[WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Wow, I can hardly afford to build my WISP and yours will be guilded!!! With a gold plated WISP, why would you need to advertise? :) Seriously, my WISP, and many others, has experienced steady growth with word of mouth. I have a 4'x6' sign at one tower one a fairly rural road. Other than that it is customer satisfaction. Scott Reed Owner NewWays Wireless Networking Network Design, Installation and Administration www.nwwnet.net -- Original Message --- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:29:22 -0600 Subject: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee --- End of Original Message --- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Scott; I just discovered that the 'B' and the 'G' are real close together ;-) But seriously, I feel that since we have competition from cable (COX) and DSL (QWEST)I want to get out in front on this thing. For sure though, in every crowd of QWEST/COX customers some of them will be unhappy. We have 60 to 100 miles of unimproved dirt roads. Those customers are my core, and the rest are gravy. Lee From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: wireless@wispa.orgSubject: Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISPDate: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:47:47 -0500 Wow, I can hardly afford to build my WISP and yours will be guilded!!! With a gold plated WISP, why would you need to advertise? :) Seriously, my WISP, and many others, has experienced steady growth with word of mouth. I have a 4'x6' sign at one tower one a fairly rural road. Other than that it is customer satisfaction. Scott Reed Owner NewWays Wireless Networking Network Design, Installation and Administration www.nwwnet.net -- Original Message --- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:29:22 -0600 Subject: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen;I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing?I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet.Lee --- End of Original Message --- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
I have a Power Point I did for some ISPs about Marketing. Hit me off-list with your name contact info, if you want it. Regards, Peter RAD-INFO, Inc. - NSP Strategist We Help ISPs Connect Communicate 813.963.5884 http://4isps.com/newsletter.htm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Scott; I just discovered that the 'B' and the 'G' are real close together ;-) But seriously, I feel that since we have competition from cable (COX) and DSL (QWEST)I want to get out in front on this thing. For sure though, in every crowd of QWEST/COX customers some of them will be unhappy. We have 60 to 100 miles of unimproved dirt roads. Those customers are my core, and the rest are gravy. Lee From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:47:47 -0500 Wow, I can hardly afford to build my WISP and yours will be guilded!!! With a gold plated WISP, why would you need to advertise? :) Seriously, my WISP, and many others, has experienced steady growth with word of mouth. I have a 4'x6' sign at one tower one a fairly rural road. Other than that it is customer satisfaction. Scott Reed Owner NewWays Wireless Networking Network Design, Installation and Administration www.nwwnet.net -- Original Message --- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:29:22 -0600 Subject: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee - -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
I'd like to piggy-back off of this thread. I'm getting further in the planning stages for my WISP as well and am trying to come up with ideas for a pilot program. I want to get a few initial customers who will have free internet access for a month or two when I first bring the network online. The idea being that they will identify any potential problem areas and serve as contacts for new customers who would like to talk to someone who has been using the service for a while. I was planning on sending letters to potential pilot program members, but I'm not sure if that will be the best technique. Any suggestions? My ISP will be serving small/medium businesses in an area with existing broadband technologies. Our emphasis will be on reliability and customer support. Once the pilot program is active, I was planning on using direct mailings, door hangers, and other direct communication methods to target potential customers. I anticipate the hardest part will be getting my foot in the door. I like the idea of a parking lot demo, but how to convince the people to take time out of their days to see the equipment is the question. Ideas? Patrick Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Great Topic, this is something I have been working hard at lately and would be interested in everyones input as well. Here are some of the ways we have advertised our service. Yards signs This is my favorite. In the areas that we KNOW qualify for service, Yard Signs is a great way for us to directly market our service to potential customers. For one we know we can get them service, so there is no need to do site surveys. We can schedule that persons install right away, which makes a good impression when the customer calls. The other thing that we love about yard signs, they are a constant reminder to those passing by of what we are offering. Door Hangers Door Hangers is about as direct as you can get, which I am all for, but we havent had any real success using them. I imagine they get lost in the credit card apps and end up in the trash after a quick glance. The return WE have gotten off of Yard Signs is not worth the paper they were printed on, not to mention all the extra work walking around, and the risk of getting mauled by neighborhood dogs. Spamming About every quarter we spam our current Dial-Up and DSL customers in hopes to convert those to Wireless. It is an inexpensive way of getting the word out. I dont have any real numbers to quote on our success with that, but it really doesnt matter because its free. Company Web Site I dont have the percentages, but I always make a point of asking customers where they heard about us. Believe it or not, I have had a bunch of new installs because of our website add. Working with your Partners As you grow, you start to get an idea of how to take advantage of every opportunity, or at least I have. For example, in our last lease contract with the Water Company, we offered them a set monthly lease rate ($100), and on top of that we agreed to pay them $1 extra for every customer that we serviced from their tank. This gave them an incentive to help us grow. They have helped us market our service to their customers by way of news letters, billing statements, and word of mouth. It has proven to be a very good deal for both parties. It is a good thing when we are sending them a couple hundred dollars a month in royalty checks. Get creative!!! Community We have been invited, by the local Amateur Radio club, to be apart of their filed day event here in town. With the emphasis being on how our industry could quickly provide data services in emergency situations. It should be a fun time, and give us an opportunity to spread the word. Maybe try getting something going for the county fair in your town, or other special events. Referral Programs Give away a month of free internet to customers that get you customers. Word of Mouth This is the most important marketing plan you will have, and the one you have no direct control over. Make a great product, support it well, and be available to get it to the public, and you will have great Word of Mouth. Dont be afraid to eat a few dollars to make a customer happy. Often we will fix PCs, configure devices, and basically go the extra mile for our customers. Make sure when you leave their home, they have a smile on their face. This is some of the things we have tried, and I hope it helps, good luck!! -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 10:29 AM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Hi Lee, We've had great success with 18 X 24 yard signs posted at intersections: http://www.IncomeBuddy.com/ad.php?id=68at=71 I would also suggest making friends with your local real estate developers so you can post 3' X 6' banners at the entrance to their subdivisions: http://www.IncomeBuddy.com/ad.php?id=68at=72 Shannon D. Denniston, Co-Founder KyWiFi, LLC - Mt. Sterling, Kentucky Your Hometown Broadband Provider http://www.KyWiFi.com Call Us Today: 859.274.4033 === $39.99 DSL High Speed Internet $14.99 Home Phone Service - No Phone Line Required for DSL - FREE Activation Equipment - Affordable Upfront Pricing - Locally Owned Operated - We Also Service Most Rural Areas === ISP Business Management System: http://www.ISPBuddy.com === - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 11:29 AM Subject: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Chad, Thanks for the great email! I'll change 2 of yours: Referrals: instead of a credit on the bill... send them a check.. that's a bigger WOW! Word of Mouth: have downloadable videos of HOWTO's. With your logo prominently displayed on shirts, hats, mouse pads, cups, etc. (Product placement :) If the video is decent, it will be sent out to many people. Spreads your name. - Peter RAD-INFO, Inc. Chad Halsted wrote: Great Topic, this is something I have been working hard at lately and would be interested in everyone’s input as well. Here are some of the ways we have advertised our service. * * *Yards signs* This is my favorite. In the areas that we KNOW qualify for service, Yard Signs is a great way for us to directly market our service to potential customers. For one we know we can get them service, so there is no need to do site surveys. We can schedule that person’s install right away, which makes a good impression when the customer calls. The other thing that we love about yard signs, they are a constant reminder to those passing by of what we are offering. *Door Hangers* Door Hangers is about as direct as you can get, which I am all for, but we haven’t had any real success using them. I imagine they get lost in the credit card apps and end up in the trash after a quick glance. The return WE have gotten off of Yard Signs is not worth the paper they were printed on, not to mention all the extra work walking around, and the risk of getting mauled by neighborhood dogs. *Spamming * About every quarter we spam our current Dial-Up and DSL customers in hopes to convert those to Wireless. It is an inexpensive way of getting the word out. I don’t have any real numbers to quote on our success with that, but it really doesn’t matter because it’s free. *Company Web Site* I don’t have the percentages, but I always make a point of asking customers where they heard about us. Believe it or not, I have had a bunch of new installs because of our website add. *Working with your Partners* As you grow, you start to get an idea of how to take advantage of every opportunity, or at least I have. For example, in our last lease contract with the Water Company, we offered them a set monthly lease rate ($100), and on top of that we agreed to pay them $1 extra for every customer that we serviced from their tank. This gave them an incentive to help us grow. They have helped us market our service to their customers by way of news letters, billing statements, and word of mouth. It has proven to be a very good deal for both parties. It is a good thing when we are sending them a couple hundred dollars a month in royalty checks. Get creative!!! *Community * We have been invited, by the local Amateur Radio club, to be apart of their filed day event here in town. With the emphasis being on how our industry could quickly provide data services in emergency situations. It should be a fun time, and give us an opportunity to spread the word. Maybe try getting something going for the county fair in your town, or other special events. *Referral Programs* Give away a month of free internet to customers that get you customers. *Word of Mouth* This is the most important marketing plan you will have, and the one you have no direct control over. Make a great product, support it well, and be available to get it to the public, and you will have great Word of Mouth. Don’t be afraid to eat a few dollars to make a customer happy. Often we will fix PCs, configure devices, and basically go the extra mile for our customers. Make sure when you leave their home, they have a smile on their face. This is some of the things we have tried, and I hope it helps, good luck!! -Original Message- *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] *Sent:* Tuesday, June 13, 2006 10:29 AM *To:* wireless@wispa.org *Subject:* [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- Regards, Peter RAD-INFO, Inc. - NSP Strategist We Help ISPs Connect Communicate 813.963.5884 http://4isps.com/newsletter.htm -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
RE: [WISPA] How do you market your WISP
Chad, Thanks for the great email! I'll change 2 of yours: Referrals: instead of a credit on the bill... send them a check.. that's a bigger WOW! I like the idea of sending them a check. Like you say, that has a much bigger WOW factor. We will have to try that. Word of Mouth: have downloadable videos of HOWTO's. With your logo prominently displayed on shirts, hats, mouse pads, cups, etc. (Product placement :) If the video is decent, it will be sent out to many people. Spreads your name. Another good idea!! - Peter RAD-INFO, Inc. Chad Halsted wrote: Great Topic, this is something I have been working hard at lately and would be interested in everyone's input as well. Here are some of the ways we have advertised our service. * * *Yards signs* This is my favorite. In the areas that we KNOW qualify for service, Yard Signs is a great way for us to directly market our service to potential customers. For one we know we can get them service, so there is no need to do site surveys. We can schedule that person's install right away, which makes a good impression when the customer calls. The other thing that we love about yard signs, they are a constant reminder to those passing by of what we are offering. *Door Hangers* Door Hangers is about as direct as you can get, which I am all for, but we haven't had any real success using them. I imagine they get lost in the credit card apps and end up in the trash after a quick glance. The return WE have gotten off of Yard Signs is not worth the paper they were printed on, not to mention all the extra work walking around, and the risk of getting mauled by neighborhood dogs. *Spamming * About every quarter we spam our current Dial-Up and DSL customers in hopes to convert those to Wireless. It is an inexpensive way of getting the word out. I don't have any real numbers to quote on our success with that, but it really doesn't matter because it's free. *Company Web Site* I don't have the percentages, but I always make a point of asking customers where they heard about us. Believe it or not, I have had a bunch of new installs because of our website add. *Working with your Partners* As you grow, you start to get an idea of how to take advantage of every opportunity, or at least I have. For example, in our last lease contract with the Water Company, we offered them a set monthly lease rate ($100), and on top of that we agreed to pay them $1 extra for every customer that we serviced from their tank. This gave them an incentive to help us grow. They have helped us market our service to their customers by way of news letters, billing statements, and word of mouth. It has proven to be a very good deal for both parties. It is a good thing when we are sending them a couple hundred dollars a month in royalty checks. Get creative!!! *Community * We have been invited, by the local Amateur Radio club, to be apart of their filed day event here in town. With the emphasis being on how our industry could quickly provide data services in emergency situations. It should be a fun time, and give us an opportunity to spread the word. Maybe try getting something going for the county fair in your town, or other special events. *Referral Programs* Give away a month of free internet to customers that get you customers. *Word of Mouth* This is the most important marketing plan you will have, and the one you have no direct control over. Make a great product, support it well, and be available to get it to the public, and you will have great Word of Mouth. Don't be afraid to eat a few dollars to make a customer happy. Often we will fix PCs, configure devices, and basically go the extra mile for our customers. Make sure when you leave their home, they have a smile on their face. This is some of the things we have tried, and I hope it helps, good luck!! -Original Message- *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] *Sent:* Tuesday, June 13, 2006 10:29 AM *To:* wireless@wispa.org *Subject:* [WISPA] How do you market your WISP Gentlemen; I am in the final stages of design and have begun to guild my WISP. I was wondering what the most effective methods were for marketing? I was thinking of using the mail, possibly arranging a demo in a parking lot, flyers, and of course adding my company name to the lists on the internet. Lee -- Regards, Peter RAD-INFO, Inc. - NSP Strategist We Help ISPs Connect Communicate 813.963.5884 http://4isps.com/newsletter.htm -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
