We’ve all had those times when we are looking for or have ‘openings’ for new clients.  This is especially true when first starting out.  Today I thought I would discuss 6 Ways to find and attract clients today.

One of the most imperative things to consider is that your service(s) and/or product(s) are what you say they are and deliver all that they promise. As Smallstarter says this is the most important thing in getting clients.

“The first and most important step is to sell a product or service that really works and provides great value to anybody who uses them. If a product or service delivers on its promise and does more than what it says, it’s a winner! “

John-Paul Iwuoha

6 Tips To Find and Attract Clients Today:

1. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS – It is important to continue to build relationships and connections, especially online. If looking for help and are trying to build a Freelance business, I highly recommend Freelance University* (FreeU). I may reference it from time to time in this article. ] Using the methods discussed in the FreeU class, ‘Cold Calling in the Digital World’ Craig (the Instructor) offers the best practices to help you connect and build relationships online. One of which is joining a social media group where your ideal audience hangs out.
2. FREEBIE/EMAIL LIST – I can tell you from personal experience, I waited much too long before implementing this strategy. I wish I had done this much earlier in my business life.  Please create a checklist, ebook, or something to attract your market so they want to download your free document(s) and will willingly give you their email address.

Follow Up – Follow Up – Follow Up

3. FOLLOW UP – This is a huge one that often gets overlooked. Please follow up – follow up and follow up! Do this with anyone who has reached out to you asking questions or inquired about your services. I am frequently asked ‘how often’ should I do this? I suggest following up on a regular basis.  In fact, I recommend that you follow up within the first week of contact (if you had an appointment with them, then within 3 days is wise). After that, it can depend on the response, but you should follow up again in another week or two and one last one within a month of the last contact. At this point, if you are not receiving any responses then simply add them to the regular flow of your email list.  If you are having interaction and discussions, continue to respond until they do not then send a final email a week after their last response.  All should be added to your list.

” After your efforts to bring in business, always remember to close the loop, suggests Josh Sprague, CEO of Orange Mud. “Remember to set follow up tasks (follow up to sample sent, etc.), and execute your plan. So many leads and great conversations are wasted because you forget to follow up.” Doing this simple step is sure to get your client base to grow. “

Julie Bawden-Davis

Additional Tips To Find Clients

4. WEBINARS/ONLINE CONFERENCES – Doing online webinars with organizations or groups that have a lot of traction is a great way to build your list.  I actually reached out to a large organization because I liked an online conference produced by them.  The person responded and we set up a conversation and I was offered an opportunity to do a Nationwide webinar that reached thousands of small businesses (and it continues to get replayed still)! I continue to attract clients through this email list. You never know where an opportunity may come up.

Take Risk To Attract Clients

5. TAKE RISKS – I have taken risks in business that I never thought I would in trying to find clients.  I’m usually a ‘play it safe’ type person, so it has surprised me when I take these risks.  Maybe I feel that I don’t have anything to lose and I’m doing it via email often so not face to face (haha).  I’ve even emailed some of the companies who have appeared on Shark Tank if I really resonated with them.  I had one that nearly became a client but they were not quite ready.  What business do you know or respect that you would love to work with possibly? I’m not saying huge corporations as they have employees, but try a smaller company, newer companies, and organizations that you think could use your services.  Just reach out directly (not a bulk email), via email.  Start by telling them what you admire, respect, etc. about their company.  Then introduce yourself and your brand, telling them what makes your company different and how you envision helping them. You may be surprised at the response.

6. Referrals – It seems like an easy enough thing to do to attract clients, yet it is the one thing we often forget to do. I know I need to schedule this on a regular basis. Ask your current clients for referrals.  You can also offer them a ‘bonus’ for doing so. I offer clients 10% off their next invoice after the referral comes onboard with us. Have you tried this method previously?

What are some Unique ways you have gained clients?

Which one of these tips do you think you will try in the coming week?

Thank you once again for reading. I’d love to hear from you so please let me know what you thought and if you are struggling with some business topic I can help with be sure to reach out to us.

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