Finding clients online can be overwhelming — with advice coming from every direction. But the truth is, there’s no single right way. The best strategy depends on your personality, your industry, and how you work best.
In this article, we’ll break down three proven client-getting frameworks, each suited to different types of service businesses — so you can choose what fits you and make it work.
1. Find Your Client Acquisition Style
Before you dive into tactics, take a step back. Ask yourself: how do I naturally communicate and connect with people?
Some of us love putting ourselves out there. Others would rather work behind the scenes. Understanding your personality type is the first step to choosing the right client-getting strategy. Based on industry experience, we can group these into four main types:
The Hunter
You prefer structure, research, and targeted outreach. You love scanning job boards, browsing websites, and spotting opportunities. Cold emails? Not your favorite — but you’re happy to send a personalized DM if it’s to a company you admire.
Best strategy:
- Follow your dream brands on social media
- Monitor their job listings or email newsletters
- Apply when a position opens (even if it’s not a perfect fit)
- Be proactive, show interest, and get your foot in the door
This works especially well for introverts and methodical thinkers.
The Gatherer
You thrive in real-world connections. You get energy from conversations and building relationships. You’re the one who lands clients just by chatting at a local event — without even trying.
Best strategy:
- Tell everyone you know what you do (yes, even your gym buddy)
- Attend local meetups or job fairs
- Connect with former colleagues, friends, even past clients
- Use your social energy to build trust
This method is perfect for extroverts and people-oriented professionals.
The Player
You love engaging online, but on your own terms. You’re a natural at commenting on LinkedIn, sharing Instagram stories, or writing threads on X. You enjoy building an audience and letting your content do the talking.
Best strategy:
- Post regularly on your platform of choice
- Share client results, behind-the-scenes insights, or useful tips
- Connect with ideal clients through comments and DMs
- Use content to build authority and spark interest
Great for ambiverts and creators who want inbound leads.
The Slayer
You want results — and you’re ready to earn them. You focus on doing great work for existing clients and letting that snowball into referrals, testimonials, and long-term relationships.
Best strategy:
- Overdeliver on every project
- Ask for reviews (Google, Trustpilot, LinkedIn)
- Stay in touch with past clients
- Build partnerships and get recommended
This is the slowest to start, but the most sustainable over time.
💡 Pro Tip: Not sure which method suits you best? Try a personality-aligned client strategy quiz — it can give you clarity and direction in just 30 seconds.
2. Use the 7 Fastest Ways to Find Clients Online
Once you understand your strengths, it’s time to put them into action. After testing hundreds of tactics, here are the seven most effective (and fastest) online strategies to attract clients — with or without a budget.
1. Upwork
Real-time demand
100% online
You can get your first client in <30 days
But… it’s competitive and Upwork takes a commission.
What works:
- Apply daily (10–30 mins a day)
- Use a strong portfolio
- Create a short video pitch to stand out
- Offer a lower rate if you’re just starting (to build testimonials)
But finding clients is only part of the equation. If you’re relying solely on platforms like Upwork or social media, it’s worth understanding why that approach often falls short.
2. Strategic Partnerships
- One partnership can bring dozens of clients
- Very high ROI
- But… it takes effort to land your first one.
What works:
- Reach out to larger agencies in your space
- Offer white-label services
- Position yourself as a reliable behind-the-scenes expert
- Focus on recurring value, not just one-time gigs
3. YouTube
Long-term visibility
Ranks in Google and YouTube
Scales easily
But… takes consistency and planning.
What works:
- Answer questions your ideal clients search for
- Keep videos helpful, not salesy
- Include a link to your funnel or booking page
- Create once, benefit forever
4. Content for Google
- Search traffic is high-intent
- Evergreen leads
- But… takes longer to rank, especially on a new site.
What works:
- Write “hidden gem” articles (low competition + high conversion)
- Use AI for drafts, but polish them well
- Link to your funnel, not just a contact page
- Focus on quality > quantity
5. LinkedIn Prospecting
- Great for B2B
- Highly targeted
- But… LinkedIn limits outreach unless you combine it with email.
What works:
- Optimize your profile first
- Connect with 15+ ideal clients/day
- Send value-based messages, not sales pitches
- Include a video explaining your offer (not a calendar link!)
6. Facebook/Meta Ads
- Fastest way to scale
- Works well if you have a great funnel
- But… more expensive than before, and your ad account can get flagged.
What works:
- Set up pixel (Meta dataset) properly
- Test multiple audiences and creatives
- Invest ~$2–3K to test and find your cost per lead
- Don’t run ads until your funnel is converting organically
7. TikTok Ads
- Cheaper than Meta
- Underrated for B2B
- But… still evolving and may get banned in some countries.
What works:
- Use proven Facebook-style ad strategies
- Target by interest, behavior, or demographic
- Drive to a short, clear landing page
- Prioritize high-value videos over viral trends
3. Build the Foundation That Attracts Clients for You
All the outreach in the world won’t help if your digital presence isn’t convincing. Before you scale, make sure you’ve got the basics right.
Improve Your Skills
Clients pay for results. Keep learning.
- Follow the latest trends in your field
- Rebuild great websites for practice
- Listen to business mentors (like Jim Rohn or Zig Ziglar)
Create a Strong Portfolio
Even if your clients are fake (for now).
- Showcase different styles and industries
- Publish your best work online
- Focus on quality over quantity
Build a Stunning Website
Especially if you’re a web designer.
- Keep it clean, fast, and user-friendly
- Don’t offer 20 services — specialize
- Make your value clear in seconds
Ask for Reviews
Social proof matters.
- Get testimonials on Google, LinkedIn, Trustpilot
- Add them to your website
- Make asking part of your project wrap-up
Collaborate With Others
Tap into each other’s networks.
- Partner with photographers, SEO experts, videographers
- Send them clients — and get referrals back
- Package your services together