How to Get SEO Clients from Just 1 Hour a Day

How to Get SEO Clients the Grow Hack Scale Way

Are you wondering how to get SEO clients?

So were we.

Gaining visibility is an issue most agencies struggle with.

Whether you're starting out or fully booked, a lack of visibility in front of your target market is one of the biggest reasons why marketing agencies struggle to get SEO clients.

When we started out, we relied exclusively on referrals and recommendations from our previous jobs.

But as you've probably experienced, relying on referrals will only get you so far.

Last year, we managed to generate over $100,000 in revenue from our SEO services using just one of the channels mentioned below.

So without further ado, here's six evergreen channels you can use to get SEO clients today.

1. Account-Based Marketing via Cold Email Outreach

Contacting businesses directly via email can be a very effective way to get SEO clients.

If you do it right.

Don't fall into the trap of spamming random business emails you found from a directory or mined list.

Not only is this illegal (GDPR), but it severely reduces the effectiveness of your campaigns and increases the chance of your emails ending up in spam folders and your domain blacklisted from ESPs.

So what should you do instead?

Research your target market and make initial contact with them on LinkedIn and other social media first.

Make a list of the specific companies you wish to work with and craft a bespoke email like it was meant for that person.

Taking it further, utilise email outreach software like Lemlist to create personalized email campaigns that yields high open and reply rates.

We've been able to book hundreds of meetings for our sales team from just personalized outbound email campaigns.

2. Marketing Agency Directories

Getting listed in marketing agency directories and signing up to agency partner programs are some of the best ways to get consistent, quality leads for your SEO firm.

Here are a couple marketing directories worth registering with.

• Clutch
• Sortlist
• GetCredo
  

A word of caution is needed here.

Many of these directories are pay-to-win platforms.

Meaning, that the only way you'll rank well or receive deal flow is by paying for a subscription or sponsorship. The more you pay, the more leads you receive.

These subscriptions tend to range from $70-$20,000/month.

Databox has compiled a complete list of partner programs and directories worth signing up to.

My advice would be to invest in just two or three, monitor results, then expand once your budget allows.

3. Content Marketing

It probably goes without saying, but content marketing is one of the most effective ways to get SEO clients month after month.

Unlike traditional paid advertising, the content you create pays dividends years after you hit publish.

Unfortunately, most agencies don't create content or market themselves effectively, yet claim to be able to grow your traffic and leads significantly.

Some even claim that the sign of a good marketing agency is one who doesn't have time to market themselves.

Why?

Because they're too busy doing it for others.

And let me tell you - that's a pitiful excuse.

This disconnect is another reason why brands and businesses are starting to take their marketing back in-house.

All the reviews in the world won't demonstrate your marketing prowess. But your expertise with your own projects count for a lot.

Growth Machine is an example of a SEO-first, content marketing agency who practices their growth strategies on their own projects.

They managed to grow Cup & Leaf from 0 to 150,000 visits a month in just 8 months.

Follow in their footsteps.

4. Grow Hack Scale Partner Program

Our agency partner program is designed from the ground up to support marketing agencies and providers in their journey towards acquiring and retaining customers.

Made by a marketing agency for marketing agencies, we match you and your services to businesses who want to work with you now, not in 90 days time.

Interested? Register your interest now.

5. Social Media Monitoring

Social media monitoring is the act of monitoring social groups and channels to identify opportunities you can pursue.

This is useful for competitor analysis, brand reputation management and more.

For example, imagine a prospective client asks their audience the following:

“Hey, could anyone recommend an SEO agency or individual with extensive experience in Shopify/HubSpot? I have a new project that I'd love to grow with the right partner.”

Now, unless you follow them or actively contribute in their spaces, you will never see their call for help.

Well, what if there was a way to get notified within the hour of messages like these from across all social media channels?

Say Hello to Awario

Awario is a state of the art social media monitoring tool. It was originally designed to help you track your brand mentions and those of your competitors.

However it also possesses a unique ability to generate potential opportunities (leads) so you can strike whilst the iron is hot.

It does this by scanning webpages, social media profiles and public forums for keywords which match your saved keywords.

Here's how we've set up Awario to find SEO clients for ourselves.

6. Freelance platforms

I see you rolling your eyes in dismay, but hear me out.

Freelance platforms can be a great way to acquire long-term SEO clients if approached strategically.

Last year we generated just over $100,000 in revenue from freelance platforms alone.

Platforms like Upwork and PeoplePerHour are good starting points.

Most agencies steer clear from freelance platforms because they're perceived to be havens of low-paid opportunities.

Now, don't get me wrong, they can be.

But if you know what you're worth and can demonstrate the value SEO can bring to businesses; you're already halfway there.

After all, Upwork has advanced filtering options so you can focus on sending proposals just to those with the budget to spend on your services.

Summary

Moral of the story? Be active where your target consumer is.

If you want to get more SEO clients, then you need to be present in the places where your target audience are looking for SEO providers.

Prospects are more likely to convert into customers if they’re the ones showing intent, rather than the provider.

Looking for new and exciting ways to find SEO clients?

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant or an agency, our partner program is designed to help you get more SEO clients by matching you with your ideal client profile.

Whilst you’re at it, why not bolster your visibility to our network of businesses by becoming a certified SEO provider.