Re: FN-FORUM: Succesful ways to advertise - that don't cost much!

date posted 30th October 2007 16:38

Hi Robert,

>On 29 Oct 2007, at 16:36, Colin Rainsforth wrote:
>>Who is your target market? Do you work for design companies? Or
>>direct for those businesses which have these information
>>requirements?

At 23:38 +0000 29/10/07, Robert Hempsall wrote:
>...in answer to the question, both. The most important thing for me
>is to do interesting work, wherever it comes from.

Sure. You just need to understand your target market to get your
message across.

Looking at your site you seem to under the importance of highlighting
the *benefits* of your service as well as the *features*. If possible
though I think I'd like to see a little more 'proof of concept' to
back up the example projects - such as customer and end user
feedback. This would naturally spill over into any presentation of
your business - including verbal.

For example, your signage system for Charing Cross looks great and
outlines an 'outside the box' approach. Additionally its appearance
in a design journal gives it a great deal of credence. But have you
actually gathered any feedback from end users in the hospital?

For web design I analyze a variety of statistics to measure outcomes,
inform continued development and demonstrate ROI. For some larger
projects I have also run usability workshops thoughout the project
cycle to assist with user interface development.

Do you do anything like this during and after your projects?

----

In terms of marketing these messages networking (as previously
mentioned) is a good way to meet potential clients, suppliers and
useful contacts. A call to Business Link will put you on the right
track. You should also consider presenting as a guest speaker at
networking events as I think this works well for niche B2B services.

Search engine promotion should also form part of your marketing mix.
I'd be interested in seeing your web stats and offering some advice
if you want to mail me off-list.

As someone working in a similar field to you, I also found your blog
interesting. Have you done anything to promote this on-line? And have
you considered submitting articles to relevant trade publications?

ColinR
--
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Colin Rainsforth, BA (hons)
New Media Consultancy and Design
Web | Print | CDROM

Telephone/Fax: 01300 321 347
UK Local Rate: 0845 838 6790
http://www.rainsforth.com/
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