Sales for a Content Agency

I like sales class because it’s very practical and I’m actually going to use the principles we learn about. I actually really like selling when it’s related to entrepreneurship because yes, outreach is somewhat scary, but it’s exciting to have the possibility for new business. 

Lately, I’ve been working on starting a content agency. I use my camera to make social media content for businesses and even some long form videos. My dream is to have an agency that works with extreme sports athletes and adventure companies. My exposure to projects like that in Grove City are limited, but there’s still opportunities. 

So how have I been using sales so far? I’ve been doing a lot of cold calls and cold emails to try to get video jobs. I will spend at least an hour almost every night researching potential clients and sending them emails. One thing I’ve learned through doing this is the importance of a follow up. I was listening to a podcast one time that suggested when you’re selling through emails to build a three email automation for each industry you’re reaching out to. When I started following up with people after it’s  been around 3 or 4 days and they haven’t responded, I started getting significantly more responses. You just have to find the balance between being persistent and being too pushy. 

Cold phone calls are much harder to do because usually I just get rejected every time haha. So I’m still working on perfecting my phone pitch, but usually I ask for the manager and explain that I’m a student videographer and ask them about what they’re doing for video marketing. Then eventually, I give them my pitch. If anyone has tips on cold calls that’d be great. 

I also have been showing up to events with my camera and creating content for my instagram and spec ads that I send to the host company. I started going and filming at rodeos on Saturday nights, and so many people have noticed me there and the videos that I made that I’ve been getting more and more requests for rodeo content. I also went to the World of Wheels car show in Pittsburgh and took videos of some of the cars there. I pretended like I was paid to be there and went past the fences and got some really cool videos. As long as you’re confident, nobody will question you. 

So those are the sales techniques I’ve been using to get my content agency going – cold emails / calls, and going to events with my camera and networking. Let me know if anyone has any more suggestions!