I just finished up a web site for a client. In the past I also setup Peachtree Accounting for them, so we have a good relationship. They are local to my area and in the roofing business with a large client base. I got to thinking that maybe they might like to add a newsletter to their site for customers or potential customers.

Do y'all have any ideas on how to approach them about this? I would probably have to be the one to come up with topics to include in their newsletter, but could get some input for them, so this is part of my concern - they aren't the "writing content" type of guys and I'm not real well-versed in the roofing industry.

Also, I am not sure if they have email addresses for all the customers they have, so that might be a snag in the plan.

Any input will be appreciated!

Just me...always thinking!

__________________
Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Come up with a proposal to present to them. I am sure there are tons of reference material for the roofing industry. Put all the pros and cons in your proposal as well as what would be expected of them. They can only say no so it does not hurt. Then again they can yes.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Agree with Lee. It will give you a chance to showcase your writing skills. You can look at value pak mailers that advertise those services sometimes. I hope they go for it. Nothing like soliciting for new services! Congrats and let us know how it turns out!

__________________
Kathya Kalinine
http://www.emeraldvirtual.com

Hi Jules,

I think this is a great idea and now is the time to bring it up; since you just finished their site.

I would just stick to the fact that now that they have a brand spanking new website, a newsletter sign-up box and newsletter is a great way to capture the interest of new clients visiting the site and staying connected with their current ones. Then if their interest is indeed piqued...have the how and what ready for them. Some things that can go into a newsletter (which nowadays can simply be one page in length) timely roofing tips - if they do more than just roofing -- they can include some basic home or business seasonal construction tips, like: Winter is upon us... have you checked your windows for proper insulation? Then provide 2-3 tips on how to test the insulation of the windows. You can include company news and some discounts. Also give some thought about which email management system to use (Constant Contact, iContact or Aweber). Hope that helps!

Good Luck!

Darlene



Good Luck!

Darlene

__________________
Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business

If you have a copy of a recent newsletter (Or even a mock one) that you have done, I would send them it as a sample of my work. Along with that, I would review the way that they would integrate the newsletter into their marketing, highlighting that it's something that does not need to take up a lot of time to do and list all of the benefits.

If you have other clients that you have done this for, I would reference some of their success also. If not, I would look up some statistics to include which would back up your idea.

__________________
Vivi Gonzalez
www.VirtualBusinessPartners.com

Hey Jules,

I agree with the ladies on sending them a newsletter of your own. Place a nice advertisement in your own newsletter about their business and what you did for them. This will peek their interest in wanting to do the same for their current clients.

Andrea~

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Thank you all for your wonderful input! I'll be putting something together to propose this.

I have other web design clients that could take advantage of this too. Way cool!

Hmmm...maybe I'll do my own newsletter with these companies featured in it, with nice things about all of them, what they do, and links to their sites and email it to them all. Going to do some more thinking on this way of going about it. I could then contact them after for followup about a newsletter of their very own.

I have such a diversity of web design clients, from CPA firms to tattoo shops. They might even see potential clients in the featured companies in the newsletter. Oy, but don't want to get into trouble if they contact each other unsolicited...more thinking to do.

Thank you!

__________________
Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

I think your clients will appreciate the free advertising that you would provide to them in your newsletter. But, if you are worried you could always ask them is it okay to advertise their company in your newsletter, which of course would also peek their interest in doing a newsletter for their company.

Andrea~

__________________
Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Originally Posted by Action Jackson VA

I think your clients will appreciate the free advertising that you would provide to them in your newsletter. But, if you are worried you could always ask them is it okay to advertise their company in your newsletter, which of course would also peek their interest in doing a newsletter for their company. Andrea~

My thoughts exactly, Andrea! Good to have the validation that I am on the right track.

__________________
Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Think you are definately on the right track.... If you are concerned though, and you know your clients best, I would drop them an email letting them know that you wanted to highlight or feature them in your upcoming newsletter. This will 1) give them an out if they don't want to be contacted and 2) the opportunity to ask you questions about your newsletter!

__________________
Vivi Gonzalez
www.VirtualBusinessPartners.com