5 Ways To Get Clients As A Designer

In Graphic Design, finding new clients is necessary for the growth and success of your business. When starting out, this task can feel overwhelming and difficult. In this article, I will list a few simple and effective ways to get new clients.

1. Utilise Social Media

Let’s be honest. There is no longer a debate about the impact of social media on the business world. Social media is an extremely powerful tool for reaching the largest audience possible and sourcing potential clients from across the globe. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Behance & YouTube allow you to showcase your portfolio, connect with designers, and build an online presence. By creating a professional profile and personal brand, posting frequent updates/work and engaging with your followers, you can regularly attract new clients and demonstrate your skills and expertise in the field.

2. Network With Other Designers

Networking with other designers can be a great way to find new clients. Attending design events, joining online design communities (Discord/Telegram etc.) and collaborating with other graphic designers can assist you in building strong relationships and expanding your design network. Additionally, designers often receive recommendations from their peers. This happens when your unique skills come to mind for projects the other designer feels they can’t fulfill. This goes both ways and supports a stable economy amongst peers.

3. Past Clients

Past clients are often your best source of new business. If you have previously worked with a client and they were happy with your work, they will likely be open to working with you again or passing you on to someone else. For this reason, it goes without saying that you should treat every client and project with the sem attention to detail and care. You never know who’s looking and might come asking or help on a project. Consider contacting past clients and asking them if they know anyone who could benefit from your services. You’d be surprised how far this might take you.

4. Think Outside The Box

Depending on the niche you are specialising in, there may be an an appropriate discord group, subreddit or something similar where you can showcase your work and really target the audience you are looking to capture. This method has worked very well for me and in the beginning led me to a lot of clients in the Techno scene. I am a big proponent of being in a niche. When I was just starting out I regularly reached out to people in the small techno communities or looked for clients learning to produce music. I did this becuase these are the people most likely to benefit from my services.

5. Direct Outreach

Direct outreach, involves reaching out to potential clients who may not have heard of you before. This could be a as simple as shooting someone a DM on Instagram and can be a great way to find new clients who are actively looking for a graphic designer but simply don’t know you exist. This method has worked for me well in the past. Sometimes the simple act fo follwing people in your niche will make them aware of you and you will hear from them beofre you even craft that DM. When conducting direct outreach, be sure to make your message meaningful, highlight your experience in the niche, and provide a clear call to action/solution to their needs.

Finding new clients as a graphic designer requires consistent effort and real persistence. By making the most of social media, networking, reaching past clients, thinking outside the box and using direct outreach methods, you can expand your client base and give yourself a real chance to grow your business. Remember to be professional, confident, and always provide value to your clients. Without value there is no business to be had. Sharpen up your design skills, practice these methods and you’ll certainly be on the road to success.

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