Running a successful UX/UI business involves not only finding work, but filling your schedule with work you enjoy. In order to do so, finding the right clients is imperative. And to do so takes consistent work, time, and effort.
Marketing professionals refer to this process as “lead generation”. In a nutshell, this is the process in which you make connections with clients, whether they need your services now or in the future. Lead generation can be done in many ways and I have highlighted 7 of them in the information to follow:
Build your Online Presence
Creating your online portfolio should be high on your to-do list. A professional site that shows off your services, portfolio, and client testimonials is a must. Many marketers say that this is your most important marketing piece and the best way to connect and speak to your customers. Make sure to put forth your best with your site, as this is often the first impression you leave with a potential client.
Utilize Social Media
Online platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can help you show off your expertise, your work, and allow you to engage with professional groups and communities. This is a great way to reach a larger market of customers and engage with other like-minded professionals. Getting involved in a few choice social media platforms is a top way to market yourself and thus, your business.
Produce Content Marketing
Blog posts, articles, white papers, newsletters, and videos are just some of the content you can create for your website, social media platforms, and email distribution. By focusing on such things as trends, tips, industry insights, and case studies, you not only show off your expertise, but also your industry understanding. This is a fantastic way to draw attention to your business and expand your customer base.
Engage in Networking
MeetUps, webinars, and in-person industry events are happening all the time, especially if you line in or near a big city. Attending these allows you to connect with potential clients and others in the same line of work, and this can lead to new business or referrals and partnerships. For many, this is the toughest part of marketing, as it requires putting yourself out there and meeting new people. However, the interaction of such events allows for a connection to be made that is both personal and immediate.
Collaborate with Others
There are many vocal UX/UI professionals out there, many of which are considered influencers. Partnering with such individuals can help spread your name and work to a larger audience. Wiring articles, case studies, and otherwise assisting with their content creation allows for an opportunity to not only learn, but to attach your self with another individual who already has a broader influence then you may currently have.
Offer Workshops
Offering workshops, webinars or other live or pre-recorded events is a great way to establish yourself as a professional in the world of UX/UI. Doing so will not only attract fellow industry peers but can lead to collaboration, referrals, and new clients. This is a focused, concentrated way to show off your knowledge and attract attention to your work.
Join Freelance Job Boards
Freelance marketplaces offer an opportunity to get more experience under your belt and build your client database. Though many of these are low paying jobs, it never hurts to have more portfolio pieces and to spread your name around to more companies. Sites like Upwork and Toptal allow you to put a profile up and show examples of your work, allowing you to attract businesses in a way you may not have had before.
Conclusion
Whether in person or online, there are many opportunities to market yourself as a UX/UI professional. The key is to maintain consistency and implement a mixture of the strategies above on a regular basis. Doing so may take time and work, but your efforts will result in positive lead generation, a broader customer base, ad a strong presence win the UX/UI market.
