How do you get more clients fast? This is the ultimate question and when you’re in this position, you don’t have time to try things that “might” work. You need it to work. Now.
Let’s dive right in: ideas to get more clients fast
Get more clients fast with these seven ideas. I can’t guarantee they’ll work, but they’ve worked for me so at least it’s a starting point.
1. Reach out to your long-lost clients
This tip only works if you’ve had clients before, but assuming you have this is an excellent place to start. If you haven’t worked with a client for a couple months you can classify them as “cold” and they qualify for this tactic. Go through your cold clients and send them an email asking how their project/magazine/website/etc. is going and if there’s anything you can help them with.
If you had positive experiences with clients in the past and they didn’t call you back for more, it may not be because they don’t like you or don’t have work. Sometimes they’re too busy to reach out…sometimes they don’t think of you…and sometimes they have a project but haven’t got to letting you know about it yet.
Do it!
Extra reading: Overcome the Fear of Marketing Yourself
2. Ask for referrals
Sometimes this can feel awkward but when you need clients it’s time to get over it and as for referrals. Ask your current clients if they have any colleagues who could use your services. Tell them you’re looking to add a few more clients to your roster. Either they’ll tell you they don’t know anyone, they’ll give you a couple leads or they’ll give you more work themselves. THIS WORKS!
Extra Reading: Want to Work from Home? Consider Freelance Writing!
3. Tell your network you’re open for business
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best way to let people know you’re available is by saying you’re available. Mine your friends and family list for leads. Remember, you NEED clients NOW. You’re in a spot. Lay it out in an interesting, polite way so it’s easy for them to think of you when they hear about someone looking for a writer.
4. Run an ad
I have a friend who does this and swears by it. Whenever she’s looking for a couple more clients she runs a Facebook ad for a week or two to a super-duper targeted audience and gets her money back tenfold. You have to know what you’re doing, and target the right audience, but this can and does work.
If you do want to run ads as part of your prospecting strategy, make sure your pricing includes that overhead!
For extra help on the subject, I co-created the course How to Price Your Work. Setting your prices takes a bit of effort and guts but it will help you stay away from jobs that don’t pay enough. So you can make a living from your craft!
5. Apply to job board postings
Yes there are horror stories from job boards. Yes I would say you don’t get the strongest clients from job boards. However, you’re in a situation where you need clients now and job boards are filled with businesses looking for people just like you. You’ll have to look hard and put out a lot of inquiries but you’ll find clients.
Here are a few suggestions for job boards I’ve found good.
Extra reading: How to Find Great Freelance Writing Jobs
This next one is going to blow your mind.
6. Do a Twitter search
Using a Twitter search (or browse my helpful Twitter list for Writing Jobs) you’ll find real-time tweets from businesses looking for writers. Here are a few hashtag searches you can try.
- #writerwanted
- #ghostwriter
- #hiring #writer
- #writingcommunity
- #journalismjobs
- #writingjobs
- #remotejobs
- #freelancejobs
I’ve connected with quite a few awesome clients through Twitter so I’m a fan of this one to say the least!
Extra reading: Get Noticed by Influencers on Twitter Using Lists
7. Write guest posts
I should qualify this with write paid guest posts. Writing free ones is a good long-term strategy but doesn’t work when you need clients now. Different goals.
There are lots of websites and blogs that pay for content although there’s no set rate. But if you need cash flow…this is one way to get ‘er done. You’ll have to do the pitching so get ready to hustle.
Extra reading: Content Marketing Ideas to Keep Your Prospect Funnel Full
So? Did you get some great new ideas to get clients fast?
These are emergency strategies for when you’re in panic mode and need clients quick. Even people with the best referral programs and ongoing marketing strategies run into this from time-to-time (but…not as much).
While these are all effective I encourage you not to try them all at once. You will burn out! Too much hustle is unsustainable. Plus you’ll be hustling so much you may not find time to do the work!
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.
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