If you're a marketing agency owner, B2B company, or freelancer struggling to gain traction, this one's for you. I'm Daniel Fazio, the co-founder of Client Ascension and ListKit. I've personally built multiple successful businesses, hitting that sweet $5 million mark by the time I was 25. Now, my team and I help other businesses just like yours add an extra $10-50k in pure profit to their bottom line.

Today, we're digging deep into the age-old question: How do you get clients when you're just starting out and have zero results to show for it? It's a classic chicken-and-egg scenario, but I'm here to tell you there's a way to crack it.

We'll cover three crucial areas:

1. Getting More Leads: Because let's face it, no leads, no clients.
2. Converting Leads into Clients: Turning those prospects into paying customers.
3. Turning Clients into Lead-Generating Machines: Building a flywheel of social proof and referrals.

Buckle up because we're about to break down the exact strategies you need to land your first 10 clients – even if you're starting with a zero-dollar marketing budget.

TL;DR: The Fast Track to Landing Your First 10 Clients

• The Chicken-and-Egg Problem: Forget about needing results to get clients. Focus on landing those first few clients, even if you have to hustle, offer discounts, or work for free initially. Once you deliver amazing results, attracting more clients becomes a breeze.
• Mastering Your Craft: Be the best damn expert in your niche. Don't just talk the talk; walk the walk. Use your own services, generate results for yourself, and then showcase those results to build credibility and de-risk the buying process for potential clients.
• The Four Pillars of Persuasion: Nail your messaging with clear, quantifiable claims, back them up with undeniable proof, showcase your expertise, and be relentlessly consistent. Remember, not everyone is ready to buy now, so nurture those leads and be patient.
• Getting More Leads (on a Budget): YouTube is your best friend. Create valuable content that answers your target audience's burning questions. Don't overthink production; focus on delivering value. Repurpose that content across other platforms to maximize your reach. Oh, and don't be afraid to leverage the power of cold email.
• Converting Leads into Clients: Case studies are your secret weapon. Showcase real-life examples of how you've helped others achieve success. No case studies yet? Offer to work on a performance basis to build your portfolio and gain client trust.
• Turning Clients into Lead-Generating Machines: Happy clients are your best marketers. Encourage them to share their experiences through testimonials and case study interviews. Incentivize referrals and amplify social proof to create a self-sustaining growth engine.

The Chicken and Egg Problem

Let's address the elephant in the room. You need clients to get results, but clients want to see results before they sign on. It's a frustrating catch-22 that leaves many entrepreneurs spinning their wheels.

But here's the truth: the client comes first.

Think of it like this: you can't bake a cake without first gathering the ingredients. In this case, your first few clients are those crucial ingredients. Once you have them, you can whip up something amazing (results) and showcase it to the world.

Case in Point: Xavier's Success Story

One of my guys, Xavier, was in the same boat. He started a short-form content agency but struggled to land his first client. He finally managed to sign a dating coach and went all-in, creating five killer shorts from the coach's existing long-form content. He sent a short every other day, followed up with a personalized Loom video, and BAM – landed the client.

Eight days later, Xavier had delivered 700,000 views for his client. And guess what? He also scored his first booked call from his landing page.

The Takeaway is Crystal Clear:

• Initially, it's HARD. Getting that first client without any prior results is an uphill battle.
• Results Change EVERYTHING. Once you deliver, signing the next client becomes exponentially easier.

Xavier's story perfectly illustrates the power of results. It's not about fancy sales pitches or aggressive marketing tactics. It's about proving you can deliver the goods.

Every additional client should become easier to acquire if you consistently deliver exceptional results. This is the foundation of a sustainable, successful business.

Become the Go-To Expert

If you want to sign clients and keep them coming back for more, you need to be damn good at what you do. This isn't about faking it till you make it; it's about genuinely mastering your craft.

Too many people fall into these traps:

• Selling services they don't even use themselves: You're out here pitching email marketing, but you haven't built your own list or seen any results. Come on, man.
• Not delivering results for themselves: You're teaching people how to get 100k followers on TikTok, but your own account is barely scraping by. How do you expect anyone to take you seriously?

Your First Client is YOU

This is the golden rule. Before you even think about selling your services to others, use them on yourself. Become your own case study. If you can't generate results for your own business, why would anyone trust you to do it for theirs?

De-risking the Deal

Clients are hesitant to hand over their hard-earned cash without some assurance. You need to take the risk out of the equation. Here's how:

• Guarantees: Offer a money-back guarantee or, even better, work on a performance basis. This shows confidence in your abilities and gives clients peace of mind.
• Social Proof: Showcase your own results or testimonials from other clients. This builds credibility and trust.

People are more likely to buy from someone they perceive as an expert. By mastering your craft, delivering results for yourself, and de-risking the buying process, you'll position yourself as the go-to solution in your niche.

The Four Pillars of Persuasion

Now that you've mastered your craft and built a solid foundation, it's time to focus on the four key factors that will drive sales and attract those first 10 clients. These principles apply to every marketing tactic on the planet, so pay close attention.

1. Claims: Paint a Picture of Transformation

Don't just tell people what you do; tell them what you'll achieve for them. Your claims should clearly state the quantifiable results clients can expect. Focus on the end state, not the mechanism.

Instead of saying, "I offer email marketing services," say something like:

• "I will close $50,000 in new business using your email list in the next 60 days."
• "I will script, edit, and produce your next 8 YouTube videos and guarantee they get 3x more views."

See the difference? You're selling the transformation, the desired outcome. This is what gets people excited and eager to work with you.

2. Proof: Back Up Your Bold Claims

Claims are great, but they need to be backed up with solid evidence. This is where proof comes in. Show potential clients that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Here are some powerful ways to demonstrate proof:

• Client testimonials: Let your happy clients sing your praises.
• Case studies: Detail the specific results you've achieved for others.
• Screenshots of results: Provide tangible evidence of your success.
• Walkthrough videos: Show your process and expertise in action.

Remember, people are more likely to trust you if they see that you've delivered results for others.

3. Competency: Showcase Your Expertise

Don't be afraid to show off your skills. Demonstrate your competency and prove that you're a master of your craft.

Here are a few ways to do this:

• Explainer videos: Break down complex concepts in a clear and concise way.
• Walkthroughs: Share your step-by-step process for achieving results.
• Teaching stories: Use real-life examples to illustrate your points.

In B2B, clients often appreciate seeing the "sauce" behind your success. They might even realize it's easier to hire you than to try and replicate your process themselves.

4. Consistency: Become Synonymous with Your Niche

Building a brand takes time and consistency. You need to establish yourself as an authority in your field, someone people automatically associate with your specific offering.

This is where consistent content and engagement come into play. The more you show up, the more people will start to connect you with your niche.

Think of it like this: when you hear "cold email," who comes to mind? If you've been following me for a while, you probably think of the "Cold Email Wizard." That's the power of consistency.

Understanding the Conversion Window

One final, crucial point: not everyone is ready to buy right now. People have different timelines, priorities, and challenges. Don't get discouraged if leads don't convert immediately.

Focus on nurturing those leads and providing value. Stay top-of-mind through consistent content and engagement. When their "conversion window" opens, you'll be the first person they think of.

Building a successful business takes time and effort. But by focusing on these four pillars – claims, proof, competency, and consistency – you'll set yourself up for long-term success.

Zero-Budget Strategies to Get First 10 Customers

You don't need a massive marketing budget to attract potential clients. Here are some of the many strategies to get you started.

Method 1: SEO-Optimized YouTube Videos

YouTube is a goldmine for lead generation, but you need to approach it strategically. Your target audience is small businesses actively seeking solutions to their problems. They're not there for entertainment; they're looking for answers.

So, what kind of videos should you create? Think about the types of content business owners crave:

• Software tutorials: Walk them through how to use specific tools that can benefit their business.
  • For example, if you specialize in email marketing, create tutorials on popular email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, or ActiveCampaign. Or, if you're a social media expert, teach viewers how to use tools like Canva, Hootsuite, or Buffer to create engaging content.
• Case studies: Share real-life examples of how you've helped other clients achieve success. This can be particularly powerful if you've helped clients overcome specific challenges or achieve significant results.
  • For instance, if you're a copywriter, you could share a case study about how you helped a client increase their website conversions by 50%.
• Industry trends: Provide insights into the latest developments in your niche. This could involve discussing new technologies, emerging trends, or changes in consumer behavior.
  • For example, if you're a digital marketing consultant, you could discuss the impact of AI on content marketing or the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
• How-to guides: Offer step-by-step instructions on solving common problems.
  • This could be anything from writing effective cold emails to creating a high-converting landing page. By providing practical guidance, you're positioning yourself as an expert and demonstrating your value to potential clients.
• Product reviews and comparisons: Help them make informed decisions about the tools and services they need.
  • This could involve reviewing different email marketing platforms, CRM software, or social media scheduling tools. By providing unbiased comparisons, you're helping your audience make the best possible choices for their business.
• Expert interviews: Bring in industry leaders to share their knowledge and insights. This can add credibility to your content and help you connect with a wider audience.
  • For example, you could interview a successful entrepreneur, a marketing guru, or a thought leader in your niche.
• Tips and tricks: Offer actionable advice that they can implement immediately.
  • This could be anything from writing effective subject lines to creating engaging social media posts. By providing practical tips, you're demonstrating your expertise and helping your audience achieve results.

Unleash the Power of VidIQ

To find out exactly what your target audience is searching for, I recommend using a tool called VidIQ. It's a game-changer for keyword research and helps you identify the specific questions people are asking.

Here's how it works:

1. Search for your main keyword: Let's say your niche is email marketing. Type "email marketing" into VidIQ.
2. Check the "Questions" section: This will reveal a list of questions people are asking about email marketing.
3. Create videos answering those questions: Each question represents a potential video topic.

Keep it Simple and Effective

You don't need to be a professional videographer to create engaging content. In fact, some of my best-performing videos are unedited and have simple screenshots as thumbnails. Focus on providing valuable information and answering your audience's questions.

Repurpose and Redistribute

Once you've created a video, don't let it sit idle on YouTube. Repurpose the content into X (formerly Twitter) thread or LinkedIn post. This allows you to reach a wider audience and drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.

Pro Tip: If your existing social media accounts are filled with personal content, consider creating new ones dedicated to your business. This will help you maintain a professional image and attract the right audience.

Method 2: High-Volume Cold Email: The Numbers Game

Cold email might seem old-school, but it's still a powerful way to generate leads – especially when you're starting from scratch. The key is to think big. We're talking about emailing 10,000 to 30,000 people per month.

Now, before you freak out, let me assure you that this is achievable with the right tools and strategies. Here's the software stack I recommend:

• Domains: Porkbun - They offer affordable domains and easy management.
• Admin Panels: Microsoft Outlook - A reliable and familiar platform for managing your inboxes.
• Email Scraping: ListKit - My own tool for building targeted email lists.
• Email Sending: SmartLead - A powerful email sending platform with advanced features.

Crafting the Perfect Offer

Remember that offer structure I mentioned earlier? It's absolutely crucial for cold email success. We'll talk further in the next section, but keep in mind that your offer needs to be compelling, clear, and risk-free for potential clients.

Need a Helping Hand?

If building this cold email system seems overwhelming, don't worry. My team at Client Ascension can help you set everything up and get your campaigns rolling.

Cold email is a numbers game. The more people you reach out to, the higher your chances of landing those first few clients. But don't just blast out generic emails. Make sure your offer is on point, and your targeting is laser-focused. If not, it won't matter how many customers you're targeting.

Method 3: Create Sales Assets

Let's talk about a sneaky little secret to generating leads and closing deals: sales assets. These are the materials that your potential clients often request during sales calls, such as:

• Case studies:
  • Showcase specific results achieved for clients (e.g., increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, reduced costs).
  • Highlight the challenges clients faced and how your solution helped them overcome them.
  • Include testimonials from satisfied clients.
• Work examples:
  • Provide samples of your past projects or deliverables (e.g., marketing campaigns, website designs, content pieces).
  • Showcase the quality of your work and your ability to deliver results.
  • Include client feedback or testimonials if possible.
• Expected results:
  • Clearly outline the benefits clients can expect from working with you.
  • Use quantifiable metrics to measure success (e.g., increased sales, improved website traffic, higher customer engagement).
  • Provide realistic expectations and avoid making unrealistic promises.
• Breakdowns/walkthroughs:
  • Explain your processes or services in detail.
  • Use visuals (e.g., diagrams, flowcharts) to illustrate your approach.
  • Highlight the unique value you bring to the table.

Now, here's the genius part: these sales assets serve a dual purpose.

1. Closing Warm Leads: By having these materials readily available, you can address common objections upfront and make it easier to close deals. When a prospect asks for a case study, you can simply send them a link to your YouTube channel or website. Boom – objection handled.
2. Generating New Leads: Posting these sales assets online (YouTube, LinkedIn, X) turns them into lead-generating machines. People who are actively searching for solutions in your niche will stumble upon your content and become warm leads.

The leads that come through your sales assets are already primed to buy. They've seen your work, understand your process, and know what to expect. These are the dream clients you've been looking for.

Keep the Content Flowing

Creating sales assets isn't a one-and-done deal. You need to consistently produce new content to keep your lead generation engine running smoothly. The more valuable content you create, the more opportunities you'll have to attract and convert potential clients.

Pro Tip: Repurpose your existing content. Turn a blog post into a video, a case study into a podcast episode, or a webinar into a series of social media posts. This saves you time (time being the most important factor) and effort while maximizing your reach.

Sales assets are a powerful tool for both attracting and converting leads. By creating high-quality content that addresses your audience's pain points, you'll establish yourself as a trusted expert and make it easier to land those first ten clients.

Convert Those Leads into Clients

Now, it's time to turn those prospects into paying early customers. This is where the magic of conversion happens.

[embed video]: https://youtu.be/2GaqJ-QQO3g?si=B_UQ2lNGI_FYQfij

Method 1: Collect Client Case Studies

Let's talk about the power of social proof. Humans are wired to follow the crowd. We're more likely to take action when we see that others have already done so and achieved positive results. That's why client case studies are an absolute game-changer.

When a potential client sees that you've helped others achieve their goals, it gives them confidence that you can do the same for them. It removes the doubt and uncertainty that often prevents people from taking the leap.

So, what makes a killer case study? It's simple:

• Client's Identity: Showcasing the client's name and company adds credibility and authenticity.
• Specific Result Achieved: Highlight the exact outcome your services delivered (e.g., increased website traffic by 300%, generated $100k in new sales, improved customer satisfaction ratings by 20%).
• Timeframe: Specify how long it took to achieve those results. This demonstrates the efficiency of your services.

The Case Study-Revenue Connection

I've seen it time and time again: the more case studies you have, the more money you make. It's a direct correlation. Case studies are like fuel for your business growth.

No Case Studies Yet? No Problem

If you're just starting out and don't have any client results to showcase, don't panic. Offer to work on a performance basis. This means you only get paid if you deliver the promised results.

It's a bold move, but it shows confidence in your abilities and removes the risk for potential target customers. Plus, it's a fantastic way to build up your portfolio of case studies quickly.

Case studies aren't just about showing off your successes. They're about building trust, establishing credibility, and ultimately, converting more leads into early adopters. So, start collecting those testimonials and showcasing your wins.

Method 2: Create a Direct Response Style Offer

The heart of your sales process is your offer. This isn't just any old offer, though. We're talking about a direct response style offer – one that's designed to elicit an immediate, positive response from your prospects.

The Four Essential Components

A truly compelling offer has four key ingredients:

1. Specific Claim: This is where you clearly state the quantifiable result your client will get. Don't be vague or general. Be bold and specific.
   • Instead of saying, "I'll help you improve your marketing," say something like, "I'll increase your website traffic by 200% in the next 90 days."
2. Guarantee: Back up your claim with a rock-solid guarantee. Offer a money-back guarantee if you don't deliver the promised results. This shows confidence in your abilities and removes any risk for the client.
3. Case Studies: We've already talked about the power of social proof. Include case studies in your offer to demonstrate that you've delivered results for others. This builds credibility and trust.
4. Social Presence: In today's digital age, you need to have a strong online presence. This establishes your credibility and combats the "internet scammer" perception. Make sure your website is professional, your social media profiles are active, and you have plenty of positive reviews and testimonials.

The Strength of Your Offer

The more of these components you include in your offer, the stronger it will be. Here's a quick breakdown:

• 0-1 variables: Bad offer
• 2 variables: Average offer
• 3 variables: Great offer
• 4 variables: Hyperscalable company

Aim for at least three out of four variables to create an offer that truly stands out and converts like crazy.

Your offer is the foundation of your sales process. By crafting a direct response style offer that includes a specific claim, guarantee, case studies, and social presence, you'll significantly increase your chances of closing deals and landing those first ten clients.

Get Those Clients to Get You More Clients

Once you've landed those first few clients and delivered stellar results, it's time to turn them into your biggest advocates. Word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful, and it's often the key to sustainable growth.

[embed video]: https://youtu.be/-ep4Rjl0qUM?si=5tPMNWP_4Y1ALqzD

Method 1: Case Study Interviews

Case studies are great, but case study interviews take things to the next level. They add a human touch and make your clients' successes even more relatable.

Authenticity is Key

Let me be clear: don't fake testimonials or case studies. People can smell BS a mile away, and it'll only hurt your reputation in the long run. Focus on genuine stories of transformation and success.

Real-Life Examples: Client Ascension Case Studies

At Client Ascension, we've seen firsthand the power of case study interviews. Here are just a few examples of the incredible results our members have achieved:

• Adam Hamon: Went from 0 to $32,000 per month in 5 months.
• Jake Romero: Scaled from $10,000 to $45,000 per month in 6 months.
• Steven Binna: Jumped from 2k to 23k a month in just 3 months.

These are real people, with real businesses, who achieved real results. And their stories are incredibly inspiring and persuasive.

Actionable Step: Turn Interviews into YouTube Gold

Reach out to your satisfied clients and ask if they'd be willing to participate in a case study interview. Record the interview, edit it into a compelling video, and post it on YouTube. This is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise, build social proof, and attract new customers.

People love hearing success stories. By sharing your clients' journeys, you're not only helping them gain recognition but also positioning yourself as the go-to expert who can help others achieve similar results.

Method 2: Pay for Referrals to Turn Clients into Brand Ambassadors

Another powerful way to leverage your existing ideal customer is through referrals. Happy clients are often eager to spread the word about your services, especially if there's an incentive involved.

Calculate Your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Before you start offering referral fees, you need to understand your CAC. This includes both the hard costs (advertising, software, etc.) and the soft costs (your time spent on sales and marketing activities).

Let's break it down with an example:

Suppose you're using cold email to acquire potential customers. For every 10,000 emails you send, it costs you:

• $350 for data
• $400 for sending accounts and email software
• 15 hours of your time (valued at $200 per hour, which equals $3,000)

Let's say you typically land one paying client from every 10,000 emails. In this scenario, your CAC is $3,750 ($350 + $400 + $3,000).

Set a Referral Fee That Makes Sense

Now that you know your CAC, you can set a referral fee that's less than that amount. In our example, offering a $1,000 referral fee would be a smart move. You're essentially paying less to acquire a new client through a referral than through your cold email efforts.

Important Caveats

• New Leads Only: Make sure the referrals are genuinely new leads, not people who are already in your sales funnel.
• Direct Bookings: Require referrals to be booked through a specific link or landing page. This helps you track the success of your referral program and ensure you're only paying for legitimate leads.

The Beauty of Referrals

Referrals are a win-win situation. Your clients get rewarded for spreading the word, and you get high-quality leads who are more likely to convert because they've been personally recommended by someone they trust. It's a powerful way to fuel your business growth without breaking the bank.

Method 3: Testimonial Hacking to Amplify Social Proof

Another ninja tactic for leveraging social proof is testimonial hacking. This is all about actively encouraging your clients to share their positive experiences publicly, and then amplifying those testimonials to reach a broader audience.

Incentivize Public Testimonials

People love getting rewarded for their efforts. So, offer your clients something valuable in exchange for posting a public testimonial on social media. This could be a free consultation, a discount on future services, or even a small gift.

Pro Tip: When I was launching my Cold Email Mastery course, I offered free consulting calls to anyone who posted a public testimonial on X about how much money they made from the course. This strategy generated a ton of buzz and social proof, which helped drive sales through the roof.

Amplify Those Testimonials

Once you've got some glowing testimonials rolling in, it's time to amplify them. Use social media management tools like HypeFury to automatically retweet or repost those testimonials from your own accounts. This keeps your social feeds active and filled with positive feedback, further reinforcing your credibility and expertise.

The Power of Public Praise

Public testimonials are incredibly persuasive because they come from real people who have experienced the benefits of your services firsthand. They're not just empty words on a sales page; they're authentic endorsements that resonate with potential clients.

By incentivizing and amplifying testimonials, you're essentially creating a self-sustaining marketing engine that works for you 24/7. It's a powerful way to build social proof, attract new clients, and grow your business organically.

Want to Land Your First 10 Clients Guaranteed?

A zero-budget blueprint to kickstart your client acquisition process. It all starts with delivering exceptional results and building a reputation for excellence. From there, it's about leveraging those results to attract more customers and create a self-sustaining growth engine.

Key takeaways

• Master your craft and become the go-to expert in your niche.
• Focus on delivering tangible results for your committed customers.
• Build social proof through case studies, testimonials, and referrals.
• Craft a compelling offer that clearly outlines the benefits and de-risks the buying process.
• Be consistent and persistent in your marketing efforts.

‍Client Ascension isn't just another "get rich quick course". This is a complete coaching program with 7-figure entrepreneurs as mentors holding weekly coaching calls to help you create no-brainer offers, build lead generation funnels, and set up tight operation so you can close 10, 30, even 100 clients.

Here's what you can expect when you join Client Ascension:

• Personalized guidance and support: Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a customized growth strategy tailored to your specific needs.
• Proven strategies that work: We've helped countless businesses achieve their goals, and we'll share our proven strategies with you.
• A supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs: Connect with other ambitious business owners who are facing similar challenges and share your successes together.
• Ongoing mentorship and coaching: Our team will provide ongoing support and guidance to help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

If this sounds interesting, schedule a discovery call today.