Looking for new clients this May? In this post, I’m sharing the three things I’m focusing on to bring in more leads: AI SEO, Google Business updates, and LinkedIn. A few small, consistent tweaks are already making a difference, and one of them even led to a client finding me through Copilot.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on [Youtube], or scroll down for the summary!
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
One of the things I always try to share is what I’m personally focusing on in my business each month, because honestly, it changes.
There are some things that happen consistently now. I record these podcast episodes, I write my newsletters and blog, I work with lovely Laura on content, and I keep my social media ticking along. But it has taken me well over a decade to build systems where those things happen more naturally.
Alongside those regular tasks, there are always a few extra things I’m experimenting with or putting more energy into depending on what’s going on in my business.
So I thought I’d share three things I’m focusing on this month to help bring in more freelance clients.
1. Improving My SEO and AI SEO
The biggest thing I’m working on right now is my SEO.
I’ve been working with lovely Sam from Create Better Things to improve the SEO on my website, especially around AI SEO, which is becoming increasingly important.
Honestly, my website has needed attention for a while.
One of the challenges of being in business since 2009 is that my website has gone through so many different versions, updates and systems over the years. Sam gently told me off because I have so much content buried in there that people simply cannot find.
We’ve been sorting things like:
- sitemap issues
- category clean-ups
- improving structure
- making content easier for search engines and AI tools to understand
And interestingly, within a couple of weeks of making some of these changes, I had my first client come through Copilot as a recommendation. That was a really exciting moment.
I’ve also noticed more people discovering my podcast and Facebook group through AI searches now too.
For me, SEO and AI SEO feel like the introduction point. Then social media, podcasts and newsletters help people get to know me properly afterwards. It all works together.
2. Updating My Google Business Profile
The second thing I’ve been working on is updating my Google Business profile. This was another thing Sam told me off about. I had not updated it in years. The contact information was outdated, the photos were old, and I had not posted updates there in a very long time.
So I’ve been refreshing everything, including:
- updating contact details
- adding newer photos
- posting updates about my book
- making sure everything actually reflects my business now
If people Google your business and your profile appears, you want it to feel current and trustworthy.
And if you are product-based especially, make sure you are uploading photos regularly because those visuals can make a huge difference.
3. Spending More Time on LinkedIn
The final thing I’m putting more focus on again is LinkedIn.
I know LinkedIn can feel a little dry sometimes, and I definitely have to encourage myself onto the platform more than Instagram. But it is still one of the places where freelance opportunities and connections happen.
My strategy is honestly very simple. This is what I do:
- comment on posts I genuinely enjoy
- post around three times a week
- mostly repurpose content from Instagram
- spend time interacting rather than obsessing over metrics
One slightly ridiculous trick that does help me is the LinkedIn games. I get notifications to keep my streak going, which means I open the app regularly enough to stay active on there.
I’ve also been experimenting a little with a tool called Lime to track some activity and engagement.
The biggest thing with LinkedIn is giving the algorithm time to understand what you actually want to see. Once it starts learning your interests, the platform becomes much more useful and interesting.
It’s Rarely Just One Thing
I think one of the most important things to remember when trying to find clients is that it is rarely one magical strategy.
Usually, it is multiple smaller things working together over time. For me right now, that looks like:
- improving SEO and AI discoverability
- updating older platforms and profiles
- showing up consistently on LinkedIn
- continuing with podcasts, newsletters and social media
None of it is particularly ground breaking. But together, those small actions build visibility.
And visibility is often what leads to opportunities.
I’d love to know what you’re focusing on right now to find more clients. Are you leaning more into SEO, networking, LinkedIn, referrals, or something else entirely?
And if you want more support with freelancing, marketing and building a sustainable freelance business, you can find more resources and coaching over at Freelance Lifestyle.
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