How to get more clients: Simple ways to grow your business

Published Thursday 29 January 2026

Table of contents

• Why getting more clients matters for your business growth
• Identify your ideal client and target market
• Build a strong online presence
• Create valuable content that attracts clients
• Network and build relationships
• Develop a referral program that works
• Use social media to connect with potential clients
• Provide excellent customer service
• Measure and track your client acquisition success
• Grow your client base with confidence
• FAQs on getting more clients

Key takeaways

• Identify your ideal client by analyzing your most profitable current customers and specializing in a specific niche rather than trying to serve everyone, which leads to higher-paying clients and more focused marketing efforts.
• Build a professional website with fast loading speeds, mobile optimization, and clear messaging that explains your services, as potential clients research businesses online before making contact.
• Develop a referral program that rewards your happiest clients for sending new business your way, since referrals from trusted sources often provide the highest-quality leads.
• Track your client acquisition efforts using simple metrics to identify which channels bring in your best clients, then focus your time and budget on the strategies that deliver the best results.

Why getting more clients matters for your business growth

Client acquisition is the process of attracting new customers to sustain and grow your business. When you bring in new clients consistently, you can maintain steady revenue and stay competitive.

Today's businesses face increased competition from both local and global competitors, making strategic client acquisition essential for survival.

Identify your ideal client and target market

Identify your target market by defining the specific customers who need your services most and can afford to pay for them. This focused approach helps you compete effectively against larger businesses.

Successful targeting involves two key steps. First, identify what you do best compared to competitors. Second, reach only the customers who need those specific services.

Follow these four steps to identify your most profitable target market:

Step 1: Evaluate your current customer base

• Analyze successful projects: identify your most profitable and satisfying work
• Find patterns: look for common client types, project sizes, or industries
• Assess strengths: determine what you deliver better than competitors

Step 2: Define your specialization

• Choose your niche: focus on the work you do best and enjoy most
• Target fewer people: specialized businesses attract higher-paying clients
• Avoid the "everyone" trap: trying to serve everyone leads to wasted marketing spend and lower profits

Step 3: Build around your expertise

• Align services: structure your offerings around what you do best
• Develop expertise: become known as the go-to provider in your specialization
• Create focused messaging: highlight your specific expertise in all marketing materials

Step 4: Reach your target market

• Showcase expertise: create content and advertising that demonstrates your specialization
• Attend relevant events: network where your ideal clients gather
• Use targeted marketing: focus advertising spend on channels your ideal clients use

Build a strong online presence

Online presence is your business's digital visibility across websites, social media, and search engines. A strong online presence helps potential clients find, evaluate, and contact you easily.

Your website serves as your primary sales tool. Potential clients research businesses online before making contact, so your website must demonstrate professionalism and clearly explain your services.

Essential website elements determine whether visitors become clients or leave immediately:

• Professional design: clean, modern layout that builds trust instantly
• Clear messaging: explain what you do and why clients should choose you
• Fast loading speed: visitors leave if pages take longer than 3 seconds
• Mobile optimization: ensure your site works perfectly on smartphones
• Contact information: make it easy for prospects to reach you

Professional help options:

• Web designers: create visually appealing, functional websites
• Copywriters: write compelling content that converts visitors to clients
• Full-service agencies: handle design, content, and technical implementation

Website optimization priorities:

• Search engine optimization (SEO) strategy: optimize content so potential clients find you through search engines
• User experience: design intuitive navigation that guides visitors to contact you
• Content marketing: create valuable content that demonstrates your expertise
• Goal tracking: measure website performance and visitor conversion rates

Promote your website through multiple channels to maximize visibility:

• Social media sharing: post website content on platforms your clients use
• Online directories: list your business on Google My Business and industry directories
• Email signatures: include your website link in all business communications
• Networking events: share your website URL when meeting potential clients

Create valuable content that attracts clients

Content marketing helps you connect with potential clients by sharing useful information. Think of blog posts, videos, or guides that answer your audience's biggest questions.

By providing value upfront, you build trust and establish your business as an expert in your field. This approach draws clients to you naturally, making it a cost-effective way to grow.

Network and build relationships

Networking is one of the most effective ways to grow your business. Websites like LinkedIn are an excellent way to demonstrate your skill set. You can showcase your professional experience with your LinkedIn profile.

In addition, they allow you to network with other professionals in the same industry, which can make finding leads or hiring additional talent much easier. Strong relationships are essential for a successful business.

For independent professionals, it's also important to understand tax obligations, such as the requirement to pay self-employment tax when net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more.

Develop a referral program that works

Your happiest clients can be your best marketers. A referral program encourages them to spread the word by offering a small reward, like a discount or a gift card, for sending new business your way. It's a powerful way to get high-quality leads from a trusted source. Make it easy for clients to participate and thank them for their support.

Use social media to connect with potential clients

Using social media well helps you reach more potential customers. Businesses that use social media well can grow their audience and adapt more easily as their market changes.

Facebook and Instagram can be great places to start promoting your business. You should also consider other platforms that may be a better fit for your customers and niche. Learning how to use Twitter (now rebranded as "X") and its hashtags can also help you reach new clients.

However, you have to be able to think beyond just digital media. Go make an appearance on an industry podcast if you can, or write a guest post for another company's blog. By writing a guest blog, you help to establish yourself as a subject matter expert. Blog content is a low-cost way to reach potential customers and grow your audience.

Provide excellent customer service

Provide excellent customer service by responding quickly, being clear in your communication, and resolving issues fairly. Excellent customer service is one of the easiest ways to build brand loyalty. That includes handling transactions professionally and following legal requirements. For instance, the IRS requires businesses to report cash payments over $10,000.

This is an area that you don't need to overthink. Providing quality customer service is relatively intuitive. Treat people respectfully, learn their names, and never make a customer feel like they are just a number or that you're taking advantage of them.

Treating people like people goes a surprisingly long way and costs a business nothing. Whatever your business, people are at the heart of things.

Measure and track your client acquisition success

To see what is working, you need to track your efforts, including your financial records. For example, businesses with employees must keep all employment tax records for at least four years.

Simple metrics can show you where your best clients are coming from. Are they finding you through your website, social media, or referrals? Use this information to focus your time and budget on the strategies that deliver the best results. This helps you make smarter marketing decisions and improve your return on investment.

Grow your client base with confidence

Getting more clients is an ongoing process of testing, learning, and adapting. By focusing on these strategies, you can build a reliable system for attracting new business.

As you grow, managing your finances becomes even more important, including understanding potential tax deductions. For example, if you have a home office, the IRS offers a simplified deduction option calculated at $5 per square foot for up to 300 square feet.

Xero provides tools to track your income, manage expenses, and see your financial performance in real time, so you can focus on what you do best. Ready to take control of your business finances? Get one month free.

FAQs on getting more clients

Here are answers to some common questions about attracting new clients.

How do I start getting clients with no experience?

Start by offering your services at a reduced rate or for free to build a portfolio and gather testimonials. Focus on networking within your community and use your personal connections. A professional online presence, even a simple one, can also help showcase your skills and passion.

What is the fastest way to get clients?

Referrals and networking are often the fastest ways to get new clients. Reach out to your existing network of contacts and ask satisfied customers to spread the word. Attending local industry events can also lead to quick connections and opportunities.

How do I attract high-paying clients?

To attract high-paying clients, you need to position yourself as an expert. Specialize in a niche, create high-quality content that showcases your expertise, and build a professional brand. Focus on the value and results you deliver, not just the price.