You decided you want to become a life coach, or an art therapist. You maybe have set yourself up as a Virtual Assistant. Or a copywriter. You are super excited to become your own boss, and start your entrepreneurial journey. But how do you get your first client as a new creative business, freelancer or solopreneur?
How do you get your first client as a new business?
Without paying clients, your business is not a business, it is a hobby. You need customers, people who buy your products or services. But how do you find them? Mistake number one: going all in on social media, and thinking that will get you leads.
How many of you thought that by just opening an Instagram account and posting about your business, you would get sales? Too many people still believe social media miraculously brings them clients, as long as they post about their offers. Wrong.
Random posts and no response
Why does this not happen? Because many new businesses forget to clearly define their audience and messaging. And so, their content ends up landing…nowhere. It is not sharp enough, it does not resonate, and followers generally don’t know why they should buy from you. If they don’t know why they should care, or what you help them with, your content won’t have much engagement, let alone result in leads.
Just relying on social media, even with a solid marketing message and a strategy, is still not a sustainable strategy to get clients. Tapping into your existing network, however, is better.
Tap into your existing network to get your first client
Most new business owners get their first client through word-of-mouth. Maybe a friend of a friend. Or a parent from their kids’ school, or someone they met at the gym. However, to even get to this stage, you need to make yourself visible. Have a name, a brand, a clear offer and message.
It is a good idea to have a website, for example, where you can point people to, and where they can find more information about your work.
Being active in Facebook groups
When I became a copywriter once, I landed my first client by being very active in local Facebook groups. We were in the process of emigrating to Spain, and even before we moved, I joined several groups where I thought I could find clients. Not all groups are relevant, but those with fellow entrepreneurs, for example, proved to be great to get jobs in. Small jobs, at first, but enough to gather testimonials and build my reputation.
At the time it was Facebook where I found my first clients, but it can be elsewhere, of course. Facebook is becoming less relevant nowadays, although I find that for local contacts, it still is a great way to connect. LinkedIn, Threads, can be other networks to connect with relevant people.
The key is to check in often, and sometimes be quick to respond to a question or job offer, especially in the beginning. You need to get a foot in the door, and be persistent. Just sitting back and waiting for others to contact you, does not work. Be proactive and eagle-eyed.
How I got my first coaching client
Four years ago now, I launched my online coaching business. I had zero testimonials from coaching clients at that point, and I wanted to build some credibility. What I did first, was an exchange with a photographer friend of mine. She matched my ideal client profile, but I also needed brand photos and head shots. We agreed an exchange of a suite of brand photos in return for 6 weeks of marketing coaching for her photography business.
It worked very well, as I was able to test some of my coaching techniques and lessons on her as a client, and in return I got beautiful professional photos, plus a testimonial.
My first fully paying 1:1 client I got by being inside a membership of a business coach (Gemma Gilbert), who recommended me in a comment inside her member Facebook Group. This member booked a call with me, and booked for three months. Again, evidence of the fact that being part of networks, and connecting to like-minded people, is a great idea to start and grow your business.
Be active, both online and offline
Becoming successful at being self employed requires you to become visible. Hiding in your studio, posting now and then on LinkedIn will get you nowhere.
Be clear on your audience, have a strong message and offer, and stay active in your networks. Engage with real people, show interest in others, and build a reputation. It definitely pays off going to in-person networking events, or even speaking at them. In the past four years, I have spoken at various events, online and offline, and given in-person workshops as well. This not only helps to spread the word about your business, but also really builds your confidence as an entrepreneur.
It will also pay off to be helpful in online networks such as relevant Facebook groups so that people see your name often, and know what your expertise is. And I don’t mean advertising yourself constantly, or posting your links everywhere. I mean genuinely being helpful in the comment section.
Get your first clients by growing your visibility
There is no way around it: you need to get out there to build your business. get to know people, talk to people, tell people about your business.
The first thing you need to do, however, is to get your message clear. Your message is your power tool and your gun powder. Without it, forget it. have your message clear, and understand your target audience deeply, and you will soon attract that first client.
Need help with that? Call me.
