Trying to get started freelancing - Google Ads / Web Design

[Andy Black]

Start freelancing. Figure out how to scale from there.

 

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[mavdm22]

Start freelancing. Figure out how to scale from there.

HI Andy,

Hope you are well.

Yes that was what I thought. Johnny is correct in what he said but i think that he is a few steps ahead of me.

Going to be working through your thread recommendations.

Thanks again. I'll be back.

 

[Mister]

In regards to calling and checking the market, maybe I could call those who have opened my emails a fee times. I have those tracked and get opened more than once. What do you or others think?

Just out of curiosity when you called the pest control company did they say anything specific regarding lead gens? Did they explain what was it that was unethical?

Thanks again

To use it as a follow-up sounds like a good idea.


Nope, none explained why is unethical, that's my personal view.
But based on their reaction, I know there wasn't something right about the reaction. Then most of them reacted the same way.

 

[Andy Black]

Have you got a client yet, even a free one?

 

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[Joejordan95]

Hi Johnny,

Hope you are well

Sending 200 emails is nothing, i agree, i am actually surprised no one said that until now. But the Uk market is considerably smaller than the US. I don't even think there are 50k companies in my niche. There could be but either way your message was loud and clear.

Thank you and if you can or want if anything else springs to mind, do let me know, i appreciate all the help i can get

Get on Facebook if you’re not already and get in the local uk paving contractor groups

There’s a guy who I met in a pressure washing group and he done me a website and my ads and he’s been in there for months and has found multiple clients

 

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[Andy Black]

Oh, and another benefit is you're dealing with business owners, who believe in spending money to make money. No need to pay to learn from business owners, get paid to get kicked into shaped by them.

 

[mavdm22]

Have you got a client yet, even a free one?

Hi Andy

No, unfortunately not yet, spent the best part of nearly two hours this evening chatting to someone in California and he wanted information. Which is fine. Even though i want a client, i do get a certain satisfaction that you made a difference to someone or at least tried. Did i offer to do it for free? No, should i have done? Possibly. I didn't want to ruin anything.

i was going to call the business that i offered to do a free site for today (got caught up in the above), but tomorrow can work also and it gives them a little more time. Still got a call booked for next week and i spoke in length to a web dev last night to which it seemed at first glance could be a good partnership as he does not offer google ads.

 

[mavdm22]

Sorry, feck cold emailing and cold calling.

"Who already has your clients?"
(Jay Abraham)

I get sooo much of my work from businesss who want to offer Google Ads services to their clients.

All you need is one business that has multiple clients who you can build a win-win-win with.

Before that happens you need ONE client and to get some skin in the game. Have you asked everyone in your network if they know anyone who wants help with Google Ads?

I know your position in regards to cold outreach. I have read many posts where you say. "i dont do outreach, i build relationships"
I think i mentioned this in one of my posts. That was the only way so far that i have managed to speak to other business owners. I have only offered my help properly for the last week.

The one business you mentioned earlier, yes, agreed. That was me reaching out to the web dev and the chat yesterday. Reached out to another today but no response. Chat went really well and it could well be a possibility. Waiting on more information from him.

My network Andy is non existent. i have no one unfortunately in that respect. I have asked everyone i know. Do you know. No, Do you know anyone who might know? No.

Nothing.

 

[Andy Black]

Good. You've tried your network. No bites, that's OK.

Who have you met locally?

Have you gone for coffee with anyone to chat about business?

Are you bouncing around in forums and Facebook groups?

Have you ended up connecting with anyone and then jumping on Zoom to shoot the breeze?

I ask because a lot of my first clients came from me going on local workshops for business owners.

I literally attended to learn "LinkedIn for Business" or whatever the workshop was. I was not there to get clients.

Instructor: "Before we begin can everyone introduce themselves and their business."

Google Ads newbie: "Hi. My name's Andy. I do them little ads on Google."

Cue one or two people speaking to me at the coffee break.

No business card.

No experience.

No portfolio.

No website.

No USP.

I just happened to be in the same room as them and said I did Google Ads.

 

[mavdm22]

Get on Facebook if you’re not already and get in the local uk paving contractor groups

There’s a guy who I met in a pressure washing group and he done me a website and my ads and he’s been in there for months and has found multiple clients

Hi Joe,
Hope you are well

Excellent comment!

Yes, i have started to do that, (previous comment mentioned this when Andy said in one of his posts) and only in the last week but i started on reddit, this is how i have managed the few conversations i have had.

Facebook i think i mentioned it in one of my posts here was the next place i was going to go to.

Joe can i ask. How did that situation evolve? What i mean is how did it go from you not having a website and ads running to you having someone do those for you? Did you ask for help in the group? Was that how it happened?

And if i can push my luck, as you are a business owner. Imagine if you didn't have a website (its the easiest example). How would one approach you to do a free website for you? I appreciate that everyone is different. This question was the same question that got me talking to the web dev. I basically contacted him and asked if i wanted a partnership with a web dev. What would be the best way to approach web devs.

I'm in this position and i'm just curious.

Either way, i appreciate your comment and yes agreed. That's next on the list.

Thank you

 

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[mavdm22]

Good. You've tried your network. No bites, that's OK.

Who have you met locally?

Have you gone for coffee with anyone to chat about business?

Are you bouncing around in forums and Facebook groups?

Have you ended up connecting with anyone and then jumping on Zoom to shoot the breeze?

I ask because a lot of my first clients came from me going on local workshops for business owners.

I literally attended to learn "LinkedIn for Business" or whatever the workshop was. I was not there to get clients.

Instructor: "Before we begin can everyone introduce themselves and their business."

Google Ads newbie: "Hi. My name's Andy. I do them little ads on Google."

Cue one or two people speaking to me at the coffee break.

No business card.

No experience.

No portfolio.

No website.

No USP.

I just happened to be in the same room as them and said I did Google Ads.

No bits from personal network.
To be honest Andy, i am not in my targeted country. Basically long story short and i think i may have mentioned this. I'm Portuguese but after my parents split up i moved to England (North West) with my dad when i was 7. Came back to Portugal to do my military service which was compulsory and no longer. Met my now ex wife (together 16 yrs) and have two children. I don't want to leave my children. I have a 15 yr son and a 4 yr old daughter. I'm basically stuck here if i want to see my children. Which i obviously do. I'm sure you understand as you too mentioned that you too are a father. (This is my explaining the lack of contacts)

You may say, Why don't you do this in Portugal. Because even though i am Portuguese. My mother tongue is English. I prefer English and to be honest i don't think i can do the ads or landing page in Portuguese. I lived in Lisbon after military service and worked In an... hold... wait for it... English company!

I'm in a rural part of central Portugal. In regards to meeting people. I know that there a few older couples here from England, came to live their retirement, possibly Ireland. Not sure exactly, i know they are from the UK. I thought about asking them if they have any connections in England or UK. Which after your post above. That's what i am going to do.

Side note, i am also part of an English group on facebook (my county) where they ask questions about living in Portugal. People who already live here. I am going to see if i can speak to them also.

No not jumped on any zoom calls or attended any business meetings.

"i do them little ads on google " hahaha

So again, thank you. I appreciate the time you have taken to post.

 

[GuestUser4aMPs1]

what do you think?

I think you should bet a little bit of money and test it for yourself.

Right now you're overthinking EVERYTHING.

Build a page, buy out ad space / google traffic and get some leads to fill in their info.

(If you're generating landscaping leads for example, have fields for type of job / budget / etc.)

Then, contact a company who performs those services.

Say "Hey, I have a few leads who want to hire you. Here's their details. Give me 10% of the sale."

Then you're in. Shouldn't take more than a week or two to test the concept.

That's exactly what you're trying to do. Performing the smallest experiment to see if it'll work or not.

Do that and report back here; At least you will have taken action and stopped spinning your tires.

 

[mavdm22]

I think you should bet a little bit of money and test it for yourself.

Right now you're overthinking EVERYTHING.

Build a page, buy out ad space / google traffic and get some leads to fill in their info.

(If you're generating landscaping leads for example, have fields for type of job / budget / etc.)

Then, contact a company who performs those services.

Say "Hey, I have a few leads who want to hire you. Here's their details. Give me 10% of the sale."

Then you're in. Shouldn't take more than a week or two to test the concept.

That's exactly what you're trying to do. Performing the smallest experiment to see if it'll work or not.

Do that and report back here; At least you will have taken action and stopped spinning your tires.

Hi Mike,

Great comment. Thanks I appreciate it.

Unfortunately at this moment in time i cannot do that.

However I do have a few other ideas.

I also cannot read the link you sent. I think I need to be an INSIDERS.

But dont get me wrong. I'm taking it all in. I'm still reaching out to potentials cold outreach. In vain? Maybe. Prospecting is like looking for gold. So sifting still.
I'm still in talks with a few people as we speak.
I'm looking to help others on platforms
And I'm trying to read Andy's info.

Once things pickup will I do what you mentioned. Absolutely!
Based on what you said maybe there is also an entry through another door. Same principles but different strategy.

Mike, thank you

 

[mavdm22]

Cool. If there's not much happening locally then hop into Facebook groups and forums where you're a peer and start making friends/connections. Exactly like you're doing in this forum.

What I mean by peers is, don't join groups of tradesmen when you're not a tradesman. Maybe join groups of budding SEOs, web developers, or people who use xyz tool you also use.

Focus on being a helpful, supportive, and engaged member. Tell people what you're trying to do and get and give advice. (So exactly as you're doing in the forum.)

Answer questions on any topic.

Also answer questions related to the type of work you want to do. If someone has a question about Google Ads then research it and reply.

People will notice that you are or want to be a Google Ads guy.

End up in PMs helping people, naturally.

End up on Zoom calls helping people, naturally.

You're NOT trying to turn them into clients.

You're just trying to help people with Google Ads, and ideally be *seen* helping people with Google Ads.

People will start referring you to other people, and referring people to you.

I'll emphasise again that your mindset is to be helpful, not to look for clients.

You can of course pop into groups of business owners and offer to setup Google Ads campaigns for them. And that can work. But what if you were invited into a group by the owner and they introduced you as a Google Ads guy who will do a free workshop or answer questions? I've been invited into loads of groups because I'm seen as helpful, supportive, engaged, and a subject matter expert who can bring value to a group.

Obviously there's other ways to get started, and maybe faster. The beauty of helping people first in groups where you're a peer is you don't have to try selling to anyone. Referrals will come to you and you can figure out sales as you go along, all while making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins.

I believe that chat with Sonny is about this.

PS: You're already doing it in this forum.

Also check out "Who have you helped?" in my signature.

Hi Andy

Hope your well today.

Thank you for your reply. I read what you said and taken it onboard. I will be reading yours and everyone elses comments and going over the threads you mentioned over the weekend.

Had a meeting with one. When Google ads came up I was honest and let's just say that it didn't go too well. Basically with no proof he said that he wasn't in a position to lose money and didn't want to be a test dummy. It's really no surprise to me. In hindsight i should have seen it coming. Even though i am confident and proved to myself in the past i can understand completely his position. It's one thing me stating and another thing me showing. Show dont tell. He is willing to pay me for any leads I generate.

Also got to the point of arranging a time to speak to the web dev but I cancelled it based on the previous conversation. I didn't see the point in going ahead as the root problem of no proof still exists.

I've reached the conclusion that 80% of my knowledge is theory and technically worthless to clients and understandably so. I am aware that most will say that I am stating the obvious a few may even say that I should have known better to which they're right.

So, I've decided that I am not approaching anyone until I can prove what I am talking about with hard figures and evidence which means I'm back to the drawing board.

In regards to Google ads. Once things pickup I'm going to do as Mike suggested and spend the money and with those results I will then search for clients. There is no other way and that's the way it should be.

So I really appreciate your help Andy and all the members who replied to my thread.

Thanks guys

 

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[Andy Black]

There is no other way and that's the way it should be.

Good luck. Hope it works out.

Just be careful of limiting beliefs. There are other ways.

 

[Andy Black]

Hi Andy

Thanks for your reply.

Liars

I said I thought to myself. I should have continued with I'm technically a liar instead of people. Also you have those 4 videos. Stats will show. Using your example I currently have no videos Andy. Do you see what I mean?

Confidence

No not at all. I'm confident in my ability to run ads for myself and others. I've done it for myself, I know the results I can generate. I've completed many course and will continue to take courses that I feel will benefit me but that's just out of curiosity to see if I learn anything new. This isn't my problem.

You cant either

Ok here you left me wondering what you meant and also thinking in regards to skillset or experience and what people want. At the end of the day I know people want results, positive return on their investment.

Will I roll up my sleeves and get stuck in and figure it out. Of course. I have no problems with this at all. I prefer when it goes as planned but if something happens, troubleshoot and resolve.

Helped someone

Indeed, he keeps sending updates. I did ask him to. Was curious to what would happen. So far 4 calls 2 booked and 1 potential. I would prefer to look at the account but that's just me. Am I pleased, absolutely, am I surprised, not really as this was the intention.

I'm at a crossroads. I understand what you said, I agree with what you said. I just cant shake this feeling that if it happens again on another call in regards to someone asking for proof that I cant produce it.

I also saw somewhere and it stuck with me that if you can explain how you are going to help them, what exactly you are going to do and what the outcome is then the request for proof may never even come up.

I've never been asked for proof in the 13 years I've been doing this.

 

[dru-man]

Hadn't thought of that. Reason being that it was him who carried out the changes even though under direction. I will have a chat with him, I'm also curious to see how things are going.

Even if he did the hands-on work himself, it was essentially a free consulting call (which is certainly part of the work you'll be doing in this space). Once you are established, you can even charge for advice like that.

You gave him information, outlined what he needed to do, and he got results when he ran with it. You're not asking him to be dishonest -- just politely ask if he would mind writing a quick testimonial about the time and help you gave him and the results he got after your call.

How enthusiastic he wants to get with that feedback is up to him, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[Andy Black]

Even if he did the hands-on work himself, it was essentially a free consulting call (which is certainly part of the work you'll be doing in this space). Once you are established, you can even charge for advice like that.

You gave him information, outlined what he needed to do, and he got results when he ran with it. You're not asking him to be dishonest -- just politely ask if he would mind writing a quick testimonial about the time and help you gave him and the results he got after your call.

How enthusiastic he wants to get with that feedback is up to him, but it never hurts to ask.

I don't ask for testimonials enough. When I do though I ask for a LinkedIn testimonial. It feels less awkward for them, and it's also more obvious to them how a little note on their part will help me.

 

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[dru-man]

I don't ask for testimonials enough. When I do though I ask for a LinkedIn testimonial. It feels less awkward for them, and it's also more obvious to them how a little note on their part will help me.

Fair points.

I'm a copywriter, so most of my clients know the value of a good testimonial as a sales tool and are happy to provide. If they're impressed with the work, they're always more than happy to oblige.

That said, I've gone the LI route too. What I do when it's on a platform like that is also take a screenshot of it (to add to it's credibility as a testimonial on my sales page and other marketing assets).

Definitely a good approach, especially if your clients aren't exactly in direct-response or have other reasons to not understand the necessity for a feedback history as a freelancer.

 

[mavdm22]

Any updates?

Hi Andy. Hope you are doing well.

No. Nothing. Going to give it till the end of march and if still nothing, I will need to look into something else.

 

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[mavdm22]

What are you stuck at?

Client acquisition Andy

 

[Andy Black]

Client acquisition Andy

What are you doing and how?

 

[Andy Black]

Going to give it till the end of march and if still nothing, I will need to look into something else.

Cold email outreach

Do you mean at the end of March you'll look at another channel for acquiring clients, or offer another service via cold email outreach?

It's one thing having a skill. Getting paid for that skill is another thing.

 

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[mavdm22]

Do you mean at the end of March you'll look at another channel for acquiring clients, or offer another service via cold email outreach?

It's one thing having a skill. Getting paid for that skill is another thing.

Offering another service. Very true what you said about the differences. Focused on trying to get clients at the moment.

 

[Andy Black]

Offering another service. Very true what you said about the differences. Focused on trying to get clients at the moment.

Will offering a different service make it easier to get clients?

 

[Andy Black]

I can't answer that question at the moment Andy but I understand the message.
I'm focused on home services and it just seems that with sites like checkatrade in the UK and home advisor in the US amoungst others businesses don't want to pursue Google ads and those that do want to advertise mainly use FB.

Basically what I am trying to explain is that when is enough enough. When does one reach the conclusion that it's simply not working.

I'm sure you can understand or am I looking at this the wrong way?

I mostly do local lead gen, in the UK and US. Plenty of local service businesses use or want to use Google Ads.

I also have other clients that are lead gen but not local service businesses.
And there's a few eCommerce businesses that reach out occasionally but I turn down.

Many businesses that already use Facebook Ads worry they have all their eggs in one basket.

Personally, I prefer to offer Google Ads than Facebook Ads.

Anyway, all that to say it's possible. I suspect people starting out would be better off doing inbound than outbound. Have you tried inbound? Have you been through the inbound/sales thread in my signature?

 

[mavdm22]

I mostly do local lead gen, in the UK and US. Plenty of local service businesses use or want to use Google Ads.

I also have other clients that are lead gen but not local service businesses.
And there's a few eCommerce businesses that reach out occasionally but I turn down.

Many businesses that already use Facebook Ads worry they have all their eggs in one basket.

Personally, I prefer to offer Google Ads than Facebook Ads.

Anyway, all that to say it's possible. I suspect people starting out would be better off doing inbound than outbound. Have you tried inbound? Have you been through the inbound/sales thread in my signature?

Hi Andy

Hope you are well. Apologies for the late reply.

Completely with you. Came across many businesses also using fb only. Personally i prefer Google, especially for home services. I find google more targeted. I have said in my previous posts that and i have nothing against fb advertising.

I have read your posts on inbound but not all. Just going through a few issues at the moment.

Thanks for your posts on this thread. You've been fantastic.

 

[mavdm22]

Inbound doesn't have to be based around teaching. I feel that if you teach people how to do stuff then you're likely build an audience of people who want to do what you do. Which is OK if that's your market. Less so if it's not.

My advice:

Help people, in public.

You don't even have to help people with the service you provide.

Think of what I do for example. How many of my 15,000+ posts in this forum are about Google Ads?

I'm a community member first, welcoming newbies and pointing them in the right direction till they find their feet, joining in discussions about ChatGPT or whatever.

It brings me business, but not how you probably think.

1) Forum members sometimes refer people they meet in their travels to me. "You're having trouble with your Google Ads? Oh, I know a guy..."

2) More importantly, I make friends, build relationships, and create win-wins with forum members and people they introduce me to. I end up in lots of PMs. Many end up on Zoom where I love getting to know people and help in any way I can. I braindump whatever i think can help them my thoughts and it mostly isn't about Google Ads.

I'm seen as helpful and someone they could refer folks to without worrying those folks will be hard sold or have a bad time. And I just repeat the cycle of making friends, building relationships, and creating win-wins.

Is this inbound? I don't know and don't think it matters what label's put on it. What I don't do is PM people out of the blue though. I only PM people who follow me, and then it's just to say Thanks and ask how they're doing.


Maybe work through the series of short videos I posted to YouTube last year. Here's some:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/xYEEhRyF1qA?feature=share

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/iaVpqiUETl8?feature=share

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZuvJ7HWhU2c?feature=share

Hi Andy

Good evening

Saw your videos and going through the links in your signature and also your yt channel.

Also want to thank you for all the help you have given in this thread. I appreciate it Andy

 

[mavdm22]

I recommend getting a few results first before doing cold outreach - having some wins will help get a much better response from people. So find some businesses you can help for now (using the connections you already have) and get a project or two done.

Also, be open to what niches you help. Niching down should be because you have experience and can see where it is best applied. There isn't much advantage to niching down at the very start - cast a wide net and just get going with whoever looks suitable.

Hi Fox,

Interesting you said that because today I was thinking something similar. I completely agree with you. Unfortunately I do not have any connections directly and have gone as far as asking the people I know if they know anyone and still nothing.

I have sent emails out asking if I could do free work in exchange for testimonials and portfolio additions, and no responses.

I am also helping out on reddit answering questions and also will be doing more on Facebook and searching out forums.

I am curious in regards to why people won't even reply in regards to free work as mentioned? In my eyes (it's possible I'm missing something) it's a win win. They wouldnt lose money or time and in exchange for a testimonial which anyone can write in 5 minutes. I dont understand the resistance.

I appreciate your reply and will be looking to cast wider net. I'm familiar and like working with the home services industries. Could this be my mistake maybe?

Thank you

 

[mavdm22]

freelancing is for retards.

How much does it cost to get a logo from a retard freelancer?

$40?

How much does it costs to get a logo from a company like electricpen.com

Likely $4000 or something in that ballpark.

What's the difference? It's just a company with a web domain offering a service. But they position themselves as experts while freelancers are cheap and commoditized.

Start a company, stop freelancing like a broke retard.

Hi Johnny Boy,

Hope you are well.

Do I agree with what you said. Yes and no. Do I respect your opinion. No question. Yes. Let me explain.

You are 100% correct in what you said. However, from my perspective I don't even know if i can get any clients!

I have done that in the past, setup a company only to run through my savings without any sales. Right or wrong I refuse to jump head first again into the unknown.

The way I see it is this. Let me get clients, provide a service the benefits both parties and grow from there. If or when I have proof that A. I can get clients, B. Both parties satisfied then yes absolutely C. Would be to do as you said.

I'm not there yet Johnny.

I've read some of your posts. You're straight to the point ( I like that) a few times I've read what you said and thought MMm that doesnt sit well with me (regarding the way you did or would do). So clearly I know you know what you are talking about.

A brief overview of my situation is above. Andy and fox have been fantastic. Forgetting starting a company right this second what would you do?

I appreciate your comment and welcome any observations you may have.

Thank you