Written By Susannah Caviness - June 01 2020
It's hard starting a business, especially when you're not exactly sure where to find your next customer. Or maybe you found it pretty easy to get those first 10 orders, but you're not sure how to keep scaling. In my coaching sessions, I am often asked the same question, "but how do I get clients?"
I'm a major introvert so it wasn't as easy as roping in my friends group, attending a ton of networking events, or traveling to trade-shows. So how did I manage to expand my client base from 1 to over 1500 in 2 years without a major marketing budget?
1. Be Consistent on Social Media
This means posting regularly, liking and commenting on other people's posts (even if you don't know them, ESPECIALLY if you don't know them), and making sure your bio is clear about what you do. And remember, it's okay if a post doesn't get quite a ton of likes right off the bat. What's more important is that your messaging is clear, you never know when it will reach someone down the road.
2. Partner with Another Business
Are you a wellness instructor? Ask your local health food store if you can set up an info booth. Do you build custom websites? Get in touch with creative agencies who don't offer this service and ask about a referral program. Make art or merchandise? Ask a local business if they'd like to host a trunk show. There are so many opportunities to get creative when we work together!
3. ASK
It seems self-explanatory, right? But it's often the thing we are most scared to do. We don't want to bother anyone, or nag anybody, but I want to tell you that this WORKS. I make it a point to regularly cold email at least 50 new people per month. I have an organized spreadsheet system divided into different industries so at a glance I can see who to email, who to follow up with, and what industries are really working for me!
Want some more in-depth ideas and specific action-items catered to your business? My creative consulting services pave the way for growth, balance, and insight on how to make sure your business is working for you, not the other way around.
