How to Sign Your First Client

So, you want to start your very own digital marketing business? Congrats! We’re sure you have a ton of questions on how to begin, so we’re going to start with the most important step: closing your first client. It may seem like a daunting task, but with our tips, we’re sure you’ll be signing your first contract in no time!

Do your research: You have to figure out what kind of digital marketing business you would like to have. Is there a skill that you would like to learn or emphasize? Have you recently taken a course in Facebook Ads or Google Ads? Even if you want to outsource your ad buying, it is important to have a general idea of how these platforms work. When talking to prospective clients, they’re going to want to be assured that they’re speaking with someone who is skilled in these areas and knows what they’re talking about.

Get on the phone: Most prospective clients will want to hop on one or multiple phones or video calls with you, and this will continue if you end up signing them. You need to start getting comfortable speaking with strangers on the phone, in order to gain the ease of conversation you desire. Ask friends or family if they can practice conversations with you in relation to your services. Write out your pitch so you have something to fall back on if you find yourself lost for words. If you are on a video chat, dress up! You want to display the kind of professionalism that will make someone want to sign with you and take you seriously. 

Be transparent & passionate: People are intuitive and can detect when someone is B.S.’ing them. Don’t try to be something you are not. Prospective clients will respect transparency but you also don’t have to be so blunt as to say you just started a week ago. If you are passionate about what you do and are truly ready to do the work, the client should be able to detect that from you. 

Stand out: Everyone has a similar pitch – you are competing with hundreds of other digital marketers who want the same success that you do. You have to figure out what you are offering that is different from the rest. Dig deep and think of all of your accomplishments, skills and experience. What are you good at? What have you proven to be successful in?

Have the evidence to back yourself up: Potential clients want to see something concrete that proves to them that you’re legit. Do you have references that can vouch for your work ethic? Do you have a website, a LinkedIn profile, or a portfolio showcasing results you’ve achieved? You need to have all of this in place before you can even begin looking for a client. 

As always, if you need help getting started or need any advice, we are here to help. The team at Tenlee Media can help you out with any questions you may have when trying to launch your digital marketing business.