One of the most frequent questions I hear from start-ups in the design, publishing or advertising business is “How do I get clients?” My usual response is “Who are your clients?”
Obviously if you know who your ideal client is — or if the next client just walks in your door, you can market effectively. But if you are not sure who your ideal client is, you need to find out.
The first place to start is: “Who are you?” Start by asking yourself what you like to do best, and what your skill strengths are. Make a short list of these items. That list becomes the “product” your ideal client is looking for. Now look at your marketplace and ask who is buying the “products” which you listed.
That’s who your client is.
Keep an index card around with your ideal client credentials. Once you’ve completed some projects, go back and revisit that list. Is it still valid? Once you start getting calls, ask yourself who is actually being attracted to your business. This will be a strong clue that your marketing approach is right or wrong.
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Hi Fred Showker, interesting article good sifting of the way to see the client base. Quick tip I found useful make contact with as many print brokers as possible, it pays off. They become like free reps bringing in jobs in addition to the ones you secure on your own.
Hope this is of use to readers.
Cheerio. Brian.
Hi Fred,
I would like to share something so crucial for all artist out there going the business in the Art World, …Most helpful in building your clientile ( my experience ) with my travels around the world is to build rapport and good will with people from all walks of life, once that is done everything will start to fall in it’s proper place.