How to obtain new clients

[groovyhippo]

This seems a pretty fundamental topic, but I couldn't many threads in the search results. Maybe I was searching on the wrong terms.

What methods have you found to be most effective in finding new clients (with a view to building a new website or overhauling an existing one)?

A few methods that spring to mind are listed below. What are fellow webmasterworlders' experiences with these? What others can you add to the list?

Cold-calling (telephone)
Print advertising
PPC advertising
Leaflet drops
Networking
Emailing
Attending trade fairs

[Travoli]

hi groovyhippo,

Try these:

[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]

[groovyhippo]

Thanks Travoli.

[peewhy]

The one you have missed, and the one I get about 90% of my work from is referrals.

Ask your past clients to give you one or two people they know who have websites, they generally over deliver and give you more.

It's the easiest and quickest method of generating new business.

[sleepy_kiwi]

Gotta agree with Peewhy, referrals are our prime source of new business.

Our approach differs though; it depends on the suitability of the client and does cost (in a round-about way).

We find that most clients/potential clients have existing paper-based newsletters (or we are quoting to build them a e-newsletter system along with their website). For a reduction in the proposal fee we ask to be included in x-number of their newsletters.

The result is that their clients (who they have strong existing relationships with) actually see the results of our work through the new development. As stated it depends on the suitability of the client - mainly whether their own clients are in your immediate service area.

This has worked for us every time, with incredible results.

Whilst we still go through the Yellow Pages and others (ie Chamber of Commerce) we could / should drop these and stil have a full schedule.

Cheers