How to Find New Clients
The start-ups’ (totally wallet-friendly!) guide to getting new clients
Congrats - you've launched your very own business! You're officially writing the first chapter of your success story. We can't wait to read it!! 😉
Next up? Getting your inbox piled high with leads and your schedule stacked with bookings from your FYT (F*ck Yes Tribe) so you can build the profitable business and lifestyle of your dreams. But how do you go from starry-eyed start-up to fully booked services-based business?
Today, we're talking about how to consistently find and attract new clients when you're getting started. Because, babe, we know this can feel like a COMPLETE mystery!
Now, if you’ve got a high-converting website with a solid marketing strategy backing it up and a bad ass online presence helping you show up with style and presence, the whole client attraction thing will mostly be DFY (Done For You). Eventually.
But until then, you’ll have to play the business babes’ version of Hide and Seek to figure out where your potential clients and FYT (F*ck Yes Tribe) are hiding.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s seek them out together.
Six tips to find new clients when you're starting out
Tip one: Get gossipin’
Nope, not about family drama or celebrity dilemmas. Instead, we want you gossiping about yourself! Uh-huh, for real. You’re embarking on an amazing new adventure - you should be telling people all about it!
And, okay, we know it might feel instinctive to keep your new business on the down-low until you feel like a legit success story. But your social networks can help spread the word about your new business. So go ahead and tell your friends, family, doctor, dentist, courier and ex co-workers allll about what you’re up to!
Tip two: Speak up and be seen as a pro
In case you haven't heard it yet: You are a genius! Seriously. You are an expert in your niche and a veritable chocolate fountain of information for hungry knowledge-seekers. So, don't be afraid to speak up and be a helpful resource online and offline.
We’ll cover offline opportunities more in a tic, but for now have a prowl around in Facebook or Slack Groups (Ladies Get Paid) is a super dope Slack group we use a lot).
Tip three: Partner up!
Okay, so we wouldn’t dream of having our nachos without a healthy side serving of guacamole (are you crazy?!) Just like we know that great design is delicious alone … but even tastier when served up with other service-based solutions!
For your business, we recommend finding businesses that are adjacent to your specialty but not competition. For example, we partner with brand photographers, copywriters (Cass from Wild Spirit Co. is our wordy girl, btw), social media peeps and SEO experts. For our complete Little Story Book of helpful humans that contribute to the success of your online biz, head on over here.
Tip four: Create a referral program
Whisky. Paul Rudd. Word of mouth marketing. There are some things that just age well. And when it comes to tried and tested marketing methods that don't feel ick, getting others to brag about your brilliance for you is pretty damn great.
But you can't expect your past clients to remember to just randomly praise you to everyone they know. You need to give them a compelling reason to rate, review and refer others to you. Which is where a referral program comes in! You can work it into your existing client experience with a template that guides them in leaving you a review while reminding them of all the benefits they got out of working with you. You can also offer an extra incentive for referrals, whether it's a discount for them or the person they're referring to you.
Oh, and don't forget you can extend your referral program beyond just your past clients. Include friends, family and partner businesses to really get that word of mouth marketing going.
Tip five: Connect offline
With the wide world web at your feet, it's easy to forget that local networking events are a legitimate way to grow your brand and business. But connecting with others in real life is one of the best ways to build awareness for your business!
This ties into tip four but extending your network means gaining access to more people who are willing to spread the word about your awesome business. It's also a great way to unlock new opportunities and enjoy a coffee or a wine while you're at it. 😉 Just be sure you have a Killer Impact Statement up your sleeve, so you'll feel confident when it comes to introducing yourself to your new connections.
Don't know where to start with finding local events? Keep your eyes peeled on social media or have a browse of Eventbrite or Meetup.
Tip six: Become a guest speaker
For example, you can catch me talking about building a solid foundation for your brand at my local Soho House. It's my local hang, so I love it there. This gives me access to help their community and promote myself in a way that feels good.
We know that building a client base can feel daunting, but remember, every big success starts with a small step. By following these tips and putting yourself out there, you’re paving the way for a thriving business. Keep sharing your passion, connecting with others, and showing up as the amazing professional you are. Your FYT (Fuck Yes Tribe) is out there waiting to discover you. So, keep going, stay positive, and watch your business grow. You've got this! 🚀
