You've optimized your web site, tuned up your web page so it's stellar, and still you want more business for your graphic design studio. Where do you go? What do you do?
Go out and meet your potential clients in person! Many of your potential clients are people oriented. They want to feel that they have a relationship with the person with whom they do business. That personal connection is very important so these particular clients would never dream of doing business with someone just because their web site came up on the first page of the search engine. These are the people who want personal contact, to meet you in person, talk with you on the telephone, and get to know who you are.
It may take some time and effort to build these relationships, but once you do you'll be very happy you did. With clients where you've built a personal connection, the loyalty factor is much higher. They'll stick with you, giving you repeat business over the years.
But, you ask, "How do I meet and attract them to do business with my particular graphic design studio?"
Networking. Depending on the area of the country where you live, there are numerous ways to meet potential clients in your area. Larger cities have a lot of different networking groups. Even smaller towns and communities have clubs and organizations which can be productive networking opportunities. Below are some of the places you can find networking groups and the types of groups you may find.
Chamber of Commerce - Usually local chambers have networking events - breakfast, lunch or evening cocktail mixers. You can come as a visitor the first time and sometimes more than one time. After that they may require you to join -- which is not a bad idea, if you want to build credibility for your graphic design studio. Being able to say you are a member of your local Chamber of Commerce enhances your credibility to people who find you via the web as well.
Business Networking Groups. These are groups that meet for the express purpose of giving and getting business. Some of them meet weekly and some meet monthly. Usually the ones that meet weekly are "exclusive" meaning that if you join as their graphic design studio, no one else in the group will be doing graphic design. The monthly meetings are often non-exclusive meaning that more than one graphic design studio can join.
Other Networking Opportunities. The Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and other humanitarian organizations provide excellent opportunities to network while contributing something back to your community. Alumni organizations, political and school organizations also are excellent fields for networking.
Remember though. Relationships are usually not built overnight. They take time. So, don't expect to show up once and go home with immediate business for your graphic design studio. It may take several meetings for people get to know you and what you do. So while it takes some effort on the front end, the clients you'll get, will stay with you longer, because they know you and see you on a regular basis.