Episode 236: Is break/fix outdated… or a valid marketing tactic?

The podcast powered by the MSP Marketing Edge Welcome to this week’s episode of the MSP Marketing Podcast with me, Paul Green. This is THE show if you want to grow your MSP. In this episode I weigh up the relevance of the traditional break/fix model versus managed services. Is break/fix just an outdated concept, or can it still serve as a valuable marketing tool in our contract-driven market? (jump to) I also investigate what truly measures success for business owners. Drawing from my 19 years of experience, we’ll explore how consistent marketing actions can transform ambitious plans into tangible achievements. (jump to) Jeff Newton from REDiTECH joins me as this week’s guest and shares his unique experience of overwhelming marketing success. Jeff’s insights highlight the importance of robust processes and the need for perseverance and adaptability in marketing strategies after setbacks. (jump to) Lastly, I’ve introduced a brand new element to the Podcast – Paul’s Personal Peer Group – where I endeavour to answer your personal MSP marketing questions.  This week we hear from Scott in Florida who is considering the viability of Facebook advertising but is concerned about the return on investment.  Find out whether this could be right for you. (jump to) Join me as we unpack these topics and learn from some triumphs and trials in the MSP world. Oh, and don’t forget to join me in the MSP Marketing Facebook group. READ FULL TRANSCRIPT Is break/fix outdated… or a valid marketing tactic? Once the go-to strategy, the break/fix business model, where MSPs fix tech issues as they arise, now shares the stage with the managed services model, which emphasises ongoing support and monthly recurring revenue (MRR). Despite its old-school vibe, some MSPs still cling to break/fix as a crucial marketing tactic. They argue it’s a way to introduce their services, offering a taste that could potentially convert to more stable, contractual relationships. But how does this strategy hold up in the modern MSP landscape? I reached out to the 2,300 members of my MSP Marketing Facebook group to get their take, and the responses were eye-opening. For some, offering small break/fix services is a proven method to win clients over in the early growth stages, to a tipping point where only MRR makes sense. Others have moved away from break/fix unless it’s part of a broader security audit or leads directly to an MRR contract. This diverse range of strategies highlights a critical decision point for MSPs: is break/fix a smart business lever to pull for sampling services, or is it a relic best left in the past? Your strategy might just shape the future of your business in the ever-evolving MSP market. Is break/fix outdated… or an MSP marketing tactic? You’re measured by what you get done, not by what you say you’re doing We often dream big about our business ambitions but it’s not the plans that impress people—it’s the results. In the world of MSPs, like in all business, actions speak louder than words. Whether you’re chasing new clients or aiming to hit ambitious revenue target