10 methods to find clients
Finding customers is a crucial step in ensuring the growth and sustainability of your business. Without an effective strategy, attracting new customers can become costly and difficult to manage. For example, metrics like Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) help you measure the expenses required for each new customer.
Customer Lifetime Value (LTV), on the other hand, shows the potential revenue a customer can generate over the long term. By comparing these two metrics with the LTV/CAC ratio, you can assess whether your acquisition efforts are profitable. These tools reinforce the importance of adopting appropriate methods to grow your business.
Key points of the 10 methods for finding clients
Create a simple and attractive profile on social media.
Choose easy keywords to get your site seen.
Create an email list to send your offers.
Go to events to talk with potential clients.
Offer discounts or free trials to attract customers.
1. Finding clients through social media
Creating an attractive professional profile, methods for finding clients
A well-designed professional profile is the first step to attracting the attention of your future clients. Make sure your profile picture and banner reflect your brand. Add a clear and concise description of your services. Include links to your website or other platforms. These methods for finding clients increase visibility on social media. For example:
Visibility is measured by the number of subscribers and the engagement rate.
Your brand's reputation is reflected in mentions , shares, and hashtags.
Impressions show how many times your content is displayed.
An optimized profile improves the perception of your company and attracts more prospects.
Publishing engaging and relevant content, methods for finding clients
The content of the methods for finding clients that you share must capture your audience's attention. Publish articles, videos, or infographics that address your clients' needs. Statistics show that videos generate 35% more engagement than photos. On Instagram, Reels achieve an engagement rate of 1.30% , compared to 0.68% for static images. Here are a few tips:
Prioritize videos and carousels to maximize engagement.
Share practical tips or case studies to demonstrate your expertise.
Ask your audience questions to encourage interaction.
Engaging content helps you find customers by increasing their interest in your services.
Engage with your audience to build a community: Methods for finding clients
Methods for finding customers and regular interaction with your audience are essential for building a loyal community. Respond to comments and private messages promptly. Organize polls or Q&A sessions to engage your followers. Mentions of your brand, whether positive or negative, offer opportunities for interaction. Here are some metrics to monitor:
The reach of your posts shows how many people see your content.
The growth in the number of subscribers reflects the interest in your brand.
Mentions of your company indicate how it is perceived.
An active and engaged community becomes a valuable source of recommendations and new customers.
Independent Coach
“In the beginning, I relied solely on word-of-mouth to find clients, but that limited my growth. Since structuring my efforts with email and LinkedIn campaigns, I've gone from 2 to 10 new clients per month without drastically increasing my expenses. My CAC has been cut in half.”
— Sophie R., Career Transition Coach
2. Optimize SEO methods for finding clients online
Identify the relevant keywords for your business
Keywords play a vital role in search engine optimization (SEO) . They allow search engines to understand your website's content and display it to users performing relevant searches. A thorough keyword analysis helps you identify the terms your potential customers are using, improving your chances of appearing in search results.
To start with methods for finding clients, use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. These platforms help you identify the most searched keywords in your industry. For example, if you're a sports coach, keywords like "fitness program" or "personal trainer" can attract qualified leads. By mastering this technique, you increase your website's visibility and make it easier to find clients.
Expert quote – Brian Halligan (Co-founder of HubSpot)
"Cold calling is dead. Customers want to be informed, educated, and advised. That's why content is becoming one of the most cost-effective channels for generating leads and finding customers."
📚 Source: HubSpot Interview, Inbound 2020
Writing blog articles to attract organic traffic is one method for finding clients
Creating SEO-optimized content is a powerful strategy. Businesses that publish at least 16 blog posts per month see their traffic increase 3.5 times . Each post should target a specific keyword and address the needs of your audience.
“Creating SEO content involves optimizing your existing pages, but above all, writing blog articles on topics relevant to your target audience.”
For example, if you sell gardening products, an article titled “How to Care for a Vegetable Garden in Winter” can attract interested visitors. By sharing practical tips and useful information, you strengthen your credibility while increasing your organic traffic.
Improve the speed and user experience of your website
Methods for Finding Clients: A fast and easy-to-navigate website is crucial for retaining visitors. Users often leave a site if pages take more than 3 seconds to load. Methods for finding clients include improving speed, compressing images, using high-performance hosting, and minimizing unnecessary scripts.
User experience (UX) also plays a key role. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly, as 60% of searches are now conducted on mobile devices. Intuitive navigation and a clean design increase the likelihood that visitors will stay longer and explore your services. These technical improvements boost your search engine rankings and help you find customers more effectively.
SME manager in the construction industry
“We established a partnership with a company that complements our own. This allowed us to find clients more quickly and at a lower cost. It's one of the most effective methods we've tested for finding clients: the CAC is practically zero, and the client relationship starts with trust.”
— Karim D., Manager of BatiConfort
3. Use email marketing to attract prospects
Methods for finding clients, building a qualified email list
A qualified email list is essential for successful email marketing campaigns. It allows you to target prospects genuinely interested in your products or services. To build this list, prioritize methods that attract high-quality subscribers. For example, offer signup forms on your website or exclusive offers in exchange for an email address.
Did you know that?
These figures demonstrate the importance of a well-segmented and targeted list. A qualified email database helps you find customers more effectively.
Send personalized and regular campaigns
Personalized campaigns are a great way to find customers and significantly increase your chances of converting prospects into clients. Use your subscribers' data to tailor your messages to their specific needs. For example, address them by their first name or recommend products based on their preferences.
Statistics confirm the effectiveness of this approach with these methods for finding clients
Personalized emails show a 25% higher conversion rate than generic emails.
The return on investment of an effective email marketing campaign reaches 4400%.
Send your emails at regular intervals to maintain your subscribers' interest. A well-planned schedule strengthens your relationship with them and increases your chances of success.
Case study – Salesforce (State of Marketing Report)
Context: Salesforce analyzed the top-performing acquisition channels in its annual report.
📈 Result:
Companies that use a balanced mix of digital prospecting, marketing automation, and personalized content see a 45% increase in their volume of qualified leads.
📚 Source: Salesforce – State of Marketing
Methods for finding clients: Offer free resources to encourage sign-ups
Free resources are an excellent way to attract qualified leads. Offer ebooks, how-to guides, or webinars in exchange for subscribing to your email list. This content demonstrates your expertise and builds trust with your prospects.
Tip:
Consumers appreciate useful and personalized content. 90% of them find this type of content beneficial, which increases their engagement with your brand.
By offering value from the outset, you encourage your prospects to sign up and become more interested in your services. This strategy helps you find customers while strengthening your credibility.
4. Participating in events is a method for finding clients
Methods for finding clients: Attend trade shows or conferences in your industry
Trade shows and conferences are ideal places to meet potential clients. By participating in these events, you increase your company's visibility and build valuable connections. Choose industry-specific events to maximize your chances of meeting qualified leads. For example, if you're in the technology sector, prioritize trade shows like VivaTech or conferences on artificial intelligence.
The measurable results of your participation include :
Attendance at the event.
Participant engagement.
Acquiring new contacts.
Media resonance.
Participant satisfaction.
These indicators show that events offer a concrete opportunity to find clients and develop your professional network.
Prepare a clear pitch to present your business
A well-prepared pitch is essential to capturing the audience's attention. It should be concise, structured, and tailored to your target audience. Highlight the benefits of your products or services using concrete data. For example, mention that a product " reduces the time spent on a specific task by 40% ." This type of statistic increases your credibility and makes your presentation more compelling.
Companies that adopt a targeted, data-driven approach see a 40% increase in appointment booking rates during prospecting. By mastering your pitch, you improve your sales interactions and maximize your chances of success at events.
Expert quote – Seth Godin (renowned marketing author)
“Don’t look for customers for your products, find products for your customers.”
📚 Source: Book “This is Marketing”,
💡 Interpretation: A good acquisition method is based on listening to the market before taking commercial action.
Exchange business cards and follow up with contacts after the event
Business cards remain an effective tool for building professional connections. Prepare cards that reflect your brand identity and include your essential contact information. At the event, distribute them to those interested in your services.
After the event, be sure to follow up with your contacts. Send a personalized email to thank your attendees and recap the points discussed. This demonstrates your professionalism and strengthens your relationship with your prospects. Measurable results include:
Visits to the booth.
Contacts collected.
Project signatures.
Sales completed.
Prospects added to your database.
By combining these actions, you transform the opportunities offered by events into concrete results for your business.
5. Collaborate with partners to expand your audience
Identify partners who complement your business
Finding partners who complement your services or products can transform your business strategy . These collaborations allow you to expand your audience and reach customers you wouldn't have been able to reach on your own. For example, if you're a graphic designer, working with a digital marketing agency can open up new opportunities.
The figures show the impact of partnerships:
95% of Microsoft's revenue comes from its partner ecosystem.
Zoom generates 70% of its US revenue through its partners.
44% of companies are looking for alliances for new ideas and innovations.
This data proves that choosing strategic partners can boost your visibility and revenue.
Freelance graphic designer
“I started creating content on Instagram and Behance to showcase my work, without an advertising budget. The result: in four months, I received more inbound leads than in the previous twelve months. My increased visibility naturally boosted my conversion rate.”
— Léa M., Freelance Graphic Designer
To propose win-win collaborations
For a partnership to work, it must be beneficial to both parties. You need to identify your partners' needs and show them how your collaboration can help them achieve their goals. For example, offer to share resources or co-create a product or service.
High-growth companies use Partnership Marketing three times more often. This shows that well-thought-out collaborations are not limited to a simple exchange of services. They create a synergy that benefits everyone.
Work with influencers to expand your audience
Influencers play a key role in promoting your business. They have a loyal and engaged audience, which can help you find customers quickly. Identify influencers who share your brand's values. Offer them genuine collaborations, such as product testing or exclusive promotional codes.
Partnering with influencers not only increases your visibility but also strengthens consumer trust in your brand. By working with them, you expand your audience while building a closer relationship with your target audience.
Case study – Neil Patel (Digital Marketer)
Context: Neil Patel led a multi-channel campaign for a SaaS client.
📈 Result:
By combining SEO, LinkedIn Ads, and a retargeting strategy, the company reduced its customer acquisition cost by 32% in 90 days, while increasing its conversion rate by 18%.
📚 Source: NeilPatel.com – Customer Study, 2022
6. Launch advertising campaigns to find customers quickly: Methods for finding customers
Use Google Ads or Facebook Ads
Online advertising campaigns are powerful tools for quickly attracting customers. Google Ads and Facebook Ads stand out for their complementary approaches. Google Ads excels at capturing purchase intent. For example, when a user searches for a specific product, your ads appear directly in the results. Facebook Ads, on the other hand, is ideal for building brand awareness. It targets users based on their interests and behaviors.
A well-designed campaign can generate impressive results, even with a modest budget. For example, a small campaign achieved 123 clicks and 14 conversions, resulting in a conversion rate of 11.4% and a cost per conversion of €18. These platforms allow you to precisely measure your performance and adjust your strategies in real time.
Target your audience precisely to maximize ROI
Precise targeting is essential to maximizing the return on investment (ROI) of your campaigns. Clearly define your audience based on criteria such as age, location, interests, or purchasing behavior. For example, if you sell sports accessories, target fitness enthusiasts or local sports clubs.
Key indicators to monitor include:
Number of clicks
Cost per click
Click-through rate
Conversion rate
Cost per conversion
This data helps you evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns and optimize your advertising spend. By targeting the right people, you increase your chances of finding customers while reducing unnecessary costs.
Test and adjust your ads to improve performance
The success of an advertising campaign relies on continuous optimization. Test different ad formats, such as images, videos, or carousels, to identify what works best. Also, vary your messaging to see which ones capture your audience's attention most effectively.
Regularly analyze your results to adjust your strategies. For example, if an ad is generating a low click-through rate, modify its image or text. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer detailed analytics tools to track your performance. By testing and adjusting your ads, you improve their effectiveness and maximize your results.
7. Attract customers with promotions or free trials
Offer discounts to attract new customers
Promotions are a great way to attract new customers. A well-targeted discount can encourage prospects to try your products or services. For example, offering a 20% discount on a first order can convince a hesitant customer to take the plunge.
The advantages of promotions are numerous: Methods for finding customers
Boost the conversion rate.
Generate leads through the attractiveness of the offer.
To stand out from the competition.
Engage and develop customer relationships.
By offering time-limited discounts, you create a sense of urgency that encourages customers to act quickly. This allows you to find customers while increasing your sales.
Offer a free trial to demonstrate the value of your services
A free trial is a powerful strategy for convincing potential customers. It allows them to discover your services risk-free, which builds their trust. For example, a streaming platform might offer a free month to demonstrate the quality of its content.
The data shows that this approach works:
Free trials effectively attract prospects and encourage them to test a product.
Email follow-up after the free trial can increase the conversion rate by at least 2% .
A reminder at the end of the free trial creates a sense of urgency and encourages action.
By offering a free trial, you demonstrate the value of your services and increase your chances of converting prospects into loyal customers.
Methods for finding clients: Use testimonials from satisfied customers to convince them
Testimonials from satisfied customers are powerful tools for boosting your company's credibility. They show potential customers that your products or services have already proven themselves. For example, a positive review on your website or social media can influence a new customer's purchasing decision.
To maximize the impact of testimonials:
Highlight authentic and detailed reviews.
Add photos or videos to enhance their credibility.
Share case studies or success stories.
Testimonials reassure your prospects and help them envision themselves as satisfied customers. This makes their decision easier and helps you find clients faster.
SaaS Marketing Manager
“We tested several methods to find clients, but it was the combination of SEO, lead magnets, and webinars that really made the difference. In addition to attracting qualified leads, we managed to lower our CAC by 40% in one quarter.”
— Julien F., Marketing Manager at DataSoft
8. Ask for recommendations to find clients
Encourage your satisfied customers to talk about you
Your satisfied customers are a valuable resource for attracting new prospects. Encourage them to share their positive experience with their network. A simple request can be enough, especially if you show them how much their opinion matters to you. For example, you can ask them to leave an online review or tell their friends and family about your services .
Did you know that 80% of people trust recommendations from their friends and family when choosing a brand? Yet, only 29% of satisfied customers take the initiative to recommend a product or service.
To measure the impact of your efforts, use metrics like the Net Promoter Score (NPS) or the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT). These tools help you identify your customer promoters and understand how to improve their experience.
Set up a mentoring program
A well-designed referral program can turn your customers into brand ambassadors. Offer attractive incentives, such as discounts or gifts, to those who recommend your services to their friends and family. For example, offer a 10% discount for each new customer brought in by a referrer.
Statistics show that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from their network . Furthermore, referral customers spend up to 32% more than those acquired through traditional advertising. A referred prospect is also four times more likely to become a customer than a prospect obtained through standard advertising channels. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of referral programs for acquiring customers.
Rewarding recommendations with exclusive benefits
To motivate your customers to refer you, offer them exclusive rewards. These benefits can include discounts, free products, or priority access to your services. For example, a customer who refers three people could receive a free month of subscription or a premium product.
Rewards strengthen customer loyalty while encouraging their network to discover your services. Customers acquired through referrals have a retention rate 25% higher than average. By valuing referrals, you create a virtuous cycle that contributes to your business growth.
9. Create educational content to attract qualified leads
Publish videos, ebooks or webinars to share your expertise
Creating educational content, such as videos, ebooks, or webinars, allows you to demonstrate your expertise while meeting your audience's needs. These formats capture attention and encourage engagement. For example, integrating tutorial videos can increase engagement rates by 40% . Webinars, in particular, offer direct interaction with your prospects, strengthening their trust in your services.
The figures confirm the effectiveness of this strategy:
90% of consumers find branded content useful.
15% increase in conversions of prospects into paying customers after using these formats.
93% of companies believe that content marketing generates more leads than traditional methods.
By regularly publishing this type of content, you attract qualified leads and make it easier for them to take action. These are methods for finding customers
Answering frequently asked questions from your audience
One way to find clients is to anticipate and answer your audience's frequently asked questions, demonstrating that you understand their needs. Create a FAQ section on your website or write detailed blog articles to address their concerns. For example, if you're a marketing consultant, explain how to optimize an advertising campaign. This type of content helps your prospects solve their problems while familiarizing them with your services.
Did you know that 42% of B2B prospects consume between 3 and 5 pieces of marketing content before contacting a company? By answering their questions with these customer acquisition methods, you increase your chances of capturing their attention and converting them into clients.
Use storytelling to captivate your prospects
Storytelling transforms informative content into a memorable experience. Tell stories that reflect the challenges and aspirations of your audience. For example, share the story of a client who overcame a problem thanks to your services. This type of storytelling humanizes your brand and creates an emotional connection with your prospects.
To measure the impact of storytelling, track these indicators:
User engagement: Observe interactions with your content.
Lead conversion: Analyze the conversion rate to customers.
Alignment with audience needs: Check if your stories meet their expectations.
By captivating your prospects with relevant stories, you increase their interest in your services and facilitate their purchasing decision. This approach helps you find customers while building a relationship of trust.
10. Prospecting directly to find clients
Identify qualified prospects in your industry
To succeed in your direct prospecting, start by identifying the most relevant prospects in your industry. Analyze the specific needs of your target audience and segment them based on criteria such as age, location, or interests. For example, if you sell management software, target small businesses looking to optimize their processes.
Sales prospecting is a key driver of growth for businesses. Using targeted methods and reliable data improves the quality of interactions and conversion rates.
By focusing your efforts on qualified prospects, you maximize your chances of finding clients while saving time and resources.
Contact us directly by phone or email
Once you've identified your prospects, take action by contacting them directly . Phone calls and personalized emails remain effective tools for establishing initial contact. Prepare a clear script for your calls and write concise emails that highlight the benefits of your products or services.
Direct prospecting involves direct contact with prospects to convert them into customers. This can be done through phone calls, social media messages, or in-person interactions at events.
This method works equally well in B2B and B2C, allowing you to reach your sales goals faster.
Personalize your messages to maximize your chances of success
Personalization is key to successful prospecting. Tailor your messages to each prospect's needs and expectations. Mention their name, company, or a specific problem your product can solve. For example, if you're contacting a marketing manager, offer solutions to improve their digital strategy.
A well-developed approach increases the chances of success in prospecting. Personalizing approaches is crucial for building trusting relationships.
By personalizing your messages, you show your prospects that you understand their challenges, which strengthens their interest in your services and facilitates their purchasing decision.
Finding clients requires a structured approach and consistent implementation. Each method presented in this article can help you achieve your goals.
Tip: Combine multiple strategies to maximize your results. For example, combine SEO with advertising campaigns or use social media to promote your educational content.
Take action today. Identify the techniques that best suit your business and implement them. The more proactive you are, the greater your chances of success. 🚀
FAQs on methods for finding clients
Which social networks are the most effective for finding clients?
Social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook offer unique opportunities. Instagram attracts young consumers. LinkedIn is ideal for B2B. Facebook allows you to target specific groups. Choose the one that best suits your target audience.
How long does it take to see SEO results?
SEO requires patience. The first results often appear after 3 to 6 months. This depends on the competition and the quality of your content. Continue to optimize regularly to maximize your chances of success.
How to create engaging content on social media?
Publish videos, infographics, or carousels. Ask your audience questions to encourage interaction. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Tip: Videos generate 35% more engagement than images.
Are advertising campaigns expensive?
Not necessarily. You can start with a small budget. Test your ads to optimize your spending. For example, a Facebook Ads campaign can cost only a few euros per day.
Why are customer testimonials important?
Testimonials boost your company's credibility . They reassure potential customers and encourage them to trust you. Share genuine reviews to maximize their impact.
Note: Positive reviews increase conversions by 10%. This is one way to find customers.
