Whats the catch?

...There isn't one...

Hopefully this page will answer all your questions if not please contact us

Why just Torbay Trades when the web is worldwide?

You probably do not have the Flash Player installed for your browser or the video files are misplaced on your server!

If you want a tradesperson you ask a friend?

And if you need a tradesperson right now and your friend can’t recommend one? Plus this relies on having friends that use tradespeople. Is it just possible that there is a whole younger generation out there that has never needed a tradesperson, where do you think they will look?

Everyone just reaches for the directory?

You think? So why are the directories also available online. Bit of a waste of time and money if they know that everyone uses the directories they are sent.

Who looks online for a tradesperson?

You serious? I do and so do most of the people I know. I can’t recall the last time I picked up the phone book. There is a whole generation out there that have been brought up with the internet. At the other end of the age range ever heard the expression “silver surfers”? Ask Saga why they are online at all and why the over fifties spend so much time searching out the best deals on holidays.

As you will know we live in a retirement area, which means there, is disposable income available. Next time you are in Sainsburys car park look and see who is driving the new cars

My mum does not use the internet?

And? So that’s the rational for saying no one at all uses the Internet then is it?

Not everyone has a computer.

No really Sherlock. In Torbay there are 132.000 people. 23 thousand read the local newspaper. That’s 132.000 – 23.000 = 109.000 that won’t see your advert in the local paper. A survey undertaken by the Torbay Library Service in 2006 found that 90% of computer users look at the Internet and 70% use e-mail. That was two years ago. I think Curry’s are still on the Willows selling computers aren’t they?

The good tradespeople don’t advertise

While there is an element of truth in that statement – always recommend your customer refer you to friends. Many will be happy to do this by email and that takes referrals to another level altogether. As in one customer can tell twenty. Then there are your customers that go with your competition, drop dead, move away.

Friend of mine has had a website for ages and never had any business from it.

That is no surprise. Can anyone find it? Let’s say your friend is a plumber. Stick plumber + Torquay into google and see what you get. If no one can find the website how is it going to make any money? Most people believe the BS about websites.
If you ever hear this from a company run a mile. “Your website will be like your shop window for the world to see. It will be workings for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week”. If it was that simple don’t you think everyone would be doing it?

I already have a website.

Excellent! Try the above google trick and see if you come up. If you don’t we can help you. If you do we can still help you.

Why don’t I wait and see what happens?

Be my guest. The trouble that no matter what others tell you it will take about six months to get listed by google unless you do something to make that happen faster. We have the knowledge and skills that will help you now. However the recession might be over by then...

If you have any questions we can answer for you and put here to help others please drop us a line.

Am I correct in thinking that you are starting a business with tough times ahead?

Dam right. The reason is simple most businesses will start to cut back on their marketing / advertising budget when times get tough. What we don’t want to do is a major education programme explaining the upside of a potential recession to businesses.
What we are looking to do is work with those businesses that already see the possibilities. It will be those that look long term, and those that have a “Can do” attitude, that will benefit. If you are one of those contact us today and we will explain our Plan B

Recessions are essential to allow the cream to rise to the top.

Do I really need to understand any of this?

No not really as we do all the set up for you. All we need is your business name and contact details. We will then give you a call, at your convenience, get some information from you and set to work. So only read on if you are interested.

Why do I need a local phone number?

Some people are reluctant to call a mobile phone number. All our marketing emphasises the “localness” of our trades people and the importance of supporting local business.
A call to your unique number directs new customers to your website where they can find out more about your services in depth at a time that suits them. Plus messages can be left for you to deal with when convenient for you.
All this allows you be in control of your time and deal with customers and clients on your terms.

What is a domain?

A domain is like your real world address but on the internet. Example www.yourbusinessname.co.uk. Think of it as a virtual house. It is very important that you acquire this as soon as possible. The longer you leave it the greater chance that it will be taken by someone else.

Why three email addresses?

Once you own your domain name – house on the internet – the post person will need to deliver letters (email) to you at that address. We can set up 5 email addresses for you for example:

John@yourbusinessname.co.uk
Sales@yourbusinessname.co.uk
Accounts@yourbusinessname.co.uk
We can create a mailbox that will store your letters (email) until you are ready to look at them. Or if you already have an email address the email can be forwarded to that address.

What is hosting?

Hosting is like is like doing the groundwork or foundations for your online virtual house (domain). We look after the foundations for your domain and make certain that people know where to find you on line.

What is a website?

It is how your online house looks to the outside world. This is the design part of the whole thing and what most web companies charge lots of money for.

Why would I need a website I only work locally?

1 To save you time explaining to new customers what you do and show them the skills you have
2 To reassure new customers by showing them testimonials from satisfied clients
3 To show new customers that you are internet savvy

Why would I need to contact existing customers?

1 It costs eight times more in advertising spend to get one new customer than it does to sell your service to an existing customer that already knows you.
2 Email, newsletters, text messages are a direct link to your existing customers. Unlike traditional adverting there is no wastage, as in advertising to people that are not interested.
3 Regular contact with your existing customers in a recession is vital unless you want them to be someone else’s customers.

What is this 24/7-email support?

You need to know that there will be someone available if things go wrong. We guarantee to answer all clients’ emails within 24 hours seven days a week 52 weeks of the year. We can also be contacted 9 to 5 Monday through Friday by phone. We can supply a greater level of cover if required but this seems to work for most. Why is all this free every other company charges for this?
Because we developed all these solutions for different projects over the last five years. In short others have paid for the technology that we can now offer you for free.

There is no such thing as a free lunch

Very true however a huge number of people get ripped off by web companies charging thousands of pounds for websites. What’s the point of spending all that money on it if all you are getting is a pretty poster that no one will see? We give you not only the website but also the business tools to get new and keep existing customers.
Marketing is what you are paying for. We will make certain that potential customers see your website, and we don’t mean people in Australia! What you need are local customers and that’s what we are going to get you. We do this in a number of ways marketing online and offline. We use radio, TV, local press, flyers leaflet drops and a host of other clever ideas. This is what you are paying for and this is our trade. We are very good at it!

Can you offer any guarantees?

We are giving you the tools to get and keep customers, part of your success is down to you how you use them. If you do not feel you have the time we can offer a personal marketing service that means that we do all the customer service work for you. If we undertake that role we will guarantee at least one new contract from your existing client base over the course of twelve months.

We can also manage all your business emails and phone calls from the number we provide you with. There will be a monthly charge for these services. We also offer our 100% guarantee. If you find a service that offers more for the same money we will give you a 100% refund, no questions asked.

There is just one other thing. It would help if you would guarantee to get your thumb out and get a "Can do" attitude to help yourself and us get through what is coming.