How to find clients for your business?

All of us, are at some point starting out at as freelancers or as Small sized business owners running independent agencies or are into professional services. But one thing that we all need to survive in our business or freelancing journey is clients. Its very important for us to find clients on a regular basis to keep our business growing. So how do we really find clients for our business on an ongoing basis, so that we are not short of them. Here are some 7 ways through which you can find your clients:

1) Ask for referrals from existing clients:

One thing we often shy from is asking for clients or referrals from our existing customers. But you know what you could really offer them a 10% additional discount if they refer you customer or a reduction in your retainer ship fees monthly if they bring you one big client. It is a win win for both. This has worked for me, you can give a try and see the results for yourself.

2) Help them find employees or people:

One thing that works in the business world, is there are always opportunities for you to market yourself better. You can become a "GO TO" person for the clients small needs like finding a freelance content writer, a book keeper or a graphic designer. These small requirements are always there with small businesses. Once may be you can help but then you can bargain with them for helping out regularly by referring them these kind of freelancers. All you need is to be good at networking. And even if you are not good at it, you can post on freelancing group on Facebook and find some freelancers.

3) Use advertisement in your local newspaper or in your community magazines:

This really works for small business owners having independent set up. Publishing your advertisement in local leaflets and small booklet magazine showing about your nearby places is a good start for your business. You can also consider publishing it in your community magazine. For eg: Jain Guajarati people have their annual Jain Publication about JITO activities and other ancillary work they do. This will help in building your Brand presence in local community or local area. Then by sheer goodwill and word of mouth, your business will increase.

4) Building on Instagram:

We all use Instagram to sell our products and services. But what is required is to build a Brand for your Business rather than just posting about your product and services. Instagram and other social media platforms, whether its You Tube or Reels, you don't have to use it to show case your products. That's only 20% percent of the posts but 80% percent of your social media content should be on how your brand is changing the lives of your customers or clients. How is it creating an impact. This ensures regular customers reaching out to your Brand rather than you scouting for your customer and bargaining over price. This also helps in selling your products and services at premium.

5) Create an army of freelancers:

Marketing your products and services is a regular function of the business. A one man army is not going to help in survival of Business in long run. You need to have a team in place for marketing your products and services. You can consider collaborating with one or two freelancers (college going students looking to earn in part time) for commission and once you are assured business regularly from them, you can extend your team by hiring a 10-15 freelance sales people. A work at home mom or retired government employee seeking part time work are best for these.

6) Resort to affiliate marketing:

Once you have a team of freelancers, you can even ask college going students for resorting too affiliate marketing of your products or services. They will be happy to help you and this will also help them in earning in their spare time. You can also consider collaborating with coaches who would affiliate marketing for your products and services.

7) Set up Pop up shops:

Students who wish to earn in their part time or event marketing freelancers will be happy to sell your products in small pop up shops outside colleges, schools, local malls etc. This also ensures that your Brand gains visibility and you could roll some offer saying that if they bring this leaflet to your shop, an additional 10% off on all products and services.

So these are some of the ways which will help you find clients. Do let me know if this work.

Happy working!