Ask Keri: I just started my wellness business. Now, how do I actually get clients?
Keri Says: That’s kind of the million dollar question, right?
Whether you’re starting out as a Registered Dietitian, nutrition coach, personal trainer (or any other kind of wellness pro), your business won’t go anywhere without anyone to serve.
Figuring out how and where to find clients is key, and we really dig deep on this topic during The Nutritious Life Studio’s Become a Nutrition Coach course.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a few pieces of advice from the many years of building my own private practice, health and wellness brand, and business.
3 Strategies to Find Clients
1. Tap the network you already have
It’s time to get over that feeling of “bothering” your friends—at least for a little while. Tell everyone you know about your new brand and ask them to tell everyone they know about it. Word of mouth marketing is still king (or queen!) even in the super digital world we now live in—especially as a way to gain clients, so don’t be afraid to ask.
In fact, one Nielsen survey found 92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising. Just think about when you’re looking for a new OB/GYN or accountant. What do you do? You ask around. You and your coaching business want to be the answer to those questions!
2. Get smart about social media
You may think you need a dozen social media accounts to build a business these days, and an online presence is important. But you don’t have to be on every social channel, and you don’t want the endless nature of social media marketing to interfere with building a real live business.
Focus on the one or two channels that make the most sense for you and use them as a place to show who you are and what you specialize in. The trick is engaging with your following (especially those who aren’t following you) to demonstrate what you offer.
- Like, comment, and repost often.
- Invite all of your friends to like your Facebook page and follow your Instagram account, and ask them to invite their friends to do the same.
- Periodically, post an ask or a “call to action” in your Facebook status. Ask them to sign up for your newsletter, or follow you on another social media channel, or share the post with their friends. Be direct and ask for what you want. You just might get it!
And don’t worry: there will be plenty of opportunities for you to show your appreciation later by helping out your friends and business connections with their own projects.
RELATED: Natalie Jill’s Social Media Tips to Build a Powerful Healthy Brand
3. Network, network, network (in person)
In addition to the people you already know, you’ve got to get out there to meet new ones. Go to social events and panel discussions that relate to your industry and start shaking hands and meeting people. Making connections within a community of people who share your expertise can be just as productive as meeting new clients directly. There are always opportunities that don’t work for you that you can pass on to others, and vice versa. The more you can help each other, the more successful you’ll be.
Become Nutritious Life Certified
By the way, these tips are just scratching the surface. If you want to go deeper, sign up for the next Nutritious Life Studio Become a Nutrition Coach Certification program. In just 6 months, you’ll be prepared to take the Holistic Health Practitioner board certification, giving you the confidence to become a leading-edge nutrition and wellness coach!
(Image: Shutterstock)
