If I were starting an online business today and wanted to get clients by 2025, here’s what I’d do.
- Patsy Odber
- Oct 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Social media, as a sole marketing tool, is no longer enough to guarantee clients. In fact, relying on it alone could be holding you back. But does that mean you should ditch social media altogether? Absolutely not. The real secret to winning clients in 2025 lies in a strategy much more powerful than simply posting online.
The Problem with Social Media Today
As a media marketer/social media manager, you might be shocked to hear me say this, but social media is now an overcrowded space, full of mistrust and misinformation, much of it bot-generated. Even if you manage to get your content in front of potential clients, it often takes a significant amount of time for them to engage or trust that you’re authentic.
So, does that mean you shouldn’t use social media at all? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Social media still plays an important role, but it should no longer be the foundation of your marketing strategy.
Step One: Know Your Ideal Client
Before anything else, you need to understand who you’re speaking to. Social media might help with visibility, but it won’t guide you towards your ideal client. Here’s what I would do instead:
Post polls and questions to engage your audience and gather insights.
Follow relevant groups to see what discussions are happening.
Use tools like Answer the Public, Google, ChatGPT, and Reddit to research trending topics and popular questions.
This step isn’t as easy as it sounds. It took me two years to refine my niche, discover who I truly want to help and figure out how I can best do it. For some, it may be quicker but don’t feel discouraged if it takes time.
Discovering My True Passion
When I first started my business, I was determined to be an Admin VA. With over 20 years of experience in project management, I figured this was the obvious direction to take. However, after a year in business, I found myself increasingly drawn to media marketing. Now, while I still offer project management services, my heart lies in media marketing, that’s where my passion truly shines.
My journey was largely self-taught. I learned through lurking on social media, experimenting with ChatGPT, and watching YouTube tutorials. Only recently have I begun to invest in training courses, after a year of following trusted experts and building my confidence.
Step Two: Start Blogging
Once you know your audience, it’s time to start a blog. Yes, those first few blog posts might not get much traction – but don’t let that discourage you. Writing is a process, and you’ll learn as you go. Your blog will serve as a knowledge base, a place where you can dive deep into the topics that matter most to your clients.
This is where the real magic happens. Once you’ve written a few blogs, you’ll start to find your voice and realise how much you know. Blogging also highlights any areas where you need to build more knowledge, allowing you to improve and grow as a marketer.
Step Three: Leverage Your Content for Networking
Here’s where things get interesting. Once you’ve built a bank of blog content, you can use it to start conversations in networking groups and this is the real goldmine for finding clients. Your blogs not only demonstrate your expertise but also provide valuable content you can share face-to-face or across various platforms.
Take it a step further and convert your blog posts into skimmable emails or newsletters. This ensures that you stay top of mind for the people you meet in your networking circles.
Social Media – The Reminder Tool
Now, this is where social media comes into play. After someone has read your blog or met you through networking, they’ll need a reminder of your expertise. This is where regular posting on social media can be incredibly valuable. Let’s face it attention spans are short, and people often forget. You need to raise your hand and say, “Hey, I’m still here!”
Also, social media is a great way to test the waters. If you’re thinking about launching an online business, your posts can give you an idea of whether there’s a demand for your services.
The Skill You Need to Master: Storytelling
In today’s marketing landscape, storytelling is key. You need to tell stories that emotionally connect and resonate with the questions your audience is asking. Once you’ve written a blog, you can repurpose that content across multiple platforms emails, newsletters, and social media posts all while maintaining your core message.
Conclusion: Your Path to Success
By 2025, relying on social media alone won’t cut it. To truly stand out, you need a multi-layered approach that starts with storytelling through blogging, networking, and email marketing. It’s a process that takes time, but once you master it, you’ll build a loyal client base and grow your business.
Are you ready to start this journey? Share your thoughts below I’d love to hear where you are on your path!
Need help getting started with media marketing and would like to work with me? Head over to my website for expert guidance!
If you'd rather tackle it yourself, check out my Click and Connect training series—Module 1 is now available to purchase.
Comments