How (Not) To Win Clients
How (Not) To Win ClientsI’m surprised that 6 months into 2009, unsolicited email is still being used as a means of ‘marketing’ services by individuals or companies.
A few days ago I was contacted by a “branding and graphic identity agency” (let’s, for the sake of argument, call them Generic Web Agency), offering their service to overhaul the branding and graphic design of Rockers Delight. Obviously I’ve not long had Rockers Delight redesigned; a decision that was made by myself, not inspired by a spam email, therefore I’m not in the market for a fresh rebranding. Even if I was, I know that the last ‘type’ of company or individual I’d hire to do so would be those who send unsolicited email.
In the past I’ve received many of these types of emails, and I always brush them off. This one, however, was different in that it was personal and directed specifically towards me. I could tell it wasn’t bulk email sent to myself and other site owners; it was very much targeted towards Rockers Delight.
There are a few things wrong with how Generic Web Agency went about this. Firstly, what made them think I was in the market for a redesign? I hadn’t stated anywhere that this was the case, and my site certainly doesn’t look in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. Secondly, did they even visit my site? If so, I’m surprised they think – judging by their site and portfolio – they could do a better job than what Massive Blue achieved. I don’t want to criticise their site, especially as it isn’t awful, but I know that what I currently have is better than a flash intro that, once finished loading, is simply a splash page… Thirdly, telling me they are “big on experience and small on price” may appeal to the shoestring budget I currently have (setting up a business is expensive!), but I’m wise enough to know that, with web design, you get what you pay for.
So, I took it upon myself to politely reply to their email. The gist of my response was: “Look, mate, I don’t know where you’ve got the idea from that I’m looking for a new web site, but you’re only going to give your brand a bad name by contacting people via email which is unsolicited, therefore considered spam. Think about it.”
That was completely paraphrased.
Hopefully Generic Web Agency have taken on board what I said, as it’s a very valid point. You may think there’s a possibility you could get a bit of work out of this means of ‘marketing’, but in 2009 there isn’t! That isn’t the way to win clients! What impression have I conjured from being contacted in this way by Generic Web Agency? That they don’t know what the hell they’re doing.
Tags: Rockers Delight
This entry was posted
on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 3:14 pm and is filed under Personal.
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