So you have the services you want to provide. You have the pretty branding colors that you’ve switched 20 times and you even have a kick-ass name. Your website is perfect and you even have a little email marketing going on. Check you out! Things are coming together and then you slowly start to realize that something is missing. YOUR CLIENTS!
Well, how are you supposed to find them? You may have heard the saying. “Build it and they will come”. That’s true in some cases BUT you may have to actually put yourself out there and communicate with people. I know that just gave you a heart attack and your palms are probably sweating right now but, don’t freak out! I’m very much a loner and like to keep to myself. However, I know that’s not going to get me where I want to be in my business. Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone and get a little uncomfortable. That’s the only way you can really figure things out and attempt any sort of progress.
Here are a few ways to find some of your dream clients:
Everyone and their Mama has Facebook, so use it! Make a business page and optimize it to attract the clients you seek. Follow other business pages that share common interests with you so you can build your following and get a little community going on. Join Facebook groups and ACTUALLY participate (I’m terrible at this). Dropping a comment here or there and a link to your website (if it’s allowed) can attract some potential clients that you never that you would be able to sign. Facebook groups are also great because you join this community of people that may or may not be going through the same obstacles that you’ve been dealing with lately. It’s a great space to ask questions, ask for feedback, and share info about your services.
Who doesn’t love Instagram! All you do is scroll, like, and post what you want. If you want to find your dream clients here, make sure your IG is optimized to attract those clients. Your bio should be straight to the point and tell your audience who you are, what you do, and how to get to you. Follow some of your dream client accounts. Drop a DM to get a conversation going (don’t overdo it and be organic). Sometimes reaching out first can make all the difference. Also, follow other accounts that provide the same services as you. You never the friends or connections that you can make and how it can help your business grow. Collaborate with other service providers to get your business out there! Share some of your favorite content from accounts you follow. Engagement is everything! How are people supposed to know about you if they don’t even know you’re there.
Linkedin is another platform that I think people overlook because they just think of it as an online resume for full-time employee positions. Wrong! It can be used for service providers too. Again, make sure everything is optimized and up to date. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone with outdated information on their profile. What happens when you do that? You miss out on opportunities. For instance, if your profile says you’re interested in hospitality but you recently changed to engineering then you’re gonna miss out on what you really want. Make sure to look over everything once in a while to make sure potential clients are seeing who you really are and where you’re at. Don’t forget to post content like you would on any other social media platform. You can like and share posts that align with your business and post engaging content to attract others. Join groups on the platform and engage!
Family and Friends
Sometimes starting close to home can give you exactly what you need. You never know who someone else may know. Ask a friend if you can provide services to them for a month or two to get some experience and a testimonial. Try the same thing with family. Ask them to spread the word about your business and to point anyone that may need your type of services in your direction. Hand out business cards so they can have them handy if they find someone that may need you. Ask friends and family to support you on social media liking, sharing, and following your business content. Having a friend or family member on your side will allow them to speak of your character when they’re speaking with a potential client. Yes you’re a business, but you’re still an actual person and clients like to know who they’re actually working with.
Get Local
Research businesses in your neighborhood and reach out to them. Drop by and leave a business card. Find their business email and introduce yourself to them. Make them aware that you are here, you exist, and that you have services they may need. Let them know the benefit you can bring them by working together. You never know who you may come into contact with and where it can lead. Even if a particular business owner may not need your services, they might know someone who does. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get in contact with people.
There are literally clients everywhere! You just have to know where to look and how to attract them. It is easier said than done but not impossible. Sometimes you’ll be able to turn a corner and bump into a client. Other times it could take you months. Don’t give up, and be persistent!
Creative Ambition Virtual Solutions 