Cold Calling for Web Design Sales: A Complete Playbook

Cold calling still works for selling websites to local businesses: owners answer their phones, and a two-minute conversation can turn into a project. Here is a complete cold calling for web design sales playbook, from the list to the follow-up.

1. Build a list worth calling

• One niche and one area at a time.
• Businesses with no website, a broken site or an outdated site.
• Good reviews: an active business with customers.
• Checked phone numbers (see phone line checker).

2. Prepare each call in 30 seconds

• Look at their website on your phone: what is broken or missing?
• Read two recent reviews: what do customers love?
• Have a preview of their new website ready to send.

3. The opening

Be honest and specific. Say who you are, why you're calling them in particular, and ask for 30 seconds:

"Hi, is this Mike? This is Sam, I build websites for roofers here in Denver. I noticed your website doesn't load on phones, and I made a quick preview of what a new one could look like. Can I send it to you?"

4. Handle the common objections

• "We get enough work." → "Great to hear. The site would help you pick better jobs and raise prices. Can I send the preview anyway?"
• "Too expensive." → "It's one fixed price and you see the site before you pay anything. What budget did you have in mind?"
• "Send me an email." → "Sure, what's the best email? I'll send the preview now and call you Thursday to hear what you think."
• "I'm busy." → "No problem, when is a better time: early morning or after five?"

5. Book the next step

The goal of the first call is not to sell the website; it is to get the preview in front of them and book a short follow-up. Write the time in your CRM before you hang up.

6. Follow up

Most deals close after several contacts. Call when you said you would, send a short email between calls, and stop when they say no.

Know the rules

Call businesses at reasonable hours, respect Do Not Call requests and the rules in your country, and tell people if you record the call. Read our cold calling script for word-for-word examples.