If you offer consulting services for small businesses, then you are part of a huge market. These business owners are often looking for guidance to expand their companies and take them to the next level. In many cases, they started off without much experience, and need some expert advice to grow.
However, there are numerous consulting services out there which help these small business owners. You need to make sure you stand out from the competition. This requires considerable research and consistent effort on your part. It also requires you to take every opportunity in your way. Here are a few ideas to help you succeed with this.
Send out emails
You need to send out emails which showcase the professional services you have on offer. Create an email layout on PosterMyWall and make sure you list all the relevant services you offer. Pick a design which fits in with your brand identity, and include your contact details and a portfolio as well.
Make an email list with all the small businesses you can find, and send this email to them. Also follow up with emails targeting them to sign up for your services. You can also offer first-time discounts or personalize your emails to identify what sort of issues you can help each small business with.
Place social media and Google ads
When your field is saturated, you do need to place a few ads to get your name out. So, invest in a few social media and Google ads. These should show your success stories and also tell small business owners how you are there to take their businesses to the next level.
Use the targeting tools with these ad services to narrow down your audience and only spread the word to relevant people. This will help you get more customers and also prevent you from overspending on ads.
Host networking events
Give small business owners opportunities to grow with networking events. Host an event where these business owners can get together and learn from each other. They can also explore potential partnerships with other businesses and with you. Make sure you highlight your services at these events and are part of the networking yourself.
This way, you can let these owners know how you can help grow their businesses. You can even have sample plans drawn out, so that people can see your level of professionalism and make it more likely for them to sign up with you on the spot.
Be part of small business communities
Do your research and see what small business communities are active online and in your vicinity. If there are small business owner forums or social media groups, make sure you join them and become part of the conversation.
Address any common issues or concerns small businesses have, and let them know how you can help them with these. This will make a name for you in the small business communities and intrigue owners about your consulting services.
Maximize your social media presence
Often, small businesses sign up with services they find the most appealing online. So, you need to maximize your social media presence. This will help you get on their radar, and make it easier for the owners to reach out to you.
Update all your social media pages, and regularly post on them. Highlight your services, customers, and any offers you may have in these posts. You can also message small businesses on their social media pages to reach out and offer your consultation.
Create a referral program
Once you get a few customers, it is more likely that they will spread the word about your services. Incentivize this behavior with a referral program. When a business owner refers you to another small business, then both of them will get a discount. This will not only get you new customers, but also help you keep existing ones on board.
Make sure you mention this referral program to all your customers. In addition, make things easier for them by creating a separate tab for this purpose on your website. This will help streamline the process.
Showcase success stories
When you help a business succeed, make sure you highlight what achievements you can, and compile them into a nice case study. Design this case study in an appealing manner, and share it on your website and on your social media channels.
Do this for every business you work with, and do take their permission. Share how you helped that business, and add in their testimonials as well. This will help you create a portfolio to share with potential clients.
So, there are many easy ways to promote your consulting services to small business owners. The key is consistency and research, then the only way you can go is up!
