With so many online franchise resources available to aspiring franchise owners around the world, it has become increasingly common for a prospective franchise buyer in South Africa, for example, to submit their information to a local opportunity in Kalamazoo, Michigan, without even realizing that they are not the intended prospect. User tests show that when prospective franchisees research franchises for sale, there is an assumption made: If they find the opportunity listed online, they assume that it is available for them to purchase, regardless of where they live. And they will find a way to submit their information, even if the form does not accommodate their address. This phenomenon can result in the accumulation of unqualified leads – a frustrating experience for franchise developers.

There are a number of online tactics you may use to attract prospects that are within your preferred development geographies, such as:

1. Make territory availability clear in all of your online advertising. Repeat your available cities, states, or countries, if the space allows;
   
2. Use filters where available. Check to ensure that you are not unintentionally accepting leads from geographies that you don’t support; and
   
3. Ask your online advertising providers if they have specific placements for different cities, states, regions, or countries.

Franchise Solutions Response: Discuss your preferred geographic development plans with your Client Consultant. They will get you started on our national, state-specific, and country-specific online recruitment websites and services.

• To recruit prospects located across the US: Franchise Solutions Directory and Womens Franchises
  
  
• To recruit prospects in specific States and Regions: StateFranchises.com
  
  
• To recruit International prospects: FranchisesInternational.com

What Franchise Buyers Say:

Based on interviews with successful franchise buyers, The typical aspiring business owner researches up to 20 different opportunities before finding the right one to purchase.


Suggested response:

Shift your thinking away from being the only opportunity a prospect sees to being one of several. Once you have permission to contact a new prospect, beat your competition to the punch with a clear, concise, and convenient follow-up strategy. Immediate and meaningful follow-up, such as a phone call, confirms your credibility as well as your interest in doing business with that prospect.