How to Find the Right Clients for your Business
If you own a business one thing that’s probably a constant on your mind is how to find clients for your business. In today’s world there’s a lot more avenues for finding clients then there use to be before the internet and social media became popular.
Back in the day there was basically the yellow pages, referrals, networking, and word of mouth.
Fortunately, the world has come a long way since then and now there are many ways to find clients. Whether you want to promote your Virtual Assistant services or just get more exposure, you need to know how to find clients for your business. But let’s take it a step further. You don’t want to just find clients for your business, not the right clients. Let’s explore these avenues for finding the right clients for your business.
5 ways to find the right clients for your business.
Use Social Media
There’s just no getting around social media. It should be no surprise that using social media is one of the best ways to find clients for your business. It’s not enough to just use social media. You need to do your research and figure out who your target audience is and which social media platforms they hang out at the most.
According to Oberlo, 48% of the world are social media users with Facebook being the most widely used platform at 68%. That means by using social media you have the potential to reach over 3 billion people! If you play your cards right, you can reach a huge audience of people.
To assist in reaching the maximum amount of people possible through social media consider placing ads with their platforms. Facebook and Instagram are the most popular platforms for placing ads. Other platforms such as Pinterest have also jumped on board in providing a way to place ads.
The biggest thing to remember about social media when it comes to finding clients is you need to create accounts and be on the social media platforms where your audience is. You can be active on social media every day all day, but if you’re not where your people are, you’re wasting your time. Do your research. Don’t forget to follow and engage as well. It’s not just about you and your business. Your business should be about helping others and building a community as well. Be specific in who you are and what you have to offer.
Consistency is the key to social media success. Maybe you want to post a blog or post to your social media every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Consistency helps to build trust. You can use social media tools to help you post consistently on social media. One such tool I like to use is Later and Tailwind. However, do not use social media schedulers in place of engagement. You still need to engage with your audience and actually get on the platform!
Don’t forget to use and test out various techniques when it comes to social media. Use posts, pictures, videos, stories, reels, and whatever else the particular platforms has to offer. Pay attention to what your audience responds to the most and where you get the most engagement.
Use hashtags
One way to find clients is to use hashtags. When you use hashtags, you don’t have to find clients, they will find you! Your audience aka potential clients, will find you online by the hashtags you use so choose them well. Figure out the hashtags you should be using and then apply them to your social media. Instagram and Twitter are the best platforms for using hashtags. Your hashtag strategy is one of the most important ways to grow your Instagram and Twitter following and help your customers find you.
Think about the hashtags that describe you and your business. Then think about the hashtags your potential clients are using. Those are the hashtags you should use. Be prepared to think outside the box when it comes to hashtags. You should mainly stick to relevant hashtags. However, there are times when using a hashtag that doesn’t necessarily go with your regular hashtags is useful. For instance, maybe you are noticing that a lot of stay at home moms visit your website because they are looking to work from home. But your business is a graphic design business. Off the top of your head you may not think to use the hashtag stay at home mom but think about it. A stay at home mom who decides to work at home might need a graphic designer to help them with their business website. You get the picture.
Hashtag generator tools such as Flick and Ingramer are great for getting suggestions for relevant hashtags and tracking performance of hashtags.
Start a Blog
You might have a website to draw clients to your business, but have you thought about having a blog for your website as well? A website is great for explaining what your business is all about, how to contact you, and showcasing your talents. But creating a blog is really helpful in sealing the deal in obtaining more clients. When your audience reads your blog not only do they get a feel for your personality, but a blog also allows you to show your expertise and knowledge in your business. In your blog talk about your audience’s pain points and how to solve them as well as offer useful tips. Help your audience see you as the as the “go to” person and build trust. Sometimes your audience doesn’t know they need you until they read your post. Seek opportunities to guest blog on other’s website if they are open to it. Collaborations can be a great way to get the word out about your business and find clients.
Build a List
You should always be building a list of potential clients and customers. This can be done through an email service. An email service grabs the email addresses of the readers who come to your website and subscribe. Be sure to offer incentives for subscribing by offering then something in return. This offering can be a freebie, a discount, a helpful checklist pertaining to your business, or even a free consultation. You can even get subscribers just by creating helpful content for your blog. Readers will want to subscribe if you show value in subscribing.
Another way to build your list is to write down all the people you know such as family and friends. They may not be your target audience but may know someone who is.
Existing clients should also go on your list.
Once you build your list be consistent in creating a schedule to send emails and/or newsletters that consist of useful information and happenings of the business. Really, you can include whatever you want in your communications with your list. Send quizzes to find out information about your target audience and ask them what they need. You can also ask for referrals and offer incentives for referrals.
If you know your ideal client, you can also search for and reach out to them directly. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with potential businesses and clients you’d like to work with. Be friendly and let potential clients know up front why you are contacting them and how you can help them. You don’t want to come off in a way that will turn them off. Be genuine when reaching out. Remember, you want to build a relationship, not just make a sale or gain a client.
Networking
You don’t have to be a social butterfly to network. Community events, conferences, and workshops are great ways to meet others and advertise your business for free. Be sure to always have your business cards with you and pass them out every chance you get. If vendor opportunities are offered at these events, consider becoming one. Even better, ask about speaking opportunities as well. The more you attend these types of events the more confidence you will gain in talking about your business and what you have to offer. Eventually it will become second nature. Some more free advertising ideals include wearing merchandise that includes your business name such as a t-shirt or hat. When you’re out and about people will come up to you and ask you about your business. Some businesses even put big magnets on their cards to advertise their business. Not everyone will be into that sort of thing but if you are go for it!
Get to know your community by visiting your local Chamber of Commerce, joining a panel or an organization, or sit on a board.
These are just a few ways to find clients for your business. The possibilities are endless. Use these resources and tools to find and reach your target audience and potential clients. Have fun, be consistent, do your research, and most of all don’t be afraid to tell people about you and your business. Potential clients can’t find you if they don’t know about you. If you follow these techniques on how to find clients for your business, then eventually you will build a solid list of clients that will help you expand your business and keep it growing steadily.