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Working for yourself has a lot of perks. You get to choose your clients, your working hours, and of course, location, which can give you a lot of flexibility around how and when you work. But don’t you ever feel a bit lonely working by yourself? It’s normal to miss the office banter or be able to share ideas with someone, but guess what? Just because you work for yourself, doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Getting out there and making some connections can help you feel a little less alone, and could even help you grow your business.

Here are some simple ways to make some connections as a freelancer.

Making Connections As A Freelancer  – Find a Coworking Hub

Being able to work from home in your PJs is great, but sometimes it’s good to get out there and work in a different environment and work around people. Coworking spaces come with a lot of benefits, including modern facilities, refreshments and of course, a workspace with people in it. What’s great about a lot of coworking spaces is that they become their own communities, with different events designed to get everyone together and meet some new people. Give it a try, you might find it’s a really good move for you.

You may not even have to pay to use a coworking space, like this gorgeous space in London:

@ashleighspili We don’t gatekeep here. Free coworking space for your next wfh day #coworking #wfh #wfhproblems #londonhotspots #london #coworkingspace #shoreditch ♬ original sound – ash

If you are in my neck of the woods, here in North Yorkshire, look up Thirsk Coworking. I set up Thirsk Coworking in 2017, a free coworking group anyone can attend. There’s no membership, tickets, or signing up—just flexible coworking alongside like-minded others. You can find out more on my Thirsk Coworking page.

Making Connections As A Freelancer  – Attend Local Networking Events

Networking events have changed a lot in recent years, and with a little research, you could find great events taking place in your local area, especially if you work in a creative role. See what’s out there and attend business brunches, workshops and even group workouts – all aimed at freelancers and people who own their own businesses. It can be a great way to connect with people like you and help your business too. Make sure you get some business cards printed to hand out to any new connections. These events will help you feel more sociable while building some valuable business contacts too.

Join an Online Community

Online communities are a great way to meet like-minded people, especially if you’re a little bit shy about meeting people in person. Online communities can cover a lot of different niches, including people who do the same type of work as you, like copywriting, for example, those who live in your local area or those who are just starting out. These communities work like forums, so you can use them to both give and receive advice, grow your customer base and maybe even meet a few people you click with to pursue some deeper connections.

Meet your Clients Face-To-Face – Making Connections As A Freelancer

A lot of freelancers find their clients online, keeping the majority of communications online. But what if you met some of your clients face-to-face now and then? It can help you enjoy some more social interactions, but it could also help you build better relationships with your clients. If you need to travel, even better – who doesn’t love a business trip?

 

As you can see, there are a lot of different ways to interact with others as a freelancer. Find ways to make some more social connections and enjoy making working alone a little less lonely.

Increasing your customer base is undoubtedly one of the best ways to ensure the ongoing success of your business. Sure, keeping the customers you already have is important too, if you want your company to grow, new customers are a vital part of the equation. If you want to attract more customers, you have to be smart about it.

We know you already have a lot on your plate as a business owner, below, we are going to take a look at some of the most simple (but effective) ways to attract more customers right now:

1. Attract More Customers – Give Your Packaging a Glow-Up

First impressions count, and in the world of products, your packaging is essentially strutting down the catwalk, trying to catch the customer’s eye. Think of your packaging as the peacock feathers of your product—make it bold, make it unique, and most importantly, make it Instagrammable.

Whether you’re selling artisan cheeses, or handcrafted soaps, or you need the services of a pharmaceutical packaging company, a packaging glow-up can turn your product from wallflower to belle of the ball. And remember, eco-friendly packaging isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also incredibly trendy right now. Win-win!

2. Be a Social Butterfly (Online)

In today’s world, if you’re not on social media, do you even exist? Having a strong online presence is like being the life and soul of the party. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, run contests, post customer testimonials, and engage directly with your followers. It’s all about creating a community around your brand. Plus, nothing beats the thrill of getting a notification that someone has tagged your product in their latest beach selfie.

3. Loyalty Programs: Because Everyone Loves a Freebie – Attract More Customers

Who doesn’t love a good old loyalty program? It’s the business equivalent of saying, “I like you. Let’s hang out more.” Whether it’s a stamp card, points system, or members-only discounts, loyalty programs encourage repeat business and make customers feel valued. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to buy one of those fancy stamps with your logo on it.

4. Collaborate With Local Celebrities (a.k.a. Influencers)

No, we’re not talking about getting David Beckham to endorse your local café (though if you can, power to you). Local influencers—those with a dedicated following in your area—are golddust for spreading the word about your business. Offer them a free product or service in exchange for a review or social media shoutout. It’s like having the cool kid at school tell everyone you’re their friend.

5. Attract More Customers – Host Events That Are Fun

Events are a great way to get people through the door, but please, for the love of all that is holy, make them fun. Wine tastings, DIY workshops, live music—whatever fits your brand. Just make sure it’s something people will leave their house for. And yes, having a quirky theme can help. Ever heard of a ‘90s sitcom trivia night? Now you have, and you’re intrigued, aren’t you?

6. Turn Your Customers Into Mini-Advertisers

Word of mouth is still one of the best forms of advertising out there. Encourage your customers to spread the word by offering referral discounts or incentives. It’s like setting loose a bunch of friendly bees who go out, pollinate the world with news of your business, and then come back with more customers. Just, you know, without the risk of getting stung.

7. Get Involved in the Community

Show that you’re not just about taking from the community but giving back too. Sponsor a local sports team, participate in charity events or host community clean-up days. It’s great PR, and hey, you might just feel all warm and fuzzy inside too. Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to get one of those oversized cheques.

8. Flash Sales and Promotions

Everybody loves feeling like they’ve snagged a bargain. Flash sales and limited-time promotions create a sense of urgency that can turn even the most hesitant of browsers into buyers. It’s the retail equivalent of the last call at the bar—suddenly, everyone wants in.

9. Revamp Your Website

In the digital age, your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and, crucially, mobile-friendly. Nothing sends a potential customer packing faster than a website that looks like it was designed during the dial-up era.

10. Attract More Customers – Educate Your Customers

Sometimes, people don’t know they need your product or service because they don’t understand it. Use your blog, social media, or even in-store workshops to educate your customers on the benefits of what you’re offering. It’s like dating—sometimes you need to let people know just how great you are before they realize what they’re missing.

11. Become a Storyteller, Not Just a Seller

In a world where everyone is selling something, be the one who tells a story. Your business isn’t just a business; it’s a saga filled with heroes (your products) and quests (your services). Share your journey, the highs and lows, and the passion behind your brand through blog posts, videos, and social media stories. People cling to narratives, so give them a tale they can’t help but follow.

12. Quirky Holidays: Your New Marketing Calendar – Attract More Customers

Forget just Christmas and Easter; the calendar is littered with quirky holidays that can be pure gold for promotional activities. National Donut Day? Perfect for cafes and bakeries to give a free donut with every coffee. International Talk Like a Pirate Day? A treasure hunt sale could lead customers to discounts. Use these days as a framework for fun, themed promotions that give people a reason to engage.

13. ‘Try Before You Buy’ Experiences

Let’s face it, commitment is scary—whether it’s to a new Netflix series or a product. Ease the fear by offering ‘try before you buy’ experiences. This could be free samples, a trial period for services, or demo days where customers can come in and use the product. It not only builds trust but also lets your product speak for itself.

14. Feedback Loops That Actually Reward – Attract More Customers

People love to be heard, but they love being rewarded even more. Set up a feedback system that doesn’t just thank customers for their input but also rewards them. This could be in the form of discounts, entry into a prize draw, or even a small freebie on their next purchase. It shows you value their opinion and improves customer retention.

15. Make Your Business a Destination

Why should people visit your business? Make your location more than just a place to shop; make it a destination. This could mean hosting art installations, having an in-store café with irresistible treats, or creating a kids’ play area so parents can browse in peace. When your business becomes a destination, it’s not just about the product; it’s about the experience.

16. Go Where Your Customers Are To Attract More Customers

Don’t wait for customers to come to you—go to them. Pop-up shops, stalls at local markets, or even a mobile version of your service can introduce your business to new people. It’s like a touring band; you’re broadening your fanbase by showing up where they least expect you.

17. Personalisation: Beyond Just Names

In a cookie-cutter world, personalisation stands out. And we’re not just talking about slapping a name on a product. Tailor your offerings to the needs and preferences of your customers. This could mean customized products, recommendations based on previous purchases, or even personalized shopping experiences. Show your customers that you see them as individuals, not just sales.

18. Gamify the Shopping Experience

Turn shopping with you into a game. This could mean a loyalty program that’s more like a quest, with levels to unlock and rewards at each stage. Or incorporate AR (augmented reality) into your in-store or online experience, where customers can find virtual tokens for discounts. Shopping becomes an adventure, and who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt?

19. ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tours – Attract More Customers

People are nosy. We love to know how things are made, who’s making them, and the secrets behind the scenes. Offer tours (virtual or in-person) that show the inner workings of your business. It could be how your products are made, the day-to-day running of your service, or even the history of your business location. It adds depth to your brand and makes customers feel part of your story.

20. Community-Based Product Development

Involve your customers in the development of new products or services. This could be through voting on new flavours, and designs, or even suggesting their own ideas. It not only ensures you’re creating products your customers want but also makes them feel invested in your brand. After all, everyone wants to see their favourite win.

 

As you can see, attracting new customers for your business does not have to be overly complicated, and it does not necessarily have to cost you a huge amount of time and money either. Of course, you may not want to put into action all of the ideas above, but even trying out a few of them when you can, should see your business gaining more traction with people who may not have given you a try before.