What are the best ways to draw in new clients? What type of advertising has worked best for you?

Word of mouth referrals.Simply do the best you can and clients will recommend like crazy.My corporation has never had to look for clients.We do not advertise or hold seminars. And yet we still get 4 or 5 new clients every month.We are in the financial service sector. Sounds simple, it is .Get the word out as to what you are an expert at and they will find you.Also on the bottom of your buss. card put the words By referral only. It works like a charm. Hope this was some help to you.Best of luck. Richard

No advertising...but relationship building. I hired my business coach, book writing coach, editor, cover designer, Publicist, booking agent, ALL from relationships that led to referrals. I cannot think of an ad that ever caused me to hire anyone! They have all been by either WOM or eWOM. And personally I would not hire from an ad. So I do not know that my answer helps, but as an author, speaker, coach, I don't spend money on ads I spend time on relationships.

As mentioned earlier, networking is very important. The more people you meet face-to-face, the longer your list of strong prospects becomes. Networking can include attendance at events, posting on social media sites as well as other web presence, joining groups, being active in your community or just popping into a business to introduce yourself. Cold Calling, letting them know what you have to offer and finding out more about their services as well. Be sure to show a genuine interest in their business by doing a little research before you call or visit. Always offer great customer service, sad behind the services/products tat you offer and complete follow-ups to assure satisfaction. This will create not only return customers but, great word-of-mouth advertising.

I'm basically repeating what others have already said but from my own experience;

Networking exposes you to potential Clients and helps you to maintain relationships with existing Clients. Advertising exposes you to a broad audience of potential Clients. Reputation takes years to establish but, once established, is invaluable. To maintain a customer base you need to work at all three. Once people believe you offer value they will be happy to solicit your services; over and over again potentially, as long as they feel you offer value.

Hi Amanda,

I would want to know more about what you do and how but for me, I use social media and networking. I am an international business coach, so my social media presence is most important as it allows me to reach, literally around the world. I use targeted Facebook ads which funnel people into my email list. This is critical to the nurturing process. This is where I convert the highest, in the nurturing of my potential clients via email marketing. Hope that helps. Feel free to reach out personally if you want to know more.

I personally suggest setting up an Internet for your business, advertise on Facebook.Com, Twitter, LinkedIn, Other Writer's Sites, Book Sites, and any place on the Internet that will allow you to advertise on their site. Also, if you have lots of Friends they can be most helpful because word-of-mouth helps tremendously. Search the Internet where others need Freelance Articles written to increase their businesses and etc. P.S. You might also place an ad in your Local Newspapers and you'll get business from those in your area. Make contact with businesses to ask if they need Freelance Writing Services. I had 65,000 views on Facebook alone this year - try their service you'll not regret it!! Barbara Kasey Smith

I was a ghostwriter most of my working life - and I didn't advertise. I didn't do small (article, blog post, etc) sized pieces, only books. And after the success of a couple of initial projects, work came to me by reputation, or because I approached someone (usually an expert in a particular field) with an idea for a book.

Hi Amanda, I'd also want to know more about what you do, but generally I'd say make sure you deliver quality, build respectful relationships with everyone your business touches, educate people about the benefits of what you sell and be the kind of business people want to recommend. Word of mouth is powerful! Also interact and deliver value on social media.

Hi! Social media works best for me. Facebook, believe it or not, followed by LinkedIn. Twitter is ok to showcase your books after they're published, but not so much to get new clients.

Amanda - I  realize you posted this a few weeks ago, but thought I'd add my 2 cents. Having a social presence is important so people can find you one they've heard about you, but don't depend on your FB page or LinkedIn profile to attract leads. You have many options - and I'd pick a couple of them and work really hard at them. I'd also niche down or you will find that you'll go crazy trying to market to everyone. (e.g "entrepreneurs, women bosses, small business owners, etc.) 

1)  Facebook - have a page, but join groups that contain your target audience and start being of service. Answer questions on topics where you're the expert and be of help. It is like networking, but online. If you can afford to advertise, do. But only once you have a lead magnet (like a free offer) available on your website. Ads on FB can be pretty cheap.

2) LinkedIn - similar to FB groups, join LinkedIn groups. Also write articles on the LinkedIn platform (LinkedIn rewards use of its platform to publish content). Share helpful information that you've written on your blog, tips that you might have and resources you agree with. LinkedIn is so much more than a resume site. 

3)  Content on your website - make sure you blog once a week. Write about a topic that you know is a pain point for your target audience. (Again, being of service). Share this blog content on FB, LI and in an email to your email list (that you will grow using your lead magnet freebie). 

There is so much more you can do once you're in a routine, but these would be a great start. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this! And hope it helps! Good luck :)