It’s every creatives worst nightmare. You’re wrapping up current projects and don’t have any new clients lined up. You start wondering if your business is going to be able to sustain you for the rest of your life. Let’s turn this into a positive experience.

What to do When You Don’t Have Any Clients

Make the most out of your current portfolio

The last thing you want to do is make it seem like you don’t have any clients so we want to start using your current portfolio to fill in the gaps. That could include creating blog posts you never got around to while busy. Creating these blog posts will also help you rank higher in searches! Use those blog posts as social media posts. Talk about that client’s experience on your Instagram Stories and posts. Just because the wedding or event happened 6 months ago doesn’t mean you can’t continue to talk about it.

Work on Personal projects

Maybe you don’t have a lot of work in your current portfolio to promote. That’s okay, spend your time creating new work. That could be putting together a Styled Shoot with other creatives in your industry, which bonus points — is a great networking opportunity! Or maybe you want to start booking more High School Seniors, take this opportunity to do some mini-sessions to add more to your current portfolio.

Refresh your website

I know for me I don’t get the opportunity to update my portfolio as much as I’d like. Take this down time to go through your website and curate the images on there. Keep in mind, to put out what you want to attract. So if you’re booking projects or events that don’t light you up and make you excited then re-evaluate what’s on your website.

Work on your client experience

While we’re in the thick of thing it’s hard to spend time on smaller tasks like creating an FAQ page on your website. Or creating a guide with helpful suggestions like what to wear to your family session. It’s a great time to work on those smaller tasks that will give your future client an even better experience.

Reach out to past clients

I love doing this even when I’m busy because it helps keep you top of mind. Your past clients are your greatest asset. Don’t be afraid to reach out to past clients and check up on how they’re doing. Maybe offer a small discount for booking you again as a ‘thank you’ for being such an amazing client. Create a referral source. Reach out to clients and let them know if they send 3 other families your way then you’ll give them a free session. Now is a great time to brainstorm referral methods and how you can create more leads.

View this as an opportunity

I know it’s hard to have a positive mindset when business isn’t as busy as you’d like it to be but try to view it as a positive. This is the perfect time to work on your own business.

Last week I went Live on Instagram for the first time since August 2018 and it was hit! I really enjoy connecting with you in real time. So I’m bringing back my weekly Instagram Lives. Join me every Thursday as I dive into more branding, web strategy and marketing topics.