As creative entrepreneurs, we feel best when we’re being creative and working with clients to bring something to life. The part we might not love so much is selling. The truth is, there’s an easier way to land clients with the right lead generation.
If you fail to attract clients, you may not have the right strategy in place, from social media to discovery calls to making the sale.
Start with social media
Social media is a value exchange platform. The more value you give, the more time and attention people give back. Therefore, your primary focus should be on creating value for others. Focus on helping your clients achieve the desired result, make it easier for them, look out for them, and anticipate their needs.
If you do this consistently, without asking for anything, wrapped in your unique voice and lived experiences, people will start to show up.
If you’re afraid to put yourself out there, afraid of looking stupid, or feel like you have nothing to say… you aren’t alone. If you struggle for a reason beyond building your business, do it for others who are like you. Do it so that they feel seen, heard, and represented and so that you can walk the talk with how you run your business. It is okay to be your authentic self while building your business.
Choose a platform
When you begin to create content, choosing one or two platforms you can invest time in is the easiest. If you try to create content for every platform right away, you’ll only burn yourself out. Of course, this may be different if you work with a team who can help you.
You’ll want to choose the platform that best suits your target audience. Which social site do they hang out on? Where are they connecting with others? LinkedIn may be the easiest to start with because it’s specifically a business platform.
Create a lead magnet
Once you’ve decided on the platform you’ll focus on, you can create a lead magnet. A lead magnet is something that will be valuable to your potential clients so much that they are happy to give their email and contact information. This isn’t a bad thing; you are giving them something incredibly valuable and useful.
Usually, it will also be digital so that it is infinitely scalable without costing you more money. For example, if you’re selling color correction presets, you can give them a few free first.
Another general rule for your lead magnet is that it needs to be in alignment with what you do. If you are a logo designer, but your lead magnet is about how to make more sales… you won’t be reaching the right clients. Give them the best content upfront – don’t hold back. When they receive your lead magnet, you want them to feel like they hit the jackpot… because they did!