u/Mista_Potato_Head

I’m starting a web design/digital infrastructure company. The idea is simple: we build websites and automations and deliver excellent service. I have extensive web design and automations experience, so I will mainly work any incoming projects until I run out of bandwidth. Then I’ll figure out whether to higher contractors for projects or pause taking on new work.

The problem I’m having now is customer acquisition. I’ve selected the niche of contractors/home services businesses to try to market to. I’ve done one project by referral for an auto parts e-commerce store. Customer was happy and will be a repeat client, but it wasn’t what I planned on doing. The higher margin work for me would be website design and offering growth services on retainer, so that’s my goal.

Here’s my question: what cost/time effective methods have you used to acquire customers?

Title says it all. What software do you use often or pay for that just annoys you or you wish was cheaper?

Full transparency: I’m a senior software developer that has owned a few small businesses. Theres no shortage of software you can buy/use, but do you wish anything in particular existed that would help you with your small business? Would you pay for it or expect it to be free? I know I’ve personally been annoyed by how many subscriptions it seems to take to have all the tools I need.

Really just looking to get opinions and ideas. What are your thoughts?

Title says it all. What software do you use often or pay for that just annoys you or you wish was cheaper?

Full transparency: I’m a senior software developer that has also worked in construction and has many friends with their own contractor businesses (ie roofing, interior design, concrete work, etc). I’ve asked them already, but I’d like to get much more real-world experiences and frustrations from actual contractors. What do you really need/want? What would you pay for? What do you wish was free?

Here’s some stuff I can guess you might want, but please correct me if I’m wrong:
- Your website is too expensive to maintain
- Your CRM sucks or is too expensive or confusing
- Your appointment scheduling software is expensive (do you even use software for this? Or do you just take phone calls?)
- Your project management software is confusing/expensive
- Managing payroll for all your workers is difficult/expensive