Open Emmanueltech opened 1 month ago
I appreciate your openness to exploring industries beyond edtech. In my experience, edtech can be one of the more challenging sectors to penetrate due to budget constraints and complex decision-making processes.
To keep it simple, I suggest we focus on low-hanging fruit and easier sales by targeting corporate clients and small businesses that encounter significant challenges with ADA compliance.
Example Case Studies: Small businesses have been hit with lawsuits and are paying more in legal fees than they would have spent implementing Equalify's software. These businesses need an affordable, effective solution to stay online and compliant. Check out these links:
Sued for website ADA inaccessibility One-person business receiving a demand letter for ADA PSA on ensuring website ADA compliance
Reframing as a Growth Opportunity: While it's essential to emphasize that failing to meet accessibility requirements can lead to legal troubles for businesses, compliance however can also enhance sales. In the examples provided, businesses have faced lawsuits due to non-compliance, while achieving compliance often costs less than the legal fees and settlements associated with such issues. This concern is particularly relevant for corporate websites, where the message should focus on how Equalify can reduce long-term costs related to lawsuits or regulatory fines.
Target Audiences:
Corporate Websites: Large companies, especially in sectors like finance and healthcare, need to comply with accessibility regulations.
Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs): These businesses are actively seeking cost-effective accessibility solutions, and Equalify presents an attractive option.
I'm adding a cold calling campaign to diversify the outreach, targeting prospects who haven’t responded to previous communications. Given the urgency for small businesses to comply with accessibility standards, I anticipate a shorter conversion timeline, especially as some small businesses are shutting down their websites due to compliance costs.
If this proposal is approved I would like to get details on the sale that was made. Although it's a small sample size, there might be valuable insights we can draw from it.
To mitigate risk for our first collaboration, I propose splitting the payments into smaller milestones, which allows Equalify to review progress at each stage and ensure satisfaction before moving forward.
While the primary focus for each milestone will be on cold emails and calls, I will also include additional marketing initiatives. A key component will be the Google Ads Click Campaign, targeting hot leads who are already searching for accessibility solutions. I anticipate this will result in a faster turnaround in sales. Additionally, the plan will leverage organic growth through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and forums to connect with prospects in spaces they frequent.
I was going to propose that Equalify offer a cheaper pricing alternative since this plan will be targeting small businesses, but I see that you have already addressed that in a recent comment.
About Me: I am a results-driven sales and marketing professional with a background as a software developer, which gives me a unique advantage in understanding technical products better than many in sales. I have been professionally trained in financial services and business development foundations, which allows me to approach business challenges with both a strategic and analytical mindset.
My technical background helps me bridge the gap between sales and development teams, ensuring that products are presented in a way that resonates with decision-makers, especially when dealing with complex technical solutions. I have extensive experience in lead generation, cold calling, and targeted outreach, which has allowed me to consistently drive growth for the businesses I represent.
I truly believe in Equalify's mission and value proposition. The focus on accessibility and compliance resonates with me as it not only addresses a crucial need but also offers an affordable solution. I am excited about the opportunity to help Equalify meet its goals while also enhancing its user experience, and I will be committed to ensuring its success.
@Emmanueltech:
In depth analysis @kevinandrews1 to meet a robust sales approach @Emmanueltech! Kudos. Very curious to hear responses. And feel free to join our contributor meeting. We meet Mondays at 11:11 AM CST. Here is the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86156635249?pwd=DVIQjkTeIjp0VUKLIbxl8hM6r3Ve2V.1
We're also on Slack here: https://join.slack.com/t/equalifyapp/shared_invite/zt-1sfbgf0fa-CzIHlbFOs0Ww1iSTK4LQ2w
@kevinandrews1Thank you for your question; I’ll respond in about an hour. @bbertucc, I appreciate the invitation. Mondays are usually tight for me, so I need to plan for meetings, I will try and make future ones.
@kevinandrews1 Communicating Conformance without Guaranteeing Legal Compliance: To ensure clarity in messaging, it will be emphasized that Equalify is an essential tool that supports WCAG/ADA conformance and provides a path to accessibility for their customers rather than a guarantee of legal compliance. We help clients align with accessibility best practices. However, legal compliance depends on their broader organizational efforts. A possible phrasing could be:
“We provide the tools to help you meet the WCAG standards required for accessibility. However, achieving full compliance with regulations ultimately relies on your ability to implement our suggestions.”
To qualify the leads, I will do this by:
For large corporate decision-makers, messaging will focus on regulatory risk and brand reputation. For small businesses, WCAG conformance can help avoid legal risks at a reasonable cost with the potential to improve profit.
Handling Objections (Cold Outreach): I would address common objections, such as budget constraints, preemptively in the sales conversation by presenting pricing packages tailored to the client’s needs (I’m glad that Blake has already worked on this). Additionally, we will emphasize that Equalify promotes inclusivity, and also how it can translate to sales.
To address a lack of awareness, my first step will be conducting thorough research to acquire leads who are somewhat warm by sourcing from channels and forums where discussions around accessibility are already taking place. This way, we engage with individuals who may have some familiarity with the topic as much as possible.
When reaching out to uninformed buyers, I will establish credibility, articulate the value of accessibility, educate them on legal requirements, and explain the benefits. In some cases, I will direct them to forums where these conversations are already happening, engage them with open-ended questions, and emphasize the urgency of proactive compliance. Finally, I will invite them to a demo or consultation to explore how Equalify can help their business specifically.
Retargeting and Organic Growth: This will involve platforms like LinkedIn for B2B decision-makers, particularly in regulated industries, and Facebook/Instagram for small businesses. The messaging will remain consistent as a compliance tool that helps businesses grow. Ad copy, emails, and call scripts will reflect this with adjustments for tone and platform-specific engagement. For example, LinkedIn outreach will emphasize thought leadership and industry insights, while Instagram posts will highlight case studies and testimonials.
Google Ads Campaign and Metrics Tracking: I will target keywords like “WCAG compliance tools,” “accessibility solutions for small business,” and “ADA conformance.” Ads for corporations will likely include messaging of legal and reputational risks, while those for small businesses will focus on increasing customer reach and social impact. (Note: this is based all on intuition and will be verified during the research phase). There are likely smaller, lower-cost-per-click keywords that we will use instead. Google provides in-app tools to track success metrics such as CPC, cost per lead, and return on ad spend.
Converting Free Trials into Paying Customers: The plan is to focus on structured follow-ups, including regular check-ins during the trial, providing use-case-specific guidance, and highlighting the product's long-term value. Engagement strategies include personalized onboarding, sharing customer success stories, and demonstrating specific ROI benefits. Additionally, offering exclusive discounts post-trial will encourage conversions.
Using Customer Feedback for Improvement: I will create a feedback loop to channel insights directly into product development and sales messaging. For example, if clients express confusion during onboarding, I will improve the training materials and demo scripts. Success will be measured by ease of use, satisfaction with onboarding, and the likelihood of recommending Equalify.
Allocating Budget Across Initiatives: I will allocate the budget based on real-time performance metrics, testing various platforms, and focusing on channels that yield the highest ROI. Resourcefulness will play a major role in sourcing leads effectively.
Tracking KPIs for Lead Generation and Conversion: I use HubSpot to track lead generation, conversion rates, and pipeline movement. To meet conversion targets, I will employ ongoing adjustments, such as A/B testing for messaging and retargeting strategies, while increasing efforts on high-performing channels and exploring new outreach methods within the six-month window.
The 5% Conversion Rate Target: The 5% conversion rate target is based on industry benchmarks for cold email and inbound marketing in specialized B2B software markets. While the specific industry for this proposal is still to be determined, this target is informed by Equalify’s previous results in a more challenging (EdTech) space, which yielded a 1.18% conversion rate. By targeting an industry with a typically shorter sales cycle, generating more leads, and focusing on prospects in purchasing mode through a Google Ads campaign, paired with Equalify’s strong value proposition and the increasing urgency around compliance, this conversion target is realistic.
Milestone 1: Market Research and Preparation Activities:
Note on this: The work involved in thorough market research and preparation is substantial, and although the budget is below my usual charging rate, I believe it is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for lead generation and demonstrates my commitment to the project.
Contingency Plans: I will establish early warning indicators, such as lead engagement drop-offs, and adjust our strategy accordingly (e.g., reallocating resources or increasing ad spending in high-performing channels). I will also explore additional marketing avenues, such as partnerships or influencer marketing. If necessary, I may propose a budget increase to support these efforts.
Cold Calling Tactics for Higher ROI: Cold calling, along with email, remains one of the most effective approaches for selling new SaaS products. It requires skill and experience and must be executed strategically. For this reason, I prefer to work with an expert who has a native accent and years of experience. In my experience, this improves rapport and communication with prospects. We will focus on personalization, calling during optimal times, and making follow-up calls to warm up leads. We will also track effectiveness and adjust scripts based on feedback.
@bbertucc I’ve identified several key channels for generating organic, warm leads. If we can act swiftly, we will gain a competitive edge before these channels become saturated. I’m excited to get started on this.
Thank you so much @Emmanueltech for your detailed and thoughtful response. I really appreciate the thoroughness and how you've addressed various aspects of the proposal. While I don’t have the final say on the approval, I do think this is a very comprehensive plan that covers many bases. That said, I’d love to dig a bit deeper into a few areas to ensure everything is as clear and actionable as possible:
@kevinandrews1 Thank you for your kind words.
Balancing Intuition with Data-Driven Insights for Keywords: Skills, experience, research, and intuition will be key in making initial keyword selections, particularly in niche markets or industries where past knowledge can give a competitive edge. but these choices will always be validated by data. I'll use these insights to fine-tune the strategy as we collect performance metrics.
Vetting and Choosing a Cold Calling Expert: In terms of cold calling, I prefer to work with individuals I’ve collaborated with in the past, and having firsthand knowledge of their ability to deliver results ensures that we minimize risk.
Key Channels for Warm Leads: I’ve identified several key channels for generating warm leads beyond those already mentioned. As we enter phase one of the research phase, I look forward to testing and analyzing additional potential channels. I enjoy exploring unconventional avenues to generate leads at a lower cost; this is how I discovered Equalify. I focus on areas where our target audience is active but often overlooked by others.
Actions on Early Warning Indicators: This will rely upon real-time decisions on a mix of weekly performance reports and identifying anomalies in lead behavior trends.
Target Industry and Sales Cycle Selection: When selecting industries to target, I’ll prioritize those with shorter sales cycles and higher demand for our solutions. However, if we discover that the chosen industry is producing slower-than-expected conversions, I’ll reevaluate our strategy. This could involve shifting focus to a different segment or tweaking the value message to better align with industry needs.
Creating a Feedback Loop for Product and Sales Messaging: This will involve gathering feedback from customers through surveys, interviews, and data from customer support interactions. Additionally, generating regular updates on common objections or challenges faced during the sales process. Based on this feedback, I’ll make improvements to both the product and the messaging, prioritizing changes that have the most immediate impact on conversions and customer satisfaction.
Thank you for the clarifications and the additional context—this is really helping me get a clearer picture of the strategy. I’m also going to bring in a couple of others (@bbertucc , @heythisischris, @azdak, and @wilsuriel03) to make sure we’re covering all bases and have an opportunity to ask questions. I don't want to take all the oxygen. I'll step back now.
@kevinandrews1 Thanks again, Kevin. My previous answers above apply to most of your recent questions. The others we will find out during the research phase, so we can avoid relying too much on intuition.
This is impressive @Emmanueltech. Would you have some time to discuss with me and the team? You can grab time here: http://calendly.com/equalifyapp (I would love @azdak on the call if so, because he has experience selling too and it will help to have as many brains on reviewing this since I obviously have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to sales.)
Hey @Emmanueltech just wanted to ping you again. Want to meet? Here's my calendar link: http://calendly.com/equalifyapp
I'm going to go ahead and move this to the next sprint. If I don't hear back, I'll go ahead and close it.
@bbertucc Sounds good. . I'll check the link and lock in a time that works. It would be helpful if everyone joining the call could go through our previous discussions beforehand.
Hi, I'm ready for the meeting, do you mind if we use google meet? I can't get zoom to load on this PC.
That's fine @Emmanueltech - Want to send the Google Meet link?
Please join me : https://meet.google.com/upx-fhhn-eix
Thaks again @Emmanueltech. @azdak mentioned that the next step is for you to share some case studies of past work. We'll look for that then make a final decision. Very much appreciate your time!
@bbertucc @azdak Sure! Here’s a past example of the business research I conducted: Business Research Example - Flip Book. The in-depth research was conducted using sophisticated, subscription-based software for all elements including getting accurate data. For the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), I collaborate with a talented freelancer who creates it. Here’s a sample of her previous ICP: ICP Sample - PDF.
@bbertucc Hi, how are you doing?. I'm just checking in to see if you've looked over the materials I shared with you.
Hey @Emmanueltech yes! We're working on getting a budget to move forward. Right now, we don't have budget for it. We're keeping this open and will contact you when we have more runway to think about sales again.
Sounds good, looking forward to it
Sounds like a well-structured plan, especially the targeted outreach for lead generation; tools like W3rocks can further enhance your efforts by automating outreach campaigns and expanding your lead list efficiently.
Equalify Proposal: Cost-Effective Digital Accessibility Solution for Corporates and Small Businesses
Introduction
This proposal outlines a comprehensive strategy to drive sales and increase customer acquisition for Equalify. The goal is to secure 10-15 new customers within the next six months. We will leverage targeted outreach through cold emails to highlight Equalify’s benefits—cost savings, time efficiency, and compliance. This will be supplemented by cold calls for direct follow-up and lead conversion. Additionally, we will maintain visibility across all channels with social media campaigns, engaging content, and retargeting ads to re-engage prospects previously contacted through our cold email efforts. By positioning Equalify as a leading provider of digital accessibility solutions for small businesses and corporate enterprises, we will enhance our outreach efforts and effectively address the growing demand for compliance.
Objectives:
Target Audience:
Messaging Strategy:
The unique value proposition will highlight Equalify’s affordability and ease of integration with existing web services, emphasizing that accessibility compliance is beneficial. Achieving compliance not only mitigates legal risks but also increases sales, positioning Equalify as a growth-focused solution rather than just a compliance tool.
The Pitch to Equalify’s Customers
In today’s digital landscape, ensuring your website is accessible to everyone is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to inclusivity. An inaccessible website can exclude people as much as physical barriers to a location do. Equalify offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution for corporations and small businesses to make their websites accessible to all users. Our tool scans your entire website using a sitemap, providing detailed reports for easier accessibility fixes. Strengthen compliance, protect your brand, and support digital inclusivity with Equalify.
Benefits to Highlight:
Sales and Marketing Execution Plan: (Note: The budget for each additional incentive included in a milestone is separate from the main budget for the milestone itself.)
Milestones
Milestone 1: Market Research and Preparation (2 Weeks) - $1,500
Tasks: Research ideal niches, identify key decision-makers, and prepare tailored outreach materials.
Additional Initiatives (separate budget): Identify marketing channels to position Equalify as a leading accessibility solution.
Deliverables: Market research analysis, updated outreach materials, email templates, and cold call scripts.
Milestone 2: Cold Email Outreach (4 Weeks) - $3,500
Tasks: Launch targeted email outreach, schedule product demos, and engage with industry networks.
Additional Initiatives (separate budget):
Google Ads click-campaign - $500
Social media retargeting ad - $500
Deliverables: Email performance reports, Google Ads insights, demo scheduling, and social media engagement metrics.
Milestone 3: Follow-Up and Engagement (4 Weeks) - $2,500
Tasks: Follow-up calls and emails, provide free trials and support to high-potential leads.
Additional Initiatives (separate budget):
Organic growth hacking on two platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit) - $500
Educational campaigns on legal risks - $600
Deliverables: Call logs, feedback from trial users, and engagement metrics.
Milestone 4: Finalization and Onboarding (6 Weeks) - $1,500
Tasks: Finalize sales, onboard new customers, and collect feedback for improvements.
Deliverables: Completed sales confirmations, customer feedback documentation, and a final comprehensive performance report.
Payment Structure
Overall Budget
KPIs and Performance Tracking
Conclusion:
This proposal presents a results-driven sales strategy for Equalify. By focusing on targeted outreach, optimized messaging, and strategic marketing initiatives, it aims for rapid customer acquisition and increased visibility in the digital accessibility market. Targeting regulated industries and small businesses will position Equalify as a leader in cost-effective accessibility solutions, helping businesses avoid legal risks while improving user satisfaction. As Equalify scales, this strategy is designed to grow alongside the company, ensuring continuous lead generation, conversion, and market presence. Achieving the KPIs outlined will provide valuable insights for future growth, helping Equalify expand its market share and streamline its operations.