I've sent a few emails out to charities/one small business about free websites and don't seem to be getting replies. They go along the lines of being a local web designer (though not in the case of the small business), just starting out and looking for portfolio work, would they like a free website, and a link to the portfolio.

I'm not even getting responses saying no. My email addresses do work. The other places which I called rather than emailed said either no because they were in the middle of having a website made, they didn't get enough business to support hosting costs or they didn't want a redesign because they already had someone who managed their website (that one didn't make much sense to me, but whatever).

I've put my portfolio up on here for review, though nobody has replied yet, but friends/family seem to think it looks good. My emails aren't in any way rude.

Can anyone give me any tips? What am I doing wrong? This can't be the norm, people like free stuff... and you'd at least have thought they would reply...

(Please note - I'm offering work for free because I have a total of three websites in my portfolio and feel there needs to be more before looking for paid work)

Edited May 29, 201511 yr by rhubarblover

The places that do have websites, kind of look quite old. The others don't have one at all.

They've all varied a little, but sound like this:

 

Hello,

I'm a local website designer who is just starting out and am looking for work for my portfolio.

I noticed you don't currently have a website, and wondered if you would be interested in having one created for free? I create modern, responsive websites and if you'd like to look, my portfolio is: (link)

Please let me know if you're interested or have any questions

- Lucy

I shall assume you are looking to take on free projects to build up a portfolio? Do you have a website your self? Do you have any work on it?

 

If your portfolio of work is limited in size, then how about instead of contacting people and offering your services for free, is take a look at a company that you may wish to get in touch with but instead build them a site, or just mock up some site designs, this is good practice for you, fun and you can add it to your site to show your style and what you can do.

 

You could then get in touch with the company and show them what you can do, show them your design, they may love it and pay you to build it.

You'll have to be patient. I've read your previous posts and saw your portfolio, I think it looks good. Don't rush it if they don't reply immediately. Although you can always search for some paid work, it's not like you don't have any experience; you could get along just fine.

Try posting on a forum where 'normal' people frequent, people on their daily browse, maybe a classifieds forum, this has worked several times for me - I posted in a specialised forum and although I advertised only for charities, I still got a lot of emails proposing their ideas for a website to me...

"I've put my portfolio up on here for review, though nobody has replied yet, but friends/family seem to think it looks good."

got a link to the site/portfolio review thread?

 

huh i just offered a free design for the the local branch of CAMRA's newsletter (printed) and the editor didn't even reply. i got hold of the media officer and he said the editor is busy and thanks very much for the offer and they will contact me if they need it. i think i might have inadvertantly trod on some toes/feelings because naturally people like to control their own little projects. if there's a designated someone whos the "webmaster" then they or the organisation either don't want some big shot desginer wading in, or they know their site/newsletter could be a lot better but don't want to hurt the member's feeling by saying waht they've done could be a lot better.

Mike2004 - I like that idea, though am not sure it would come across the right way - or maybe just not in the area I live.

Sandragenuinejobs -
Thanks. I suppose it may just be that they're particularly busy. I'll be patient, as you say.

Unbotttled -
Good idea, I'll try that out.

Dap -

 

got a link to the site/portfolio review thread?

http://www.webdesignerforum.co.uk/topic/82902-my-web-design-portfolio/

You're right, I think part of it is people within an organisation being in charge of the website and not wanting to hurt feelings and such... I've avoided contacting one or two places because I suspected this would be the case with those.

Trouble is, there really aren't many charities around here who aren't part of a larger organisation. I think I've been through most of them - they either had nice, modern websites or I've contacted them. :/ There are probably more places to try, but I'm getting stuck. Can anyone recommend any resources (books, websites, anything) that I can learn more about this marketing side from?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm not entirely surprised.

 

I've had a WordPress site for a local youth club sitting in a development area all ready to go for months. The person who came to see me was very enthusiastic and said she loved the completed test site. But they already have a domain name and have forgotten how to access it. The person who she thinks should have the details is an older lady..... basically I think they are happy with their facebook page and just can't be bothered to try to get a site.

 

I suppose what I'm saying is that unless they approach you to say they really want help with a site, then getting a new site is probably not a priority for them.

There is much more to convincing people than simply saying its free, the time they will need to take in order to simply interact with you is something they would be considering. Whether giving something away for free or paying, people will never reply unless they can see the benefits of what it is you do.

 

 

 

Yes, this

the other thing you can do is make a fictitious site - pick something you're interested in like dogs or something or that you would like to do like opening a coffee shop or seomthing, then make it up as if it was a real business.

Hello,

 

I'm a local website designer who is just starting out and am looking for work for my portfolio.

 

I noticed you don't currently have a website, and wondered if you would be interested in having one created for free? I create modern, responsive websites and if you'd like to look, my portfolio is: (link)

 

Please let me know if you're interested or have any questions

 

- Lucy

 

A few pointers on your email.

 

1) You're focusing on you. Your hook line there is "I'm starting out and looking for work." My response would be "well, into the unsolicited pitch bin goes that." You want people to read on. That means talking about them.

2) Despite what people think, "Free" isn't a good sales proposition. Free says that this work has no value. People want something for nothing, but it has to be something they want.

3) The calls to action are confused. Pick one action - calling you. Not two - viewing your portfolio and getting in touch.

4) Your tone is almost apologetic. Be confident! Your work is good, so sell it!

 

Here's what I'd say.

 

 

Hi <<Name>>,

 

I know you're busy running your business, so I'll keep this brief. I've taken a look over your website, and I've noticed these three issues:

 

1) Dated design

2) Not responsive

3) Dog sick colour scheme

 

As a local designer, I'd love to help you fix these issues. In fact, if you're willing to let me use your website as a portfolio piece and provide me with a testimonial, I'm happy to waive my usual fee.

 

If you'd like to discuss these issues with your site and hear more about my ideas for fixing them, please give me a call.

 

I'm available between 9am and11am tomorrow on 0181 811 8181, or I can schedule in some time to call you at a more convenient point next week.

 

I hope to hear from you soon,

 

Lucy

 

What you're doing there is identifying key points that the client could already be aware of (showing that you're clued-in), showing that you value your time (waiving fees in exchange for a different kind of 'payment') and giving the idea that you're busy (limited time window). By keeping your powder dry and not explaining how you'd fix their problems, you're also getting them interested.

 

If I had an older website, I'd definitely be more interested in that sort of offer.

ADNattan_ - thank you, your reply has been really helpful. I didn't realise how bad my email was.

Marketing isn't really my 'thing' I've really messed this up, haven't I? Oh well... there are probably a few more charities around here that I haven't contacted yet... The next email/phonecall will be better.

Don't panic. You know what the best thing is about bad marketing? It's instantly forgettable. So you can try again next month!

 

Railport has the long and the short of it there. You need to focus on your customers' end goals.

 

You're just starting out, so I'm not going to try and sell you anything, but I'll do you a favour. Next time you write a pitch email, if you get in touch with me I'll proof it for you and give you some solid pointers.

That's really kind, thank you.

Well done for giving it a go and making contact!

They wont really care about you building your portfolio and offering to work on their site for free. In fact they might think that's a risk for their business and be suspicious.

You mentioned your a local web design, therefore you should aim to introduce yourself personally to the decision maker of the company with a short phone call so you can learn about their cause/company, form a relationship and eventually find out why they don't have a website or if even if having one is even something that would benefit them.

On this call, you should then aim to learn as much as possible about them and either book a meeting with them, or walk away with an e-mail address.

Even though your offering a 'free website' , you need to treat them as if they are paying clients and to do this involves a strategy.
With your unique proposition being ' your local web designer' then you need to make this benefit them. (i.e. you can meet them face to face )

If you PM me - ill be happy to help you with this in more detail if you feel you need it.

Jamie.