There are three basic ways the we acquire new clients for website development and SEO services; word of mouth, networking, and lead generation. 

Word of of mouth is the simple process of one happy client passing your information on to another. This is a very reliable source of new business that can provide several new clients per month. These leads are coming directly to you and looking for the service you offer so they are often very easy to convert.

Networking is the process of getting your business in front of other business owners through involvement in things such as chambers of commerce, social media groups (like Alignable), and any other groups that connect those who may be in need of your services. The principle of networking is really quite simple. By putting your name out there consistently, your business is more likely to come to mind when someone needs the services you offer.

Lead generation is perhaps the most important key to creating a steady stream of new clients. It is the process of gathering leads that you can then connect with in an effort to sell your services. The methods vary widely and the greatest challenge is generating high quality leads that will convert on a consistent basis. Methods include, email marketing, SEO, direct mail, and even cold calling. These leads often convert at a lower rate than the other two I've mentioned. Therefore, it is important to establish a method that will provide a steady flow of leads and to develop a pan to harvest these leads. Lead generation is critical to the growth of your business and should be viewed as an essential part of your operating budget.

While these three methods of customer acquisition are certainly not all inclusive, they are the three that I rely on most. I recommend taking some time to test these out and you'll soon strike a balance that keeps your business moving in a positive direction.