Starting a marketing agency can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to getting your first customers. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to get your foot in the door and start building your client base. Cold emailing is one of the most effective methods for reaching potential customers quickly and easily. You can find email addresses of potential customers and craft a cold email template that will help you get more than 16 new customers.
Networking events are also great for finding new clients. You can attend different events that are tailored to your industry and make connections with people who may be interested in your services. Partnerships are another great way to win new customers. You can partner with non-competing companies and organizations that complement your business and whose target audiences are similar to yours.
Interacting with potential customers when they need it most is also a great way to get new clients. When they are at the beginning of the buying cycle, potential customers tend to seek education above anything else. You can provide this education through blog posts, e-books, or other content that will help them understand your services better. You can also look for jobs on sites like Upwork or Fiverr, but keep in mind that there are many people around the world who will work for much less than you would consider, so unless you are willing to work for pennies, it may take a little time for them to accept you for a job.
Paid advertising is another option, but it's more complicated than simply launching a video of you on a page and asking the customer to sell. Having 500+ connections on LinkedIn and some recommendations on your profile won't hurt either. You can also find great Reddit forums or communities to actively participate in, or reach out to people who produce content on a regular basis in your niche. Coworking spaces are also great for meeting people who may know someone who could use your services and become a customer in the future. Finally, don't forget about social media.
You can add your side business as a new company on LinkedIn, put your title as “Website designer for e-commerce or whatever service you offer”, and describe exactly what you do for people. You can also join Facebook groups for freelancers and consultants and interact with potential customers there.
