Question: I’m a local video producer who recently went freelance after being at a production company for 4 years being their lead cinematographer and ocasional director. I’ve been hustling to find work like the lot of us, trying to find the best way to find clients and now having done some researching online and trying to figure out ways to find clients I feel i’ve been bombarded with social media ads from multiple ‘filmmakers’ telling me they can scale my business and help me ‘struggling to get 10k$ clients a month’
This was a bit tempting at first since its the exact problem im having so desperately but now that I’ve seen SO many accounts doing this I assume this is complete BS. Heck maybe I should be making a pdf on ‘how to get clients’ since ive worked with some big ones before.
I’m not here to rant, i’m mostly just curious if y’all are getting all these ads too? And I guess Im also curious how everyone’s doing in finding clients and work rn. Its been rough for me this year for sure.
Answer: The only real thing that has worked for me consistently in terms of getting new work was word of mouth. It brings in 90% of new clients and brings back regulars. I tried paid ads, I tried cold emails, cold calling, cold whatever, I walked into businesses, I put up special offers.
None of it worked as expected. I did a few free gigs, made a few friends and connected with the people in my community and boom, there it was.
Generating word of mouth for your services is a powerful way to grow your business organically.
Here are 13 strategies to help you encourage positive word-of-mouth referrals:
Deliver Outstanding Service:
The foundation of word of mouth is exceptional service. Consistently go above and beyond your customers’ expectations. When people are delighted by your services, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences.
Focus on Customer Satisfaction:
Make customer satisfaction a top priority. Listen to feedback, address concerns promptly, and continuously improve your offerings based on client input.
Create Memorable Experiences:
Aim to create memorable and unique experiences for your clients. Whether it’s a personalized touch in your services or exceptional customer care, stand out in ways that make people remember you.
Ask for Reviews:
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites. Positive online reviews can greatly influence potential customers’ decisions.
Offer Referral Incentives:
Provide incentives for existing customers who refer new clients. This could be a discount, a free service, or other perks. This not only encourages referrals but also rewards loyal customers.
Build Relationships:
Forge strong relationships with your clients. Get to know their needs, preferences, and pain points. When they feel a personal connection with you, they’re more likely to recommend your services.
Showcase Success Stories:
Share case studies or success stories highlighting how your services have positively impacted clients. This demonstrates real-world results and builds credibility.
Utilize Social Proof:
Display logos of well-known clients you’ve worked with or certifications you’ve earned. Social proof can enhance your reputation and encourage referrals.
Network:
Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking meetings to connect with potential clients and colleagues. Building a strong professional network can lead to word-of-mouth referrals.
Educate and Add Value:
Offer free resources, webinars, or workshops that provide value to your target audience. When people see you as an expert willing to help, they’re more likely to recommend your services.
Stay Active Online:
Engage on social media platforms and online communities relevant to your industry. Share insightful content, answer questions, and contribute positively to conversations. This can lead to organic referrals.
Leverage Influencers:
If applicable, collaborate with influencers in your industry who can promote your services to their followers. Their endorsement can significantly boost your credibility.
Create Shareable Content:
Craft valuable and shareable content such as blog posts, infographics, or videos. When people find your content helpful, they’re more likely to share it with others.
Remember, building word of mouth takes time and consistent effort. Focus on delivering exceptional value and creating positive experiences, and over time, your clients will become your brand advocates, spreading the word about your services.
