Best way to get new SEO clients?

[JPRichards]

What is the best way to get new SEO clients?

I've got a couple from word-of-mouth, however, that is not enough. I need to be more proactive. Any suggestions:
- Ads on Google PCP
- Ads on Craigslist
- Going on through the paper?

Warmly,

JP

[Nadir]

If you got some money, you can become a SEMPO member, my ex-company paid 5000 bucks to get listed as a "Premium Member" and they got quite a few clients this way, so the $5000 was worth it.
That's probably the only thing SEMPO is good for.

[JPRichards]

Thank you for the suggestion. $5000 is a lot of money for a start-up.

What I'm looking for is a NO-MONEY down way to get SEO clients. Has anyone done this?

Like Niche marketing, setting-up affiliates, etc.

Any more ideas.

Warmly,

JP

[everett sizemor]

There are plenty of places out there, including SEO forums and SEMPO job board, where companies post requests looking for an SEO. Just send out some proposals and try to win the bid.

[kid disco]

I've had many people contact me for services just because of my posts that they have read in the forums. My blog that I started about a month ago also has attracted many requests... I don't even sell any services right now! :cool:

[toprank]

kid disco is right on with the blog as a great way to generate new SEO biz.

My main company blog is the #1 source of new SEO business for us outside of word of mouth and our own search engine rankings.

Any SEO should work to rank well for niche terms that reflect their specialty and also write a blog on the same topics. Submit articles demonstrating your expertise to some of the SEO news web sites as well.

Press releases about new client wins or that provide insight for prospective clients about your specific speciality or uniqueness can also be very effective for generating inquiries.

Networking with other SEOs and consultants that are really good at what they do can be VERY productive. These SEOs are most often SWAMPED and believe it or not, they have as much trouble finding good, indpendent SEOs that they can outsource or refer work to as you have at finding new work. You have to know your stuff though and be ultra reliable.

Another thing you can do is to work pro bono for some local charities or business associations. When the membership sees the results, they'll want to talk business.

[JPRichards]

kid disco is right on with the blog as a great way to generate new SEO biz.

My main company blog is the #1 source of new SEO business for us outside of word of mouth and our own search engine rankings.

Any SEO should work to rank well for niche terms that reflect their specialty and also write a blog on the same topics. Submit articles demonstrating your expertise to some of the SEO news web sites as well.

Press releases about new client wins or that provide insight for prospective clients about your specific speciality or uniqueness can also be very effective for generating inquiries.

Networking with other SEOs and consultants that are really good at what they do can be VERY productive. These SEOs are most often SWAMPED and believe it or not, they have as much trouble finding good, indpendent SEOs that they can outsource or refer work to as you have at finding new work. You have to know your stuff though and be ultra reliable.

Another thing you can do is to work pro bono for some local charities or business associations. When the membership sees the results, they'll want to talk business.
Lee Odden thank you so much for your thorough explanation.

Great suggestions!