How to Find Your Perfect Client

Photo by benis979.

It’s easy to think about what your ideal client would be like, but actually finding them is much more difficult. Identifying the type of client you want to work with and their characteristics, however, is pivotal when approaching your marketing efforts. By answering this simple series of questions, you just may find that your dream client isn’t so hard to catch after all.

Question 1: What type of projects would your ideal client purchase?

If you’re looking for clients who are interested in website development, be sure your portfolio and printed samples contain web-related pieces. It’s wise to show one or two brochure or logo samples to show your versatility, but be sure web work is your main portfolio focus, if such is the case. Also, gear your marketing efforts towards a demographic that may be in need of site development.

Question 2: How much is your ideal client’s budget?

Budget is often, but not always, related to the size of the client. As such, you may have a passion for helping start-up companies. Or perhaps your prefer to help out large in-house design departments. Whichever the case may be, advertise to those respective audiences. Try a small business website/blog or magazine for reaching small business owners, if that’s your niche. Don’t waste your efforts where your ideal client wouldn’t see your ad.

Question 3: What is the client’s work ethic?

Match your work ethic to a client with a similar one. For example, say your client is one of those “work to live, not live to work” kinds of folks and operates on a very relaxed schedule. If such is the case, they may take longer than the norm to return your correspondence and give project approval. But say you’re the type of designer who’s quick to get things done. You get anxious waiting for client feedback and aren’t comfortable working in such a capacity. This may not be the best fit for you. While we, as freelancers, are good at adapting, picture the type of client you’d like to work with and how efficient they may be.

Question 4: What type of industry are they in?

Do you have a knack for working with medical practices? Do you really enjoy designing for restaurants? Perhaps, if you specialize in a niche market, advertise or network in those areas. For a designer who may prefer to work with law firms, advertising in law association journals and magazines would be wise.

Other questions to consider asking yourself are:

• Where would your ideal client hang out?
• What age range is the client you’re looking for?
• Who would your ideal client talk to or network with?
• Is there a certain city or state where your ideal client would work/live?

By answering these questions we begin to form a marketing strategy. We’re teaching ourselves where and how to best reach these customers. Your dream client may be much more within reach than you thought.