Once you have set up your consulting business and created a business plan, the next step is marketing. Finding the right clients can be the most time-consuming and challenging part of starting a consulting business.

There is no one “right” way to market your business, but the best marketing approach is to use a variety of different ways to get the word out. Put together a marketing plan that includes some of the following ideas.

1. Networking – People do business with those they know, like and trust. It’s not “what” you know, but “who.” Announce to everyone you know that you have started a new business. Check out local networking groups on Meetup.com. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Start meeting people and building your contact database.
2. Word of mouth/ referrals – As you start spreading the word about your consulting services, one of the primary ways you will attract new clients is through referrals. Don’t hesitate to ask clients, friends, and contacts if they know anyone who might benefit from your services.
3. Advertising – While more expensive than networking and referral marketing, advertising is the most common form of marketing and self-promotion. When you start out, TV ads and full-page spreads in major publications will be outside your marketing budget, so look for more affordable alternatives. Perhaps you can buy a list of people within your niche market and mail to them. Perhaps you can find publications targeting them and advertise there. Focus on where your target audience is, then advertise in those places.
4. Web marketing – One of the best “bang for your buck” marketing strategies is to use the web.Websites can be extremely affordable. Pay-per-click advertising allows you to target very specific audiences based on what keywords they type into Google. By building a content-rich website, you can get listed at the top of Google’s search results for your top keywords. Article marketing is a free way to syndicate your content to a larger audience.
5. Social media marketing – Facebook and Twitter offer cheap and easy ways to reach your target market online or to network with high-profile “experts” in your field.
6. Create a free report – Consider giving prospects a sample of your consulting services by writing a top seven mistakes guide and giving it away on your website or when people call your office.

Marketing is an ongoing effort, so schedule time daily to devote to attracting new clients.

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