|
Blog
|
How to Get Clients for Digital Marketing

How to Get Clients for Digital Marketing

How to Get Clients for Digital Marketing
Daniel Fazio
Daniel Fazio
Co-founder @ Client Ascension - The #1 Digital Agency Coaching Program | $15M+ generated helping Agencies & B2B companies scale past $30k+/mo. Live in Tampa, AKA "Cold Email Wizard", and creator of Internet Money Group.
Topics: 
B2B lead generation

22 No-BS Tips to Get Clients for Digital Marketing (Even With No Experience)

Walk into a casino. See those flashing lights? Hear those sirens blaring? That's the sweet sound of a jackpot. People flock to those machines because they see the potential payoff. They know what's possible.

Now, think of your marketing agency. Are you flashing those dollar signs? Are you showing potential clients the massive jackpot they can hit by working with you?

Most marketers aren't. They're like a slot machine with a blank screen. No wonder they struggle to get clients.

In this post, I'm gonna show you how to light up your agency like a Vegas casino. You'll learn how to present those irresistible outcomes that make clients pull out their wallets and say, "Sign me up!"

Ready to hit the jackpot? Let's get started.

TL;DR: 22 Tips to Get Clients for Your Digital Marketing Agency

  • Tip 1: Flash Those Dollar Signs – Show potential clients the "jackpot" they can hit by working with you. Highlight the potential ROI of your services.
  • Tip 2: Quantifiable Results Are Your Golden Ticket – Use case studies to demonstrate the tangible results clients can achieve by working with you.
  • Tip 3: Don't Be a Clickbait Clown – Avoid making empty promises. Be specific and realistic about the results you can deliver.
  • Tip 4: Escape the Case Study Nightmare – If you're just starting out without case studies, offer to work on a performance basis to build trust and show confidence.
  • Tip 5: Build That Upward Spiral, Baby – Provide real value to clients and use case studies to attract bigger clients over time.
  • Tip 6: Steal Secrets from the Ad Platforms – Pay attention to what ad platforms prohibit; these often indicate effective marketing strategies.
  • Tip 7: Show Them the REAL Impact, Not Just Vanity Metrics – Focus on metrics that matter, like increased revenue and profit margins.
  • Tip 8: Crack the ROI Riddle – If you don’t know the exact ROI you can deliver, ask the client what they would consider a win.
  • Tip 9: Master the Three Pillars of Lead Gen – Focus on the three ways to generate leads: organic traffic, ads, and cold outreach.
  • Tip 10: Pick the Right Horse for Your Lead Gen Race – Cold outreach is fastest and cheapest, content marketing works for long-term growth, and ads can be effective but costly.
  • Tip 11: Unleash the Power of Service-Based Lead Magnets – Offer a free, valuable service to potential clients to build reciprocity.
  • Tip 12: Build Your Content Empire – Create a content engine that attracts clients around the clock.
  • Tip 13: Run Ads That Don't Suck – Use ads strategically in conjunction with other lead generation strategies.
  • Tip 14: Don't Be a Flake – Show up consistently, provide value, and build relationships with your audience.
  • Tip 15: Conquer the Authority Pyramid – Start with done-for-you services and move to high-level offerings as you gain experience.
  • Tip 16: Show 'Em What You're Worth – Be transparent about your process and highlight the effort involved in your services.
  • Tip 17: Master the Art of the E-commerce Upsell – Offer more comprehensive services to e-commerce brands to stand out.
  • Tip 18: Unleash the Power of Social Proof – Use case studies and testimonials to demonstrate the results you can deliver.
  • Tip 19: Proof is King, Baby – Prioritize proof over guarantees; focus on sharing results with the world.
  • Tip 20: Avoid These Social Proof Fails – Avoid vague claims or testimonials lacking specific, quantifiable results.
  • Tip 21: Present Case Studies Like a Pro – Focus on results rather than names in case study titles.
  • Tip 22: Get Proof Even When You're a Nobody – Offer lower prices or free work in exchange for testimonials and case studies.

#1. Quantifiable Results Are Your Golden Ticket

Remember that casino analogy? People don't pump quarters into slot machines for the thrill of pulling a lever. They want the jackpot. The same goes for your clients. They're not buying your services for the sake of it; they're buying the promise of a return.

When someone gets a referral to your agency, they come with built-in expectations. They've heard about the results you delivered for someone else. But cold traffic? They're walking in blind. You need to show them the money to get them excited.

That's where case studies come in. They're your proof, your evidence, your golden ticket. Case studies demonstrate the tangible results clients can achieve by working with you. They paint a picture of what's possible.

But don't just talk about how you do it. Nobody cares if you use Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or carrier pigeons. They care about the outcome. Focus on the impact your services have on their bottom line:

  • Increased revenue
  • Higher profit margins
  • More leads
  • Booming sales

Sell the transformation, not the tools. Make it crystal clear what clients can expect to gain by working with you. That's what gets them to take action.

#2. Don't Be a Clickbait Clown: Promise (and Deliver) Real Results

Let's talk about those "gurus" promising the moon and delivering a pile of dirt. You know the ones:

"We'll help you make an extra $100,000 to $300,000 per year in Revenue with Google Ads!"

Sounds great, right? But hold on a second... What about the cost of those ads? What about the profit margin? This promise is as empty as a politician's promise.

Or how about those YouTube videos screaming about the magic of Twitter Ads? They show you some fancy dashboards with "1 cent per click!" But do they ever reveal the actual return on ad spend? Nope. They leave you hanging like a bad Tinder date.

Clients don't care about vanity metrics. They don't give a damn about clicks or impressions. They want to know how much money they'll make.

So, cut the crap and give them the real deal:

  • "Increase your profit margins by 15% within 6 months."
  • "Generate $50,000 in new revenue through targeted Facebook Ads."
  • "Get 2x more qualified leads with our proven cold email strategy."

Be specific. Be bold. Back up your claims with evidence.

You're not selling magic beans. You're selling results. Deliver on your promises, and you'll build a reputation that attracts clients like moths to a flame.

#3. The "No Case Study" Nightmare (And How to Escape It)

"But Daniel," you might be saying, "I'm just starting out. I don't have any case studies. What the hell am I supposed to do?"

Don't sweat it, rookie. I've been there. We all start somewhere.

The most common question you'll get from potential clients is: "What's the expected ROI?" When you're new to the game, that can be a tough one to answer.

Here's the solution: work on a performance basis.

Yep, you heard that right. Tell those clients, "Look, I'm so confident in my skills that I'll only get paid when you profit."

This does two things:

  1. Builds trust: It shows you're not just some fly-by-night operator. You're willing to put your money where your mouth is.
  2. Demonstrates confidence: It signals that you believe in your ability to deliver results.

Honesty is the best policy. Be upfront about your experience level. Use the performance-based model as your unique selling proposition. It's a powerful way to differentiate yourself from the competition and land those first few clients.

You're not just offering marketing services; you're offering a partnership. You're saying, "I'm in this with you. We succeed together."

How Ayman Scaled to $93.5K/mo within 12 Mos Inside CA

Ayman scaled his YouTube marketing agency from $2,000 to $93,500 per month in under a year with Client Ascension. By pivoting to long-form content and leveraging CA's strategies, Ayman achieved record-breaking results.

$2K → $93.5K/mo

Monthly Revenue Growth

16+

High-ticket Clients

30-41%

Sales Close Rate

#4. Build Your Upward Spiral: From Zero to Hero

So you've landed a few clients, and you're starting to get the hang of this whole marketing thing. Now, it's time to build your upward spiral.

Avoid sales trickery. Don't try to be slick or manipulative. Be honest, transparent, and genuinely helpful. Build relationships with your clients, and they'll be loyal to you for life.

Case studies are essential. As you start to get results for your clients, turn those experiences into case studies. Show the world what you're capable of. Showcase the tangible results you've delivered. This will build your credibility and attract more clients.

The performance-based loop: Once you have a few case studies under your belt, you can start charging more and working with bigger clients. This will allow you to produce even more case studies, which will help you attract even bigger clients, and so on and so forth. It's a virtuous cycle.

Remember, it takes time to build one of the most successful digital marketing agencies. But if you're patient, consistent, and focused on providing real value to your clients, you'll be well on your way to the top.

Here's a quick recap of the steps:

  1. Focus on providing real value to your clients.
  2. Use case studies to showcase your results.
  3. Work on a performance basis to build trust and confidence.
  4. Be honest and transparent in your communication.
  5. Build relationships with your clients.

By following these steps, you'll be able to build a successful marketing agency that provides real value to your clients and generates a steady stream of income.

#5. Steal Secrets from the Ad Platforms

Ever heard the saying, "Marketers ruin everything"? Well, it's kinda true. Especially those scummy marketers who use fake testimonials and phony results. (Don't be that guy.)

But here's a little secret: you can learn a lot from what ad platforms don't allow.

Think about it. Why do Facebook and TikTok ban certain practices? Because they work too damn well.

For example, you know those before-and-after photos weight loss companies use? Yeah, those are often banned on ad platforms. Why? Because they're incredibly persuasive.

So, while I'm not suggesting you break any rules (stay legit, my friend), pay attention to what gets flagged by the ad police. It might just give you some ideas for your own marketing.

Integrity is key. Don't fake your results. Use real case studies and testimonials. People can sniff out BS a mile away, and it'll only hurt your reputation in the long run.

And never forget the importance of ROI. Clients need to see the potential financial return to justify their investment. Always tie your digital marketing services back to their bottom line.

#6. Show Them the REAL Impact, Not Just Vanity Metrics

Okay, so you're tracking results. That's awesome. But are you tracking the right results?

Most marketers get caught up in vanity metrics. They're obsessed with things like:

  • Website traffic
  • Email replies
  • Social media followers

These metrics might look impressive, but they don't tell the whole story. They're like a flashy sports car with no engine. Sure, it looks cool, but it ain't going anywhere.

Clients don't care about vanity metrics. They care about cold, hard cash. They want to know how your services will impact their bottom line.

So, ditch the fluff and focus on the metrics that matter:

  • Increased revenue
  • Higher profit margins
  • More qualified leads
  • Closed deals

The closer you get to demonstrating the real impact of your services, the easier it will be to convince clients to invest.

Think of it like this:

  • Surface level: "We got you 1,000 email replies!" (Who cares?)
  • Deeper level: "We booked 50 sales calls from those replies." (Getting warmer...)
  • Bottom line: "We closed 10 new clients worth $100,000 in revenue." (Now you're talking)

Show them the money, and they'll be throwing it at you.

#7. Crack the ROI Riddle

"But Daniel," you might be wondering, "what if I don't know the exact ROI I can deliver? What if I'm working with a new client or in a new industry?"

Simple. Ask the client.

During your sales calls, hit them with this:

"Mr./Ms. Prospect, what would you consider a win? What kind of results would make this a worthwhile investment for you?"

Listen carefully to their answer. Get a feel for their expectations.

Be realistic. If their expectations are completely out of whack, don't be afraid to say, "Look, I don't think I can deliver those kinds of results. It wouldn't be fair to you (or me) to take on this project."

Honesty and transparency go a long way in building trust with potential clients. And remember, it's better to walk away from a bad deal than to overpromise and underdeliver.

#8. Master the Three Pillars of Lead Gen

There are only three ways to generate leads for your business:

  1. Organic Traffic: People finding you through search engines, social media, or referrals.
  2. Ads: Paying to put your message in front of potential clients.
  3. Cold Outreach: Reaching out to people directly (e.g., cold email, cold calling).

That's it. No magic formulas, no secret handshakes. Just these three pillars.

Now, let's talk about how to actually turn those leads into paying clients. We need to understand the difference between conversion mechanisms and aggregators.

Conversion Mechanisms: These are the things that directly drive conversions, like:

  • Direct offers: "Buy my stuff."
  • Lead magnets: Freebies that capture contact information (more on this later).
  • Service-based lead magnets: Offering a free consultation or audit.

You'll use these with your ads and cold outreach.

Aggregators: These are platforms where you build an audience and nurture leads over time, like:

  • Your website
  • YouTube channel
  • Social media profiles

These work with your organic traffic strategy.

When you're running ads or doing cold outreach, focus on conversion mechanisms. Don't waste time and money on strategies that don't directly drive conversions. You want those leads to take action now.

How Michael Went from $25k/mo to $80k/mo inside Client Ascension

Michael, co-founder of an Amazon FBA coaching program, grew his business from $25k/month to $80k/month in just six months after joining Client Ascension. By refining his offer, systematizing operations, and improving his sales process, Michael scaled quickly and is on track to hit $100k/month.

$25k → $80k/mo

Revenue Growth

180 Days

To 7-Figures

$55k Leap

In 6 Months

#9. Pick the Right Horse for Your Lead Gen Race

You know the three ways to generate leads. But which one should you focus on? That depends on your current stage and resources.

Let's break down each strategy in terms of speed, cost, and scale:

  • Cold Outreach (e.g., cold email):
    • Speed: Fast (you can start seeing results quickly)
    • Cost: Cheap (often just your time and some basic tools)
    • Scale: Linear (it doesn't compound, meaning you have to keep putting in the effort to see results)
    • Ideal for: Beginners with limited budgets who need to get clients fast.
  • Content Marketing (e.g., blogging, YouTube):
    • Speed: Slow (takes time to build an audience and see results)
    • Cost: Cheap (mainly your time and effort)
    • Scale: Compounding (your content works for you 24/7, attracting leads even while you sleep)
    • Ideal for: Building long-term assets and establishing authority. Start this from day one, even if you don't see immediate results.
  • Ads (e.g., Facebook Ads, Google Ads):
    • Speed: Fast (you can get in front of potential clients quickly)
    • Cost: Expensive (requires a budget for ad spend)
    • Scale: Linear (similar to cold outreach, you need to keep investing to see results)
    • Ideal for: Established businesses with capital to invest and a proven offer.

Here's the recommended order:

  1. Start with cold outreach. It's the fastest and cheapest way to get clients, especially when you're starting from scratch.
  2. Add content marketing. Start building your content library from day one to create long-term assets and establish authority.
  3. Incorporate ads when you have the resources and experience. Once you have a proven offer and some capital to invest, ads can be a powerful way to scale your growth.

Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on one strategy at a time, master it, and then move on to the next.

#10. Utilize the Power of Service-Based Lead Magnets

Cold outreach can be tough. It's like knocking on strangers' doors and asking them to buy your services. No wonder most people give up after a few rejections.

But there's a secret weapon that can make cold outreach way easier: service-based lead magnets.

Instead of just offering a free e-book or webinar, offer a free, valuable service. Something that will help your potential clients solve a specific problem.

Here are a few examples:

  • A free ad creative review
  • A website audit
  • A social media content audit
  • A free 15-minute strategy call

By offering a service-based lead magnet, you're not just giving away information. You're demonstrating your skills and building reciprocity. People are more likely to buy from someone they trust, and by providing them with a valuable service, you're showing them that you know your stuff.

Service-based lead magnets also have a higher conversion rate than traditional lead magnets. In fact, some studies have shown that they can be up to 3-5 times more effective.

Example: I once had a client who was struggling to get clients for his digital marketing agency. He was using traditional lead magnets (e.g., free ebooks, webinars) but wasn't seeing great results.

I suggested he switch to a service-based lead magnet: a free 30-minute consultation to help potential clients identify their biggest marketing challenges.

Within a few months, he was booked solid with clients.

Don't be afraid to offer a free service as a lead magnet. It's a great way to build trust, demonstrate your expertise, and generate high-quality leads.

#11. Build Your Content Empire: Play the Long Game

Let's talk about building a content engine that works for you 24/7, attracting clients even while you're sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere.

But first, we need to understand what I mean by "content." I'm not talking about any old blog post or random YouTube video. I'm talking about sales assets. These are pieces of content that are strategically designed to:

  • Attract potential clients
  • Educate them about your services
  • Demonstrate your expertise
  • And ultimately, convert them into paying customers

Your content is your sales team on autopilot. It's working for you even when you're not.

Here are a few examples of sales assets:

  • Case studies (we've already talked about how important these are.)
  • Tutorials
  • Guides
  • Webinars
  • Blog posts
  • Videos

The key is to create content that is valuable to your target audience. Address their pain points, answer their questions, and provide them with actionable insights.

The Case Study Loop:

Here's a powerful strategy for creating a content engine that fuels your growth:

  1. Get results for your clients.
  2. Turn those results into a case study.
  3. Create a video about the case study.
  4. Promote the video on your website and social media platforms.
  5. Attract new clients through your video.
  6. Get more results for your existing clients, and repeat the process.

This creates a virtuous cycle where your content attracts prospective clients, and your satisfied clients fuel your content.

Example: Back in 2022, I created a video about how to grow your Twitter following. That video still generates leads for my business today, two years later. That's the power of a content engine.

Consistently create high-quality content that addresses your target audience's needs and interests. This will help you attract and convert leads on autopilot, building a sustainable business that can thrive for years to come.

How Collin Built a $100k/mo Google Ads Marketing Agency

Collin, owner of a Google Ads agency, scaled his business from $50k/month to $100k/month in just a few months with the help of Client Ascension’s 1:1 coaching. By repositioning his services and launching a consulting offer, he created a more scalable and efficient business model.

$50k → $100k

In Revenue

12hr → 4hr Days

Reduced Workload

$2M Target

Annual Revenue

#12. Run Ads That Don't Suck

Ads can be a powerful tool for growth, but they can also be a money pit if you don't know what you're doing.

Most people approach ads the wrong way. They throw together a quick campaign, target a broad audience, and cross their fingers. Then they wonder why they're not seeing any results.

Don't be that guy.

Here's how to run profitable ad campaigns:

  • Focus on conversion mechanisms. Remember those? Video sales letters (VSLs), lead magnets, and low-ticket offers are your friends. Use them to drive conversions and get people to take action.
  • Example 1: I once created a VSL funnel for a B2B offer that generated a 2.93x ROI. That means for every dollar I spent on ads, I made $2.93 back. Not too shabby, right?
  • Example 2: Another time, I used a lead magnet and self-liquidating offer funnel to generate an 8x ROI. That's like turning $1 into $8.
  • The importance of a strong offer and funnel: Ads are just one piece of the puzzle. You also need compelling copy, effective email follow-ups, and a strong sales process.
  • The self-liquidating offer advantage: This is a powerful strategy for offsetting your ad costs. By offering a low-ticket product, you can generate leads for free (or even at a profit).

Approach ads strategically. Don't just throw money at them and hope for the best. Use them in conjunction with other lead generation strategies, and focus on driving conversions.

#13. Don't Be a Flake: Show Up Consistently (Or Get Left Behind)

Building a business is a damn marathon, not a sprint. And sometimes, it's tempting to take shortcuts or jump from one shiny new tactic to the next.

But here's the truth: consistency is king.

Think of it like building a relationship. You don't just show up once, drop a cheesy pickup line, and expect to get married. You gotta put in the time and effort to nurture that connection.

The same goes for your audience. Show up consistently. Provide value. Engage with them. Be present.

And don't put all your eggs in one basket. Build an audience on multiple platforms:

  • Email list
  • YouTube
  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • LinkedIn

This way, if one platform goes down (or changes its algorithm), you're not screwed.

  • Perpetual existence: The more you show up, the more people will see you. The more they see you, the more they'll trust you. And the more they trust you, the more likely they are to become clients.
  • Increase conversion probability: It's a simple numbers game. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you have to connect with potential clients.

So, don't be a flake. Show up consistently, provide value, and build relationships. It's the key to long-term success.

#14. Conquer the Authority Pyramid

Nobody wants to buy from a nobody. In the marketing world, authority is everything. It's like that cool kid in high school everyone wanted to be friends with.

But how do you build authority when you're just starting out? It's like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops.

That's where the Authority Pyramid comes in. It's a simple framework that helps you understand the different levels of authority and how to achieve them.

The Offer Pyramid

Imagine a pyramid. At the top are the most exclusive, high-ticket offers. These are the done-for-you services that require a lot of expertise and authority to sell. Think of them as the luxury cars of the marketing world.

In the middle are the done-with-you services. These are coaching or consulting programs where you work with clients to help them achieve their goals. This requires a moderate level of authority.

At the bottom are the do-it-yourself services. These are courses, workshops, or other self-paced resources that clients can use to learn and grow at their own pace. This requires the least amount of authority.

As a beginner, it's best to start at the bottom of the pyramid. Focus on offering done-for-you services that don't require a lot of expertise or authority. As you gain experience and build your reputation, you can gradually move up the pyramid and offer more sophisticated services.

Here's a quick recap of the key points:

  • Understand the hierarchy of offers.
  • Start with done-for-you services.
  • Build your authority over time.

How Dan Scaled his AI Automation Agency to $110k/mo inside CA

Dan Gibbs, founder of an AI automation agency, scaled his revenue from £10k to £80k per month (approximately $13,000 to $110,000) within a year of joining Client Ascension. By pivoting his services to meet market demand for AI automation, Dan built a powerful cold email outreach strategy and enhanced his scalability.

$13k → $110k/mo

Revenue Growth

40 Leads/Day

Lead Flow

$7.5k - $75k

Avg. Contract Value

#15. Logistical Intensity: Why Doing the Heavy Lifting Pays Off

"Logistical intensity." Sounds fancy, right? But it's actually a simple concept. The more work you do for your clients, the more valuable your services become.

The Work Ratio

As you move down the pyramid from done-for-you services to do-it-yourself services, the amount of work that the client has to do increases. This is because done-for-you services are designed to be as hands-off as possible for the client. They simply pay for the service and let you do the work.

The Value Proposition

So, what's the value proposition of offering done-for-you services? It's that you're handling all the work for the client. This is a huge value proposition, especially for busy business owners who don't have the time or expertise to do it themselves.

Here's an example: Imagine you're a digital marketing agency that offers done-for-you social media management. You could charge a client $1,000 per month to manage their social media accounts. But what if you instead offered a do-it-yourself course for $1,000? The client would still have to do all the work themselves, and they wouldn't get the same level of results.

The point is, people are willing to pay a premium for done-for-you services because they value the time and effort that you're saving them.

When you're offering done-for-you services, make sure to emphasize the value that you're providing by handling all the work for your clients. This will help you justify your pricing and close more deals.

#16. Capturing and Communicating Value: Show 'Em What You're Worth

You're busting your ass, delivering amazing results for your clients. But are you effectively communicating that value? Are you showing them exactly what you're worth?

Most marketers aren't. They're like a hidden treasure chest, buried deep beneath the sand. No one's gonna find it unless you show them where to dig.

Here's the thing: people need to see the value to appreciate it. You gotta make it crystal clear what you bring to the table.

Example Time: Remember that time I dropped $110,000 on ad creatives? Yeah, that was a hefty price tag. But I knew it was worth it because I was offloading a ton of "logistical intensity."

Instead of spending weeks writing scripts, finding actors, filming, and editing, I paid someone else to handle it all. That freed up my time to focus on other things (like making more money).

Highlight the Effort

When you're communicating the value of your services, don't be afraid to get granular. Break down the process. Show them all the steps involved.

For example, if you're offering search engine optimization services, you could say:

"We'll conduct a comprehensive SEO audit of your website, including:

  • Keyword research
  • On-page optimization
  • Off-page optimization
  • Content creation
  • Link building
  • And ongoing performance tracking"

By highlighting the marketing efforts involved, you're justifying your pricing and demonstrating the value you bring to the table.

Show, Don't Just Tell

Don't just say you're awesome. Prove it. Use case studies, testimonials, and data to back up your claims.

Capture and communicate the value of your services by being transparent about your process and highlighting the effort involved. Show your clients exactly what they're getting for their money.

#17. Sell to E-commerce Brands: The Art of the Upsell

You're now ready to start selling your services. But who are you going to sell to?

Many beginners want to focus on e-commerce brands. And why not? They're a booming industry with plenty of money to spend on marketing.

However, selling to e-commerce brands can be challenging, especially if you don't have a lot of established authority. These brands are getting bombarded with pitches from all sorts of agencies and freelancers. How do you stand out from the crowd?

One way is to increase your logistical intensity. This means offering a more comprehensive service that includes more work on your part. For example, you could offer:

  • Influencer sourcing: Help your clients find and partner with influencers in their industry.
  • Product shipping: Handle the logistics of shipping products to clients.
  • Ad scripting and editing: Create compelling ad copy and visuals.
  • Campaign management: Run and optimize ad campaigns for your clients.
  • Performance-based pricing: Only get paid when your campaigns deliver results.

By offering a more comprehensive service, you're differentiating yourself from the competition and making it easier for e-commerce brands to say yes.

Don't be afraid to go the extra mile for your e-commerce clients. The more value you can provide, the more likely they are to hire you.

#18. The Power of Social Proof

In the digital marketing industry, social proof is everything. It's the proof that your services work, and it's the best way to convince potential clients to hire you.

Growth = Social Proof

Your company's growth is directly proportional to the amount of social proof you have in different industry events. The more case studies and testimonials you have, the more credible you'll appear to potential clients.

Use Clear, Specific Examples

When you're creating case studies, be sure to use clear, specific examples of the results you've achieved for your clients. Don't just say, "We helped this client increase their revenue." Instead, say, "We helped this client increase their revenue by $50,000 in just six months."

Become a Case Study Machine

The primary goal of signing clients should be to generate case studies. Don't just focus on the short-term benefits of working with a client. Think about the long-term benefits of having a case study that you can use to attract more clients.

The Client-Case Study Loop

Here's the process:

  1. Sign a client.
  2. Get them results.
  3. Turn those results into a case study.
  4. Use the case study to attract more clients.
  5. Repeat.

Social proof is essential for building a successful marketing agency. Make sure to focus on getting results for your clients and sharing those results with the world.

Sam Built a $55k/mo TikTok & Short Form Content Agency inside CA

Sam, owner of a TikTok and short-form content agency, grew his business to $55k/month by optimizing his operations and targeting high-value clients. After joining Client Ascension, he systematized his processes, hired a team, and signed a $9,500/month client, enabling him to focus on scaling his business while delegating daily work.

$55k/mo

Recurring Revenue

$9.5k Client

Signed for 6 Months

No 12hr Days

Delegated Workload

#19. Get Proof Even When You're a Nobody

One of the biggest challenges for new marketing agencies is getting their first few case studies. It can take time to build up a portfolio of successful work.

But don't get discouraged. There are a few things you can do to get started:

  • Offer lower prices: When you're first starting out, you may need to offer discounted rates in order to get clients. This will allow you to build up your experience and portfolio.
  • Work for free: If you're having trouble finding paying clients, you can offer to work for free in exchange for a testimonial or case study. This is a great way to get your name out there and start building your reputation.

It takes time and effort to build a portfolio of case studies. But don't give up. Start small and be patient. Eventually, you'll start to see results.

#20. Proof is King: Guarantee vs. Proof

When it comes to building trust and credibility, many marketers focus on offering guarantees. But I believe that proof is even more important.

Proof is the ultimate currency of trust. It's the concrete evidence that your services work. When you can show potential clients that you've helped other local businesses achieve their goals, they're more likely to trust you and hire you.

Guarantees can be valuable, but they're not always enough. A guarantee is simply a promise. Proof, on the other hand, is tangible evidence that your promise can be fulfilled.

Here are a few examples of how proof can improve your business:

  • Higher response rates: When you have proof that you can deliver results, people are more likely to respond to your cold emails and calls.
  • Higher call booking rates: People are more likely to book a meeting with you if they know you can help them achieve their goals.
  • Higher closing rates: Once you're in front of a potential client, you're more likely to close the deal if you can show them proof that your services work.
  • Pricing power: When you have a strong track record of success, you can charge more for your services.

Prioritize proof over guarantees. Focus on getting results for your clients and sharing those results with the world.

#21. Avoid These Social Proof Fails

You're ready to plaster testimonials all over your professional website and scream your client wins from the rooftops. But hold your horses there, buckaroo.

There's a right way and a wrong way to use social proof. And if you do it wrong, you might as well be shooting yourself in the foot.

Vague Claims = Zero Impact

Don't waste my time with fluffy testimonials like:

"We loved working with [Your Agency Name]!" - John Smith, CEO of Some Random Company

Who cares? What did you actually do for them? Did you increase their revenue? Did you help them land a huge client? Did you make them the most popular kid in school?

Get Specific, Get Real

Focus on tangible outcomes. Instead of vague praise, showcase the actual results you achieved:

  • "Increased website traffic by 40% in 3 months."
  • "Generated 1,500 qualified leads through a targeted LinkedIn campaign."
  • "Boosted sales by 20% with a killer email marketing strategy."

Money Talks (Most of the Time)

While not every client is solely focused on money, let's be real, most B2B and marketing agencies are. So, whenever possible, highlight the financial impact of your work:

  • "Increased revenue by $100,000."
  • "Improved profit margins by 15%."
  • "Generated a 3x ROI on ad spend."

Those numbers speak for themselves.

Don't just tell people you're awesome. Show them. Use specific, quantifiable results to demonstrate the value you bring to the table.

#22. Present Case Studies Like a Pro

Once you've created some amazing case studies, it's time to showcase them to the world. But how do you do it in a way that's both compelling and effective?

Highlight the results, not the name. The title of your case study should focus on the quantifiable outcome, not the client's name.

For example, instead of saying "John Smith's Success Story," you could say "How John Smith Increased His Revenue by $50,000 in 6 Months."

See the difference? The first title is vague and generic. The second title is specific and compelling. It tells the reader exactly what they can expect to learn from the case study.

Here are a few more examples of effective case study titles:

  • "How We Grew Our Email List from 1,000 to 10,000 Subscribers in 3 Months"
  • "How We Increased Our Conversion Rate by 20% with A/B Testing"
  • "How We Generated $100,000 in Revenue with Social Media Advertising"

Use your case studies to showcase the results you can deliver for your clients. Be specific and quantifiable, and focus on the benefits of working with you.

Nail Those Clients (and Scale Your Agency to the Moon)

You've now got the insider secrets to getting clients for your digital marketing agency, even if you're starting from scratch. It's all about providing value, building trust, and showcasing those killer results.

Key takeaways

  • Focus on quantifiable results.
  • Offer a service-based lead magnet.
  • Build a content engine.
  • Use social proof effectively.
  • Be consistent and persistent.

Now, if you're serious about scaling your agency to the moon, you need a proven system. You need a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. You need mentorship from people who have been there, done that.

That's where Client Ascension comes in. We'll help you build a client acquisition system that books calls and closes deals. We'll show you how to create irresistible offers, craft killer cold emails, and master the art of the sale. Plus, you'll get access to our exclusive community of high-performing agency owners.

Ready to take your agency to the next level? Read out to a digital agency coach today. We'll help you get those high-paying clients you deserve. And if you do everything we say and it doesn't work, you'll get a full refund. No questions asked.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started.

Join the #1 Coaching Program for Agency Owners

Daniel Fazio & the Client Ascension team currently make over $800,000/mo, and help other agency owners & B2B companies scale past $30k/mo. Think you're a fit?

Join Now