How To Get Quality SEO Clients In 7 Simple Steps

At the start of your SEO journey, the sound of crickets may be all too familiar. A shiny new company bursting with enthusiasm, but your inbox? Ghost-town levels of empty.

Sounds familiar? We've all been there.

But over time, you can turn things around.

Whether you're branching out to more SEO clients or setting the first stone of your SEO company, it's a thrilling endeavor.

But the real question is: Where do the ideal clients come from?

Finding the right clients isn't about luck but strategic planning and execution.

Come along. Let's discover how you can find SEO clients without missteps.

Why you need to know how to get SEO clients

Acquiring SEO skills is one part of the equation; finding clients who benefit from those skills is the other.

But why is knowing how to attract the right SEO clients so crucial?

1. Sustainable Business Growth: At the end of the day, your SEO expertise is a business, and like any business, it thrives on growth. You ensure a steady revenue stream and long-term sustainability by actively attracting clients.

2. Building a Reputation: Consistently bringing in quality clients boosts your business. It solidifies your reputation in the industry. Each successful partnership becomes a testament to your skills and professionalism.

3. Continual Learning: Every new client presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. You expose yourself to various industries and challenges by diversifying your client base. This, in turn, will hone your skills and keep you updated.

4. Increased Referrals: Happy clients talk. Finding quality clients, delivering results, and maintaining solid relationships pave the way for word-of-mouth referrals. That can often be a more impactful marketing strategy than campaigns.

As the SEO industry evolves, understanding how to connect with and keep the right clients is necessary to stay in business.

Mastering the art of acquiring SEO clients is foundational to your venture's success. It's about expanding your client base while cultivating mutually beneficial relationships.

Step-by-step Instructions for getting SEO clients

Alright, let's talk shop.

Finding SEO clients is like searching for the perfect coffee blend. You want quality, consistency, and excitement.

But where do you begin? With a solid SEO strategy, of course!

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and map out how to reel those new SEO clients in, shall we?

#1. Determine your ideal SEO clients.

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When starting SEO consulting, you might think, "I'll take any client I can get!" But let me tell you, casting a wide net isn't always the best approach. It can lead to a mismatch of expectations or, worse, projects that don’t align with your expertise.

The first thing you want to do is niche down or create SEO service segments.

Remember that coffee blend analogy? It applies here, too. Not all beans (or clients) are created equal. When you choose a particular niche, you cater to a target audience that aligns best with your expertise.

For instance, local businesses are your sweet spot if you excel in local SEO.

It’s about knowing where your strength lies and marketing to that segment.

It helps to give a face and a backstory to your ideal client.

So, create buyer personas for your target market.

Where do they hang out? What's their business pain point?

Crafting buyer personas often feels like writing a character for a novel. But instead of fiction, these personas help you target your marketing efforts precisely. They ensure you reach out to the best prospects every time.

Remember, understanding your client is the first step towards ensuring a successful partnership. And it all starts by determining who they are.

#2. Set up a website or portfolio for your SEO agency.

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Stepping into the world of SEO without a well-constructed website or portfolio is like a chef without his signature dish.

How would anyone know the flavor and depth of your expertise?

You need something to showcase your expertise to attract clients.

So what should you do?

Create your website or portfolio.

Telling someone about your skills differs from showing them.

A portfolio provides tangible proof of what you've achieved. It's where prospects can see the results you've driven, the strategies you’ve implemented, and the success stories you’ve been a part of.

A sleek, user-friendly site encapsulating your brand can make a difference. It's your digital handshake, setting the tone before you even engage with potential clients.

Create an SEO-optimized blog about SEO

Blogging is your secret- not so secret weapon.

Starting a blog is a game-changer. Not only does it allow you to showcase your knowledge, but it also helps you connect with a larger audience.

Sharing insights, updates, and best SEO practices reinforces your authority and drives organic traffic. Remember, the more value you provide, the more you position yourself as an industry thought leader.

Your website also offers a chance for clients to get a feel for your brand's personality.

Showcasing your SEO skills by including client testimonials, case studies, and a simple 'About Us' page on your site provides insight into your values, team, and approach.

#3. Generate leads

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Launching your SEO agency is just the tip of the iceberg.

The real task? Getting it in front of the right eyes.

Let’s explore how to put your brand center stage and generate more SEO leads:

Invest in paid advertising that targets your prospective clients

There’s an art to digital marketing. The customer profiles you created are your best friend.

By honing in on your ideal client's demographics, interests, and online behavior, you ensure that the right people see your ads.

The ROI from a well-targeted ad campaign can be substantial, turning mere viewers into potential clients.

Leverage LinkedIn and other social media platforms

Social media isn't just for funny memes and vacation photos. Especially platforms like LinkedIn, which is a lead goldmine.

You can amplify your brand's presence and credibility by engaging in industry discussions, sharing insights, and networking with other professionals.

And it’s not just LinkedIn. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or even Facebook, can significantly help promote your B2B services.

Cold email outreach

Cold emails are excellent options to generate leads, although they can be tricky.

At first, you may get more “no’s” (or no response) than you would like to admit. But with time, you will nail down personalization and genuine value propositions. You can use AI subject line generators to help with open rates and speed up the outreach process.

When you craft an email that speaks to the recipient's needs and how your SEO services can address them, you're no longer sending an unsolicited email but a potential solution to their challenges.

Don’t forget local SEO clients

It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of the digital realm and forget our immediate surroundings. But, local SEO clients can be some of your most loyal and rewarding relationships.

Engaging with local businesses, attending community networking events, and optimizing for local Google search can generate valuable opportunities.

Pro tip: Going to your local BIA meetings is a great way to network with local SEO prospects.

Understanding where your potential clients are and tailoring your approach promotes your services and builds a foundation for lasting relationships.

#4. Follow up with potential SEO clients.

Here's a little truth bomb: lead generation is only half the battle of attracting clients.

In the bustling world of SEO, messages can get lost, inboxes overflow, and attention spans are shorter than ever.

Just because you’ve reached out and run those shiny ads doesn’t mean you’re on a potential client's radar... yet.

The magic happens with the follow-up.

After your initial outreach, make it a ritual to check in, not in a pesky or overbearing way, but to genuinely understand any questions, concerns, or if the potential client needs further clarity.

One invaluable tool is a structured sales pipeline.

This pipeline doesn’t just serve as a reminder system. It gives a clear overview of where your SEO leads are in the decision-making process.

If you're thinking of spreadsheets and long hours, think again! With numerous CRM and cold email tools available today, tracking your outreach, responses, and scheduled follow-ups has become a breeze.

The art of following up is a delicate balance between persistence and understanding, between showcasing your eagerness to work and respecting their decision-making time.

Always remember, a gentle nudge can often turn a maybe into a resounding yes.

#5. Pull customers in with offers and promotions

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Grand slam offers are one of the most, if not the most important pieces of the puzzle when searching for SEO clients.

Here's an effective strategy: Offer a free SEO audit or SEO-optimized content to potential clients.

An audit can provide a glimpse into how you operate, the technical SEO value you bring, and how you can transform their digital landscape. A free SEO-optimized article can showcase your on-page SEO skills.

Also, consider providing discounted pricing on monthly SEO packages for a limited period.

These gestures show your comprehensive range of services and your commitment to delivering value.

But here's the catch - diving into the realm of offers and promotions doesn't mean you should undervalue your services.

Freebies are a fantastic starting point, but they should be carefully crafted. .

These promotions are not just about giving something away. They're strategic tools designed to showcase your expertise, build trust, and provide value.

#6. Leverage reviews, testimonials, and case studies

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In the realm of SEO … well, any business...results are currency.

While promises and pitches might open doors, the tangible outcomes seal the deal.

There's no better way to showcase these outcomes than through reviews, testimonials, and case studies.

These nuggets of endorsement from actual clients and real projects offer a genuine look into what it's like to work with you and the results you deliver.

Testimonials can be sparse if you're just embarking on your SEO journey.

It's the age-old conundrum: you need testimonials to get clients, but you need clients to get testimonials.

So, how do you source for testimonies and case studies?

• From Earlier Free SEO Audits: Those free audits weren't just goodwill gestures but strategic moves. Even if they didn’t always translate to long-term partnerships, every audit that provided value could yield a glowing testimonial.

• From current and past clients: Every project, big or small, has a story to tell. Whether it's a challenging ranking scenario or a content overhaul, the feedback from these projects is invaluable.

It's not just about flaunting successes but highlighting your approach, dedication, and the tangible difference you made.

There might be times when testimonials are hard to come by, especially when you're starting out. But remember, your agency website is a testament to your SEO skills. An optimized, user-friendly site that ranks well is a living, breathing showcase of your capabilities.

Testimonials and case studies bridge the gap between promise and proof. They resonate with your prospective client, offering a peek into your process and the success stories that emerged from it.

Always be on the lookout for these stories - they're your golden ticket.

#7. Build your network

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SEO is as much about algorithms and rankings as it is about relationships.

Beyond strategies and analytics, the world of SEO thrives on connections, collaborations, and shared knowledge.

Here are things you can do to build your connection in the industry;

Attend and contribute to marketing conferences

Whether through panel discussions or workshops, contributing gives you a platform to share your insights and learn from peers. Every interaction, every shared note, and every panel discussion opens doors to potential collaborations and widens your perspective.

Partner with marketing agencies

Here's a little secret: you don't have to walk the SEO path alone. Collaborating with a marketing agency in the same niche or another can be a win-win.

Partner with SEO agencies that bring complementary skills to the table, like content marketing or PPC. These partnerships amplifies your combined offerings, allowing you to provide a holistic solution to clients.

Speak at SEO conferences

Speaking positions you as a thought leader and gives you a platform to influence and educate. More than that, it's a chance to interact with an audience, get immediate feedback, and expand your network.

By building and nurturing your network, you’re expanding your reach, enriching your knowledge, and fostering collaborations that could shape your career trajectory.

Ditch the nerves, share your expertise, and look forward to meeting new clients.

Key considerations for successfully bagging SEO clients

Snagging the right clients isn’t just a numbers game.

It’s about strategy, finesse, and a deep understanding of what makes a business-client relationship tick.

Let’s explore the key elements that can make your journey of client acquisition a smooth sail:

• Don’t undermine referrals: The best clients often come from word of mouth.A recommendation from a satisfied client is invaluable. It carries weight, trust, and an implicit stamp of approval.

• Offer a clear pricing structure: Clarity breeds confidence. When potential clients understand your pricing model, they’re less likely to hesitate or second-guess.

By laying out a transparent pricing structure, you eliminate ambiguity, making the decision process more straightforward for prospects.

• Offer SEO services that stand out: In the vast sea of SEO experts, being good isn't enough; you must be exceptional.

Go the extra mile, think outside the box, and constantly innovate your strategies. You naturally become the preferred choice when you offer services that are a cut above the rest.

• Upskill and upgrade: The digital landscape is ever-evolving. To remain relevant and practical, it's vital to upskill continually. Whether it's a new algorithm change or a trending SEO tool, staying updated and upgrading your skills ensures you bring the best to the table.

• No sloppy client onboarding: First impressions matter. A smooth, efficient, and comprehensive onboarding process can set the tone for the client relationship. It's your chance to showcase your professionalism, your approach, and how you value each client.

As you venture into this dynamic field, let these considerations be your guiding stars. They ensure that every client interaction is purposeful, impactful, and lasting.

What’s next? - Taking your SEO services to the next level for client retention

So, you've successfully onboarded a fresh batch of SEO clients.

Congratulations! But remember, the journey doesn't end with acquisition.

In the ever-evolving realm of SEO, the real challenge (and magic) lies in client retention. It's about demonstrating value, adapting to changing needs, and ensuring your clients see tangible benefits month after month.

Here’s where AccuRanker comes into play.

As you elevate your SEO services, tools like AccuRanker will be instrumental in solidifying these relationships. It ensures your clients not only stay but also thrive alongside you.

Integrating state-of-the-art tools into my services is a pivotal strategy for client retention.

With AccuRanker, you have the power of detailed, real-time analytics.

Rather than assuring clients with words, you show them concrete data. They see their website’s growth, understand keyword performances, and witness their business climb the SERP ladder.

And let's talk about trust.

It's the cornerstone of any successful business relationship.

With AccuRanker's transparent reporting, clients are never left in the dark.

They become part of the journey, always informed, always engaged.

Wrapping up the SEO clients acquisition quest

Navigating the world of quality SEO client attraction and retention has been enriching.

Tools like AccuRanker can provide that edge without overwhelming your narrative.

Dive into the world of keyword research, precision analytics and game-changing insights.

Book a demo with AccuRanker today and experience the difference firsthand. The future of SEO is here, and it's waiting for you.