Imagine Elise, a recent grad who wants to branch out and start her own web design business, but is clueless about where to start or where to find her first client.
Sound familiar?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
If you’re just branching out on your own, you undoubtedly have the skills it takes to do your job and do it well. You may, however, be at a loss as to how to land that first client. Chances are you don’t have a full scale marketing team in your back pocket ready to make things happen. YOU are your marketing team. So here are a few steps you can take to get your name out there and sell your brand:
Build up your portfolio
Prospects will want to see a body of work. Now, a portfolio doesn’t need to be flashy or overwhelmingly detailed. It should be clean, simply designed, and should contain your very best work. Quality over quantity works in your favor here. Be concise but thorough with your project descriptions.
“But what if I don’t have projects to place in my portfolio?”
Ahh, the experience paradigm. You know the one. You can’t get clients without experience, but you can’t get experience without clients.
There’s one of two ways to go about creating content for your portfolio:
- Add projects from your previous job. Chances are you worked for another web design business before deciding to start your own. While you may not have any independent projects to display, you likely have project contributions that you can screenshot and add descriptions to. They don’t need to be lengthy, just to the point
- Work pro bono. I know, I know. Not ideal. But in order to land those big clients, you MUST build up your reputation. Consider reaching out to other startups, local businesses, or friends and family who may need the services you offer.
Testimonials are your friend
Think about it this way: would you rather hire a landscaper from a classified add or on the recommendation of a friend who can’t stop raving about their work?
Recommendation, right?
After you’ve completed a project (even a pro bono one), make sure you ask for a detailed testimonial. This could be based on client experience, increased profitability because of your work, or specific areas where your work positively influenced your client’s company. Don’t be afraid to request specific feedback; it is far more valuable to you than vague feedback!
Be a guest blogger
Blog contributions are a great way to gain exposure and flaunt your industry knowledge. You can even link your best articles to your portfolio. Companies like Brainleaf feature guest bloggers on a regular basis, so be sure to reach out with contribution ideas that you’re passionate about!
Build, market and network your personal brand
The key to getting business is through exposure, right? Just like you wouldn’t attend a networking event without business cards, you can’t market yourself without a solid brand and body of work to show off.
Creating a website for your brand is key. Not only does it house your online portfolio, but provides a platform for you to show off your industry knowledge.
Does your website have a blog?
Well it should.
The content you publish speaks volumes about your brand. Clear, industry-appropriate content works in your favor by demonstrating your expertise in your field and providing content that can be distributed across several platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
Sell
Yeah, it’s that straightforward. Once you’ve built your brand, marketed yourself, and created valuable content, it’s time to sell.
So how? Check out this blog post on how to land a killer sale.
Now what?
Trying to land that first client is a daunting task. But if you have the right foundation, you won’t have a problem selling your brand. Not every prospect will turn into a client, so don’t get too discouraged.
Now go forth and sell!