18. How to Find Clients as a Social Media Freelancer

Podcast
Written By Jessica Sheehy
 

The ultimate question that any service provider has is how do I find clients?

In the ideal world, clients could come searching for us, our optimized, pretty profiles would make us easy to find, and boom, we'd have our ideal clients right at our fingertips!

Unfortunately, that's not usually how it goes - even though it can happen and it will as your business grows, and you’re consistently marketing your business online.

We know there are plenty of people that could use our services, but how in the world do we find them?

Tune into this week's episode to hear our list!

Welcome back to another episode of Hashtag Managed!

The ultimate question that any service provider has is how do I find clients? In the ideal world, clients could come searching for us, our optimized, pretty profiles would make us easy to find, and boom, we'd have our ideal clients right at our fingertips!

Unfortunately, that's not usually how it goes - even though it can happen and it will as your business grows, and you’re consistently marketing your business online.

We know there are plenty of people that could use our services, but how in the world do we find them? I’ve made a list of options for you to choose from to help you with your client search as a social media manager. Let’s dive into them:

First, Be Prepared 

Before you really dive into your client search, make sure you have your process and systems in place for how to manage them. This might include your portfolio, sales/discovery call presentation, tools that you’ll use to manage clients, your packages and pricing, how you’ll onboard your new clients, and what it will look like when they say yes to work with you. The last thing you want is to have a client show interest and have to set up everything in a matter of days. Also, it's important to have your niche nailed down, so you know the ideal client you are searching for - that will make all the difference in your search for them. 

Referrals

If you have current clients already, they are a great outlet for finding new ones! This is where taking care of your customers and building relationships with them really makes an impact back on your business. They are a great resource and referral opportunity if they are happy with your service, and they probably have plenty of connections within the industry.

You can also have referral partners - think of these as business owners with similar audiences to you, but they don’t do the same services that you do. Maybe they’re a website designer, a brand designer, a copywriter, a brand or marketing strategist - anyone who would work with clients before they would need to hire a social media manager is a great way to set up a referral partnership with them. This can be reciprocal and you can send referrals their way as well.

Connecting With Ideal Clients

Connect with people in your industry/niche! Social media is personal and conversational, which is perfect for connecting with others and building relationships with them. Strike a conversation, get to know them, and find their pain points. Do not cold sell in their DMs. I repeat, do not cold sell to them in their DMs! People don't want to buy from a random person - they want to know you and learn what you can do. Additionally, having a great social media funnel is an important part of the process of moving connections to customers! This is having a great social media strategy, then a funnel into working with you (that could be joining your email list, downloading your service guide or portfolio, or opting in for a freebie).

Job Posting Sites

Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Create & Cultivate, Glassdoor or other job posting sites are actually great options to start looking for clients! Make sure you set up a profile with these sites, preferably using keywords to help you be seen. LinkedIn also has a "providing services" option where you can showcase your services directly in your bio which can help you be easily searchable. You can look for companies that fall within your niche and see if they have job opportunities for social media consultants or even team members. You can also search for common keywords as well, such as "consultant" or "freelancer."

Local Outreach

Chances are, clients are closer than you think! We know you're no door-to-door salesperson; however, local businesses are a great place to not only find clients but establish that face-to-face relationship and connection. Check out some places in your community that might be a good fit with your niche and set up a call or meeting with them!

Directories & Programs

There are also directories and programs you can pay to join and gain leads. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Freelancing Females

  • The Social Media CEO

  • SocialMediaManagerPro

  • Fiverr

  • Upwork

  • Guru

Have Patience

Lastly, with this process, be patient, and confident, and don't comprise. When you know your worth, they will realize it too. Finding the right clients is sometimes a lengthy process. Establishing a relationship takes time. Don't comprise on your price, niche, or standards just because the process is challenging. Everyone will get their chance if you keep your head up and keep doing what you do!

If you’re looking for support for your social media management business - you always have it with us. Join our free Facebook group, by searching “Social Savvy Collective” on Facebook or head to the show notes of this episode. 

Until next week!

Links From This Episode

Thanks for listening!

Jessica Sheehy
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19. Choosing a Niche for Your Social Media Management Business
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