Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch! Happy to give you some initial thoughts and guidance on promoting your AutoCAD drafting service. It sounds like you're just starting out, which is exciting, but also means getting those first clients is really important. I'll give you the benefit of my experience, and hopefully this should point you in the right direction.
We'll need to look at LinkedIn Ads...
First off, LinkedIn Ads are definetly worth a look. I've seen them work well for similar services. The beauty of LinkedIn is its pretty good B2B targeting. I remember one client, similar to your offer but they focussed on architectural visualisations. LinkedIn ads did really well for them. LinkedIn's a good place to be as you can target people in specific industries, job titles, even company sizes.
To make the most of it, think about who your ideal customer is. What kind of companies need AutoCAD drafting? Architects? Engineers? Construction firms? Then, target the decision-makers within those companies – project managers, lead engineers, etc. Make sure your ads showcase your best work, and speak directly to their needs – e.g., "High-quality drafting for complex projects," or "Fast turnaround times for urgent deadlines." You'll want the add to display your best work and be really attractive to potential clients.
That said, LinkedIn can be more expensive than other platforms. If your budget is tight, start with a small, targeted campaign to test the waters and see what kind of results you get. This'll allow you to dial in the targeting and creative before committing more funds.
I'd say you NEED to consider local networking...
Don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned local networking! I'd say this is essential and a perfect complement to any online advertising. Get yourself down to some construction, engineering, or architectural events in your area. Industry trade shows or even local business meetups can be useful. You want to build those face-to-face relationships - people are more likely to trust someone they've met in person. Prepare a short, snappy elevator pitch about your service. Have business cards handy and a portfolio of your work (even an iPad or tablet with some examples). Actually physically getting out there and getting your name out there is so important!
Think of networking as a long-term investment. You might not get clients immediately, but you're building relationships that can pay off down the line. Offer value upfront – give free advice, share your expertise, and be genuinely interested in helping others.
You probably should look at your online presence...
Make sure your online presence is spot on. This means havin' a professional website or landing page that showcases your work, explains your services, and makes it easy for potential clients to contact you. A professional looking website can be crucial for your brand. If you don't have a website yet, start with a simple landing page that includes your contact information and a few examples of your work. Make sure it's mobile-friendly and loads quickly!
Consider creating a portfolio on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, which are popular with designers and other creative professionals. This can help you showcase your work to a wider audience and attract potential clients. For B2B, you'll want to optimise your LinkedIn profiles. Make sure your profiles are up-to-date and highlight your skills and experience in AutoCAD drafting. Connect with people in your industry and participate in relevant groups and discussions.
You'll need to think about your pricing structure...
How are you planning to price your services? Do you charge by the hour, by the project, or by the drawing? Research what other AutoCAD drafting services in your area are charging. See what rates they have online, or enquire about rates. Make sure your pricing is competitive but also reflects the value you bring to the table. It is crucial to ensure that pricing is in line with the market for similar services.
Consider offering different pricing tiers based on the complexity of the project, the turnaround time, and other factors. This can help you attract a wider range of clients with different budgets and needs. Think about some initial offers for new customers as well!
I've detailed my main recommendations for you below:
| Area | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| LinkedIn Ads | Run targeted ads to specific industries and job titles. | Reaches decision-makers who need drafting services. |
| Local Networking | Attend industry events, meet potential clients face-to-face. | Builds trust and relationships that lead to referrals. |
| Online Presence | Create a professional website or landing page, showcase your work. | Provides a credible platform for potential clients to learn more about your services. |
| Pricing Structure | Research competitors, offer different pricing tiers. | Attracts a wider range of clients with different budgets. |
This is all my initial advice for you. I'd be happy to have a chat with you to explore all this in more detail. B2B marketing can be a minefield at the best of times, so expert help could potentially be beneficial if you're struggling to make ground with these initial steps. I'd suggest working with someone who's done this sort of thing before. We have a tonne of experience scaling software and service based businesses.
If you're interested, feel free to book in a free consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and see if we're a good fit.
Regards,
Team @ Lukas Holschuh
