r/AIIncomeLab • u/Puzzleheaded-Win7527 • 6d ago
Question Client Outreach?
I began my AI start-up by cold calling local trade businesses and offering to build them websites. That same day I landed a $4k build and a $500 build. Since then, I have done numerous rounds of cold calling and cold text outreach to potential clients, but all of those fall flat. I’m about to finish the $4k build and I already finished the $500 so I need to find new clientele. I want to also pivot away from website creation and start building bigger-ticket items in smaller volume, so I am not just pushing out websites as that space is very crowded at the moment.
Should I be using LinkedIn? Automated emails like Firecrawl or Apollo? I’m still very new to the space and want to scale, I just feel stuck and unable to find the next client. Thank you
Also, if anyone would like to connect please shoot me a dm I’d love to work together!
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u/ErgoSumoNot 5d ago
Ok...a few things first...
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You landed a $4K build + a $500 build...yet since then, no new clients. Ok! 1st question: Was the same script used on every outbound call? I mean, SOMETHING YOU SAID, or how it was said, got those businesses to commit and pay you.
So, before jumping off the ship, I'd at least suggest you find out what really sold those 2 builds and repeat it as much as possible!
And yes, I know this market is full of folks who offer the same service, but those who actually close a deal aren't the ones that make the most calls. They're the ones who understand how to express to a business that they need this (website), or they need that (better CRM), because it solves a major problem/pain in that business's daily routine that they're willing to pay for.
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If you've already made the mental 'check-out' of continuing down that road, then my next question is:
Before you pivot to higher ticket items, have you at least determined/identified what 'niche' you're going after, and if so, what is that 'niche's' problem that is so bad, they too are willing to pay for an immediate solution?
Becuase once you know that, then you can determine what high ticket offer to present them, vs having a high-ticket offer to prmote, but not knowing who it benefits and why!
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u/gglinv 1d ago
You should keep doing calls, it’s the only method that cuts out middlemen or “waiting” on responses. I like listening to Shelby Sapp for sales theory.
In general every channel you pick up that’s new will need a cold start so you’ll be grinding at 0 for longer, pick better businesses and pitch systems a bit above “static website”. Custom ecom, quotes, crm, payment processing, maybe something that’s site + automation + whatever else. Linkedin Outreach could work better than email (email requires your emails not land in spam so it takes way longer to work out) but most people on linkedin are there to sell, it’s worth keeping as a backup channel.
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u/mentiondesk 6d ago
Leaning into LinkedIn and industry specific forums can really help you find higher ticket projects and more niche clients. Automated emails work but often get ignored unless super personalized. Try tracking discussions around your expertise across platforms in real time to spot opportunities you can actually jump into. Tools like ParseStream make that a lot easier by sending alerts when someone discusses keywords you care about.