Hands down, the biggest challenge I hear from solopreneurs is the same thing, said 100 ways:
- How do I get more clients?
- How do I get more leads?
- How do I make more cash?
- Cash flow is our biggest challenge!
If that’s you—hi, hello, welcome, you’re not alone. Let’s fix that.
First, here are a couple of blog posts to get you started as far as target audience:
Once you’ve got a clearer picture of who you’re trying to reach, the next question is:
How do I actually find these people and turn them into paying clients?
Let’s chat about 10 ways to get more clients:
#1. Old Fashioned Networking
Whenever I have a client who is new to business, I encourage them to pound the pavement and meet as many people as they can. Talk about your business. Share your story. Ask about theirs. Even in a digital world, real-world conversations are incredibly effective.
This is a fast-track way to get more clients and also gather valuable feedback in real time. You’ll learn what lights people up, what confuses them, and how your message is landing.
Bonus tip: Practice different elevator pitches to see how people react. Is their face lighting up or glazing over? That’s free marketing research!
Pro move: Attend local chamber of commerce meetings, coworking meetups, industry-specific mixers, or even speed networking events on Zoom. Come with the mindset of connecting—not just selling.
#2. Directories
Especially if you’re a service-based business in a local market, directories can be gold. Think:
- Google My Business
- Yelp
- Facebook Business Pages
- LinkedIn Company Pages
Set them up, fill them out completely, and keep them updated. Add photos. Share your story. Describe your services. Use keywords that people would actually type into Google when looking for someone like you.
Pro tip: You do not have to pay for these listings. They may call and offer to “boost” your presence, but the organic results are often enough—especially if you combine it with the next step.
#3. Get Reviews
Once you’ve got your listings, make it easy for people to leave you glowing reviews. Have clickable links ready to send to your clients. Include them in emails, texts, and post-purchase follow-ups.
Reviews do two things:
- Social Proof – People trust people. A solid review can be the tipping point for someone who’s on the fence.
- SEO Boost – More reviews = higher visibility on Google, Yelp, and even Facebook. Search engines want to show active, trusted businesses.
#4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
If you’re not showing up in search, you’re leaving money on the table. SEO doesn’t have to be scary—it just means using the right words on your website and content so that people can find you.
Here’s how to start:
- Use keywords your clients would search (not just industry jargon).
- Add those keywords to your website titles, meta descriptions, and blog posts.
- Keep your website fast and mobile-friendly.
- Regularly update your content.
For example: If you’re a life coach for moms, you want to show up when someone types “life coach for new moms” or “how to stop mom burnout” into Google.
If you’re brand new to this, consider starting a blog or updating your site copy with the phrases your dream clients are Googling.
#5. Trade Shows, Events & Pop-Ups
Events are where the magic happens—especially for product-based or high-touch service businesses. Trade shows, conferences, and pop-up events are perfect places to get in front of large groups of people who are already interested in your industry.
You don’t even need to rent a booth right away. Attend as a guest. Walk the floor. Network with vendors. Chat with attendees. Get the vibe and see how others pitch their products.
Example: I had a client who landed three high-ticket contracts just by introducing herself at a women’s business expo she attended last-minute.
#6. Referrals
Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! If you’ve made someone’s life easier, they’ll often be happy to send someone your way—but they might not think of it unless you ask.
Try this script:
“Hey! If you know anyone else who could use some help with [your service], I’d be so grateful if you sent them my way. No pressure, just putting it out there!”
You can also incentivize it: Offer a small discount or a thank-you gift for each successful referral.
#7. Social Media Content
Love it or hate it, social media is still one of the most accessible ways to get in front of new eyeballs. The key is to be consistent and clear.
Here’s what works:
- Educational content (teach something!)
- Behind-the-scenes and storytelling
- Client results and testimonials
- Clear calls to action (“DM me to book,” “Comment ‘info’ for the link,” etc.)
Don’t worry about going viral—worry about being visible and valuable to your current audience. That’s what leads to conversions.
#8. Content Marketing
This is where you build trust by sharing value. Think blog posts, free guides, how-to videos, checklists, or podcast episodes. The more useful you are, the more your audience sees you as the expert.
If someone downloads your free “Client Onboarding Checklist,” they’re probably a warm lead. If they watch five of your YouTube videos, they’re primed and ready to buy.
Note: This is a long game. Content marketing compounds over time, but when it works, it really works.
#9. Email Marketing
Email is still one of the highest-converting marketing tools out there. The key is building a list of people who actually want to hear from you, then staying in touch consistently.
Ideas for building your list:
- Offer a free download or resource
- Host a webinar or challenge
- Add opt-in forms to your website and blog
Once they’re in your world, don’t ghost them! Send regular value-packed emails. Share tips, stories, behind-the-scenes content, and promotions when it’s time to sell.
#10. Cold Calls (Yes, Really)
Before you panic—this doesn’t have to be the awkward, spammy thing we all imagine. A “cold call” can be a warm introduction, a friendly email, or a DM to someone you’ve researched and genuinely believe you can help.
Here’s what makes it work:
- Do your homework. Know who they are and what they do.
- Keep it short. Respect their time.
- Make it about them, not just you.
Example:
“Hi [Name], I came across your [business/post/site] and loved [specific detail]. I help businesses like yours [specific result]. If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect and see if I can support your goals.”
You’ll get some no’s. That’s okay. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
But how do you know what’s working?
You don’t have time to guess. That’s why I created a feature in Pretty Simple: A LeadsTracker App that helps you track your marketing efforts.
Every time you create a lead, you can note where the lead came from—aka the source. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns:
- Are most of your leads coming from Instagram?
- Did that networking event actually pay off?
- Is your blog pulling in organic leads from search?
Numbers tell stories. When you know what works, you can do more of it and confidently let go of what doesn’t.
Ready to stop guessing and start growing?
Try Pretty Simple today.
Track your leads.
Find your best sources.
Close more clients.
You got this.
