How to Find Clients as a Service-Based Business (Even in Today’s Tough Market)

LifestyleBusiness GrowthMotherhoodProductivityProductivirLaunching a Business

Dec 10

Finding clients is one of the most challenging parts of running a service-based business, whether you’re brand-new or have been at it for years. Many entrepreneurs are feeling the strain of an uphill battle—and for good reason.

During the pandemic, the online business world experienced an unprecedented surge. With everyone stuck at home and online nearly 24/7, businesses launched with massive reach and people invested in services at record rates. It was a unique moment in time, and for those who launched then, growth often came quickly and seemingly overnight.

But for many, things have since corrected, and it can feel like a stark contrast. If you’re starting your business now or trying to regain traction, it’s easy to fall into comparison. Why did it work for them and not for me? It’s a tough place to be.

The truth is, while circumstances have shifted, some age-old business principles remain steady. If you’re willing to focus on what works, show up consistently, and stay the course, you can create a business that thrives for the long haul. Let’s break it down.

The Struggle Is Real (But It’s Not Forever)

Starting or scaling your business right now can feel daunting. The market may feel oversaturated, and attention spans are shorter than ever. But success rarely happens overnight, even if it sometimes looks that way. Those businesses that seemed to skyrocket likely spent years behind the scenes building momentum before you noticed their success. And even if they didn’t, rapid growth isn’t always sustainable.

You don’t need an overnight explosion of clients to build a successful business. What you need are leads that turn into clients, and a steady, sustainable process to keep the pipeline full.

Here are the tried-and-true methods to find clients and create a business built to last:

1. Talk to Real People, Face to Face

If the thought of walking into a room and introducing yourself makes your heart race, you’re not alone. But there’s a magic in face-to-face conversations that simply can’t be replicated. Sitting across from someone, sharing what you do, and hearing about their needs creates a connection that’s both powerful and personal.

Local networking groups—especially ones tailored to women in business—are filled with potential Ideal Clients. These meetings not only spark referrals but also foster relationships that build trust and credibility. And here’s the bonus: leads from local connections often result in longer referral chains that keep your pipeline active for years.

2. Find Your People Online

The beauty of the internet is that your Ideal Clients are already out there—you just need to find them. Join one or two online communities where they spend time, whether that’s Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or niche forums. Show up consistently, but not just to sell. Serve. Answer questions, offer advice, and add value wherever you can.

This is how I found my first clients. By showing up in groups where I could genuinely help, I started building trust and connections. I answered questions, shared encouragement, and simply made myself visible. When people in those groups posted about needing a web designer, others who had seen me helping—even those I hadn’t worked with—tagged me or recommended me. It was a game-changer for my business.

When people recognize you as someone who genuinely wants to help, they’ll remember you. And when the need for your service arises—for them or someone they know—you’ll be the first name they think of.

3. Let Your Network Know What You Do

It’s strange how telling strangers online feels easier than telling your own friends and family what you’re doing. But it’s important to recognize that your network can be one of your greatest resources.

When I first launched my web and brand design studio, my friends told their friends. People came to me to design their websites simply because someone they trusted mentioned my name. That trust factor is incredibly powerful even if it’s just by association.

If you don’t tell people what you’re doing, they can’t spread the word for you. But if you do? They will.

Send a quick, heartfelt message to your inner circle. Say something like: “I’m starting something new, and I’m really excited about it. If you know anyone who needs [your service], I’d love for you to share my name.” People who care about you want to see you succeed, and they’re often more than happy to help spread the word.

4. Create a Landing Page

A landing page is like a digital handshake. It’s where potential clients can learn about you, what you offer, and how they can work with you. You don’t need an elaborate website to get started, a simple page that explains who you help and how to contact (or book!) you is more than enough.

Having a landing page keeps your inquiries organized and professional. Tools like Flodesk make creating one easy, and you can even use it to start building your email list so you can stay connected with potential clients over time.

5. Show Up Consistently and Genuinely on One Platform

You don’t have to be everywhere, but you do need to be somewhere. Pick one platform where your Ideal Clients hang out, and commit to showing up there regularly.

Set a timer for about 20 minutes each day to keep yourself focused and avoid falling into the social media rabbit hole. Use this time to connect intentionally: watch your followers’ stories, leave thoughtful comments on their posts, and send meaningful DMs. Treat social media as a tool for building relationships, not just broadcasting your message.

Use a scheduling tool to plan your posts ahead of time, so when you’re on the platform, your energy can go toward engaging rather than scrambling to create content. Let people know what you do, share your availability, and remember: selling isn’t about pushing. It’s about helping the right people find you.

And don’t get caught up in follower counts. For service-based businesses, quality trumps quantity every time. You don’t need thousands of followers—you need the right ones who value what you do.

6. Keep Track of Your Leads

Building relationships is just the first step. Keeping track of them is how you turn connections into clients. A simple system for organizing leads—tracking who they are, how you met them, and where they are in your process—can make all the difference.

Using a tracker to stay organized also gives you valuable insights. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns in where your best leads are coming from. Are you getting lots of inquiries from a Facebook group? Noticing that Instagram DMs lead to more bookings? Realizing that referrals from past clients are driving steady business? These insights help you focus your marketing energy on what’s working, so you can repeat and amplify those successes.

To help you get started, I created a free Leads Tracker. It’s a tool to help you stay organized and consistent as you grow your business. Enter your email below to grab your copy and take the guesswork out of managing your pipeline.

Consistency Over Flashy Success

We all love a good success story … the kind where someone goes from zero to fully booked overnight. But those stories often skip over the most important part. Sustainable growth isn’t built on one viral moment; it’s built on showing up day after day, even when it feels like no one’s watching.

Real growth happens when you stay consistent, when you refine your message and focus on building relationships. Small, steady actions that add up over time.

You don’t need thousands of followers or overnight fame to succeed. What you need is to keep going. Each conversation, each connection, each client—it’s all part of building something meaningful. Something that lasts.

So, let go of the pressure to “blow up” overnight. The work you’re putting in today matters. Trust that consistency and intention will always win in the long run.

Your Next Step

Take a deep breath and pick one strategy from this list to start today. You don’t need to do it all at once—small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s reaching out to your network, setting up a landing page, or diving into an online community, every action you take brings you closer to the business you want to build.

If you’re ready to take things further and grow your business with the support of a like-minded community, join The Bold Launch. This is my signature course and community for women ready to launch and scale their online service-based businesses.

In The Bold Launch, you’ll get step-by-step guidance, accountability, and encouragement to build a thriving business—without the burnout.

JOIN THE BOLD LAUNCH

Hi, I'm Beth, the creative behind Bravely Inspired.

I help kindhearted business owners craft their stunning and strategic online presence. I believe in life-first business and I design websites and branding that reflect your vision, values.

Dreaming of a beautiful online space? Let's create it together!

BOOK A FREE CALL