Your Frequently Asked Questions, Answered!

Ready to be your own boss but have a few questions? You're not alone! Dive into our FAQ section to find all the answers you need to confidently start your franchise journey with us. From investment details to training and support, we've got you covered!

We've put together this list of your most frequently asked questions to help you make the best decision possible for yourself and your family.

1. Why should I purchase a WSI Franchise? Can’t I start a business on my own?
2. What type of person is successful in running a franchise-based business?
3. How do WSI franchisees find and get clients?
4. What services will I be offering as a WSI Franchisee?
5. What makes digital marketing a high-growth industry?
6. How does WSI differentiate itself?
7. I'm looking for a business I can manage regardless of location. Is this achievable with a WSI Franchise?
8. How much does it cost to start a WSI franchise?
9. How long do WSI Franchisees typically retain a client?
10. Can I secure a comfortable future for my loved ones with the WSI Franchise opportunity?

1. Why should I purchase a WSI Franchise? Can’t I start a business on my own?

Of course, you could start your own business, just like many other entrepreneurs around the world have done. However, this may not be the best way to maximize your time and earning potential. You'll need to create a comprehensive business plan, determine your marketing strategy, develop your service or product offering, establish processes and systems for fulfilling client needs, set prices, collect payments, and create marketing tools. You'll also need to build credibility, create a portfolio, conduct market research, stay up-to-date with industry trends, develop expertise, and establish a solid competitive advantage. All of this requires a significant amount of money and time, not to mention the loss of potential earnings as you put everything together on your own.

On the other hand, investing in a WSI franchise means you get access to a number of benefits that you simply don’t have access to when you start a business from scratch on your own. Individuals have purchased a WSI franchise because they get access to: 

• An Established Business Model: Our recurring revenue business model is based on years of experience and research. By purchasing a WSI franchise, you can access this model, our systems, and support to help you build a successful business faster.
• Over 25 Years of Brand Recognition: WSI is a well-established, reputable brand in the digital marketing space. By purchasing a WSI franchise, you gain access to over 25 years of brand equity and recognition, helping you attract clients and build credibility in the market right from the start.
• Extensive Training and Support: WSI provides unparalleled training and support to our franchisees, including initial training, ongoing coaching, peer-to-peer collaboration, and access to various marketing tools and resources. 
• A Collaborative Global Network: WSI is one of the largest networks of digital marketing agencies in the world. By joining the WSI network, you gain instant access to local expertise and global best practices to you can leverage throughout the course of your business.
• Enhanced Probability of Success: Starting a business from scratch can be risky, especially if you aren't sure where to start. Purchasing a WSI franchise can help you mitigate some of this risk thanks to our established brand, proven business model, and market agility.

2. What type of person is successful in running a franchise-based business?

After more than 25 years in the franchise industry, we have found our most successful WSI franchisees are people who possess the following three qualities:

1. Drive and Ambition: Understanding and recognizing your rationale behind owning a business is crucial. Maybe you want more freedom and control over your time, or perhaps you feel it is the only way to earn what you are truly worth. Whatever the exact reason, it is important that you understand your “why”, are motivated to achieve your goals, and are willing to put in the required effort to make your franchisee a success.

2. Resiliency: Not every day will go as planned, and setbacks will arise from time to time. However, the key is to stay focused on your goals rather than the obstacles in front of you. If you experience challenges, you have an entire support system within the WSI network that you can lean on. Running a franchise-based business is like any entrepreneurial endeavor, and those who face challenges head-on, adapt to change, maintain a positive outlook, and stay committed to their vision and goals tend to be the ones who thrive.

3. Willingness to Learn: This quality is common among successful entrepreneurs, but it is particularly important when you join WSI. The business world is ever-evolving, especially in the digital realm. We have found the more our franchisees are willing to learn, stay engaged, and implement new strategies, the more successful they are likely to be. 

If you have these three qualities and are excited about the possibilities in digital marketing, feel free to reach out to us. You might be a great fit for the WSI network.

3. How do WSI Franchisees find and get clients?

Understanding how WSI franchisees attract and maintain client relationships is crucial when deciding whether WSI fits your business aspirations. We have developed dozens of proven methodologies to help our WSI franchisees generate leads, nurture their database, and grow their client portfolio. But the truth is that effective lead generation comes from a mix of strategic processes and genuine relationship-building.

Here's a closer look at some of the resources WSI franchisees lean on for their lead generation efforts:

• Lead Generation Playbooks: These are comprehensive guides designed to streamline the prospecting process for our franchisees. They offer actionable steps and insights to initiate meaningful conversations, foster relationships, and generate leads. Our WSI Lead Generation playbooks provide you with turnkey prospecting strategies that have been proven to work based on real-world experiences.
• Marketing Support: At WSI, collaboration is key. When you become a franchisee, you're not just adopting a brand but joining a supportive network. Whether it's assistance in devising a marketing plan, accessing quality marketing materials, or utilizing our WSI Social and CRM system filled with ready-to-deploy content and email campaigns, we ensure you're well-equipped and supported throughout your lead generation activities.
• WSI Brand Reputation: With over 25 years in digital marketing, WSI has cultivated a reputation for excellence and trustworthiness. As a WSI franchisee, this positions you advantageously, allowing you to leverage a brand recognized and respected in the industry, which can be a convincing selling proposition when talking to prospective clients. 

When it comes to lead generation, WSI franchisees benefit from a combination of strategic resources, hands-on support, and a strong brand foundation.

4. What services will I be offering as a WSI Franchisee?

Great question! As a WSI Franchisee, you're not just launching a digital marketing agency; you're becoming a trusted digital marketing guide to businesses. Your WSI agency is where standard digital marketing services meet personalized consultancy, ensuring each business finds its unique digital footprint.

Here's a closer look at what you'll offer as a WSI Franchisee:

• Digital Marketing Consultancy & Strategy Development: You'll help businesses understand how digital marketing blends with their overall marketing mix and embrace digital while keeping a human touch in their marketing approach. Your relationship with clients is a continuous conversation. You'll review their strategy performance each month, exploring insights and spotting new opportunities to enhance their digital journey.
• Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): As a fractional CMO, you'll lead your client's internal marketing team, offering strategic direction to help achieve their marketing goals. You'll provide the strategic oversight necessary to align their marketing initiatives with their broader business objectives. 
• AI Consultancy: You'll help guide businesses into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by helping them understand how it can be leveraged to optimize their operations and marketing endeavors. This service will empower your clients to stay ahead of the technological curve, making you an indispensable asset in their digital evolution.
• Standard Digital Marketing Services: While you'll offer services like search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, content marketing, and web design, every solution is tailored to align with the client's unique business objectives and market dynamics.

Being a WSI Franchisee is about building lasting partnerships with businesses and guiding them through the digital landscape with a personalized, human-centric approach. Think of yourself as a digital sherpa, guiding your clients through the vast landscape of online marketing. It's not just about providing services; it's about becoming a vital part of their overall digital marketing journey.

5. What makes digital marketing a high-growth industry?

The digital marketing services space is ripe with opportunity and is considered one of the highest-growth markets out there, and here’s why: 

• Digital Transformation: The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses of all sizes are recognizing the need to establish a strong online presence. This shift towards digital transformation means there's a growing demand for experts who can guide businesses through this journey, experts like our WSI Digital Marketing Consultants.
• Consumer Behavior: The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other devices has led to consumers being more digitally connected than ever. And for businesses, that means to reach their audience, they need to be active online.
• Measurable Results: One of the primary benefits of digital marketing is its ability to provide measurable results. It offers businesses a discernible return on investment, setting it apart from more traditional marketing avenues.
• Adaptability in Changing Times: Recent global events, such as the pandemic, have further emphasized the importance of having a robust digital presence. Companies that had strong online strategies were better positioned to navigate those unprecedented market challenges.

Armed with the right resources, education, and backing – which WSI provides you when you join – you'll be well-positioned to carve out a successful niche in this thriving industry. Our proven methodology, in-depth training, and expansive support network ensure that as a WSI Franchisee, you're not just another player in the field. You're fortified by years of industry knowledge and a legacy of stability.

6. How does WSI differentiate itself?

So, what makes WSI stand out, and how do WSI franchisees differentiate themselves from other local marketing agencies? Well, here are the three things that make WSI unique and set us apart from other digital marketing companies:

• Our Consultant-Led Approach: We don't just throw out random solutions. We sit down, listen to what businesses need, and then offer strategies that make sense for them. It's like having a chat with a friend who gives advice tailored just for you.
• Our Unique Collaborative Network: We've got a big group of experts from all over the world. They share tips, tricks, and new ideas with each other. This means our clients get the benefit of all that shared knowledge.
• Over 25 Years of Global Experience, Support, and Stability: We've been around for over 25 years. That's a long time in the digital world. It means we've seen a lot, learned a lot, and have a track record of helping businesses succeed.

When you bring together all three competitive edges mentioned above, it's clear that there's no one quite like WSI in the marketplace. 

7. I'm looking for a business I can manage regardless of location. Is this achievable with a WSI Franchise? 

100% yes! The WSI franchise offers the unique advantage of allowing you to work from anywhere worldwide. With the rise of remote communication tools like Zoom, in-person meetings have become less of a necessity in the business world. As a technology-driven company, our franchisees have always been free to work remotely without the burden of face-to-face meetings with clients. Our clients understand this and expect us to utilize technology to deliver our services. This opens up a world of possibilities for our franchisees to expand their reach beyond their local community and work with larger clients nationally or internationally. Additionally, working remotely allows our franchisees to take time off to travel and spend time with their family while still staying connected with their clients and needs.

During your conversation with our representatives, they will share more details on how WSI is uniquely classified in the franchise world as a lifestyle business. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more by watching our video below:

8. How much does it cost to start a WSI Franchise?

Starting a WSI franchise is an investment into a globally recognized digital marketing brand with over 25 years of experience. The initial investment begins at $64,700, and the exact cost depends on the territory license you opt for:

• Regional License (State Level): $64,700 USD initial franchise fee.
• National License (Country Level): $69,700 USD initial franchise fee.
• International License (Global Level): $79,700 USD initial franchise fee.

Beyond the initial franchise fee, each license type necessitates an additional $15,000 for marketing and operational expenses at the onset.

One of the standout benefits of a WSI franchise is its cost-efficiency. Unlike many other franchises, WSI doesn't require a physical office space, thereby eliminating significant capital and operational expenses such as rent, furniture, and equipment. There's also no need for a large staff to run your business, which further reduces your initial start-up costs. With a laptop, reliable internet, a phone, and a comfortable workspace, you can operate your WSI franchise from virtually anywhere.

To effectively market your services, allocating at least $2,000 per month for lead generation is recommended, particularly during the initial years. Joining specific associations can also help in establish your local presence and introduce your WSI services. Monthly expenses include the technology, education, International Branding Fee, and Local IC Marketing fees. These cover access to training activities, our Global Convention, supplier training, our collaboration platform (Workplace), full-time support from our home office, your IC Agency site, and access to our WSI Hubspot CRM+ system. You also have a monthly royalty fee to gain access to the WSI system.

While various costs are associated with starting and running a WSI franchise (like with any other franchise business), the model is designed to be cost-effective. Please speak to one of our sales representatives to learn more about these costs. 

9. How long do WSI Franchisees typically retain a client? 

At WSI, the journey with a client often extends beyond an impressive average of 4.5 years, with many of our Consultants nurturing relationships that span a decade or more! This longevity is a testament to the trust and rapport our Consultants build with the businesses they partner with.

We take a consultant-led approach when working with a business on their digital marketing strategy. This means we're not just delivering digital marketing services but establishing ourselves as trusted partners they can turn to and rely on. This relationship-centric approach lays the foundation for a steady stream of recurring revenue for our WSI franchisees and unfolds many opportunities for upselling services.

As a WSI Consultant, your regular strategy discussions with clients aren't mere check-ins. They are golden opportunities to understand their evolving needs and introduce additional services that can unlock a world of possibilities for their business growth.

Explore the essence of WSI's enduring client relationships and our recurring revenue model by watching our short video below:

10. Can I secure a comfortable future for my loved ones with the WSI Franchise opportunity?

Absolutely. WSI Franchise provides a promising path for securing a bright and comfortable future for your loved ones. If long-term financial stability for your family is a goal, WSI stands as a strong opportunity to achieve it. Our model welcomes both budding and seasoned professionals, aiming to provide a solid financial foundation for generations to come.

We have numerous instances where franchisees have either taken over their family-run WSI franchise or joined a relative in managing one. This hands-on experience offers younger family members a practical business education as they learn the intricacies of running a WSI franchise business. 

For a deeper look into how a WSI franchise can offer you intergenerational wealth, check out our video below: