Hi, I want to know how to get long term and big clients for an online business offering the below services. Web Development Web Design Content Writing Mobile Apps Dev PPC SEO Videos Creation Most of the Freelancing sites offer short term jobs but I want to know how to get clients/companies for a regular and consistent work. What are the best places to advertise such kind of business and what are the best marketing strategies to get big clients. Any Help will be appreciated. Regards WM
Maybe freelance as a brand and build good reputation, start an agency a good word of mouth from your existing clients will lead more clients.
I'd list my services on craigslist under services / creative if I were you. I constantly see ads for web development there (some of them are not local).
Here's an idea I've used that works wonders. Write (or have) a special report written showcasing why your services are the best. I can understand not wanting to post on Craigslist but like it or not it does work. Instead of advertising your services like everyone else does, post something like "Why SEO doesn't work and what you need to do rank your site". Then lead them to said report. It may take some work but if you show yourself as the authority in your niche, it will help you get business. Now if Craigslist isn't your cup of tea then use Adwords or any other form of getting that report into the hands of your potential customer. And as far as Freelancing sites, it has become a hot bed of cheap services for web services. Don't sell yourself short. Hope this helps....
Strategy is simple, but at the same time very difficult. Happy customers most likely will return to you and ask for extra job. Brand building and keep in touch with customers is essential.
I think that you just need one or two people so you can show that you are a good person to work with. Once you have that the word of mouth and recommendations are going to be able to grow your business. I would also recommend getting a LinkedIn profile, I have found that many people put a lot of value into that.
Thank you all for your nice suggestions So, Craigslist, Google Adwords and Linkedin Marketing are the best strategies to get good clients?
Yes but make sure you do Linkedin right. There is a book out on mastering Linkedin on Amazon. Buy it and read it. Worth it's weight in gold if you do it right.
Maybe this will help: 1. Create a website for the services you offer. 2. Start with freelance sites and offer a discount. Why? (see #3) 3. You do this to gather testimonials. The more the better! And mKe sure that they are visible on your website. 4. Advertise the package on your website. Tell them how much you're charging if they retain you for a year. Most of the time, they just don't know that they can retain your services for more than just one project that's why they don't. 5. Once you have testimonials, promote your site to your future freelancing clients whenever you have the chance so that they will see your packaged offer and they might decide to retain you longer especially once they see those testimonials as an added social proof. This is what my action plan is for my offline consulting clients and who knows, it might work for you. =)
First of all make sure that your website is impressive, it has a user-friendly interface and it is hosted on a powerful web hosting platform. Also, run a rewards program for the existing customers who suggest new customers. Stick to your promises and deliver whatever you promise to the customers. This is a great way of increasing the number of customers.
A good quality and portofolio would be the best for you. As I work in the coupon industry: after you get satisfied clients make them offers in order for the following projects. This is how you make returning clients.
I have picked up many long-term clients from oDesk and Guru, so freelancing sites aren't all so bad, just apply for jobs that pay fairly. Build a portfolio website and offer long-term packages or even monthly/annual subscriptions via PayPal. With all the services you offer you should be able to find long-term clients. Don't forget to send out emails to past clients every now and then just to "check in" - maybe offer them a deal on services you think they might need.
Before thinking about pursuing big clients, think about how you can maintain the ones you have right now. Afterall, a solid customer base is what will keep your business running. And great customer service is often overlooked, but is fundamental in creating a better business. You may have the best product in the market, but if someone doesn't know how to use it and call in to support for help, and your support team isn't that much of a help, they will drop you like a hot potato and move on to a different company. Always remember to gather and retain all the data and information for each one. The more you know about their history with your company, the better equipped you are to plan ahead and adapt your products or services for them. Investing in a CRM software can really boost your customer service. Not only can you streamline and store endless amounts of information that you can grab at anytime, but you will know the history of each client (what are their biggest grievances, when was their last phone call, etc). Taking it an extra step, using email marketing is also a convenient way to manage your contacts and send them personal and professional emails with updates about your company, promotions, giveaways, etc. It all goes back to have a good relationship. Once they feel like they can trust you, they will spread the word and eventually it will reach to the big, long-term clients that you have been searching for.