What to say to an owner

Lesson 2 of 6 · About 5 minutes

Short scripts for a call, a voicemail, a visit and an email, each built around the website you've already made.

Every first conversation has one job: get the owner to look at their new website. Say who you are, keep it short and let the website do the work.

On the phone

Call when the business is quiet: mid-morning or mid-afternoon for many, and between lunch and dinner for a restaurant. Ask for the owner or the manager.

A first call

Hi, is this the owner? My name's [your name], and I build websites for local businesses in [town]. I know I'm calling out of the blue. I noticed [Business] doesn't have a website of its own yet, so I made one. It's finished. Can I text or email you the link, so you can see it on your phone?

Change the second line to what you found, such as a link that doesn't open or a site that isn't made for phones. If they say yes, send the link while you're still on the call, and agree on a day to talk again. If it's a bad time, ask when to call back.

A voicemail

Hi, this is [your name]. I made a new website for [Business], and it's ready for you to see. I'll try you again on [day]. My number's [your phone]. Again, that's [your phone].

In person

Visit when it's quiet, with the website open on your phone.

At the counter

Hi, I'm [your name]. I build websites for businesses around here. I made one for [Business], and it's on my phone. Have you got two minutes to see it?

Ask one question before you show anything, such as what customers call about most. Then show the top of the site, the menu or services, and the hours and directions, and hand them the phone. Wait until they've had a look before you talk about price.

What to send after you talk

Send the link the same day. Under Your first message on the website's page, pick how you want to reach them, read the message, change anything you like, and send it from your phone or email.

After a call or a visit

Subject: The website I made for [Business] Hi [first name], Thanks for your time today. Here's the website I made for [Business]: [link to the website] Have a look on your phone when you get a minute. Tell me anything you'd like changed, and I'll keep everything else as it is. [your name] [your phone]

From your own email

Every plan lets you send a website from your own email. We write the message and add the business's email address when we have it. Your email app opens with everything ready to send.

You're the sender when it goes from your own email. US law asks a sales email to include your postal address and a way to opt out. If the message doesn't have your address, add it: a PO box or a virtual mailbox works.

On the Launch plan and up, you can send emails through your account. We write the first email and two follow-up messages for day three and day ten. You read each message before it goes out, and follow-ups stop as soon as the owner replies.

When the answer is no

Thank them and move on. A website the owner hasn't approved comes down automatically 30 days after you build it, or sooner if they tap the link at the bottom. If an owner asks you not to contact them again, mark it on the website's page that day.