We’re bringing out the big guns today. That’s right, I’m talking about my *super-secret formula* for engaging with potential clients on social media.

Kidding.

I’m here to break down a few of the Q’s I’m asked the most when it comes to engaging with clients. No secret formula needed, just real human connection.

I want the information in this FAQ series to be specific and actionable, so let’s walk through the Q’s, shall we?

Where do I find potential clients to engage with?

I’ll tell you what’s worked for me: Facebook Groups, Instagram, and LinkedIn… in that order.

Facebook Groups have been great for direct communication with freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners (my ideal clients). I’m able to connect in a space online that’s been vetted — y’know those Q’s you answer to be admitted to a private group — and curated based on industry, niche, location, etc.

I’ve also found Instagram is amazing to connect with my community. Some of those people are potential clients but also people in my industry. I recently got referred for a website copywriting project from one gal on IG I’ve been chatting with for a while now that passed along my name.

Talk about the power of community!

Lastly, LinkedIn has been amazing for referrals from people in my immediate network. That’s how I got my very first contract job with Capital Concerts after graduate school!

To round this out, I highly suggest starting on social media and building out your personal/professional brand. That’s how I’ve found long-term success. Many others will suggest UpWork or Fiverr… I do not. Do what you want with this info.

How do I engage with potential clients once I find them?

I guess I kind of lied at the beginning. I do have a few tricks up my sleeve for engaging with potential clients on social media. It’s part of what I teach my clients as a freelance consultant.

Here are the unique ways I engage in Facebook Groups:

1. Never post promos for my services
2. Provide free value consistently for nothing in return
3. Comment on posts looking for advice

The real trick with that last one is that I only comment on posts that relate to the services I offer or my specific expertise in my industry.

This way, there’s a clear intention and goal for my action. I am either offering advice with the goal of becoming known in the group as an expert in my industry (overtime) or commenting to share an offer I have that can help them with their problem (right now).

This is my golden sauce, my wisest nugget of knowledge for you: don’t promote, be a human.

It pays off in the long run.

*Want a guide for exactly how I engage in Facebook Groups to find the right clients to work with? Look no further.

What do I do when I have the attention of potential clients?

Alright, so I finally have their attention… Now what?

Two things:

1. Indicate how I can help them
2. Add them into my leads tracker

I used to think telling people what I had to offer was “sales-y.” Turns out, people WANT to know what I offer and how it can help them.

Who woulda thunk?

Here’s the thing: It’s not your job to decide whether what you have is valuable to someone else. Give them the options, then stop talking.

After I’ve told them how I can help, I make sure to add them to my leads tracker (GET YOURS HERE). I do this whether they buy from me or not. Now more than ever, we need to be paying attention to and nurturing our communities.

This should be a good jumping-off point for you now that you have my answers to the 3 Q’s I’m asked most about how I engage with potential clients online.

If you haven’t seen the other blogs in this FAQ series about content creation and writing captions, be sure to give them a read. And stay tuned for the next blog in this FAQ series: community building!

If you have Q’s of your own that I haven’t answered yet, let me know by commenting below or reaching out to me on Instagram.

P.S. Still confused about how to engage with potential clients? Not sure how to put together packages so those clients can buy from you? Ready to feel confident looking for, signing, and working with clients? Let me support you as you begin your freelance journey!