How to get marketing clients in 2026: 18 strategies

After working with dozens of agencies on client acquisition, I've noticed that consistent growth comes from diversifying tactics rather than betting everything on referrals or cold outreach alone. These 18 strategies will show you how to get marketing clients and build predictable revenue in 2026.

Why getting marketing clients is different now

Getting marketing clients is different now because the barrier to entry has dropped while the barrier to standing out has risen. AI tools and automation have made it easier than ever to start a marketing agency, which means thousands more agencies compete for the same clients.

I've seen this shift firsthand. The opportunity is bigger than it's ever been. Businesses spend more on digital marketing now than they did five years ago. But buyers have also gotten smarter and more skeptical. They want case studies, testimonials, and clear proof of results before they'll take a discovery call.

Generic positioning doesn't work anymore, and agencies that claim to "do it all" get lost in the noise. The ones that win combine multiple acquisition strategies to build credibility, reach the right people, and create systems that turn one-time clients into repeat business.

How to get marketing clients in 2025: 18 strategies

Agencies that rely on referrals and one outbound channel hit a ceiling fast. When that channel slows down, lead flow dries up. The agencies that grow consistently treat client acquisition like a portfolio. They diversify across credibility builders, direct outreach, and relationship systems. 

Here are 18 strategies that work in 2025:

1. Build content that ranks in AI results and search engines

SEO (search engine optimization) means creating content that shows up when people search Google for solutions. When prospects search for help, your blog posts, guides, or case studies can appear first in the results. 

There's also AEO (answer engine optimization), which helps your content appear in AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Google's AI summaries. These tools pull direct answers from websites, so writing clear, straightforward content increases your chances of being featured.

Write content that answers specific questions your ideal clients ask. Focus on specific search phrases like "B2B SaaS marketing agency" or "ecommerce Facebook ads specialist" rather than broad terms like "marketing agency." These specific phrases are easier to rank for and attract people who are actually looking to hire. 

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Pick topics that match what your ideal clients search for: Start by answering common client questions and objections, then write about the industry-specific challenges your target clients face. Step-by-step guides work well because they demonstrate your expertise in action, and comparison articles between tools or strategies help prospects make buying decisions in your niche.
• Structure your content to rank higher in search results: Include your target search phrase in both the title and first paragraph, then break up text with clear headings that answer specific questions. Back up your points with examples, screenshots, or data, and link to other relevant articles on your site to keep readers engaged longer.
• Publish on a consistent schedule: Two articles per week build momentum faster than publishing 10 in one month and then going quiet for three. Search engines reward sites that update regularly with fresh, relevant content.
• Track which articles drive actual leads: Use Google Analytics or your CRM to see which blog posts prospects read before booking calls, then double down on topics that convert and retire or refresh underperforming content.

Search rankings typically take 6-12 months to develop at first, but their value compounds over time. One well-ranking article can generate leads over several years. I've seen some agencies pull in 10-15 qualified leads per month from a focused library of 40-50 well-optimized articles, though results vary significantly based on niche competition, keyword difficulty, and content quality.

If SEO feels overwhelming, consider hiring an SEO specialist or content strategist who can handle the technical side while you focus on running your agency.

2. Create case studies with measurable results

Case studies prove you can deliver what you promise. Prospects want to see real numbers from real clients before they trust you with their budget.

Pick your best client wins and break down the strategy, execution, and results. Include specific metrics like "increased organic traffic by 240%" or "reduced cost per acquisition from $85 to $34." Use screenshots, graphs, or client quotes to add credibility.

Post case studies on your website, share them during sales calls, and repurpose them into LinkedIn posts or email nurture sequences.

3. Collect and display client testimonials

Testimonials reduce skepticism faster than anything you can say about yourself. One strong testimonial from a recognizable client can close deals you'd otherwise lose.

Ask clients for testimonials right after you hit a milestone or deliver strong results. Make it easy by sending 3-4 guiding questions like "What problem were you trying to solve?" and "What results did you see?"

Display testimonials on your homepage, service pages, and proposal decks. Video testimonials carry more weight than text, but both work if the feedback is specific.

4. Launch a referral program with clear incentives

Referrals convert better than cold leads because they come with built-in trust. A formal referral program turns occasional word-of-mouth into a predictable channel for growth.

Offer clients a clear incentive for referring other businesses. This could be a discount on future services, a cash bonus, or a free month of work. I recommend that you make the process simple with a referral link or a one-page form that they can share.

5. Use LinkedIn for outreach and personal branding

LinkedIn works for both inbound and outbound client acquisition. Your profile acts as a landing page, and direct outreach lets you start conversations with decision-makers.

Optimize your profile with a clear headline that explains who you help and how. Post consistently about your expertise, client wins, or industry observations. Aim for 3-5 posts per week to stay visible.

For outbound, you can send personalized connection requests to prospects in your target niche. Skip the generic pitch in the first message. Instead, I’d comment on something specific about their business or ask a relevant question.

6. Run targeted cold email campaigns

Cold email still works if you target the right people and personalize your approach. Generic mass emails get ignored, but tailored outreach to a specific list can generate a small percentage of qualified responses per 100 emails sent.

Build a list of companies that match your ideal client profile. Find decision-maker emails through business databases or company websites. Write short emails (under 100 words) that mention something specific about their business and explain one problem you can solve.

Follow up 2-3 times with value-added touchpoints like a relevant case study or industry insight. Most responses come from follow-ups, not the initial email.

7. Attend networking events and industry conferences

Face-to-face conversations build trust faster than digital outreach. Conferences and local networking events put you in front of potential clients who are already open to meeting new vendors.

Pick events where your ideal clients show up. If you target ecommerce brands, attend Shopify or BigCommerce conferences. If you work with B2B SaaS, look for SaaStr or industry-specific summits.

Don't pitch at events. Focus on starting conversations, learning about challenges, and staying in touch afterward. I've seen agencies land $50K+ contracts from a single conference conversation that turned into a follow-up call weeks later.

8. Partner with complementary service providers

Strategic partnerships let you tap into someone else's client base without competing for the same work. If you run a paid ads agency, partner with web design firms, CRO consultants, or PR agencies.

Reach out to businesses that serve the same clients but offer different services. Propose a referral swap or co-marketing arrangement. You can also create bundled service packages that combine both offerings.

Partnerships work when both sides have something to gain. Make it easy for partners to refer you by giving them a simple one-pager that explains what you do and who you're best for.

9. Host free workshops or webinars

Workshops position you as an expert and give prospects a low-risk way to experience your knowledge before hiring you. A 60-minute webinar can generate qualified leads if you target the right topic.

Pick a problem your ideal clients face and teach a framework or strategy they can implement. You can promote the webinar through LinkedIn, email lists, or paid ads. However, I’d keep the pitch minimal during the session and focus on delivering value.

Offer a free consultation or strategy call at the end for attendees who want help implementing what you taught. Conversion rates are higher because attendees already trust your expertise.

10. Specialize in a profitable niche

Generalist agencies compete on price. Specialists compete on expertise and can charge 2-3x more for the same work. Agencies that specialize in one vertical can position themselves as industry experts rather than general service providers.

Pick an industry you understand or have existing clients in. Build case studies, content, and service packages tailored to that niche. Your messaging becomes sharper because you're speaking directly to one audience instead of trying to appeal to everyone.

Specialization makes sales easier. When a prospect sees you've worked with 10 other companies in their industry, they assume you understand their challenges better than a generalist agency.

11. Build an active social media presence

Social media keeps you visible to prospects and clients between active conversations. I wouldn’t say it’s about going viral. Instead, it's about showing up consistently so people remember you when they need help.

Pick one or two platforms where your audience spends time. For B2B, that's usually LinkedIn. For DTC brands, Instagram or Twitter might work better. Post 3-5 times per week with a mix of insights, client wins, and industry commentary.

Engage with other people's posts by leaving thoughtful comments. This expands your reach and builds relationships with potential clients or referral partners.

12. Run paid ads on Google and Meta

Paid ads give you control over lead volume and let you test messaging quickly. How many leads you generate depends on your budget, targeting precision, and offer strength. Agencies in competitive markets typically need higher ad spend to see results, while those targeting specific niches can often generate leads at lower costs.

Google Ads work well for high-intent searches like "B2B marketing agency" or "Facebook ads consultant." Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram) work better for showing your agency to people who've visited your website or reaching new audiences with free resources.

If you're not experienced with paid ads, I’d consider hiring a specialist to set up and manage your campaigns. The cost of hiring someone often pays for itself through better targeting and lower wasted spend.

13. Write guest posts for industry publications

Guest posting builds credibility and puts your name in front of audiences that already trust the publication. One article in a well-read industry blog can generate some inbound leads.

Pitch publications your ideal clients read. Focus on tactical, educational content instead of promotional pieces. Include a short bio with a link to your website or a lead magnet like a free guide.

Guest posts also help your search rankings by getting other authoritative websites to link back to yours. The more reputable sites link to you, the higher your own content ranks in search results.

14. Apply for industry awards and certifications

Awards and certifications act as third-party validation. They signal to prospects that other experts recognize your work, which reduces perceived risk.

Look for agency awards in your niche or general marketing awards. Organizations like the Webby Awards, Effie Awards, and your local chamber of commerce often run business competitions. Certifications from platforms like Google, Meta, or HubSpot also add credibility to your agency's expertise.

Promote wins on your website, LinkedIn, and sales materials. Even being shortlisted for an award gives you something to mention in conversations with prospects.

15. Offer free audits or strategy sessions

Free audits lower the barrier to starting a conversation. Prospects get immediate value, and you get a chance to demonstrate your expertise before asking for a contract.

Promote audits through your website, LinkedIn, or paid ads. During the audit, identify 3-5 specific problems and explain how you'd solve them. Don't give away the full strategy, but provide enough insight that they see the value of working with you.

I've seen agencies convert audit calls into paying clients, but the key is qualifying leads before the call so you're not wasting time on prospects who can't afford your services.

16. Engage in online communities where clients hang out

Communities give you direct access to prospects in spaces where they're already asking questions and seeking recommendations. If you're wondering how to get clients for digital marketing, showing up in the right communities can be one of the most direct paths.

Join Facebook groups, Slack communities, or Reddit threads where your ideal clients spend time. Answer questions, share insights, and avoid hard pitches. Many communities ban self-promotion, but you can include your agency in your profile or signature.

I've found that patience pays off here. People will reach out directly when they need help, but it takes time to build credibility. Agencies that participate actively in 2-3 niche communities can generate a few leads per month once they're seen as helpful contributors rather than salespeople.

17. Guest on podcasts or start your own

Podcasts let you reach engaged audiences who are already interested in your expertise. A single podcast appearance can generate 3-5 leads if the show reaches your target audience. Pitch podcast hosts in your niche with a clear topic idea that benefits their listeners. Focus on teaching something actionable instead of just talking about your agency.

Starting your own podcast takes more effort but gives you full control over content and guests. You can interview potential clients, referral partners, or industry experts while building your own audience.

18. Productize your service offerings

Productized services turn your expertise into packaged offerings with clear deliverables, timelines, and pricing. Instead of custom quotes for every inquiry, prospects can see exactly what they're buying and how much it costs. Productized services also make your agency easier to scale. You're not reinventing the wheel for every client, which means you can onboard more clients without burning out your team.

Create 2-3 service packages at different price points. For example, a "starter package" might include a website audit and 3 blog posts, while a "growth package" adds monthly analytics reports and email campaigns. Clear packaging makes it easier for prospects to say yes because they know what to expect.

Assembly's Store feature lets clients browse your service packages and pay upfront directly through your portal. They can see what's included, choose the package that fits their needs, and complete payment without back-and-forth emails about pricing. 

How to choose the right client acquisition strategy

You don't need all 18 strategies running at once. Trying to do everything dilutes your effort and makes it harder to see what's actually working. 

Here's how to decide where to focus:

• Stage matters more than budget: New agencies need credibility-building tactics like case studies, testimonials, and guest posts. Established agencies can lean into paid ads and referral programs that scale faster.
• Match tactics to your strengths: If you're comfortable on camera, prioritize video content and webinars. If you write well, focus on SEO and guest posting. Don't force yourself into channels that drain your energy.
• Test one outbound and one inbound strategy: Outbound tactics like cold email or LinkedIn outreach give you control over volume. Inbound tactics like SEO or podcasts build long-term credibility. Running both creates balance.
• Give each strategy 90 days minimum: Most tactics take time to show results. SEO needs 6-12 months. Referral programs need 2-3 months to gain momentum. Switching strategies too quickly means you never learn what works.
• Track what converts, not just what gets responses: A tactic that generates 50 leads but zero clients isn't worth your time. Focus on strategies that bring in qualified prospects who actually close.

Build lasting client relationships with Assembly

Getting marketing clients takes strategy, but keeping them engaged requires systems. If you've figured out how to get marketing clients but struggle with retention, the problem often lies in onboarding. A clunky handoff with scattered emails and unclear next steps can kill momentum fast.

A branded client portal solves this by centralizing everything in one place. Instead of juggling email threads, Slack channels, and shared Google Drives, clients log in to see project timelines, deliverables, invoices, and communication history without digging through their inbox.

Assembly is branded client portal software built for service firms that need one place to handle intake, communication, billing, files, and ongoing delivery. 

Here’s what you can do with Assembly:

• Offer packages and add-ons: Assembly Stores let clients purchase your tiered packages or add-on services directly from your portal, making upsells frictionless.
• See the full client record: Notes, files, payments, and messages stay in one organized space. You’ll spend less time switching platforms because the key details are already collected for you.
• Prep faster for meetings: The AI Assistant summarizes recent client activity and communication, helping you walk into calls with a clear picture of what’s been discussed and what’s outstanding.
• Stay ahead of clients: Highlight patterns that may show churn risk or upsell potential, making outreach more timely and relevant.
• Cut down on admin: Automate repetitive jobs like reminders, status updates, or follow-up drafts that used to take hours. The Assistant handles the busywork so your team can focus on clients.

Ready to turn the clients you land into long-term partnerships? Start your free Assembly trial today.

Frequently asked questions

How do ad agencies get clients?

Ad agencies get clients through a mix of strategies like referral programs, SEO-optimized content, case studies with measurable results, and targeted outreach. New agencies typically start with credibility-building tactics like testimonials and guest posts before scaling into paid advertising. Agencies that combine 3-5 strategies see more consistent lead flow.

How long does it take to get your first marketing client?

You can land your first marketing client in 2-4 weeks if you focus on direct outreach tactics like cold email, LinkedIn messaging, or networking events. Inbound strategies like search engine optimization or guest posting take 3-6 months to generate leads. Start with tactics that put you directly in front of prospects while building long-term credibility channels in the background.

What's the fastest way to get marketing clients?

The fastest way to get marketing clients is cold outreach combined with free audits or strategy sessions. Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages to 50-100 prospects in your target niche, offering a specific audit of their current marketing. With sharp targeting and messaging, you can typically book 5-10 calls within a few weeks, though timing varies based on your audience and offer strength.