What is your main source of new clientele?

[dsgn]

I'm in need of new clients and business. What is the best way to get your name out there? Search engines? Adverts in newspapers? Or the best way simply by word of mouth?

[srule_]

what service are you providing?

I find for web design/programing the best way is by networking.

Easy Way To Network:
1. Make a blog about whatever you do
2. Update it regularly
3. Join twitter.com
4. Follow people on twitter that are interested in stuff related to the internet
5. Make friends, get customers :-)

Another Way:
1. Join Forums About Topics Such As "Lawn Care Businesses". EX:http://www.lawnsite.com/
2. Establish yourself as a web expert by providing useful post and by helping everyone in the website section.
3. Convert them to customers :-)


These strategies may take a little longer then you want but they works. It;s how I got my jobs when I was providing design/coding services. Since you built your clientel through networking/friendship most of them will be repeat customers and will be quick to refer you to friends.

If you want customers NOW then you can try bidding on work at various job sites.

Another thing to remember is that even though your providing online service this does not mean your marketing needs to b e online. You could easily find local clients, or perhaps even find clients through relationships you have already established.

[binaryWeapon]

Putting links to your site in your forum/email sig always helps. Also, join social networking groups and publish you site, stuff like digg and facebook.

[gnomeontherun]

Putting yourself out there can help, but if you are just an individual word of mouth and referrals are likely to yield you the best clients. Its not only about getting clients, but getting good clients who will actually pay and not want everything done in 2 hours for nothing. I found that when I spent a lot of time looking for projects posted online, that a good percentage of the people I ended up getting connected with had unrealistic expectations about what I would do for them. Of course I've had some good clients from this process as well, but I've had better success with personal connections reaching out to others for me.

Never neglect having a polished website, good examples, and business card on hand. Perhaps you drop a few cards off at your local establishments, put your expertise to use for volunteer activities occasionally, and let the people you are connected to know that you do design and perhaps they will keep you in mind the next time someone talks about it!