How to Acquire Clients: Proven Ways and Strategies for Success

Struggling with how to get clients? It's time to turn your business from a wallflower into a showstopper!

When addressing a business, getting new clients fuels growth and sustains success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, retaining and getting new clients is essential for ensuring long-term prosperity. It not only generates revenue but also fosters brand loyalty and builds a solid reputation. 

Without a robust client base, even the most innovative businesses struggle to stay afloat. Therefore, mastering the art of getting new clients is crucial for any business aiming for longevity and success.

This blog explores a range of effective strategies for getting new clients , from building a strong online presence to leveraging social media, networking, job boards, freelance platforms, and more. Now, let's dive into another vital tactic: making it easy to get new clients.

Help Potential Clients Find You

1. Build a Professional Website

Your website is often the first point of contact for getting new clients, making it a critical component of your client acquisition strategy. A professional website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Here are the key elements that should be included:

• Clear Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what you offer and why it’s valuable. This should be prominently displayed on your homepage to immediately capture the interest of visitors.
• Compelling "About Us" Page: Share your story, mission, and values. This helps to humanize your brand and build a connection with potential clients. Include photos of your team and any relevant credentials.
• Testimonials: Positive feedback from past clients adds credibility and trustworthiness to your business. Use testimonials that highlight specific benefits and results of working with you.
• Case Studies: Detailed case studies showcase your ability to deliver results. Highlight the problem, your approach, and the successful outcome. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Blog: Regularly updated blog content can position you as an industry expert. Write about topics relevant to your audience’s interests and pain points. This not only drives traffic but also helps with SEO.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you. Include a contact form, email address, phone number, and physical address if applicable. Ensure this information is accessible from every page.
• Strong Call-to-Action (CTA): Guide visitors towards taking the next step, whether it’s contacting you, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a resource. Use clear and compelling CTAs throughout your site.

2. Grow Your Portfolio

A robust portfolio demonstrates your expertise and builds trust with potential clients and helps getting new clients. Here are tips for showcasing your previous work effectively:

• Highlight Your Best Work: Focus on quality over quantity. Choose projects that best represent your skills and the type of work you want to attract.
• Detailed Case Studies: Provide in-depth descriptions of your projects. Include the client’s challenge, your approach, and the results achieved. Use data and metrics to quantify success whenever possible.
• High-Quality Images: Visuals are crucial for making your portfolio appealing. Use professional-quality images, screenshots, or videos to showcase your work.
• Concise Descriptions: Write clear and concise descriptions for each project. Avoid jargon and focus on the value delivered to the client.
• Client Testimonials: If possible, include client testimonials alongside your portfolio items. Positive feedback from satisfied clients can reinforce your credibility.
• Organized Layout: Make your portfolio easy to navigate. Categorize your work by type or industry to help getting new clients and potential clients find relevant examples.
• Pro Bono or Discounted Work: If you’re just starting, consider offering your services at a discount or for free to build your portfolio. Choose projects that will help you showcase your desired skills and attract your target audience.

3. SEO-Optimized Blog Content

Creating SEO-optimized blog content helps attract organic traffic to your website. Here’s how to write content that ranks well on search engines:

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find keywords with good search volume and low competition.
• Engaging and Informative Content: Write content that provides value to your audience. Answer their questions, solve their problems, and provide actionable insights. Aim for thorough, in-depth articles that cover topics comprehensively.
• Internal and External Links: Use internal links to connect related content on your site. This helps search engines understand your site structure and keeps visitors engaged longer. Include external links to authoritative sources to support your content and enhance credibility.
• Optimize Images: Use high-quality images and optimize them by adding relevant alt text. This helps with SEO and makes your content more accessible.
• Keep Content Updated: Regularly update your blog posts to ensure they remain relevant. Update statistics, add new information, and refine your content to maintain its value.
• Consistent Blogging: Consistency is key for SEO. Publish blog posts regularly to keep your audience engaged and signal to search engines that your site is active.

4. Guest Blogging

Guest blogging on industry-relevant websites expands your reach and establishes you as an authority in your field. Here are the benefits and tips for successful guest blogging:

• Expand Your Reach: Guest blogging allows you to tap into established audiences on other websites. This can drive significant traffic back to your site and increase your exposure.
• Build Authority: Publishing high-quality content on reputable sites positions you as an expert in your industry. This can enhance your credibility and get new clients.
• Backlinks for SEO: Guest posts typically include a bio with a link back to your website. These backlinks can improve your site’s SEO, boosting your search engine rankings.
• Network with Industry Peers: Guest blogging can help you build relationships with other industry professionals. This can lead to further collaboration opportunities and referrals.
• High-Quality Content: Focus on providing valuable content that addresses the audience’s needs. Research the site’s audience and tailor your content to their interests.
• Choose Reputable Blogs: Select blogs with high engagement and good domain authority. Avoid low-quality sites that may not provide much value or credibility.
• Include a Bio and Link: Write a concise bio that highlights your expertise and includes a link to your website. This helps readers learn more about you and encourages them to visit your site.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively get new clients, establish your authority, and build a strong foundation for getting new clients.

Also Read: Why Is Today's Sales Career More Exciting Than Ever?

Leverage Social Media and Online Presence

1. Get Active on Social Media

Maintaining an active social media presence is essential for brand visibility, client engagement and getting new clients. Here’s how to effectively manage your social media activities:

• Choose the Right Platforms: Identify the social media platforms where your target audience is most active. For B2B businesses, LinkedIn is often a key platform, while B2C businesses might focus more on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Platforms like Twitter and YouTube can also be valuable depending on your industry.
• Consistent Posting: Develop a content calendar to ensure you post regularly. Consistency helps keep your audience engaged and your brand top of mind. Posting sporadically can cause you to lose followers and decrease engagement.
• Share Valuable Content: Focus on providing value to your audience. Share informative articles, industry news, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at your business. Content that educates, entertains, or inspires tends to perform well.
• Engage with Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions to foster a sense of community. Ask questions, run polls, and encourage user-generated content to boost engagement.
• Use Analytics: Utilize social media analytics tools to track your performance. Monitor metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversion rates to understand what content resonates with your audience. Use these insights to refine your strategy.
• Visual Content: Incorporate visuals such as images, videos, and infographics. Visual content is more engaging and can help convey your message more effectively.
• Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Research popular hashtags in your industry and include them in your posts to reach a broader audience.

Also read: Creating a B2B Social Selling Strategy for Sales Success

2. Engage in Facebook and LinkedIn Groups

Joining and actively participating in Facebook and LinkedIn groups can help you connect with potential clients and industry peers and help get new clients onboarded. Here’s how to make the most of these groups:

• Join Relevant Groups: Search for groups that are relevant to your industry, niche, or target audience. Look for active groups with a significant number of members and regular engagement.
• Participate Regularly: Consistency is key to building relationships in groups. Set aside time each week to participate in discussions, share insights, and respond to questions.
• Provide Value: Focus on contributing valuable content and insights rather than promoting your services. Share your expertise, offer solutions to problems, and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Build Relationships: Use group interactions to build relationships with other members. Show genuine interest in their posts, provide helpful feedback, and support their efforts. Building trust and rapport can lead to referrals and business opportunities.
• Share Your Content: While direct promotion is often discouraged, you can share your blog posts, articles, and other valuable content if it’s relevant to the group’s interests. Always follow the group’s rules regarding self-promotion.
• Host Webinars or Live Sessions: Offer to host webinars or live Q&A sessions within the group. This can position you as an authority in your field and provide valuable content to group members.
• Create Your Own Group: If you can’t find a group that fits your needs, consider creating your own. This allows you to build a community around your brand and directly engage with your target audience.

For businesses wanting to embrace these strategies, partnering with seasoned professionals from Activated Scale can streamline the process and ensure meaningful results.

3. Use Online Reviews

Online reviews serve as social proof, building trust with potential clients and helps get new clients. Here’s how to effectively leverage online reviews:

• Encourage Satisfied Clients to Leave Reviews: Actively ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, Trustpilot, and industry-specific sites. Send follow-up emails after a successful project or transaction requesting a review.
• Make It Easy: Provide direct links to your review profiles in your follow-up emails, website, and social media channels. Simplify the process as much as possible to encourage more reviews.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with all reviews, both positive and negative. Thank clients for positive reviews and address any concerns raised in negative reviews professionally and constructively. This shows that you value feedback and are committed to improving your services.
• Display Reviews Prominently: Showcase your best reviews on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials. Create a dedicated testimonials page on your website and include snippets of reviews on your homepage and service pages.
• Leverage Video Testimonials: Video testimonials can be more compelling than written reviews. Ask satisfied clients to share their experiences on video, and feature these testimonials on your website and social media channels.
• Monitor Your Reputation: Use tools like Google Alerts, ReviewTrackers, or Social Mention to monitor what people are saying about your business online. Stay proactive in managing your online reputation.
• Highlight Specific Achievements: Use reviews to highlight specific achievements or unique aspects of your service. For example, if a review praises your excellent customer service or timely delivery, make sure to emphasize these points in your marketing efforts.

Also Read: 5 Key Strategies: How to Sell Your Products on Social Media

There are incredible advantages to broadening your online presence through social media.

Networking and Partnerships

1. Network Like a Pro

Effective networking is about building genuine relationships rather than just collecting contacts. Here are strategies to help you network like a pro:

• Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, trade shows, workshops, and seminars relevant to your industry. These events are excellent opportunities to get new clients, partners, and industry leaders.
• Join Professional Associations: Becoming a member of professional associations can provide access to exclusive networking events, resources, and forums. Engage actively in these associations to build credibility and establish connections.
• Follow Up Promptly: After meeting someone, follow up promptly with a personalized message. Express your appreciation for the conversation, reference specific points discussed, and suggest ways to stay in touch or collaborate.
• Prepare an Elevator Pitch: Have a concise and compelling elevator pitch ready. This should succinctly explain who you are, what you do, and how you can provide value. Tailor your pitch to the audience and context.
• Listen More Than You Speak: Focus on listening actively and understanding the needs and interests of others. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in their work and challenges.
• Offer Value: Find ways to offer value to your network without expecting immediate returns. This could be through sharing relevant resources, providing introductions, or offering free advice or consultations.
• Attend Networking Mixers: Networking mixers and social events offer a more relaxed environment to build relationships. Be approachable, confident, and open to conversations.

2. Partner With Complementary Businesses

Partnering with complementary businesses can be mutually beneficial and expand your reach. Here’s how to create effective partnerships:

• Identify Complementary Businesses: Look for businesses that serve the same target audience but offer different products or services. For example, a web design agency might partner with a content marketing firm or an IT support company.
• Create Referral Agreements: Establish formal referral agreements with complementary businesses. Outline the terms of the referral process, including how referrals will be tracked and any incentives or commissions offered.
• Co-Host Events: Collaborate with partners to co-host webinars, workshops, or networking events. This can help you reach a broader audience and provide added value to your clients by offering diverse expertise.
• Collaborate on Projects: Work together on joint projects or client engagements where both parties can contribute their unique strengths. This can lead to higher-quality deliverables and increased client satisfaction.
• Cross-Promote Services: Promote each other’s services through your marketing channels. This could include featuring partners in your blog, social media posts, newsletters, or even on your website.
• Offer Bundled Services: Create bundled service packages that combine your offerings with those of your partners. This can provide a more comprehensive solution for getting new clients and make your services more attractive.
• Leverage Each Other’s Networks: Tap into your partner’s network to expand your reach. This can include sharing contacts, making introductions, and co-marketing efforts.
• Attend Joint Meetings: Attend client meetings together to present a united front and showcase the combined value you can offer. This can help build trust and demonstrate the strength of your partnership.
• Share Resources: Pool resources and knowledge with your partners. This could include sharing office space, technology, training programs, or marketing materials.
• Evaluate Partnerships Regularly: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your partnerships. Discuss what’s working, what’s not, and how you can improve collaboration. This ensures that the partnership remains mutually beneficial.

Also Read: Approach to Improving Your Sales Process

While we're on the subject of expanding your network, job boards and freelance platforms offer another avenue you definitely shouldn’t overlook.

Utilize Job Boards and Freelance Platforms

1. Take Advantage of Job Boards

Job boards can be a valuable source of getting new clients, providing numerous opportunities for freelance and contract work. Here are some recommended boards and tips for making effective applications:

Recommended Job Boards:

• Activated Scale: Activated Scale is the go-to platform for startups and small businesses seeking reliable access to vetted and seasoned fractional sales talent. Specializing in connecting companies with part-time or full-time sales professionals, Activated Scale stands out by offering a comprehensive solution for lead generation and sales cycle management.
• Indeed: One of the largest job boards, Indeed offers a wide range of freelance, part-time, and contract opportunities across various industries.
• Glassdoor: Known for company reviews and salary insights, Glassdoor also lists job opportunities, including freelance and contract roles.
• FlexJobs: Specializes in remote, freelance, and flexible job opportunities. It’s a great platform for finding legitimate and high-quality freelance work.
• Upwork and Freelancer: While primarily freelance platforms, these also function as job boards where clients post projects and gigs.
• Industry-Specific Boards: Depending on your field, there may be niche job boards that cater specifically to your industry, such as ProBlogger for writers or Dribble for designers.

2. Experiment With Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide access to a global client base, offering numerous opportunities for getting new clients. Here’s how to use these platforms effectively:

‍Create a Detailed Profile:

• Professional Photo: Use a high-quality, professional-looking photo to build trust and credibility. A well-chosen image can make a strong first impression and convey professionalism to potential clients.

• Comprehensive Bio: Craft a compelling bio that highlights your business's skills, experience, and unique qualities. Be specific about the sales services you offer and the industries you specialize in. This helps potential clients quickly understand how you can meet their needs.

• Skills and Certifications: List relevant skills, certifications, and tools your business is proficient with. This demonstrates your expertise and assures clients of your capability in delivering quality sales services.

• Portfolio: Showcase your best work in your portfolio. Include a variety of projects to demonstrate your versatility and capability. Highlight successful sales campaigns, client testimonials, and case studies that illustrate your impact and effectiveness.

Gather Positive Reviews:

• Start Small: In the beginning, bid on smaller projects to build your profile and gather positive reviews. These initial reviews are crucial for establishing credibility.
• Deliver High-Quality Work: Exceed client expectations by delivering high-quality work on time. Positive feedback and high ratings will help you get clients.
• Ask for Reviews: Politely request reviews from satisfied clients. Reviews and testimonials are key to building a strong reputation on these platforms.

Bid on Projects Strategically:

• Match Your Expertise: Focus on projects that match your skills and expertise. This increases your chances of winning the bid and delivering excellent results.
• Write Personalized Proposals: Avoid generic proposals. Tailor each proposal to the specific project and client. Address their needs, outline your approach, and explain why you’re the best fit for the job.
• Competitive Pricing: Research what others are charging for similar projects. Price your services competitively, especially when starting out. As you build your reputation, you can gradually increase your rates.

Deliver High-Quality Work:

• Clear Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with your clients. Set expectations, provide regular updates, and be responsive to their queries and feedback.
• Meet Deadlines: Deliver your work on or before the agreed deadline. Reliability is a significant factor in getting positive reviews and repeat business.
• Exceed Expectations: Whenever possible, go the extra mile to exceed client expectations. This can lead to excellent reviews, referrals, and long-term client relationships.

Utilize Platform Features:

• Use Milestones: For larger projects, use milestones to break the project into manageable phases. This makes the project easier to manage and ensures you get paid incrementally.
• Optimize Your Profile for Search: Use relevant keywords in your profile to improve your visibility in the platform’s search results.
• Take Skills Tests: Some platforms offer skills tests. Passing these tests can enhance your profile and demonstrate your proficiency to potential clients and also help get new clients.

Beyond networking and job platforms, developing a strong referral system can be a game-changer for getting new clients.

Also Read: Understanding Strategic Sales: Differences, Plans, and Strategies

You can collaborate with experts from Activated Scale who can assist in setting up an effective referral system tailored to your business.

Develop a Strong Referral System

1. Ask for Referrals

Satisfied clients are one of your best sources of referrals, and asking for referrals can significantly get clients. Here are strategies to effectively solicit referrals from happy clients:

• Identify the Right Time to Ask: Timing is crucial when asking for referrals. The best time to request a referral is immediately after delivering a successful project or service when the client is most satisfied. This is when the positive experience is fresh in their mind, making them more likely to recommend you.
• Personalized Approach: Send a personalized message or email to request a referral. Mention specific details about the project or service you provided and express your gratitude for their business. Personalization shows that you value their relationship and are not just sending a generic request.
• Simplify the Process: Make it easy for clients to refer you by providing a referral template or card. You can create a simple form on your website where clients can enter the contact information of potential referrals. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to follow through.
• Highlight the Benefits: Explain the benefits of referring you to others. Highlight how their referral can help their friends, colleagues, or network get the same level of service and results they received.
• Follow Up: If a client has verbally expressed their willingness to refer you, but you haven’t seen any action, follow up with a gentle reminder. A polite follow-up shows your continued interest and reinforces your request.
• Thank Your Referrers: Always thank clients who refer you to others, regardless of whether the referral leads to new business. A thank you note, a small gift, or a discount on future services can show your appreciation and encourage them to refer you again.
• Leverage Testimonials: Use positive testimonials from satisfied clients as part of your referral request. When other clients see that you’ve successfully helped others, they’re more likely to feel confident in referring to you.
• Ask in Person: Whenever possible, ask for referrals in person. Face-to-face requests can be more persuasive and demonstrate your genuine appreciation for their business.

2. Offer Referral Discounts

Offering incentives can significantly encourage clients to refer new business to you that helps getting new clients. Here’s how to create an effective referral program with attractive incentives:

• Define Your Incentives: Choose incentives that will motivate your clients to refer to new business. This could include discounts on future services, free consultations, exclusive access to premium content, gift cards, or even cash rewards.
• Clear Communication: Clearly communicate the details of your referral program to your clients. Explain how it works, what the incentives are, and how they can participate. Use multiple channels to promote your referral program, such as email newsletters, social media, and your website.
• Create a Referral Program Page: Dedicate a page on your website to your referral program. Include all the necessary information, such as the steps to refer someone, the rewards for successful referrals, and any terms and conditions.
• Automate the Process: Use referral program software to automate the tracking and rewarding process. Tools like ReferralCandy, ReferralRock, or Ambassador can help you manage referrals efficiently and ensure that your clients receive their incentives promptly.
• Offer Tiered Rewards: Consider offering tiered rewards based on the number or value of referrals. For example, clients who refer one new customer might receive a small discount, while those who refer multiple customers receive a more substantial reward. This encourages clients to refer more business to you.
• Promote Regularly: Regularly remind your clients about your referral program. Mention it in your email signature, include it in your invoices, and bring it up during client meetings. Keeping the program top of mind can lead to getting new clients.
• Express Appreciation: Always express your gratitude for referrals. Send a thank-you note or email to acknowledge the referral and the client’s contribution to your business growth.
• Track and Measure: Keep track of all referrals and measure the success of your referral program. Identify which incentives are most effective and which clients are your top referrers. Use this data to refine and improve your referral program.
• Recognize Top Referrers: Publicly recognize and celebrate clients who refer the most business to you. This could be through a “referrer of the month” feature in your newsletter or a special mention on your social media channels. Recognition can motivate others to participate in your referral program.

Also Read: Sales Leader Essentials: Definition, Skills, and Advancing Your Career

Now that we've covered referrals, let’s talk about adding value through compelling content and exceptional services.

Offer Value-Rich Content and Services

1. Create a Course

Creating an online course is a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise and get new clients. Choose a topic that addresses a common pain point for your target audience, and offer valuable insights and solutions. Promote your course through your website, social media, and email marketing.

2. Host Webinars

Webinars allow you to engage with potential clients in real-time and showcase your knowledge. Choose relevant topics, and promote your webinar through multiple channels. During the webinar, provide valuable content and leave time for Q&A. Follow up with attendees to nurture leads and get new clients.

3. Provide Free Resources

Creating that extra value is great, but earning trust and showing your credibility can set you even further apart from the competition. Offer free consultations or discounts on your services. These value-added offerings can differentiate you from competitors and encourage prospects to engage with you.

Also Read: Why Is Today's Sales Career More Exciting Than Ever?

Build Trust and Credibility

1. Leverage Social Proof

Social proof is a powerful trust-builder. Collect and display testimonials and customer reviews on your website and marketing materials. Video testimonials can be particularly compelling. Highlight specific results and positive experiences to showcase your reliability and expertise.

2. Follow Up With Past Clients

Keeping the trust you've built is vital, so let’s look at some effective ways to maintain those client relationships through superior communication.

Also Read: Effective Sales Strategies, Plans, and Examples for Success

Effective Communication Strategies

1. Improve Cold Emails

Cold emails can be an effective way to reach potential clients and get new clients. Personalize each email, focusing on the recipient’s needs and how you can help. Keep the message concise, include a clear CTA, and follow up if you don’t receive a response. Use email tracking tools to measure engagement and refine your approach.

2. Send Follow-Up Emails

Follow-up emails are crucial for maintaining contact with potential clients. Send timely, professional follow-ups that reiterate your value proposition and address any questions or concerns. Vary your approach to keep the conversation engaging, and always express appreciation for the recipient’s time.

Conclusion

Getting new clients is a multifaceted process that requires a strategic, adaptable approach. By effectively combining online presence, social media engagement, networking, job boards, freelance platforms, and value-rich content, you can attract and retain clients more successfully. However, navigating this complex landscape can be challenging.

That’s where Activated Scale comes in. As the go-to platform for startups and small businesses, we connect you with vetted, seasoned fractional sales talent. Our unique approach allows you to 'try-before-you-hire,' providing cost-effective solutions to manage lead generation and sales cycles.

Discover how Activated Scale can transform your sales strategy—Get Started Today!

‍