As a creative business owner, I know exactly what it feels like when the projects dry up, and you need new clients fast. Whether you’re just starting out, recently freelancing after a job change, or trying to cover overhead while work slows down—securing projects quickly is crucial. Here are my go-to strategies to help you land clients and keep your workflow steady.

Let’s jump in. I’m Jason Early, a digital product consultant and educator, and I’m here to guide you through the ups and downs of running your own business. Today, I’m sharing practical tips for when you need clients yesterday.

Understand the Sales Funnel

To land clients fast, you need to focus on the sales funnel—particularly the decision stage. Forget about nurturing leads who aren’t ready to make a move yet. Right now, you need to target people ready to hire.

Decision Stage: These are the prospects on the verge of making a choice. Engaging people earlier in the funnel won’t get you the quick results you’re after. Prioritize clients who are ready to act.

My Strategies to Secure Clients

1. Reconnect with Recent Clients

  • Reach Out Again: Contact clients you’ve worked with recently. They already know and trust you, making them more likely to hire you again.
  • Pitch Similar Services: If you’ve built them a website, offer additional services like landing pages or SEO improvements.
  • Present New Services: Stay ahead of the game by introducing them to new trends or tech updates that require your skills.

2. Leverage Competition

  • Use Competitive Drive: Know who your clients’ competitors are and suggest updates that will keep them ahead of the game—whether it’s a website refresh or a better social media strategy.

3. Use Calendar Timing

  • Capitalize on Timing: Businesses plan new projects around fiscal quarters. This is prime time to pitch your services and secure their budget for the upcoming quarter.

What If You Have No Client Base?

If you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Freelance Platforms

  • Explore Marketplaces: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are great for connecting with clients who need help right now. It’s competitive, but it can lead to quick work.

2. Networking Opportunities

  • Go to Events: Attend local business meetups or coworking spaces. These are goldmines for potential clients—you never know when a conversation could lead to your next project.

3. Cold Outreach (Use This as a last resort)

  • Targeted Cold Emails: Cold outreach isn’t my favorite strategy, but when done right, it can align with a prospect’s immediate needs.

Wrapping Up

Finding clients fast is all about leveraging your existing relationships and strategically expanding your reach. Whether through reconnecting with past clients or diving into freelance platforms, these strategies will help keep your business moving forward. Stay persistent, and clients will come.