Consulting

One of the hats I wear besides programmer, author and microISV is that of consultant, specifically, helping microISVs, software and Internet startups in five areas I can add real value.

Over the past several years I’ve worked with over 20 startups, microISVs and small software vendors to help them increase sales by better presenting their case for their product or service. Part of this process is finding a single, compelling, statement to draw the prospective customer into the site; part of it is structuring and describing to that customer how your software is going to help their problem.

One of the hardest things for a microISV to do – and one of the most important – is to build an online reputation and conversation around what they do. Tapping the power of social media at a time when no one pays any attention to traditional marketing is a vital jump forward for startups and microISVs. I work with clients to implement profitable and sustainable social media strategies to reach out and connect with their markets and the people whom their software can help.

In addition to consulting by the hour, I offer several “package deals” to help you go from where you are to where you want to be – a place with more customers each month.

MicroISV Sites that Sell Personalized Review. You’ve read my ebook – or are thinking you should – but you would like me to review your answers to the four exercises the ebook contains. I can confidentially review your responses to these exercises, offer you suggestions and guidance and assistance via email as you discover and define your Primary Customer and your USP Hook. This consultation is primarily via email, with a Skype phone consultation as needed. Price: $199 USD, $180 if you’ve already purchased MicroISV Sites that Sell.

Fixed Price Private Site Reviews. Your web site is your company as far as the Internet is concerned: does your site market your product successfully? What changes – and more importantly why – should you make that will dramatically improve your download/trial/conversion rates. The way this works is similar to Weekly Site Reviews I’ve done here in the past – I review you site following a detailed methodology and prepare a private report for your eyes only. Then, after you’ve had time to read that report, we discuss and prioritize the specific actions you need to take, when and how. Finally, 30 days later, I re-review your site and we identify together what your next steps should be. Introductory Price: $500 USD.

Fixed Price Social Media Consultations. You’ve started a blog for your microISV, product or startup, but no one seems to care – no comments, no trackbacks, no results. My fixed price approach to dramatically improving the results you’re getting is first a concise written blog review that forms the basis of our initial Skype conversation. During this conversation, I work with you to identify and clarify the priorities and passions that will ignite your blog. Afterwards, I prepare a detailed Action Plan for structuring your blog, with specific recommendations on what needs to be done when to get your blog moving in the right direction.

Blogs are your home base in the online social media world – the next step is to participate in the right social networks for your business such as Twitter and Facebook – to share the value you and your company offer and engage your market. As part of this review, we cover a set of very simple – and sustainable – techniques to build the foundation of your social media efforts. Introductory Price: $500 USD.

Typically, all of these specific ways I can provide you with many times the value what I charge are done remotely via Skype but onsite arrangements can be made. And, unless you prefer your own online project management software I use Basecamp to ensure all participants have a clear idea at all times who is doing what and why by when. I charge an initial 50% retainer on all projects, balance due upon Client Acceptance.

Why not start right now? Email me at bob.walsh@47hats.com.

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