If you're a Virtual Assistant or other service-based provider, you know that the one thing that is your lifeblood, the one thing that keeps your income steady, is finding clients.
Luckily, there are several ways to keep a steady stream of clients coming in through your door. Here are just a few:
Advertise in Ezines
There are online newsletters everywhere that accept advertising. The key here is to purchase advertising in publications that reach your target market and to create your ad to showcase your expertise. Don't try to be everything to everyone or you won't attract clients.
Ad Example of what Not to Do: Hire me to lighten your workload. I can do everything that you don't want to do. Let's talk!
Ad Example of what works: Are you ready to get more leads to your business? I will handle your ezine advertising campaign for you. No more searching for targeted ezines, no more writing and tracking your ads. I'll handle it all it all. My clients experience a boost in subscribers after I complete my ezine advertising campaigns that will pay for my services. Check out my website for testimonials and free tips.
Notice how targeted the second example is?
Write and Submit Articles
The key here is to stay on topic. Don't write and submit articles about health or pet care if you're trying to be the ezine advertising expert. Present a problem in your article and solve it. Make sure your author bio is very compelling with a clear call to action to attract potential clients.
Network where *successful* people hang out
A huge mistake that VA's & other service-based providers make is to hang out on forums where there are other people struggling to make money.Instead, join a membership site for your target market and you'll find yourself in the “inner circle”. If you haven't read why I think joining an online networking group is important read this.
Don't make the same mistake I did. It took me over 6 years to join mentoring & networking groups online because I thought I couldn't “afford” it. I have gone farther in the last 9 months with the help of these groups than I ever got on my own.
Advertise at Shelancers.com
Shelancers.com is a great place for the female freelancer (although I'm sure that if a male freelancer joined they would be warmly welcomed). One of the easiest ways to get your name in front of business owners looking for help is to advertise on Shelancers.com. Again, it is crucial that you list your specialty in order to stand out from the other providers. But, if you can find a problem that business owners face, and offer to handle it for them, you'll attract loyal clients who will continue to work with you.
On a personal note, Shelancers.com is also a great place to network with fellow VA's, Writers, Graphic Designers, etc. and gain valuable information.
The key to attracting new clients is to find out what works for you and then repeat the process. Don't just stop if something doesn't work. Do something every day to grow your business. Go down your list and try something else. Ask your friends what's worked for them. Heck, ask your friends for recommendations, too!
As always, we'd love to hear your story. Leave a comment and let us know what did & didn't work for you.