How To Find Your First Client, or More Clients: Business Development for Creatives and Designers

The number one question I get asked by my followers and subscribers is: “How do I get more clients?” The biggest problem as an entrepreneur or creative professional is not “working the work” it is always “getting the work”. So how, if you are just starting out, do you get your first clients? Or if you have been in the industry for a while and have clients but need more - how do you keep the new business pipeline filled? In this video I discuss 10 proven ways to get your first (or more!) clients.
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This video is targeted to my channel’s audience of entrepreneurs, designers, creative professionals and anyone interested in brand strategy, business planning, design, trend, marketing and communications.

Philip VanDusen is the founder of Verhaal Brand Design, a brand strategy and design agency in the New York City metro area. He is an accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip gives design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on how to build successful brands for themselves or for the clients they serve.
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[boxingtone]

I swear, I'm NOT pulling your chain when I say THIS IS THE BEST video I've seen yet on the subject.

[zenellis]

I was recently asked to do some powerpoint backgrounds for a friend's company. When he sent me on the logo, I saw that it could do with an overhaul.
I sent him and email, saying that I could use the existing logo, but that it would be very good for the company to finesse the logo and turn it into more of a brand.
The company went for it, and I made a small job into a much bigger job, earning more and giving more value and service.
If you see something that can be improved, offer to add value and "up the ante"....

[urmilabarman]

This video is the most thorough and the most helpful on the said subject. It's respectful of people's time along with giving great value. Thank you so much for sharing there information with love and care! I loved your video.

[rtreaper]

Best and most informative video on the topic! Thank you for being genuine, unlike a plethora of other videos on here that wastes people's time.

[jirkaobsivac]

I like the time when I am supposed to change my background on phone or PC, usually once a month. And everytime it took me so long to find the right one, so it does fit with everything. So I began with making my own backgrounds in 16:9 for smart phones or computers, so people can use it for free as their background, and posting it on my instagram once a week.

[NightFoxD]

I got my first client by word of mouth, they mentioned they'd love to get their boyfriend a custom avatar for VRChat (a VR videogame) I was like hey I can do that, we started talking, I ended up with 3 different commissions from the same person because of that. I never thought about using tweet search until I saw this video, I'm glad you mentioned that.

[Cheema]

Honestly when I look you on you tube, I felt you will be a crazy but after watching your first video, how to get first client. I really impressed and I got a lot to start my IT business, although I am not IT guy but planning to jump in

[MroMroMarc]

Really good tips. I've been using this approaching for a while and it really works, more than the expected. Great video!

[jenmallarapu]

My first clients were by word of mouth through friends, and through several people from my former employer who works with fortune 500 companies doing market research. If you build a great reputation for yourself, clients will come to you.

[collettlitchard]

You know when you have one of those “DUH, that’s so obvious—I can’t believe I didn’t think of that before” moments? … yah, just had one of those when you said reach out to people via the contact pages on their website. ; ) Here's an out-of-the-box idea...attend political events such as city council meetings and open government meetings that are relevant to your field. There are lots of chances for creating contacts with engaged people who are seeking to fulfill a need. It's also a bonus that you might learn a lot and be able to influence policy that affects you and your business.

[JozelleTech]

#6 is legit! It seems nerve-racking at first but definitely effective! I think that the more you teach and share what you know freely, the more you will be able to obtain depth knowledge about it, the more you become an expert. Some of these tips are too simple but we often make it complicated, thank you for constant reminders P! :)

[lucype]

Thank you for shering, great video, lots of good ideas. P.S. Only one advice, of course you don't have to do it, but try to use less cross dissolves or make it shorter or use only sharp cuts, or use dissolves less often. Dissolves transitions cause feeling that lots of time is passing, in this case it doesn't fit. You can also record in 4k and edit in 1080, you will have then two shots with one camera (no need to make special transsitions). After doing that your videos will be nicer to watch, trust me I am a video editor ;)

[Momene]

i was searching to see how to get clients and this one so far is the best video, thank you for that

[danielhagy]

Hey Philip, thank you for presenting other avenues to share info on line to "drum" up some possible business!
Daniel

[AaronFrankel-j]

I don't have an additional client-getting tactic to share, but I do have an addition to focusing on compelling subject lines. People always forget about the "second subject line." (Not you Philip-- fabulous newsletter.) What that means is they don't pay attention to what shows up in the preview in inboxes. So, your first sentence should be as captivating as your subject line. There's nothing less appealing than seeing "view email in a browser" bit in preview or something equally repellent.

Some of the best advice in marketing and copywriting I ever received was from the author Neil Straus, and it was this: Every word MUST make them want to read the next word. You got their attention with the subject line, don't blow it on the second subject line ;-)

[briansean]

This was fantastic and very insightful, thank you!

[jamesmall]

Thanks Philip really needed this, been taking lots of additional tips, you can add Networking, Coworking and Mastermind Groups e.g. for web design. More experienced designers might turn down smaller projects but would be happy to pass them onto even being a sponsor for an organisation, group or event might help you get more exposure.

[umarwahab]

Thankyou for these great tips! I am a freelancer and hope your techniques will help me a lot in promoting my business and showing people what type of expertise i have. I started using linkdin and i connected with a client by your technique of direct message. Keep up the good work. Appreciated! Lots of love from Pakistan.

[justcreative]

Awesome. thank you for your video, it helps me alot

[robertcaro]

Hi phillip i love your content simple and professional i saw one of your videos and ended up watching a few like the Netflix series :) Would you be kindly to do a video on active attraction as a part 2 ? thank you for all your help.