only needs around $25 to $100 to create a basic website. Also, since you're offering something that already generates quality leads, it's easier to convince owners to rent it. It has low initial investment and high-profit potential.
