< Back to all articles

Practical Tips to Find Great Clients: A Guide for Professionals Not Restricted to a Specific Niche

This article provides practical tips for professionals on how to find great clients, regardless of their specific niche, by using keywords and targeting specific industries.

Pollen Team

Table of contents

Identify your ideal client

Your journey towards finding great clients begins with understanding who your ideal client is. This means identifying the type of client who could benefit the most from your services. Here are a few pointers to help you identify your ideal client:

  • Understand your strengths: What type of work or projects do you excel in? Your strengths will attract clients who seek these skills.
  • Define your target industries: While you may not be restricted to a specific niche, you can still target industries where your type of work is in high demand.
  • Know your client's characteristics: What are the traits, behaviors, or qualities of the clients you wish to work with? This could range from their budget to their values and work style.

Remember, defining your ideal client isn't about excluding potential clients. Instead, it's about focusing your efforts on attracting the clients you can serve best, and who will appreciate and value your work. As Matthew Fenton puts it, choosing your client is like choosing your niche.

How can you find clients for your type of work rather than a specific niche? It starts with knowing who you're looking for. Identifying your ideal client is a critical step in how consultants get clients. It's about recognizing who needs your service and reaching out to them effectively. This is a key strategy in how to get consulting clients.

By identifying your ideal client, you lay the foundation for a strong relationship. And don't worry, there are plenty of clients out there in need of your unique consulting service, as this Medium article suggests. All you need to do is take that first step, and you're on your way to finding great clients for your type of work. So, ready to find your ideal client?

Build a strong online presence

Once you've identified your ideal client, the next step is to make sure they can find you. This is where building a strong online presence comes in. It's no secret that we live in a digital age — your online presence is your new business card. But how can you build an online presence that attracts great clients? Let's dive in:

  • Showcase your expertise: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or industry-specific forums to share your insights, experiences, and thought leadership. This helps establish your credibility and attract clients who value your expertise.
  • Create a professional website: A well-designed, easy-to-navigate website goes a long way in reflecting your professionalism. Include testimonials, case studies, and a portfolio of your work to show potential clients what you can do.
  • Engage on social media: Social media can be a powerful tool to connect with potential clients. Participate in discussions, share relevant content, and use these platforms to showcase your personality as well as your professional skills.

Building an online presence is a commitment, so remember to be consistent. Regularly update your website and social platforms with fresh content and engage with your audience actively.

The benefits of a robust online presence are manifold. Not only does it increase your visibility to potential clients, but it also allows you to build a personal brand that resonates with your ideal clients. This is a proven strategy mentioned in the article 7 Ways to Get Consulting Clients Fast.

So, how can you find great clients for someone who focuses on a type of work rather than a specific niche? By letting them find you. By being visible online, clients in need of your type of work can easily locate you. So, are you ready to create an online presence that's as impressive as your work?

Leverage your network for referrals

After building a strong online presence, it's time to tap into an often overlooked resource: your network. You might wonder, "how can I find great clients through referrals, especially when I'm not confined to a specific niche?" Well, you're about to find out.

People often trust recommendations from their connections more than a random online search. This is where your network comes in handy. Here's how you can leverage your network for referrals:

  • Stay in touch with past clients: They've experienced your work firsthand and might know others who could benefit from your services. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals if they were satisfied with your work.
  • Connect with peers: Other professionals in your field might have overflowing workloads and be happy to refer clients to you. Plus, they can introduce you to new areas of work that you might not have considered.
  • Attend networking events: These can be in-person or online. They offer a chance to meet potential clients and other professionals who can refer you to their clients.

Making the most of your network for referrals doesn't mean hounding every connection for leads. Instead, it's about nurturing relationships and being there for others, too. It's a two-way street. So, always be ready to support and refer your connections when they need it.

According to the article How To Get Consulting Clients: 10 Tried And True Strategies, leveraging your network is a tried and true strategy for finding clients.

So, if the question "how can you find great clients for someone who focuses on a type of work rather than a specific niche?" still lingers in your mind, remember: your network can be a goldmine of opportunities. It's all about building genuine relationships. Who knows, your next big client might just be a conversation away!

Follow up and maintain relationships

Once you've begun leveraging your network, the journey doesn't end there. The next step in finding great clients when you focus on a type of work rather than a specific niche, is to follow up and maintain relationships.

Remember that getting a client doesn't mean the work is over. In fact, it's just the beginning. The real challenge is keeping that client and turning them into a repeat customer. Here's how:

  • Regular follow-ups: Don't let your clients feel forgotten. Follow up with them regularly to check in on their needs and how you can continue to support them. It's a simple action that can yield significant results.
  • Provide excellent service: No matter the type of work you do, always deliver your best. A satisfied client is more likely to return and refer others.
  • Be responsive: Quick and clear communication shows your clients that they are important to you. It builds trust and fosters a strong working relationship.

In addition, maintaining relationships isn't limited to your clients. Keep in touch with all those in your network. Send them updates and useful information, congratulate them on their successes, and show genuine interest in their work. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn and grow.

According to 8 Tips to Learn How Consultants Get Clients, following up and maintaining relationships is a crucial part of the client acquisition process.

While it might seem like a lot of work, remember that fostering these relationships can open doors to new opportunities. So if you're wondering, "how can you find great clients for someone who focuses on a type of work rather than a specific niche?" Don't forget to follow up and maintain those relationships. It might just be the key to your next big client.

Stay up to date with Pollen

More articles from Pollen

Proven Strategies to Avoid Overselling: A Guide for Independent Consultants

September 26, 2023
Pollen Team

Learn effective strategies and techniques for independent consultants to avoid overselling their services, including the importance of setting realistic expectations and delivering on promises.

Solopreneurship: Practical Tips and Success Stories for the Independent Business Owner

September 26, 2023
Pollen Team

Discover practical tips and success stories for solopreneurs, independent business owners, who are looking for guidance and inspiration to thrive in their entrepreneurial journey.

Net 30 Payment Terms: A Comprehensive Guide for Freelancers and Independent Contractors

September 26, 2023
Pollen Team

This article provides freelancers and independent contractors with a comprehensive guide on Net 30 payment terms, offering insights on how to navigate and negotiate these terms effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Invoice Template for Consultants

September 26, 2023
Pollen Team

This article provides a step-by-step guide for consultants on how to choose the perfect invoice template, including important factors to consider and tips for customization.

Write a Professional Short Bio - Examples and Tips

November 10, 2022
Pollen Team

We know you hate talking about yourself. But a short bio is essential for any freelancer. Here's how to write one that will land you jobs.

Spotting Client Red Flags: Practical Guide for Consultants and Professionals

September 28, 2023
Pollen Team

This article provides a practical guide for consultants and professionals on how to identify and address client red flags, helping them navigate potential challenges in their work.