Using sales leads and postcards to acquire new clients?

[buckeye]

Has anyone here ever tried (or heard of anyone) successfully using the sales lead and postcard mailing websites to bring in new web clients? I'm not in the position to hire sales help so I thought this might be a good way to bring in some design or webmaster work. I've tried local print advertising but it hasn't been very productive.

[Martinscholes]

Is there a local chamber of commerce you can join? They can be very good as ways of generating business.

If there isn't one, could you set one up?

Print advertising didn't work too well? OK, have you sent press releases out? Could you offer to do a master class at a local college? Great way to advertise your business.

[Dcrux]

I've used postcards. But if your print ad didn't pull, don't use postcards.

Why? Because print ads don't "not work." My guess is you didn't work them right, meaning weak or unpersuasive copy.

Postcards require exponentially more copywriting skill. You also have to have a time-sensitive offer, a Unique Selling Proposition, and appeal for the customer. Also, too many people try to sell off the postcard.

Try a two-step. Mail a postcard to get people to call and hear a recorded message, or get a report online, or something similar. For upscale clientele, offer a targeted white paper. Use the postcard to get leads, and use the fulfillment package as a way to differentiate you from competitors and then sell.

Find the "selling story" hidden in your business. For example, one thing I tested was a computer product. Tried everything ..."free" included. What outpulled them all?

"Is You Computer An Over Priced Underachiever?"

In other words, make good on the broken promises of the competition -- most business fail with advertising because they blend into the background of their industry. You can get away with than when you're mailing half a million spam emails -- not physical mail with postage, even postcards.

[buckeye]

Good points, thanks.

My print ads are nothing sensational. Basically, they just describe a few of my services which I thought would be sufficient enough for a company seeking assistance. I guess I'll try "sizzling" them up a bit.