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MenuHow do I get funded startups to buy Content Creation services?
We recently launched content creation services. (Article creation, infographic design, etc)
We have 3 funded startups that we currently work with. Aquired through my network.
How can I get more, what would be the best way to do this?
Answers
I've been working with funded startups for a couple years as a content marketing consultant and my business has grown significantly year over year.
Relationships are the king of generating new business in this space. It's important to become a key part of the startup community in your area and attend events whenever possible. Meet people, grab coffees, provide value through follow up emails and speak on the value of content creation as often as conference managers and planners will allow.
The second approach that truly has helped me grow my business is the creation of content that helps startups do these things on their own. For example, I've written a Content Marketing Guide for Entrepreneurs (Standoutguide.com) along with a series of blog posts & Slideshows highlighting how content marketing works for startups. Last year, I wrote a blog post specifically about B2B Startups and how content marketing can help them and then emailed it to a handful of marketing executives at a couple startups. I ended up getting meetings with each of them and working with 4/5 of them.
Finally, you need to develop a trustworthy brand. I couldn't count on my fingers how many times I've heard of marketers lose opportunities because they didn't manage their own accounts appropriately. Whether it's the language they use on their website or the way they carry themselves on social media - It's the little details that differentiate the best from the rest.
If you have any other questions - Feel free to give me a ring! Always happy to help fellow entrepreneurs achieve success.
Just asking a question... If they have great content "value" for clients and product/service. Why are they not generating revenue?
Most VCs/Angels have a content creator or provider as part of their portfolio to help other investments.
Have a solid new business development process and an action plan. Like any sales activity, you need a strong proposition and a tested process to present your offering to the market.
You are (sadly) no different to any other B2B biz dev client we have.
1 - research and build a database of your prospects (funded startups)
2 - make an offer to them that is compelling and they respond to your approach
3 - have a range of services that are easy to buy, demonstrate added value and encourage re-purchase
4 - rinse, repeat.
Happy to help you with our 8 Step New Business Development methodology
http://www.slideshare.net/rcaroe/cas-methodology-for-new-business-development
We do content marketing, and all our new clients come via inbound marketing. How they find us:
1. Referrals from other clients
2. Reach from my personal brand, alexisgrant.com
3. Google search and land on our website, socialexis.com -- I'm always shocked to hear this because we haven't yet put a lot of effort into the design of the site, and we don't update a blog there (we have prioritized serving clients over redesigning the website). It brings in business even though it's basic!
4. When I (founder of the biz) speak at events
Hope that helps!
@alexisgrant
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