How To Get Web Development Clients

Finding web development clients can feel tough, but there’s a huge opportunity: 35% of U.S. businesses still don’t have a website, and 25% rely only on Facebook pages. Here’s how to tap into this market:

• Build a Portfolio Website: Showcase your best work, services, and client testimonials.
• Improve SEO: Optimize for mobile, speed, and keywords to rank higher in search results.
• Leverage Social Media: Share projects, tips, and industry insights to connect with potential clients.
• Network Effectively: Attend events, ask for referrals, and partner with complementary businesses.
• Use Tools Like Webleadr: Identify businesses that need websites and contact them directly.
• Join Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find projects.
• Market Smartly: Use email campaigns, content marketing, and online ads to attract clients.
• Refine Sales Skills: Write custom pitches, create clear proposals, and follow up consistently.

Act now by updating your portfolio, improving your online presence, or exploring tools like Webleadr to find businesses without websites.

How to sell websites to local businesses

Build Your Online Presence

Building a strong online presence is essential for gaining trust and attracting web development clients. It’s your digital handshake, and it can make or break your first impression.

Design Your Portfolio Website

A well-crafted portfolio website is your chance to showcase your skills and attract clients ^[4]. Here’s what it should include:

• Homepage: Feature your best work front and center.
• About Section: Share your background, expertise, and what sets you apart.
• Project Gallery: Highlight a variety of projects to show your range of skills.
• Client Testimonials: Add social proof to establish credibility.
• Services Page: Clearly outline what you offer and your areas of expertise.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for potential clients to reach out.

'A strong SEO foundation not only broadens visibility but also fosters concrete business expansion.' - Lisa Harris ^[6]

Improve Your SEO Rankings

Organic traffic accounts for 53.3% of website visits ^[6]. Boost your visibility with these SEO strategies:

SEO Factor	Implementation Strategy	Impact
Mobile Responsiveness	Ensure your site works smoothly on all devices	54.8% of traffic comes from mobile [7]
Page Speed	Optimize images and code	Improves rankings and user experience
Keyword Optimization	Use relevant keywords with 2-3% density	Helps you rank for targeted search terms

These steps not only improve your search rankings but also enhance the overall user experience. Pair them with your social media efforts for even better results.

Use Social Media Effectively

Social media is a powerful tool to reach potential clients and build relationships. Focus on platforms where your target audience spends their time ^[8]. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Brand Consistency: Use the same username and profile image across all platforms ^[5].
• Content Strategy: Post updates on your projects, industry insights, and useful tips.
• Engagement: Join conversations and respond to comments quickly.
• Portfolio Links: Drive traffic from your social media profiles to your portfolio site.
• Professional Networking: Use LinkedIn to connect with other developers and potential clients.

Grow Your Professional Network

Building a strong network can help you consistently attract web development clients through referrals and partnerships. Connecting offline not only complements your online presence but also strengthens your overall client acquisition efforts.

Join Industry Events

Attending industry events is a great way to meet potential clients and stay updated on web development trends ^[2]. To make the most of these opportunities, focus on the following:

Event Type	Benefits	Best Practices
Local Meetups	Connect with nearby businesses	Bring plenty of business cards
Conferences	Gain industry-wide exposure	Schedule meetings and attend sessions
Workshops	Show off your skills and expertise	Share your knowledge and insights

Research shows that professional connections often lead to opportunities outside your immediate circle ^[9]. Face-to-face interactions at these events can lead to valuable referrals and long-term relationships.

Ask Immediately After Project Completion

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to gain new clients. Research indicates that referred clients tend to trust your services more and convert at higher rates ^[10]. To leverage this, consider creating a structured referral system:

1. Set Up a Referral Program
   For instance, OpenPotion offers a referral program that pays a 10% fee per lead, with referrers earning between $300 and $1,000 per project. You can tailor a similar program to match your pricing structure ^[12].

2. Request Referrals at the Right Time
   The ideal moment to ask for referrals is right after completing a project when clients are most satisfied. As Lauren Taylar explains, '[That Client]' is already ready to go because someone they trust has been like 'hey…you should hire them!'” ^[11].

3. Provide Shareable Tools
   Make it easy for clients to refer you by offering materials like:

   • Case studies showcasing your successes
   • Branded social media graphics
   • 'Designed By' links in website footers
   • Launch announcement templates

These referrals can also open doors to forming strategic partnerships.

Partner with Other Services

Collaborating with complementary service providers can help you reach more clients. Look for partnerships with businesses that align with your services but don’t directly compete ^[13]. Examples include:

• Digital marketing agencies
• Graphic designers
• Content writers
• SEO specialists
• Business consultants

For instance, 3 Media Web works with other agencies to deliver complete web solutions without overburdening their team ^[14]. Partnerships like these can extend your reach and create a more comprehensive service offering for clients.

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Use Online Tools and Platforms

Take advantage of online platforms to connect with web development and design clients. These tools can help you expand your reach and grow your client base beyond your immediate network.

Join Freelance Platforms

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, 99Designs, and PeoplePerHour are great places to find clients. Each offers something different:

• Upwork: Broad opportunities across industries.
• 99Designs: Focused on design projects.
• Fiverr: Ideal for beginners offering specific services.
• PeoplePerHour: Expands your market reach with flexible job postings.

To stand out, create a profile that grabs attention. Include a polished portfolio - statistics from Upwork show that having one can increase your chances of being hired by up to 9x ^[16]. Don’t underestimate the power of a professional profile picture - it’s often the first impression ^[16].

Try Webleadr

Webleadr is a specialized tool designed for web developers and designers looking to find businesses that need websites. Unlike general freelance platforms, Webleadr focuses on lead generation.

Here’s what makes it useful:

• Search for businesses worldwide using an interactive map.
• Use AI to pinpoint companies that don’t have websites.
• Contact businesses directly via phone or SMS.
• Access website performance tools to offer additional insights.

With over 35% of U.S. businesses still without websites ^[1], Webleadr provides a targeted approach. Pricing starts at just $12 for 100 business credits.

Build Platform Reviews

Your online reputation matters. Here’s how to manage it effectively across multiple platforms:

• Highlight your skills in your profiles to match industry demands ^[16].
• Regularly update your portfolio with high-quality, detailed work samples ^[15].
• Collect testimonials from previous clients to establish credibility and trust ^[15].

Start Marketing Campaigns

Once you've established a strong online presence and network, marketing campaigns can help drive more engagement and attract clients.

Create Content That Solves Problems

Content marketing is a great way to showcase your expertise and draw in potential clients. Websites ranking first on Google enjoy a 39.6% click-through rate ^[9], making content creation essential for increasing visibility.

Focus on topics that address common client questions or challenges:

• Case studies: Highlight successful projects with measurable outcomes.
• Design tutorials: Offer tips on popular tools and techniques.
• Industry trends: Discuss new practices in web development.
• Technical guides: Simplify complex web technologies for businesses.

These types of content can target searches like 'how to find clients for web development' or 'how to find web design clients.'

Henry Purchase, Founder of SEOSpace, is a great example of how impactful content marketing can be. By creating valuable content, he generates over 35 inbound leads each week ^[2]. Once you have leads, nurture them through email campaigns.

Build and Use Email Lists

Email marketing is a reliable way to build relationships with potential clients. A well-planned campaign can deliver value while guiding prospects through your sales funnel.

Here’s a simple framework for email marketing:

Campaign Stage	Focus	Frequency
Welcome Series	Introduce your business and value	Immediate
Educational Content	Share tips and insights	Weekly
Case Studies	Showcase client success stories	Bi-weekly
Promotional Offers	Highlight packages or discounts	Monthly

With a strong email list in place, you can expand your efforts by incorporating online ads.

Use Online Ads Strategically

Paid advertising is a fast way to boost visibility and attract potential clients. For example, The Hershey Company's YouTube campaign increased purchase intent by 12% and drove over $9 million in retail sales through targeted ads ^[17].

'At its core, an online advertising strategy is more than just placing ads. It's about crafting a holistic data-driven approach that will reach your targeted audience. Your ads need to engage with compelling content and inspire action. To do this, you will need to be equipped with the best online advertising strategies.' - webfx.com ^[17]

Different platforms can help you reach specific audiences:

• Google Ads: Target people actively searching for web development services.
• LinkedIn: Connect with decision-makers in your industry.
• Facebook: Effectively reach local businesses.
• Remarketing: Re-engage website visitors, often leading to much higher conversion rates ^[17].

Start with clear goals and a modest budget. Use conversion tracking to measure success and scale your campaigns as you see results.

Improve Sales Process

Once you’ve generated leads through marketing, the next step is to fine-tune your sales process to close deals effectively. Did you know that nearly 80% of successful sales require at least five follow-ups? ^[20] Having a structured approach can make all the difference.

Write Custom Pitches

Tailored pitches resonate more because they directly address a client’s specific challenges.

'If you are able to identify the problem better than your prospect, then they'll trust you with the solution.' ^[18]

Here’s how to structure your pitch:

Component	Purpose	Key Elements
Problem Statement	Show understanding	Highlight the client’s pain points
Solution Overview	Present your approach	Offer a tailored web development plan
Proof Points	Build credibility	Use testimonials or past results
Clear Benefits	Highlight ROI	Focus on measurable outcomes
Next Steps	Encourage action	Include a clear call-to-action

Make Clear Proposals

1. Problem Analysis
   Start by breaking down the client’s website challenges in their own words. This shows you understand their needs.

2. Solution Framework
   Lay out your approach, including specific deliverables and timelines.

'The key is to use the same language your client uses when they talk about the goal and the problems they need to solve. It's important that you don't use jargon that the client won't understand.' ^[19]

3. Investment Options
   Provide three pricing options. Each tier should clearly outline deliverables and the value clients will receive.

'Include a Care Plans section in your website proposals. I've managed 500+ WordPress sites. That figure would be microscopic in comparison if I'd left the support and maintenance convo until after I'd built the site.' ^[19]

Master Follow-ups

Consistent follow-ups keep the conversation alive and show your dedication.

'I want to clarify and make sure I have a right or maybe there are gaps in information that I need to hear from them. It's important to actually really listen to what the client has to say so you can ask more questions and get a better understanding of what their visions are. Don't leave any stone unturned - if you have anything that you are unsure about, ask them', ^[19]

Here’s a follow-up schedule to keep you on track:

Timing	Action	Purpose
Day 1	Send a thank-you email	Acknowledge the meeting or inquiry
Day 3	Share a useful resource	Add value and stay on their radar
Day 7	Make a check-in call	Address any lingering questions
Day 14	Refine your proposal	Adjust based on client feedback
Day 30	Present a final offer	Create urgency with a limited-time offer

Conclusion

With these strategies, you’re equipped to strengthen client relationships and expand your web development business. Did you know that over 35% of US businesses still don’t have a website? Even more surprising, about 25% of small businesses rely solely on a Facebook page as their main online presence ^[1]. This opens up massive opportunities for professionals eager to grow their client base.

Here’s a quick look at some effective approaches to streamline your client acquisition process:

Strategy	Key Action	Expected Outcome
Portfolio Development	Highlight problem-solving skills	Build credibility and showcase expertise
Online Presence	Enhance digital visibility	Engage with 77% of Americans on social platforms [21]
Lead Generation	Leverage Webleadr	Identify businesses without websites
Sales Process	Consistent follow-ups	Improve response rates [3]

Tools like Webleadr make lead generation more efficient and affordable ^[1]. But beyond tools, delivering consistent value and fostering genuine relationships are crucial for maintaining a steady flow of qualified leads.

Take the first step today: update your portfolio, launch a focused outreach campaign, or explore Webleadr to connect with businesses that need your expertise. The opportunities are waiting!