It is super exciting to start your own business! It all starts with a seed, then it grows, and then, one day, you pick up the courage and jump: your own creative business is born. Maybe as a life coach, or a creative consultant, or a retreat organiser, or a designer… whatever it is, you feel passionate about it, and you want to make a difference in this world. You set up a website, start sharing your news on Facebook and Instagram…only soon to discover that things are not as easy as they seem. Where are those clients? Why are you not getting any leads? Here’s how to get your first clients.

Tips from a creative business coach

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Perseverance and systems in place

My first bit of advice? Don’t despair. Persevere. Keep going. Many entrepreneurs give up within their first year of business, because they think they are not cut out for it. You are totally cut out for it, but you gotta put in the work, and have your systems in place!

My second bit of advice? Have a strong foundation. What do I mean by that? If you don’t have a clear message, and you are scared to niche down (because you don’t want to alienate people), it’s going to be a long ride. You’ll keep putting stuff out, but who does it actually resonate with? If your content is not spot on and tapping into the current reality of your ideal client, then you will be throwing darts without a board.

When you work with me, this is an important part we are working on together: niche, audience, offer and message. Get those right, and your ideal clients will see that you are the one who can help them solve their problem. This is a very important step in understanding how to get your first clients in business.

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Become a content machine and gather testimonials

Of course, it doesn’t stop there. To get those first clients, you need to become visible, and not just on social media. I am a huge advocate for blog content (it is currently my biggest lead generator), but if you are a rock star at making videos, or you enjoy doing podcasts, then those can be great tools too. Make it a practice to publish plenty of content, and you will see a difference. Sharing your expertise and generously offering value to your audience will build trust and authority.

But you also need actual, real-life clients in order to get more clients.

When I first launched my coaching business, I offered complimentary and discounted sessions to people I saw as my ideal client, and in return I got their testimonials. Working with real people also helps you to fine-tune your offer, as they will give you their honest feedback if you ask.

Of course there are many more ways to generate leads and book clients, but this blog post would turn into an essay! I have created a free download sharing 11 ways to get more clients, if you are keen to get more ideas on how to increase your visibility with the right people, and start earning money doing what you love.

Download it here