If you find you have a lot of free time… but not enough clients… this is for you.
UPDATE: You can now download this script + 14 more proven templates for getting new clients, following up, and building your business—all for just $5.
Here are 3 ways you can take action right now and use that free time to flourish and grow.
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1: Send this email to prospects
Who to send it to:
Businesses in your area (that you find through Google) who have websites you could improve.
SUBJECT:
Quick question –
BODY:
Hi, FIRST NAME! (Or use the name of the company if you can’t find a real person’s first name)
My name is NAME and I was wondering if you’re happy with the results you’re getting from your website?
I’m a local web designer who focuses on two things:
1) Creating beautiful design you can be proud of
2) Getting you awesome great results (AKA helping you get more customers)
I noticed some things on your website that I feel are holding it back.
I’d love to go over them with you and show you how to immediately improve and get better results.
Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?
(And don’t worry – I’m happy to help even if you don’t end up hiring me!)
If so let me know and we can schedule a time to talk on the phone.
Looking forward to your reply,
NAME
P.S. I’ve helped over X businesses in our area. I’m really passionate about helping you grow. Can’t wait to talk 🙂
2: Send this email to past clients
Who to send it to:
Past clients you haven’t heard from in a while.
Variation 1 is for clients who you’ve discussed projects with that didn’t pan out.
Variation 2 is for clients where no such convo has taken place, and you’re pitching them on something.
SUBJECT:
(Reply to the last email thread you have with them – subject will be generated automatically)
BODY:
Hey, NAME!
How are you? Long time no speak, I hope you’ve been well 🙂
//VARIATION 1//
I wanted to circle back and see if you were ready to start that [fill in the blank] project.
I’d love to create something truly great for you that helps you grow.
Is this a good time to start that / discuss?
If so, let me know and we’ll schedule a time to talk.
//VARIATION 2//
I wanted to let you know that I recently added [insert product] to my lineup, and I’m extremely excited about it.
It’s such a powerful marketing & sales tool that I had to write and see if you were interested in having one created for you.
[NOTE: You’ll likely want to customize that “powerful marketing & sales tool” paragraph with something more custom to what you’re selling.]
Is that something you’d be interested in learning more about?
If so, let me know and we’ll schedule a time.
//ENDING TO BOTH VARIATIONS//
Excited to hear back,
NAME
P.S. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask! Looking forward to speaking with you.
3: Send this email to potential partners.
Who to send it to:
Businesses in your area whose clientele are business owners, i.e. CPAs, tax lawyers, etc.
SUBJECT:
Quick question –
BODY:
Hi, NAME!
My name is NAME – I’m a local freelance graphic designer, and I had a proposition for you.
Upon looking at your [fill in the blank: website, logo, etc.], I saw a lot of room for growth.
In short: I feel I could create something even more striking for you that will help you attract more clients.
Here’s my proposition:
You’re a center in our community for business owners.
I’d love to create a new [whatever thing you said above] for you at NO COST, with this understanding:
If you love it as much as I think you will – you’ll help me get the word out and recommend me to your clients and colleagues.
My freelance business is very new, and I need all the help I can get to get the word out.
So I’m more than happy to “barter” in this way.
But again – you’d only have to help me get the word out if you absolutely love it!
Does that sound fair to you, and like something you’d be interested in?
If so, write me back and let’s set up a time to talk.
I’d also love to send you my portfolio. Let me know if you’re interested.
Thanks so much for your time. I’m excited to hear back.
Best,
NAME
Remember: Emails like these are a numbers game.
It might take quite a while to strike gold by sending email, but if you have a lot of free time – what do you have to lose?
Might as well spend it doing something that leads to your growth, right?
Do you have any other great ideas for getting clients when you need them most?
Leave a comment and let me know! I’d love to hear them.
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This are terrific email ideas and I’ve thought of implementing similar stuff myself.
However, I wouldn’t recommend to send such a long email. At first, I’d start a kind of nice conversation, then escalate to business. Maybe something you are directly selling to a cold prospect (first approach), something you want to sell to a past customer (second approach) or some partnership you’d like to establish (third approach).
I’d divide it into 2 or 3 short emails, so it is easier to read for the prospect/customer.
My two cents.
hey juan! – a few questions –
which email are you referring to? the ones for past customers are super short, so i’m guessing you mean the other 2?
are you speaking from data / experience in cold emailing or from a personal hunch?
(you said you’ve thought of implementing something like this, which leads me to believe you haven’t yet)
i’ve sent a ton of cold emails / letters (many even longer than these) with a ton of success.
i find that you make a message as long as it needs to be. if it’s relevant and on-point to the person on the other end –
they’ll read it
so while i see why you might say that – i have to disagree with you there based on my own data / experience.
looking forward to your answers
davdi
Great suggestions – that don’t require a mailing list (still working on that)! I rarely comment but just wanted you to know this holiday season your insights and helpful ideas are an amazing gift to the design community! I love reading your posts – happy holidays!
Gail, Thank you for the kind words about our work here at Millo. David has done an amazing job as always. We hope your holiday is wonderful. Thanks for saying “hi”—we wish you the best!
Hey Gail, so glad you thought so 🙂 would love to hear how it goes when you mail out.
Preston, thanks too, friend 🙂
I get these emails daily and let me tell you, I know straight away that these are canned emails, so impersonal. I don’t even bother to read such emails at all.
Hey!
I can totally see why you might say that.
With that said, it’s super important not to get caught up in thinking everyone thinks like you do.
Also, it’s important to remember that 2/3 of these emails go to clients and prospects –
meaning people you’re already building a relationship with.
The final one, we’ve used iterations of to land seriously huge partnerships.
Again, totally see where you’re coming form, but just some food for thought 😉