Organized marketers are 674% more likely to report success than their peers.
But how does this connect to marketing ideas for agencies?
For agencies, it underscores the value of implementing organized and strategic marketing to grow your clientele. With the right plan in place, you can continue to market your own agency to grow your own business while continuing to work on more client work.
To help inspire your own strategy, this post will explore 16 must-try marketing ideas to get more clients for your agency.
1. Understand Your Target Market
Before you can truly market to your clients, you need to understand the market. What types of clients do you get most often? What industries are they from? What size are these businesses? What are their needs?
Gather and analyze data about your potential customers to identify their needs, preferences, and behaviors. Mastering market research helps you tailor your marketing strategies to better meet their expectations.
To gather this info, you can use a variety of tactics, including:
- Google Analytics – Dig into Google Analytics insights to understand website visitor behavior, such as which pages they visit, how long they stay, and what actions they take. This can help you determine what attracts visitors to your site (potential clients), and what might be causing them to leave.
- Surveys – Surveys are a direct way to gather information from your target audience. By asking specific questions, you can collect valuable feedback on their preferences, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement. Keep in mind, surveys can be conducted online, via email, or even in person.
- Analyze Current Clients – Identifying potential clients involves analyzing your current customer base and looking for common characteristics. This might include industry, company size, and specific pain points. Understand these traits to help you create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with similar prospects.
See How This Agency Does Market Research
Bastion Agency is an excellent example of an agency that leverages market research to drive better decision-making. They use a variety of research methods, including primary research (like surveys and focus groups) and secondary research (analyzing existing data), to gather insights that help their clients stay competitive and meet market demands.
2. Reach Out To Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses is a great way to network with potential clients.
Leverage Community Involvement and Sponsorships
Engaging with the local community through sponsorships and involvement in community events can significantly boost an agency’s visibility and reputation.
By supporting local causes and events, you can build strong relationships with potential clients and establish themselves as valuable members of the community.
Join The Local Chamber of Commerce
Joining the local Chamber of Commerce is another effective way to connect with local businesses. Chambers often provide networking opportunities, business referrals, and resources that can help agencies grow their client base.
Being an active member can also enhance an agency’s credibility and visibility within the local business community.
Start Local
Starting with a local focus allows agencies to build personal connections, increase visibility, and establish a strong local reputation. These personal connections can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and long-term client relationships, which are invaluable for business growth.
See How This Agency Creates Strong Recognition In Their Local Community
Hook Agency is a great example of an agency with a strong local presence. Based in Minneapolis, Hook Agency helps construction companies, small businesses, IT, SaaS companies, and manufacturers get more leads online by combining beautiful web design and powerful search engine optimization. 
Their active involvement in the local community and commitment to supporting local businesses have made them a well-respected, recognized name in the area.
3. Build a Strong Online Presence
Is it easy for your potential clients to find you? Building (and maintaining) a strong online presence can make a huge difference in capturing leads.
Optimize Your Website
Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients. Ensure it is professional, user-friendly, and showcases your best work. A well-designed website can make a strong first impression and encourage visitors to learn more about your services.
Keep Social Media Profiles Active
Social media profiles are another crucial aspect of your online presence. They provide a platform to engage with your audience, share updates, and promote your services.
Make sure your profiles are consistent with your brand and regularly updated with relevant content.
Think First Point of Contact
Your website and social media profiles should be designed with the first point of contact in mind. They should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provide clear information about your services.
Potential clients quickly understand what you offer and how you can help them.
Ensure Your Website/Socials Are Professional, User-Friendly, and Showcase Your Best Work
A professional and user-friendly website, along with well-maintained social media profiles, can significantly enhance your online presence.
Highlight your best work and ensure that all content is up-to-date and relevant to your target audience.
Regularly Update Your Website/Socials
Regular updates keep your content fresh and engaging. This can include posting new projects, sharing industry news, and engaging with your audience through comments and messages. Consistent updates show that your business is active and attentive to its online presence.
Use Analytics from Website/Socials to Improve Engagement and Visibility
Analytics tools can provide valuable insights into how visitors interact with your website and social media profiles. Use this data to identify what works well and what needs improvement.
Optimize your content and strategies to increase engagement and visibility.
See How This Agency Maintains A Strong Online Presence
Loopex Digital is an excellent example of an agency with a strong online presence. They have a well-designed website that showcases their expertise in SEO and digital marketing. Their social media profiles are regularly updated with valuable content and client success stories.
Loopex Digital’s commitment to maintaining a professional and engaging online presence has helped them build a strong reputation and attract a loyal client base.
4. Utilize Content Marketing
Content marketing is another way to connect with potential clients. Provide value, showcase your expertise, and demonstrate how you can help.
Create Valuable Content
Creating valuable content that addresses your target audience’s pain points and demonstrates your expertise is crucial.
This content should provide solutions to common problems, answer frequently asked questions, and showcase your knowledge in your industry.
Develop a Series of Webinars, eBooks, Courses, Downloadable Resources, or Blog Posts
Developing a series of webinars, eBooks, courses, downloadable resources, or blog posts can help establish your authority and provide ongoing value to your audience.
These resources can be used to attract potential clients, nurture leads, and build trust with your audience.
Provide Actionable Insights That Are Industry Specific
Providing actionable insights that are specific to your industry can help your audience see the practical applications of your expertise.
This includes tips, best practices, case studies, and industry trends that are relevant to your target market.
See How This Agency Executes Inbound Marketing To Grow Their Client Base
Smart Bug Media is an excellent example of an agency with strong inbound marketing capabilities. They take a data-driven approach to strategy and implementation, offering a range of inbound marketing solutions and services. Their pragmatic approach focuses on understanding the target audience and delivering high-quality content that resonates with them.
Smart Bug Media has been recognized with over 550 marketing certifications and numerous industry awards, demonstrating their expertise in inbound marketing.
5. Leverage Social Proof
Simply put – show how your agency will help your potential clients through great storytelling.
To leverage social proof effectively, you need to clearly communicate how your agency can help clients achieve their goals. This means showcasing your expertise, the services you offer, and the unique value you bring to the table.
Highlighting specific examples of how you’ve helped past clients can build credibility and trust.
Showcase Testimonials, Case Studies, and Client Success Stories
Testimonials, case studies, and client success stories are powerful tools for demonstrating the impact of your work. They provide real-world examples of how your agency has helped clients overcome challenges and achieve success.
Stories can be featured on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials.
Build Trust with Potential Clients
Building trust with potential clients is crucial for establishing long-term relationships. By showcasing social proof, you can demonstrate your agency’s reliability, expertise, and ability to deliver results.
Help potential clients feel confident in choosing your services.
Highlight the Challenges Your Clients Faced, the Solutions You Provided, and the Results Achieved
When presenting case studies, it’s important to highlight the specific challenges your clients faced, the solutions you provided, and the results they achieved.
This detailed approach shows potential clients how your agency can address their unique needs and deliver measurable outcomes.
See How This Agency Showcases Social Proof In Their Marketing
Flint Group has an entire section of their website dedicated to the work they’ve done with clients. It features a wide variety of industries, project types, and campaigns to demonstrate the value of working with their agency.
Every story is unique. Every story shares their client’s own personal experiences. This page builds trust with potential clients by giving real-life success stories right at their fingertips.
6. Gain New Clients Via Networking
Companies work with people they trust. This is why networking can be a great strategy to win more clients.
Attend Industry Events, Conferences, and Local Business Meetups
Networking at industry events, conferences, and local business meetups is a great way to expand your network and find potential clients.
These events provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, learn about the latest industry trends, and showcase your expertise.
Expand Your Network
Expanding your network involves building relationships with other professionals in your industry. This can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
Networking helps you stay connected with the latest developments and trends in your field.
Find Potential Clients
By attending networking events and engaging with other professionals, you can identify potential clients who may benefit from your services. Building relationships with these individuals can lead to new business opportunities and referrals.
Form Strategic Partnerships with Complementary Businesses to Cross-Promote Services
Forming strategic partnerships with businesses that offer complementary services can be mutually beneficial. By cross-promoting each other’s services, you can reach a wider audience and provide more comprehensive solutions to your clients.
See How This Agency Uses Networking & Partnerships To Build Professional Relationships
Odney is no stranger to networking and partnerships. They actively participate in community events and seek out strategic partnership opportunities for their own agency and their clients.
In this example, Odney works with some of their clients and their partners to promote Travel North Dakota.
Their engagement in these events and supporting important relationships has helped them establish themselves as a thought leader in the industry and attract new business opportunities.
7. Launch Referral Programs
Implementing a referral program involves creating a structured system that encourages your existing clients to refer new business to your agency. This can be done through incentives, rewards, and clear guidelines on how the referral process works.
Incentivize Existing Clients to Bring in New Business
Offering incentives to your existing clients can motivate them to refer new clients to your agency. These incentives can include discounts on future services, exclusive content, or account credits.
By rewarding clients for bringing in new business, you create a win-win situation for both parties.
Offer Rewards or Points System for Continued Services
A rewards or points system can encourage clients to continue using your services while also referring new clients. For example, clients can earn points for each referral, which can be redeemed for discounts or other rewards. This not only incentivizes referrals but also promotes client loyalty.
Provide Discounted Services, Exclusive Content, or Account Credits for Successful Referrals
Providing discounted services, exclusive content, or account credits for successful referrals can further motivate clients to participate in your referral program.
Rewards can be tailored to the value of the referral, ensuring that both the referrer and the new client benefit from the program.
See How This Agency Uses A Referral Program To Gain Clients
Vizion uses their referral program to help refer new clients to their business. Their program is built on commission sharing. This allows professionals in their community to earn compensation for promoting their services.
This approach not only incentivizes referrals but also helps reward word of mouth marketing, which increases brand awareness.
8. Build Targeted Email Marketing Campaigns
Creating a targeted email list involves identifying and segmenting your audience based on specific criteria such as demographics, interests, or past interactions with your brand. This ensures that your emails are relevant to each recipient, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
Craft Personalized Messages That Provide Value to Potential Clients
Personalized messages resonate more with recipients. Tailor your emails to address the specific needs and pain points of your audience.
Highlight how your services can solve their problems and provide value.
Develop Email Sequences That Nurture Leads
Email sequences are a series of emails sent out over time to nurture leads through the sales funnel. Each email in the sequence should build on the previous one, guiding the recipient towards a desired action, such as booking a consultation or making a purchase.
Monitor Email Statistics (Open Rate, Click Rate, etc.) to Adjust Email Strategies
Tracking email metrics like open rates, click rates, and conversion rates helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.
Use this data to refine your email strategies, making adjustments to improve engagement and effectiveness.
See How This Agency Uses Email Marketing To Generate Clients
Example of Agencies with Good Email Marketing
- NP Digital: NP Digital excels in email marketing by using data and analytics to create highly personalized and targeted campaigns. Their approach ensures that each email resonates with each specific recipient.
- Smart Sites: SmartSites offers comprehensive email marketing services designed to transform site visitors into loyal customers. Their approach includes personalized email campaigns, automated flows, and advanced segmentation to ensure high engagement and conversion rates.
- V8 Media: V8 Media specializes in using an approach that creates personalized and engaging campaigns. Their expertise is typically in nurturing leads, increasing conversions, and fostering strong customer relationships through strategic email communication.
9. Invest In Ads And Promotions
Investing in paid advertising platforms like Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and Facebook Ads can help you reach potential clients who are actively searching for your services. These platforms offer targeted advertising options that allow you to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Assess the ROI of Different Platforms
It’s important to assess the return on investment (ROI) of different advertising platforms to determine which ones are most effective for your business.
By analyzing metrics such as cost per click (CPC), conversion rates, and overall ad spend, you can optimize your advertising budget and focus on the platforms that yield the best results.
Optimize Your Ad Spend
Optimizing your ad spend involves continuously monitoring and adjusting your campaigns to ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment. This can include refining your target audience, testing different ad creatives, and experimenting with various bidding strategies.
See How This Agency Uses Paid Ads To Generate New Clients
Rukus Marketing uses Google Ads to help promote their services to businesses looking for agency partners.
By implementing an ad strategy with a conversion-focused landing page, they can easily collect information about prospective clients for outreach.
Their approach focuses on keyword targeting, clear messaging, and continuous optimization of campaigns to maximize ROI.
10. Integrate SEO Strategies (Including Local SEO)
Optimizing your website involves ensuring it is easily discoverable by search engines. This includes using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, improving site speed, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and obtaining backlinks from reputable sources.
A well-optimized website can significantly increase visibility and attract more organic traffic.
Regularly Monitor and Update Your Content to Improve Search Rankings
SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly monitoring and updating your content ensures it remains relevant and effective. This includes updating outdated information regarding services, improving meta descriptions, adding new content, and ensuring all pages are optimized for search engines.
Localize Your Site And Focus on Your Industry Niche
If your target audience is primarily local, you’ll want to localize your site, Google Business Profile, and other directories to attract local customers. This includes using local keywords, creating location-specific pages, and engaging with the local community.
If your audience is focused on a specific industry niche, you’ll want to create content that addresses the specific needs and interests of your target audience within your industry.
See How This Agency Uses Local SEO To Attract Clients
AdShark has optimized their Google Business Profile by listing all their services, location information, photos, phone number, and other important details.
This helps their agency appear in localized searches like “Fargo marketing agency” or “Fargo agencies.”
By setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you add another way for your business – specifically if you have a physical location – to appear in relevant searches.
11. Host Free Workshops Or Webinars
Hosting free workshops or webinars is an excellent way to engage potential clients. These events provide value to your audience by offering educational content, which can help build trust and establish your agency as an authority in your field.
Showcase Your Expertise
By hosting workshops or webinars, you can showcase your expertise and knowledge on topics relevant to your target audience. This helps demonstrate your agency’s capabilities and can attract potential clients who are looking for solutions to their specific challenges.
Host Webinars or Workshops on Topics Relevant to Your Target Audience
Choose topics that are highly relevant to your target audience. This could include industry trends, best practices, case studies, or practical tips and tricks.
Tailoring your content to the interests and needs of your audience will make your events more engaging and valuable.
See How This Agency Hosts Workshops To Generate Clients
Olivine is a great example of an agency that frequently hosts workshops and webinars. They offer a variety of on-demand webinars and live workshops designed to help owners and leaders grow their businesses. Their events cover topics such as brand positioning, defining proto-personas, and marketing the jobs to be done.
By providing these educational resources, Sendible has built a strong reputation and a loyal following within the agency community.
12. Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition
Why is your agency better than the competition? What do you do differently?
To craft a compelling USP, you need to identify what makes your agency stand out. This could be a unique approach, innovative techniques, exceptional customer service, industry expertise, or exclusive tools and resources.
Consider the following questions:
- What are the key strengths and capabilities of your agency?
- What unique value do you offer that competitors don’t?
- How do your services address the specific pain points of your target audience?
Create a Clear and Compelling Unique Selling Proposition That Sets Your Agency Apart from Competitors
Once you’ve identified your unique qualities, articulate them in a clear and compelling USP. This statement should succinctly convey the key benefits of your agency and why clients should choose you over competitors. A strong USP is:
- Clear: Easily understood by your target audience.
- Unique: Highlights what sets you apart from competitors.
- Relevant: Addresses the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
Example: “Our agency specializes in [specific niche/industry], leveraging cutting-edge technology and personalized strategies to deliver exceptional results.
With a proven track record of [specific achievements], we provide tailored solutions that drive growth and maximize ROI for our clients.”
Display This USP on Website, Socials, etc. for Maximum Visibility
To ensure your USP reaches your target audience, display it prominently on your website, social media profiles, marketing materials, and any other customer touchpoints. This consistent messaging reinforces your brand identity and helps potential clients quickly understand your unique value.
Align This with Your Mission and Vision Statements
Your USP should align with your agency’s mission and vision statements to create a cohesive brand identity. The mission statement defines your agency’s purpose and core values, while the vision statement outlines your long-term goals and aspirations.
Ensure that your USP is consistent with these statements to help create a unified and compelling brand message.
Recommended: Mission Statement Generator and Vision Statement Generator
See How This Agency Promotes Their USP
Convince & Convert is an excellent example of an agency that has a strong USP. Their USP is centered around their expertise in content marketing and customer experience, with a focus on creating actionable strategies that drive measurable results.
They emphasize their unique approach and proven success in helping clients improve their digital marketing efforts.
Their USP: “Convince & Convert is the world’s most sought-after content marketing strategy consultancy. We help the world’s most interesting brands create and execute top-notch content marketing strategies that deliver results.”
By clearly articulating their unique value and displaying their USP prominently across their website and marketing materials, Convince & Convert successfully differentiates themselves from competitors and attracts clients looking for specialized expertise in content marketing.
13. Collaborate With Influencers
Partnering with influencers, whether they are prominent industry figures or local personalities, can significantly expand your reach and enhance your credibility. Influencers have established trust and rapport with their followers, making their endorsements and collaborations highly valuable.
Collaborate on Content
Content collaboration with influencers can take various forms, including blog posts, social media takeovers, videos, and podcasts. This collaborative content can showcase your agency’s expertise while leveraging the influencer’s audience.
It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that can drive engagement and attract potential clients.
Co-Host Events and Activities
Co-hosting events and activities with influencers can further amplify your reach. This can include webinars, workshops, live Q&A sessions, or even in-person events.
By co-hosting, you can tap into the influencer’s audience while providing valuable content and building relationships.
Create an Influencer Program or Discount
Creating an influencer program or offering discounts to influencers can incentivize them to promote your services. This could involve providing special access to your services, exclusive discounts, or even a structured referral program.
An influencer program formalizes the partnership and ensures consistent collaboration.
See How This Agency Uses Their Influencer Connections
NoGood is a leading agency known for its effective influencer programs. They specialize in running customized campaigns that target communities naturally. They utilize hyper-targeted influencer marketing campaigns, to create community-led growth for your brand.
By leveraging their extensive network of influencers, NoGood has helped numerous brands achieve significant growth and visibility.
14. Offer Free Audits Or Consultations
Offering free audits or consultations is an excellent way to demonstrate your agency’s value. By providing a sample of your expertise and services, potential clients can see firsthand how your agency can help them achieve their goals.
Build trust and showcase your ability to deliver results.
Provide Value Upfront to Attract New Clients by Offering Free Audits or Consultations
Providing value upfront is a powerful strategy to attract new clients. By offering a free audit or consultation, you can engage potential clients and highlight specific areas where your agency can make a difference.
This initial engagement can be the deciding factor that convinces them to choose your services over competitors.
Free Service
A free service could include an initial consultation, a website audit, a marketing strategy review, or an SEO analysis. These services provide potential clients with valuable insights and actionable recommendations, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to helping them succeed.
Offer Free Trial Period
Offering a free trial period allows potential clients to experience your services without any financial commitment. This could include access to a premium service or software tool for a limited time. A free trial period can help clients understand the benefits of your services and encourage them to continue using them after the trial ends.
Payment Plan (Annual Billing Gets First Month Free)
Introducing a payment plan where annual billing includes a free first month can incentivize clients to commit to a longer-term contract. This approach provides immediate value and encourages clients to invest in your services for an extended period.
This Allows Potential Clients to Experience Your Expertise Firsthand
Allowing potential clients to experience your expertise firsthand through free audits, consultations, or trial periods can lead to higher conversion rates.
By showcasing your skills and the value you provide, clients are more likely to see the benefits of partnering with your agency.
See How This Agency Offers A Free Trials
Disruptive Advertising is a well-known example of an agency that successfully uses free services and trials to attract new leads.
By providing these free resources, Disruptive Advertising allows potential clients to experience the value of their services, leading to higher conversion rates and long-term customer relationships.
By incorporating these strategies, your agency can effectively attract new clients, build trust, and demonstrate the value of your services, ultimately leading to a positive return on investment (ROI).
15. Implement AI And Invest In Training
Staying updated with the latest marketing trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. This includes regularly reading industry publications, attending conferences and webinars, and participating in professional networks. By staying informed, your agency can anticipate changes and adapt strategies to align with new developments.
Adapt Your Strategies Accordingly
Adapting your strategies in response to emerging trends and technologies ensures that your marketing efforts remain effective. This might involve integrating new tools, exploring different channels, or refining your messaging to resonate with evolving consumer preferences.
Invest in Ongoing Training for Your Team
Investing in ongoing training is essential for keeping your team knowledgeable and skilled. This can include providing access to online courses, attending workshops, and offering certifications in specialized areas.
Continuous learning helps your team stay proficient with the latest tools and techniques, enhancing overall performance.
Be Quick to Adopt New Technologies That Can Benefit Your Clients
Embracing new technologies quickly can give your agency an advantage. Evaluate emerging tools and platforms to determine their potential benefits for your clients.
Whether it’s adopting new marketing automation software, leveraging AI for data analysis, or exploring innovative communication channels, being an early adopter can set your agency apart.
Stay Up to Date with AI or Hire an AI Specialist
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing marketing by enabling more personalized, efficient, and data-driven strategies. Staying updated with AI advancements allows your agency to harness these benefits.
If necessary, consider hiring an AI specialist who can help integrate AI solutions into your workflows, analyze data, and develop sophisticated marketing strategies.
See How This Agency Implements Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Cognizant is a prime example of an agency that excels in continuous learning and adaptation. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, they have invested heavily in AI-driven marketing solutions. They provide ongoing training for their team to stay ahead of industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.
By incorporating AI into their operations, Cognizant has been able to offer more personalized and effective marketing solutions to their clients, demonstrating the value of continuous learning and technological adaptation.
By implementing these strategies, your agency can stay at the forefront of the industry, provide exceptional value to clients, and achieve sustained growth.
16. Pursue Partnerships
Identifying complementary business partners involves seeking out companies whose products or services align well with your own, but do not directly compete. These partnerships allow both parties to enhance their offerings and provide more comprehensive solutions to their customers. For example, a marketing agency might partner with a web development company to offer complete digital marketing and web design services.
How Can Two Businesses Mutually Benefit from Partnering with Each Other?
- Shared Resources: Partners can share resources such as technology, expertise, and customer data, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.
- Expanded Reach: By leveraging each other’s customer base and marketing channels, partners can reach a broader audience.
- Enhanced Offerings: Combining services or products can create more attractive and comprehensive solutions for customers.
- Credibility and Trust: Partnerships with reputable businesses can enhance your agency’s credibility and build trust with potential clients.
Opportunities to Connect with Other Clients
Partnerships create opportunities for cross-promotional activities and referrals. For example, you can introduce your partner’s services to your existing clients, and vice versa. Joint marketing campaigns, co-branded content, and bundled offers are effective ways to attract new clients from each partner’s customer base.
Offer a Bundle or Combination of Services with Partner
Creating bundled or combined service offerings can provide added value to clients. For example, a marketing agency might bundle SEO services with a partner’s web hosting packages. These bundles can be marketed as exclusive offers, making them more attractive to potential clients.
Additionally, offering combined services can simplify the purchasing process for clients, as they receive multiple services from a single source.
See How This Agency Utilizes A Partnership
Ogilvy and IBM iX have formed a notable partnership that exemplifies the power of collaboration. Ogilvy, a global advertising and marketing agency, partnered with IBM iX, a leading digital consultancy and design agency.
This partnership allows Ogilvy to leverage IBM iX’s technological expertise and digital solutions to enhance their marketing services. Together, they provide clients with integrated solutions that combine creativity, technology, and data-driven insights, delivering superior results.
By pursuing partnerships with complementary businesses, your agency can expand its offerings, reach new audiences, and create more value for clients. This collaborative approach can drive growth and success for both partners.
By implementing a diverse and adaptive marketing strategy is key to attracting more clients to your agency. By combining these 15 ideas and tailoring them to your unique strengths and target market, you can create a powerful client acquisition funnel.
Remember, consistency and persistence are crucial — keep refining your approach based on results and feedback to maximize your agency’s growth potential. For more insights on building an effective marketing strategy, check out:
