Whether you're a freelancer or have started up your own business around a specific product or service, you need clients in order to be successful. If you're just starting out, or are experiencing difficulty finding buyers, use some of the tips provided in this guide on how to get clients.
Introduction
- As a new business owner or freelancer, you may have thought the hard part was setting up your business. However, finding and convincing people to purchase your product or use your service can sometimes prove challenging as well. You may have found that some people are reluctant to patronize businesses they are unfamiliar with, especially those that are new and untested. There are, however, several strategies detailed below that will help you attract new customers to your business.
Step 1: Branding
(Creative Commons photo by Dwonderwall)If you haven't already done so, you'll have to create a unique brand for your company or yourself. Branding doesn't mean simply thinking up a great company name and creating an eye-catching logo; in order to brand and promote yourself effectively, you need to first think up and then effectively articulate what sets you apart from others in your industry. Think of your own or your product's unique characteristics and how these characteristics will directly benefit your target clients. Then, use this information to create a motto, tagline, mission and vision statement, if you haven't already done so.
Practice how you will introduce yourself to potential clients and answer the question: "What do you do?" This way, you'll be well prepared to handle the situation when it arises.
Step 2: Create Promotional Materials
- Using the brand you created in the previous step, create promotional materials that you can hand out to prospective clients. After all, you want everyone you meet to remember who you are and what goods and services you have to offer. If you are not a particularly talented writer or graphic designer, consider hiring freelance contractors or asking some of your more talented friends to help you out.
- Some of the items you may want to produce include:
Step 3: Use Your Existing Network
- If you're just starting out or are new to business, you may be thinking that you don't have a network, but that's simply not true—you have your friends and family. Even if they personally have no use for your product or service, chances are that they may know someone who does. Arm the people you know and trust with some business cards, brochures and some basic knowledge about what you are promoting. Then, ask them to mention your name whenever they encounter someone who may be interested in your product or service.
Step 4: Expand Your Network
- Even if you're not much of a networker, you're going to have to put yourself out there and meet as many potential clients as possible. Focus on making a good impression on everyone you meet in the hopes that even if they don't plan to patronize your company, they may recommend you to other potential customers.
- Some of the resources you can use to network and meet potential clients include:
- Join your local chamber of commerce and attend all functions and meetings
- Purchase a table or booth at any industry trade shows and business fairs
- Sign up to attend and, if possible, speak at any business conferences in your area
- Become a member of any associations related to your industry
Conclusion
Although getting clients may seem frustrating at first, especially if your attempts seem to always be answered with an emphatic "no," try not to get discouraged. When speaking with potential clients, always emphasize how your product or service will directly benefit them and their business. Make use of available resources to meet and promote yourself to as many potential clients as possible—the more contacts you make, the more likely it becomes that one of them will decide to patronize your business.
