Some help on gaining new clients?

[alexhughes]

Hello there!

I'm seeking some advice on building the payroll sector up of my business, but first I think it might be useful to give you a little bit of background.

I run a company called avato, it's broken down into three sectors. Studios - web design, print design etc. Then there's to be online - online based services/resources. Then the one I'm going to yab on about today, Payroll - offering a payroll outsource service.

Within my company I over see everything, and work mostly on developing the business. When it comes to the studios, I have no problem getting in new business and rarely do any marketing.

However the payroll sector is another story. I am currently lucky to get 1/2 new clients a month after using the following marketing techniques.

- Leaflet drop - variation of locations.
- adverts in local papers, advert boards, diaries.
- Mail Shot letters.
- Phone sales.
- Business networking events.

So I've decided its time to ask for help! I've now introduced a reward scheme for referrals. Offering £10 for every client we gain through an individual's referral. Along with offering first month free.

However I would really like some fresh advice/ideas from you guys on how I can build this service and what has worked for you?

Much appreciated
Alex!

[James Smith]

Referrals from local accountants would probably be a good source. not all accountants will offer bureaus as its relatively low margin work unless you are set up for it. Also some will do inhouse for small ones but want to get shot of larger ones.

Quality is of course paramount with payroll so trust is very important and will take time to build. If I was looking for a payroll sub (which i am not!) I would probably only put one with you for a year and if that went well put some more over. Its slow build, but once you have the work (assuming you do it well and have 100% accuracy, I am always staggered by how poorly some firms do it) you should keep it longer term.

Hope that gives some thoughts

+ added quick look at your website and you don't quote prices on the site. This would put me off enormously for payroll which is essentially a commodity service. I am not saying "cheap is best" but price is very important when outsourcing something you can do inhouse.

Regards,

[Lime One]

Don't forget HR companies also as many of them have payroll supplier requirements. See our HR/Employment site at www.limehr.com. I am sure you are aware of this but do remember the duty to register see here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers-bul...etin30/mlr.htm

[alexhughes]

Thanks for the reply and advice James.

Greatly appreciate the advice on the account referrals and think I will take this idea and run with it.

The reason why I did not put the prices on, is simply when researching structure of other payroll websites and how they process. They all seemed to work on the quote front. I thought it was a good reason behind this. Might be a good eye to put them on.


Will check that out Lime Cheers!

Thanks again!

[jamescartwright]

If you can get a company formations agent to refer clients, that may be good. People setting up new business may want a website too!

James.

[jamescartwright]

Sorry, I accidentally posted twice here when I meant to post on another topic.

Sorry. :-).

[alexhughes]

If you can get a company formations agent to refer clients, that may be good. People setting up new business may want a website too!

James.

That is another great idea

(Starting to fall in love with the people at this forum )

Thank you very much!

[KrissBlack]

That is another great idea

(Starting to fall in love with the people at this forum )

Thank you very much!

Of course! nothing beats the world wide web. there are great chances in the internet so for sure you'll gain a lot.. just my two piece.. ^_^

[shipra]

Why don't you go to the freelance websites as there are many people there looking for these kind of applications,as your packages are readymade, I think you can beat the prices there too

[Kingdom_Mines]

Hi,

The problem might not be your idea but the economic climate, alot of maufacturers and miners like myself have seen a vitual fall off the cliff for demand.

The guys that can actually hire are not doing so, but hang on in there.

Ricky