How I find new clients as a social media manager

I’ve been a social media manager for 8 years and finding clients is the number one most difficult part of getting started. My favorite way to get clients is through inbound leads but I’ve worked with clients the following three ways.

1. Cold Pitching

🩷 This is when you reach out to businesses or people YOU want to work with with no prior relationship. This could be emailing, direct messaging, or visiting them in person. I’m not a huge fan of this because it can attract weak leads and it’s a lot of work. However, it is a good way I just starting out and really hones your sales skills.

2. Freelancing Platform

🤎 This is a website where businesses (or people) can post jobs and you can respond with a proposal and bid. All work is done through the platform. I’ve personally used both Contra and Upwork. I liked them when I was a newbie and found a really nice client this way. However, it was a lot of work and you have to sift through the job postings. Some people do super super well with these platforms though.

3. Inbound Leads

🤍 This is when clients reach out to you. Typically, you need to set up a system for receiving inbound leads. This could be posting to social media, an email newsletter, a blog, a YouTube, etc. My favorite method by far! Most of my high ticket client have come inbound. My suggestion for you is to start posting to two social media platforms - one long form and one short form. Stay consistent and share your expertise on your subject. It will most likely take longer to find clients this way. However, the clients you find will already want to work with you and typically have no problem paying a higher price.

If you would like to work with a professional social media manager who will set up a lead generation system for your business, please feel free to send me a private message!

Seattle