subject: Marketing to Your Ideal Clients Made Easy [print this page] Marketing to Your Ideal Clients Made Easy
Many service professionals get overwhelmed with the idea of marketing themselves. Marketing is simply a matter of sharing solutions in an appealing way with people who are already looking for them. This becomes infinitely easier when you know exactly who you are marketing to your ideal client. Here are three easy steps that you can use right now to attract and keep more of the people you'd love to work with.
1. Frame your business in the right way.
Few service professionals realize that they are limiting themselves with their labels. Being a "graphic designer" or "interior designer" doesn't spark much interest for the vast majority of people. Instead, you should focus on the benefits and results that you create for the clients you work with. For example:
"I help stressed out moms eliminate the clutter in their homes."
"I help women business owners create financial freedom."
"I help busy entrepreneurs create more money in their business."
By doing this, you identify your target market, describe what you do and how you solve problems AND you make your work relatable. You're suddenly someone who solves problems instead of just another one of the hundreds of graphic designers or interior designers out there to choose from. You'll set yourself apart and grow a real following this way.
2. Find out where your ideal clients are hanging out.
Once you have your description down, you need to network with your ideal clients but that doesn't mean randomly going to networking events here and there. You have to be smart about it and strategically connect with your target market where they are already hanging out. Thanks to social media, this has become a lot easier. Find groups, forums and networking events that are popular with your ideal clients. Become part of the community there and be the "go to" resource for helpful information related to your business. When you research your ideal clients and show up as a friendly, helpful resource you'll be the first person that they think of when they need services.
3. Follow up with old clients and reconnect.
It's been proven time and time again it's easier to sell to an existing client than a new one. Be sure to use this to your advantage! Right NOW is a terrific time to reconnect with your past clients and get caught up with them. You can find out what is new, what their goals are and how you can help them reach the next level of success. Offer them a special incentive to encourage them to come back.
