How do I counteract a NO to advertising this year on my website?

Question

I own/operate a website and have a proposal in with a MAJOR client. But, they have communicated to me that "due to budgetary reasons, our marketing campaign and advertisement schedule is already planned out for the rest of the year."

How can I secure their business now and get past the money issue(s)?

Answer 1

As a Marketing Director, I can understand the position your client is in. There are a few different ways you might be able to appeal to them.

- Offer to be flexible in your billing. When does their fiscal year begin? Can you hold off billing them until the start of their fiscal year or until the end of the sales period? Perhaps they might have more funds available then.

- Sweeten the pot. What other services can you offer in addition to space on your website?

- Show them the proof of the pudding. Do you have any web analytics that you can present that will prove how effective their ad has been or how many hits or impressions their advertising has had on your site? If you can convince them that they have a good thing going by advertising with you, they may be less likely to jump ship. Also, a marketing director will be less likely to change course if you can demonstrate that his advertising is providing a solid Return On Investment.

- Help your client. If you are dealing with a marketing director, ask if it would be helpful if you made an appeal to the company president or put together a special presentation for the two of them. If your company contact hasn't done a good job of selling you to his/her supervisor, perhaps you need to do the job yourself.

- Scale back. In lieu of bagging your site altogether, perhaps you can convince your client to scale back just a bit. Convince them of the importance of maintaining a consistent presence on your website.

- Cut your price. (This is a last resort.) Perhaps your client simply can't afford you anymore. In which case you will need to either reduce your price, or repackage your offering in a way that it fits within his/her budget.

It is never easy to see a good paying client pack up and leave. But don't accept this news sitting down. If you honest believe your website has provided a good return on your client's investment, then take your proposal to his biggest competitor.

I hope these ideas provide you some food for thought.

Answer 2

what is your website?