6 Places to Find Clients for Your Online Service-Based Business

If you’re struggling to find clients for your online, service-based business, look no further. I put together five places to find clients online, plus several resources to help you get started! I know it can be a challenge to get your business up and running (and make it successful!), so I want to help the best way I know how – sharing what’s worked for me. Let’s get into it!

1. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups is one of the best places to find clients. People post job opportunities all the time looking for various skill sets. You’re bound to find something you resonate with! 

When you find something you want to apply for, make sure to read all the instructions the person gives on how to apply. It’s really important to do what they say to apply. Oftentimes, people will automatically rule out people who don’t do what they ask because it shows a lack of attention to detail. There are several ways people ask for applications:

• Send them an email.
• Send them a DM.
• Comment on the post with your website/pricing/packages, etc.
• Use an online application system, like Google Forms.

Bonus FYI: You might be thinking, “Can’t I just post my services in a Facebook Group?” The answer is it depends on the group. Most groups have rules around promoting your services. You might need to sign up for a membership to have those permissions. Some groups allow promotional posts on certain days of the week. Just double-check before promoting yourself in a Facebook Group. If you break that rule, you could be kicked out for coming off as “spammy”.

2. Referrals

Referrals are the second best way I find clients online. After working with a client for a few months and we have a good relationship, I ask them to recommend me to people in their network who may be interested in my services. It’s a super easy ask, and if they’re happy with your work, they’ll be more than happy to recommend you. You just have to let them know you’re open to more work!

Bonus: Here is the EXACT template I send my clients to ask for referrals!

“Hi (client name),

I wanted to send you a quick message and let you know how much I enjoy working with you and your brand. I currently have space available to take on new clients if you know of anyone who is looking for social media management, email marketing, blogging, or Pinterest services.

I would be so grateful if you passed my information along. If you’d like, you can refer people to my website to learn more about the services I offer. 

Thank you for being such a wonderful client!

Warm regards,

Eden”

I’ve had clients upsell themselves after I mention the services I offer. One client had no idea I offered Pinterest services (at the time) and decided to upgrade her package the next month. Even though she didn’t have a referral for me at that time, I still got new business out of the email.

3. Pinterest

You really have to dedicate yourself to Pinterest, but it can be a worthwhile investment. Pinterest is a different beast from other social media platforms because pins can appear in searches for years rather than minutes (Twitter) or hours (Instagram). 

I recommend starting on Pinterest when you feel you’re producing enough content to stay consistent. But once you start, your content and any links you choose to promote will be on Pinterest for a long time! Here are some content ideas to improve traffic to your website:

• YouTube videos
• TikTok videos
• Blogs
• Services
• Quotes
• Lead magnets/freebies
• Low-ticket offers
• Physical products

4. Scout Local Businesses

Think of how many businesses are within a few miles of you. Depending on where you are located, it could be hundreds. The average for U.S. cities is 6.8 businesses per square mile.

Now, how many do you think could benefit from your services? I’m guessing more than a few! I usually go for small, local businesses where the owner or a family member is likely managing their marketing efforts.

Make a list of potential opportunities and see if you can find a personal email on their website. If not, stop in and say hello! Meeting face-to-face is always better than a cold email.

5. Upwork

I haven’t had a ton of luck finding clients on Upwork (I think it takes some serious commitment, and I found luck elsewhere), but I know a lot of entrepreneurs who have! It’s free to sign up and search for open jobs. You can get really specific with their search functionality to find the perfect jobs for you. Upwork gives you 120 credits to spend each month applying for jobs. 

Bonus FYI: When applying for jobs, check these things to make sure the company and job are legitimate:

• They have verified payment.
• There is a good description of the project.
• They’re in the same country as you (not required, but I think it makes payment easier).

6. SEO

By optimizing your website for search engines, you’re improving your chances of ranking in search results. As you start to earn more trust and credibility with Google, it will start to send more high-quality traffic to your website. And when you get traffic that’s actually interested in your services, you typically see higher conversion rates for new clients! SEO is something all entrepreneurs should invest in.

I hope these gave you some good places to find new clients! I highly recommend starting with Facebook Groups, referrals, and SEO. These are the most time-efficient and easiest ways to get new clients. Alright, you have the tools. It’s time to get to work!