as i know, it is almost impossible for a new company to tap into the WWW market of hosting, therefore i am wanting to tap into the local market.

To do this i am wanting to make information leaflets and also go around a few businesses offering my hosting services, however i was wondering, would these companies see this advertsing (the leaflets) as spam, or would they appreciate the offer?

Generally, I will just throw a leaflet away, unless i am looking for such a thing.

Many people in my area do the same that I know of. Most also hate telemarketing however. Sometimes its best to write a formal letter to them.

ah nice idea, so i would right a letter aimed at them, telling them about my services and how to signup etc?

If you can name the owner of the business, and know where the business's specialities are, and thus their potential clients & requirements. Then write them a personalised letter, otherwise it goes straight in the bin.

Other than that, the only thing you can do is walk in there and talk to the owner directly. That is if you look older than 18, otherwise you will get laughed out of the store.

Hi,


I don't think so it is spam. As long as you do professional service then fine . Bring your flyers and buisiness cards.

There are many people doing locally.


Thanks
David

slice16 - I would have to disagree you with you regarding the fact that it's impossible to break into the web hosting market online. Granted, if you have a reseller account and a $50 advertising budget, that goal might be somewhat farfetched, but at the same time, you won't be able to get far locally either.

The problem, as I see it, for web hosts trying to offer their services to local clients is:

1) If a client already has a website, their design company probably hosts them and the business owner is probably too busy to switch, even if it's going to save him a few bucks per month.

2) If a client doesn't have a website, he is not going to need your services, unless you offer design as well. However, one of the solutions, would be to offer a business-card website, along with your hosting package.

As far as marketing your services locally, there's been a few interesting ideas circulating here over the last few weeks.

Boris

"... to offer a business-card website, along with your hosting package" --> seems a great advice. We will be looking into this strategy as well. Thanks :)

My pleasure to help.

Let me know if you need any more ideas or suggestions - I'd be more than happy to provide you with a few.

Boris

Personally our greatest success was when we came upfront with a proposal to create or re-design their current website and service offerings on the web. Helping them to create a web identity and image. We offered this service upfront for free and the hosting charge per month basis.

This has been the best attention grapper for us in the local market. Suggestion: Know the company, name potential advantages to them establishing a web identity, create mock web template/business card/etc., name ways their web identity can increase their profit margins(if you cant increase their profit margins then all you are doing is creating another bill for them in their mind).

From there its pie, you have them hooked usually. Just our experience though.