If you’ve been scratching your head wondering how to find SEO clients online, you’re in the right place.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to secure those valuable clients, especially when you’re just starting out or looking to expand your freelance SEO business.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this blog post on how to find SEO clients online:
➡️Optimize your own website to showcase your skills and generate inbound leads.
➡️Know who your target clients are and tailor your services to meet their specific needs.
➡️Create a professional website and share valuable content to establish yourself as an authority in SEO.
➡️Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and showcase your expertise.
➡️Engage with SEO communities and thought leaders to build relationships and stay updated with industry trends.
➡️Use platforms like Onlinejobs.ph to find clients and pitch your services effectively.
➡️Craft personalized, value-focused cold emails and LinkedIn messages to reach potential clients.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through some tried-and-true strategies that have worked for me and many others in the industry.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid game plan to attract and secure SEO clients online.
Trust me, with the right approach and a bit of persistence, you’ll be landing those clients in no time!
Alright, let’s talk about something crucial – understanding your ideal SEO client.
This step is all about figuring out who you want to work with and who will benefit most from your skills.
Trust me, knowing this can make your client search so much easier and more effective.
First off, think about the type of clients you want to attract.
Are they small business owners, e-commerce sites, local service providers, or something else?
Identifying your niche helps you tailor your marketing efforts and message to the right audience.
It’s like fishing in a well-stocked pond instead of a vast ocean.
Next, create a client persona.
This is a detailed description of your ideal client, including their industry, business size, challenges, and goals.
For example, if you specialize in local SEO, your ideal client might be a small business owner struggling to get found in local search results.
By understanding their pain points, you can offer solutions that resonate with them.
Also, consider the type of clients you enjoy working with.
Do you prefer startups with dynamic needs or established businesses looking for steady growth?
Knowing your preferences helps you build a client base that not only benefits from your expertise but also aligns with your working style.
Finally, don’t forget about budget considerations.
It’s important to target clients who can afford your services.
This ensures a mutually beneficial relationship where you can deliver value without constantly worrying about payment issues.
In short, taking the time to understand your ideal SEO client sets the foundation for successful client acquisition.
It helps you focus your efforts, craft compelling messages, and ultimately attract clients who are a perfect fit for your services.
Building a Strong Online Presence
This is your digital storefront, the first impression potential clients get of you, so it’s crucial to get it right.
First and foremost, create your own website.
As an SEO professional, your website is a testament to your skills.
If potential clients see your site ranking well for relevant keywords, it builds trust.
They’ll think, “If they can do it for themselves, they can do it for me.”
When I started out, I didn’t see the value in having my own site.
But let me tell you, it makes all the difference.
It’s much easier to sell your services when you’re also practicing what you preach.
Make sure your website is professional, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines.
Showcase your portfolio with case studies and testimonials from happy clients.
This social proof can be a game-changer in convincing potential clients of your expertise.
Don’t forget about content.
Regularly publishing high-quality blog posts, videos, and other content not only helps with SEO but also positions you as an authority in the industry.
Share insights, tips, and success stories that will appeal to your target audience.
In short, building a strong online presence is all about showcasing your expertise and making it easy for potential clients to find and trust you.
With a solid website, you’ll be well on your way to attracting the right clients.
Here’s a great resource about The Complete Guide for Aspiring Freelance SEO Specialists.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Social media isn’t just for staying in touch with friends; it’s a powerful tool for building your brand, establishing authority, and connecting with potential clients.
In my case, I’ve found LinkedIn to be a game-changer.
It’s my go-to platform for connecting with potential clients, sharing SEO insights, tips, and my personal thoughts.
Here’s how you can make the most of it and other social media platforms.
First, identify the best platforms for your target audience.
LinkedIn is great for B2B connections and professional networking, while platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can also be useful depending on your niche and audience.
Next, be active and consistent.
Regularly post valuable content that showcases your expertise.
Share case studies, industry news, and actionable tips that your target clients will find useful.
This not only keeps you on their radar but also positions you as an authority in SEO.
Engagement is key.
Don’t just post and disappear.
Engage with your target clients and other authorities in the SEO industry.
Comment on their posts, share their content, and join relevant discussions.
This helps build rapport and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the community, not just self-promotion.
Personally, I’ve built strong connections by engaging with my target clients and industry peers on LinkedIn.
This interaction has helped me establish credibility and trust, making it easier to attract clients.
It’s all about building relationships and showing that you’re knowledgeable and approachable.
In summary, leveraging social media platforms effectively can significantly boost your visibility and client acquisition efforts.
Be consistent, share valuable content, and engage with your audience. By doing this, you’ll build your brand, establish authority, and attract the right clients.
Here’s an article from Hubspot about 8 Ways To Leverage Social Media to Meet Business Objectives
Networking in Online Communities
This is one of the best ways to find SEO clients and stay connected with the industry.
Being part of these communities helps you learn, share, and build relationships with potential clients and peers.
I’m an active member of the SEO community here in the Philippines, and I also follow SEO thought leaders both locally and internationally.
This has been incredibly valuable for my growth and client acquisition.
I constantly attend SEO conferences and webinars, both locally and internationally.
These events are great for learning and networking.
Here’s how you can make the most of online communities:
Join Relevant Forums and Groups
Look for SEO and digital marketing forums and groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and specialized SEO forums.
Participate actively by sharing your knowledge and helping others with their queries.
This positions you as a helpful expert and attracts potential clients.
Engage with Thought Leaders
Follow and engage with SEO thought leaders.
I’ve reached out to several industry experts to ask for advice and pick their brains.
This not only helps you learn but also keeps you updated with the latest trends and happenings in the SEO industry.
Plus, building relationships with these experts can open up new opportunities.
Attend Webinars and Conferences
Participate in SEO webinars and conferences.
These events are excellent for networking and learning from the best in the industry.
Don’t just attend; engage actively.
Ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with other attendees.
This can lead to valuable connections and potential clients
Share Your Insights
Contribute by sharing your insights and experiences.
Write blog posts, create videos, or even host your own webinars.
This not only helps the community but also showcases your expertise to a broader audience.
In my experience, networking in online communities has been a game-changer.
It’s about giving and receiving value, building genuine relationships, and staying ahead in the industry.
So, get involved, be active, and make meaningful connections.
Trust me, the effort you put into networking will pay off in the long run.
Utilizing Freelance Platforms
These platforms can be a goldmine for finding clients, especially when you’re just starting out.
They connect you with businesses looking for SEO services, making it easier to find work.
Personally, I’ve had great success using Onlinejobs.ph.
It’s a fantastic platform for freelancers in the Philippines.
While Upwork is mainstream and offers a lot of good clients, their paid connects can be a bit of a hurdle.
Onlinejobs.ph, on the other hand, is more accessible and cost-effective for freelancers here.
Here’s how you can make the most of freelance platforms:
Create a Standout Profile
Your profile is your first impression.
Make sure it’s professional and highlights your skills and experience.
Include a strong portfolio showcasing your past work and results.
Testimonials from previous clients can also boost your credibility.
Direct and Focused Proposals
When pitching to prospects, be direct and focus on how you can help their business.
In my experience, long proposals that talk too much about yourself can be a turn-off.
Instead, tailor your pitch to address their specific needs and how your services can solve their problems.
Show them the value you bring to the table.
Highlight Your Unique Selling Points
What sets you apart from other freelancers?
Make sure to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and achievements.
Whether it’s your deep understanding of local SEO or your track record of delivering results, make it clear why they should choose you.
Be Responsive and Professional
Quick and professional communication can make a big difference.
Respond to inquiries promptly and be clear in your communications.
This shows potential clients that you’re serious and reliable.
In my case, my pitch focuses on how I can help the client’s business grow.
I highlight how my SEO strategies can improve their online presence and drive more traffic.
This client-focused approach has helped me win more projects and build lasting relationships with clients.
Cold Outreach & Cold Messaging
These strategies might seem daunting, but when done right, they can be highly effective in landing new SEO clients.
Here’s how you can master the art of cold outreach and messaging.
Crafting Effective Cold Outreach Emails
First things first, your cold email needs to stand out.
Keep it short, to the point, and focused on how you can help the recipient.
Here’s a simple structure:
Personalization/Hook: For them to open your email you need to hook them with personalization to get them in your email.
Value Proposition: Explain how your SEO services can benefit their business.
Call to Action: End with a soft call to action, like asking if they are interested. Don’t be too pushy or salesy. Get them interested first.
Personalizing Your Approach to Increase Response Rates
Personalization is crucial.
A generic email is easy to ignore, but a personalized message shows you’ve done your homework.
Mention something specific about their business, like a recent achievement or a particular challenge they might be facing.
This not only grabs their attention but also demonstrates your genuine interest in helping them.
Following Up with Potential Clients
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a response right away.
Follow up!
A polite reminder can go a long way.
Sometimes, your initial email gets lost in the shuffle, so a follow-up can help bring it back to their attention.
Be persistent but respectful.
Here’s a great article about Cold Outreach That Works in 2024.
Cold Messaging on Social Media
In addition to cold emails, consider cold messaging on social media.
LinkedIn is a great platform for this.
I’ve had success reaching out and pitching my services directly to potential clients on LinkedIn.
Here’s how I do it:
- Connect First: Send a connection request with a brief, personalized note.
- Message After Connecting: Once they accept, send a follow-up message. Keep it concise and focused on how you can help their business. Again, personalization is key.
- Value-Focused Pitch: Just like with emails, your message should highlight the specific value you can bring to their business.
In my case, this approach has helped me build connections and secure clients who might not have responded to an email.
It’s about being proactive and showing your potential clients that you’re ready to deliver results.
So, whether it’s through cold emails or LinkedIn messages, the key is to be clear, concise and focused on the value you can provide.
Here’s my article about How to Pitch SEO Services and Win Over Clients From My Own Experience.
SEO for Your Own Business
As a freelance SEO specialist, your website should be a shining example of what you can do.
It’s your digital business card and portfolio rolled into one, and it’s essential to get it right.
Optimizing Your Website
Make sure your website is optimized.
This includes on-page SEO elements like meta titles, descriptions, headers, and keyword usage.
Your website should be fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Remember, your site is a reflection of your skills, so it needs to perform well in search results.
Creating High-Quality Content
Content is king, and this applies to your own website as well.
Regularly publish high-quality blog posts, case studies, and other content that showcases your expertise.
Share your insights on SEO trends, tips, and strategies.
This not only helps with SEO but also positions you as an authority in the field.
Showcasing Your Success
Use your website to showcase your success stories.
Create detailed case studies that highlight the results you’ve achieved for your clients.
Include testimonials and reviews from satisfied clients to build credibility.
This social proof can be a powerful tool in convincing potential clients to work with you.
A well-optimized website doesn’t just showcase your skills—it also generates inbound leads.
When potential clients see that your site ranks well and performs effectively, it builds trust.
They’ll be more likely to reach out to you for your services, knowing that you can deliver the same results for them.
Inbound leads are often higher quality because they’ve already seen what you can do and are interested in your services.
Conclusion
Now it’s time for you to start implementing these strategies.
Remember, consistency and persistence are key.
Building a client base doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right approach, you’ll start seeing results.
If you’re looking for more tips about SEO, need advice for your freelance SEO business, or want to enhance your SEO skills, I’m here to help.
Let’s get started on building your successful SEO career!
Kerel Finn Villahermosa is a Freelance SEO Specialist in the Philippines, specializing in enhancing website rankings and driving organic traffic. His innovative SEO strategies help businesses achieve their digital marketing goals.