The marketing industry is notoriously cut-throat, and as such, you need to work hard if you want to stand out from the crowd when pitching your services to potential clients.
We can’t promise that these tips are going to make you a millionaire overnight, but they will position you and your business as a reputable authority in your niche – and increase your chances of securing contracts and taking your marketing business to new heights.
Ready? Read on…
Come armed with a portfolio
There’s little point arranging a meeting with a potential client and showing up with a notebook and a pen.
Granted, they may already have spent some time checking out your website and discussing your services over the phone, but going into a boardroom armed with a portfolio of your previous work is a great way to demonstrate your passion and expertise.
Whether it’s case studies or projects, use everything you have to win new business.
Think about your image
Whether you’re selling SEO or graphic design, it’s important to remember that marketing is all about image.
You wouldn’t meet up with Richard Branson in your jeans and a t-shirt, so don’t do the same when meeting potential clients.
Sure, your services are your priority, but you also need to sell yourself – business is all about people.
Wear a suit and buy some smart leather shoes, like the stunning ones on offer at Somiarthreads, and you’re bound to impress CEOs and higher-ups who might be interested in signing up as a client.
Put in the effort!
Use data
The chances are that you have tons of data on your industry, so use it to your advantage if you’re trying to pitch to a new client.
Add slides with graphics and charts that visualise the data, though be selective about what you show so you don’t overwhelm people.
A couple of impactful statistics are going to deliver more bang than a booklet full of data – and remember, you’ll need to be able to back up your data with real-world examples from previous clients.
Practice humility
Finally, remember that a little humility goes a long way.
You’ll probably be pitching in a room full of ego, so be approachable, likeable, and accept that you’re not perfect.
Also, think about the people you’re pitching to – don’t humiliate or undermine their expertise if they don’t know the latest changes in the world of SEO or haven’t heard of content marketing.
Some pitchers fall into ‘aggressive’ territory pretty quickly, but that usually breeds hostility and being shown the door.
Show the company that you’re human; we guarantee they’ll be more likely to bite.
Pitching your services to a new company can be pretty nerve-wracking and it can be upsetting when they don’t go ahead, but remember that it’s not the end of the world.
Work hard, hone your pitching and presentation skills as you go, and you’ll eventually win those pitches and tenders from the biggest companies in your local area.
We wish you good luck!