The coronavirus pandemic has presented several new challenges for freelancers and service-based business owners. Navigating issues like social distancing complications and client financial concerns is bound to throw a wrench in how you do business, but also how you land clients.
When everyone is feeling uncertain and vulnerable, it’s important to find new ways to connect with clients and establish strong business relationships. Try implementing some of these strategies to attract new leads and keep your current clients engaged while we all weather the pandemic together.
One way to adapt your lead generation strategy during the coronavirus is to focus on your online presence. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to set up profiles on social media sites like LinkedIn so you can start connecting with potential clients on these valuable platforms. Not sure where to start? Consider working with Harrison Baron for help cleaning up your profile, finding your ideal clients, and converting those social media leads into sales.
Social media is also an excellent tool for staying in touch with your existing clients! Try to post updates regularly, letting your clients know what you’re doing to meet their needs and settle their concerns during this challenging time. Encourage customers and clients to engage with you on social media by asking them questions, running polls, or offering incentives for people who follow your accounts or comment on your posts.
If you experienced a business lull during the coronavirus shutdown, you might need some extra funding help to get back on your feet. Fortunately, small business owners have access to various grants and government programs that can help them through periods of financial uncertainty. For example, SBA Express Bridge Loans can help you quickly access the money you need to pay the bills while you wait for further funding assistance. There are also several companies out there that are offering grants to small business owners who are struggling during this trying time.
If you have room in your budget, this could be a great opportunity to make some website upgrades. Think about what kind of changes you can make to your online presence to convert more website visitors into paying clients. For example, Freelancer.ca recommends simplifying your website to keep it looking clean and uncluttered, establishing a unique selling point in your header, and implementing a highly visible call-to-action (CTA) button that will catch the eyes of your site visitors.
You may even want to start producing content to increase traffic to your website. Start a blog, podcast, or video channel and use this medium to offer valuable advice to your audience. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about your field!
Even if many of your clients have canceled their contracts right now, it’s important to keep in touch with them so you can generate work for the future. Take some time to email all of your clients, past and present, and ask how they’re doing. Don’t try to sell anything or push your clients to sign another contract with you. Instead, simply offer your support and show that you understand the kinds of challenges they’re facing because of the pandemic.
Most importantly, offer hope to your clients with positive words of encouragement and let them know that you’re available if they need anything. When all of this blows over, your clients will remember that you were empathetic, supportive, and had their best interests at heart. As a result, they’ll be more likely to work with you in the future and refer your services to others.
If possible consider pivoting your services to better meet the needs of your customers during this crisis. How can you settle their concerns right now? Many business owners are worried about handling coronavirus-related disruptions, complying with new regulations, securing their supply chains, collaborating with remote workers, and keeping their data secure as they transition their business online.
Think about how you can shift your services to help your clients solve these issues. You can also offer assistance to clients in financial trouble. Waive your fee for consultation calls or set up payment plans for ongoing work instead of requiring full payment upfront. Finding new ways to provide value to your clients will help your business stay relevant during the pandemic.
Another great way to keep your business relevant during the pandemic is to get involved in your community. Kellogg Insight recommends thinking about how you can use your resources or expertise to help the people around you. Donate to a charity, volunteer your time at a nonprofit in need, or offer your services to a local business that is struggling in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown. You could even team up with other business owners to create new products or offer new services!
If you operate solely online, look for ways you unite the people in your industry. For example, you could establish a virtual meetup group for other entrepreneurs of freelancers in your niche. With the cancellation of conferences and networking events, this can be incredibly valuable for you and your fellow business owners!
To get started, consider hosting a webinar, inviting guest speakers, and encouraging your viewers to interact through real-time questions and comments. Not only is this a great way to find new clients and network with others in your industry, but it will position you as a trusted and credible authority in your niche!
We’ve all made serious changes during COVID-19. While it hasn't been easy to overcome pandemic-related challenges in the business world, many business owners have jumped on the chance to improve their lead generation strategies and solidify their client connections. Whether it means establishing your business on social media or getting out to support your local community, the actions you take now will set your business up for a very successful future.
"By Elena Stewart from elenastewart.com".