How to Get Digital Marketing Clients [As A Beginner or Freelancer]

Are you a digital marketing enthusiast looking to turn your skills into a career? Or perhaps you’re a freelancer seeking to expand your client base? Getting your first digital marketing clients can be a daunting task, especially in a competitive industry where experience and reputation matter.

However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can break into the market and start building a successful digital marketing business.

if you don’t have the skills yet and want to learn how to acquire digital marketing skills, check out our digital marketing course page to learn how to acquire the right skills to make more money.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and expert advice on how to get digital marketing clients in 2024, from identifying your niche to delivering exceptional results.

So whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your business, this guide will help you take the first step towards success in the digital marketing niche.

Who is a Digital Marketer

A digital marketer is a professional responsible for promoting products or services using digital communication channels such as search engines, social media, websites, email, and mobile applications. They develop and implement effective strategies to reach target audiences, increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.

As a digital marketer, you must also understand the market trends, consumer behavior toward your product or services, and the latest digital marketing techniques to stay ahead in this constantly evolving field.

Step-by-Step Guide to Land Your First Digital Marketing Clients

Identify Your Niche

Before you start searching for clients, it’s crucial to identify the niche that interests you and the skills to acquire in the digital marketing field. You have to develop your marketing skills by taking a digital marketing course, learn, practise and gather more experience to become an expert before you can think of acquiring your first digital marketing clients.

There are various marketing skills you can learn and be good at, but you need to ask yourself. Do you excel at search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email campaigns, or content creation? When you identify the area you want to specialise in, you can now position yourself as an expert and stand out from the competition.

it is the same principle that has been applied by many digital marketing experts that we have trained at our digital marketing institute. Find your niche, hone your skills, and showcase your expertise to attract the right clients for your skills.

Build Your Online Presence

As a marketing professional, you need to consider building a strong online presence. it is advised to start with optimising your social media pages to showcase your skills and services, after a few years with more experience, then you can now create a professional website.

For your social media pages,  showcase your skills, experience, and industry knowledge. Ensure you optimise your profiles with relevant keywords, highlight your achievements, and share industry-related content to demonstrate your expertise.

While your website serves as your digital storefront – it should be inviting, informative, and easy to navigate. Just like a well-decorated shop attracts customers, a well-designed website can attract clients.

Finally, use your online presence to connect and engage with more professionals you would like to work with now or later in your career.

Build Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is just as important as your professional skills. It’s how you want to be perceived by potential clients and the digital marketing community. Think of your brand as your unique identity that sets you apart from others in the industry.

Start by defining your values, personality, and the unique value you offer. You can showcase your expertise through content creation, such as blog posts, social media updates, or even through case studies. This is also an opportunity for you to write about the work you do, the projects you work on, and how you were able to get results for your clients.

By building a strong personal brand, you’ll be able to attract clients who align with your values, vision and pay you more.

Networking and Connections

After acquiring the skills, you have to find a way to implement what you have learned in real-life projects. Through networking and connecting with people in the industry and reaching out to business owners, you can land a crucial role and initially close a client that you can work with.

I want you to know that building relationships and connections is like laying the foundation for your digital marketing career. These connections can lead to referrals, collaborations, and ultimately land you many digital marketing customers.

Remember, in the professional world, you have to be visible to take advantage of your connections, and networking is not just about who you know, but also about who knows you. so try to connect with more people to position for future opportunities.

Utilize Social Media Platform

Social media is a powerful tool for attracting and getting a digital marketing job from clients. It is a virtual networking platform where you can showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients. It is a digital portfolio showcasing your skills and personality to prospects who will need your service soon.

To get started, create a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Share valuable content, and engage with your target audience to build relationships with them. Participating in relevant discussions and providing helpful insights into your industry will help establish you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional.

By taking advantage of social media platforms, you can expand your reach, demonstrate your value, and land your first digital marketing clients.

Leverage Your Existing Network

When starting as a digital marketer, your existing network can be a valuable asset in securing your first clients. You should think of your network as a web of connections that can lead you to new opportunities.

After acquiring digital marketing skills, you can reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, and acquaintances to let them know you are looking for job opportunity. You never know who might need your expertise or know someone who is searching for your skills.

When you tap into your existing network, you can gain credibility and trust, which are essential for landing your digital marketing clients. So don’t underestimate the power of your connections in growing your business and getting a job.

Job Boards and Freelance Platforms

Job boards and freelance platforms can be a great way to find your first clients and work on a project to improve your skills. These platforms connect you with businesses and individuals looking for digital marketing services.

To get started, create a strong profile on the platform and highlight your skills, experience, and niche. Make sure your profile is well optimised, and include keywords and skills you want people to know you for when they come across your profile.

When applying for a job, tailor your proposals to each job posting, showcasing how your services can help the client achieve their goals. Some examples of job platforms to get digital marketing jobs are Accredital, Indeed, Upwork, Fiverr, and Linkedin

By positioning and actively applying to relevant jobs on this platform and providing excellent service, you can build a positive reputation and attract repeat business.

Follow HR and Recruitment Agencies

HR and recruitment agencies can be helpful allies in your job search, linking you to potential opportunities that match your skills and experience as a digital marketer. These agencies often have a wide network of clients looking for digital marketing professionals to support their client businesses.

These agencies can be seen as gatekeepers to potential job opportunities, as they often have access to a wide network of companies looking to hire digital marketing talent. Make sure you follow them on social media, register on their website, attend their events, and engage with their content online.

You can also reach out to them directly to introduce yourself and the value you can bring if given the opportunity. By building relationships with HR and recruitment professionals, you increase your chances of being recommended for relevant client projects, helping you secure your first digital marketing clients.

Join Online Community and Be Active

Another strategy to acquire digital marketing clients is joining online communities that relate to your field and industry. These communities are virtual networking events where you can connect with like-minded professionals and potential clients. There are communities on facebook, LinkedIn, quora and Twitter that you can join and be active.

After you join the communities, don’t just be a silent member, engage in discussions, share insights, and offer help to establish yourself as a valuable member. When you showcase your expertise, you can build relationships, gain visibility, and attract your first digital marketing clients.

Just as attending a local gathering can lead to new opportunities, being active in online communities can open doors to client referrals and collaborations.

Leverage Referrals and Testimonials

When you work for a client, you can ask the client to refer you to their network that needs your service and also asking the client for a testimonial can be a game-changer. When you satisfy clients, they will be happy to refer you to their network or provide testimonials showcasing your work, and these endorsements act as social proof of your skills and reliability.

Just like a domino effect, one happy client can lead to more opportunities. You can write or display these referrals and testimonials on your website and social media to build trust with potential clients. By harnessing the power of referrals and testimonials, you can establish a strong foundation for attracting more digital marketing clients and expanding your client base.

Cold Outreach and Lead Generation

Cold outreach strategies involve reaching out to potential clients through email introducing yourself and your skills and how you can provide value to their business. But before you reach out, research your target audience and what you can offer them, personalize your messages, and send the proposal for an opportunity to work together.

While lead generation is like planting seeds – it’s about identifying and nurturing potential clients for your service. You can use tools Appolio and SalesQl to find prospect emails on LinkedIn and craft an email to pitch your services to them.

When you combine these two strategies, you can get positive feedback from the client for an interview session or for further discussion and this can expand your client base and kick-start your digital marketing journey.

Offer Free Consultations or Audits

This approach is like giving a sample of your services to a prospect before committing to a purchase. It involves providing value upfront, showcasing your expertise and building trust with potential clients.

In this situation, clients will provide you with information about their business and ask what value you can offer if hired. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your expertise and how you can help them achieve their goals. Also, this strategy not only helps you demonstrate your skills but also sets the stage for a potential long-term client relationship.

Follow Up and Build Relationships

To ensure long-term success as a digital marketer, it’s crucial to follow up with clients and build lasting relationships. You should see your clients as partners in your business journey. After or during business with them, follow up regularly with updates, new ideas, and check-ins to know how you can help them through your skills.

When you consistently provide value and maintain open communication, you’ll cultivate loyal clients who stick with you for the long haul. Remember, it’s easier to retain an existing client than to find a new one. So, invest time in following up and strengthening your client relationships to secure your first clients and many more to come.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Imagine the digital marketing industry as a constantly evolving puzzle – you need to stay updated to solve it effectively. As a digital marketer, you need to regularly seek more knowledge and acquire more skills to stay relevant in the industry.

Invest more time in learning evolving marketing skills, new tools to get the job done, and marketing strategies you can implement to achieve business goals. You can also attend webinars, workshops, and online resources to enhance your skills.

As a marketer, continuous learning and skill development is a must, not only does it boost your confidence but it also makes you a more attractive professional to potential clients.

How to Acquire a Digital Marketing Skills

Pursue Professional Digital Marketing Certifications

Consider enrolling in a digital marketing course to gain skills, and accelerate your learning in digital marketing. These programs can help you develop a coherent skill set and demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Register with reputable organizations such as Digital Marketing Skills Institute to enhance your credibility and demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of digital marketing

Online Courses

These short courses, created by marketing professionals, aim to briefly discuss marketing topics. However, they are not always well-structured for acquiring comprehensive digital marketing skills. Websites like Udemy, YouTube, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of digital marketing courses.

Practical Experience

After taking a course, you can start a capstone project by working on personal projects or volunteering your skills to help friends and family with their digital marketing efforts. You can also participate in internships or freelance work to gain hands-on experience and showcase expertise to potential employers or clients

Books and eBooks

There are a lot of marketing books you can read to stay up to date in the industry, books as “This is Marketing” Book by Seth Godin, and Dharmesh Shah, and “Epic Content Marketing” by Joe Pulizzi. You can download these eBooks and whitepapers from industry websites to deepen your knowledge.

Industry Blogs and Podcasts

Follow industry leaders and blogs like Moz, Ahrefs, and Social Media Examiner to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. Listen to podcasts like The Digital Marketing Podcast, Marketing School, and Perpetual Traffic.

Find a Mentor or Internship

Reach out to experienced digital marketers in your network and ask if they’d be willing to mentor or guide you. When you work alongside a senior colleague on the same project, they will provide guidance, review your work and provide feedback that helps you improve your skills. You can also apply for internships at digital marketing agencies or companies to gain practical experience and learn from professionals.

Platforms to Get Digital Marketing Job

Freelancing Platforms

• Upwork: One of the largest freelancing platforms with a wide range of digital marketing gigs, from social media management to content creation.
• Fiverr: A platform where you can offer digital marketing services starting from $5.
• Freelancer.com: Similar to Upwork, this platform connects freelancers with clients for various digital marketing tasks.

Job Boards

• Indeed: A widely used job search engine that lists digital marketing jobs from various companies and agencies.
• LinkedIn Jobs: Leverage your professional network on LinkedIn to find digital marketing job openings.
• RemoteOK: A job board specifically for remote jobs, including digital marketing roles.

Agency Job Postings

• Check the career pages of digital marketing agencies in your area or those you’d like to work for.
• Platforms like Glassdoor and AngelList can also list job openings at agencies.

Networking

• Attend local meetups, conferences, or events related to digital marketing to connect with potential employers or clients.
• Reach out to your personal and professional connections for referrals or job leads.

Social Media

• Follow companies and agencies you’re interested in on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Engage with their content, and look out for job postings or opportunities.

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• remote.co
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• hired.com

Digital Marketing Jobs

Social Media Manager

• They are responsible for creating and executing social media strategies across various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Duties include content creation, community management, social media advertising, and analyzing performance metrics.

Content Marketing Specialist/Writer

• They create and curate various types of content (blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, etc.) to attract and engage the target audience.
• Skilled in SEO, content optimization, strategy and content promotion.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

• They optimise company websites and content to improve their visibility and rankings on search engines like Google
• They conduct keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and technical SEO audits.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Specialist/Advertising Manager

• They manage and optimize paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Meta Ads, and social media platforms.
• They conduct keyword research, ad copy creation, bid management, and analysis campaigns.

Email Marketing Specialist

• They are in charge of designing and executing email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and engage existing customers.
• Crafts compelling email content, optimizes for deliverability and analyzes campaign performance.

Digital Marketing Coordinator/Associate

• Assists with various digital marketing tasks like content creation, social media management, email marketing, and data analysis.
• Supports the digital marketing team and gains exposure to different aspects of the field.

Conclusion

Getting your first digital marketing clients is a significant milestone in your career. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and adapt. When you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to attracting and retaining clients who value your expertise.

Remember, building a successful digital marketing business takes time, effort, and perseverance. Stay focused on delivering exceptional results, and continually improve your skills to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry.

With the right mindset and strategies, you can turn your passion for digital marketing into a thriving business that brings value to your clients and fulfilment to your career. So, go out there and make it happen!

I am going to stop here, if you want to learn how to acquire marketing skills, do check out our digital marketing course page, to know how you can acquire the right marketing strategies to start getting clients for your skills.

FAQs

What are the tools used by digital marketers?

Digital marketers utilize a variety of tools to enhance their strategies and campaigns. Some common tools include Google Analytics for website analytics, SEMrush for keyword research and competitive analysis. You can use Buffer for social media management, MailChimp for email marketing, and Crazy Egg for website optimization. These tools help digital marketers analyze data, track performance, and optimize their marketing efforts effectively.

How much can you make as a digital marketer?

The salary of a digital marketer can vary based on factors like experience, skills, location, and the specific industry. On average, a digital marketer in the United States can earn around $60,000 to $80,000 per year, with the potential for higher earnings. As you gain more experience and expertise in the field, you have more value. Salaries can also vary globally, with different regions offering different compensation packages for digital marketing professionals.

More resources

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