How Creatives Can Find Clients On Instagram

Instagram is not the one-trick pony some believe it to be. It is not just for big businesses to promote and sell their products or for people to post inspirational memes.

Believe it or not, Instagram is one of the most important platforms for creatives. And not just for graphic designers, writers, and photographers either. Everyone in the creative sector can find a home here, whether they paint landscapes or create digital art.

So, no matter where you find yourself in the creative world, you can use Instagram to show off your work, build your own brand, and connect with potential clients.

Moreover, Instagram will help you stretch your impact beyond likes and comments to build lasting client relationships.

The following guide will show you exactly how to do this.

Tailor Your Instagram Bio For Your Audience

Your Instagram bio is not for your enjoyment. It is not there for you to experiment with different avatars and funky colors (unless this is part of your brand and creativity). Your bio exists to draw attention from potential clients.

This is why you should approach your bio with your audience in mind. What does your target audience want to know about you? What do you want to tell your audience? You can answer both of these questions in your bio.

Write a bio that tells people everything about who you are and what you do in a few lines. Your bio also provides a golden opportunity to show off your creativity.

So, instead of saying you are a wedding photographer, say that you capture stunning lifetime memories.

Instead of saying that you are an artist, say that you capture your surroundings on canvas with a unique twist.

Add different keywords relevant to your niche in your bio, and you will soon have people flooding your profile looking for your content (and art).

Furthermore, make the most of Instagram’s visual emphasis. You want to show off your creativity in your profile picture so that people are intrigued by what you do. If you are a photographer, designer, or painter, you can use your logo to highlight your skills.

Lastly, there is more than enough space for a CTA in your Instagram bio, so use it to your advantage.

Your CTA can be a link to your website where people can explore your art, photos, or designs. Or you can use the CTA option to encourage people to contact you for more information about your work.

Create Content That Sells Your Work For You

You want your Instagram content to speak so loudly that people cannot help but engage to find out more. But, before this can happen, you must know who you are creating content for. Who are you creating your work for, for that matter?

Also, define your target audience first. This means deciding who your dream client is and how you can solve their problems.

For instance, if your ideal client is a specific art collector, you want to create art and related content they want to see and own.

Your Instagram posts should also show off your skills in a big way.

If you take photos for a living, you should post examples of your best work.

If you paint, you should tantalize your audience by posting photos of your latest artwork in progress.

If you are a graphic designer, you can post your mood board on Instagram to give your followers a glimpse into what inspires your designs.

At the same time, your content must be informative. If you only take wedding pictures, say it in your bio and content. If you paint only landscapes, do the same.

You can even share tips related to your creative field so that beginners can feel more at ease with their craft. This way, you broaden your audience while gaining more genuine fans.

Engage To Build Lasting Client Relationships

Remember that your customers cannot do all the talking on your Instagram feed. While you share your tips and work, you must also reply to comments and respond to inquiries.

And you should not only respond when someone wants to buy something. Instead, use Instagram to be social.

Answer questions and start conversations. Participate in discussions about your niche and give your expert opinion. Network with other creatives who do similar work. Support and encourage them by leaving positive comments on their content and collaborating with them on creative projects.

By doing this, you will not only build lasting client (and follower) relationships, but you will forge valuable partnerships.

Use Direct Messaging To Reach Potential Clients

Posting content and engaging on Instagram might not immediately yield the results you want. This is why you should use Instagram’s secret weapon: direct messaging.

Direct messages allow you to converse with potential clients directly. DMs are not about cold calling but about building client relationships. This is why you get to know your audience first before posting content or sending DMs.

By knowing who your audience is, you will know what type of messages to send. And you can personalize these messages by referencing something they may have commented on one of your posts.

The golden rule for a DM is to avoid pitching your skills or services at the start. Instead, you ask a question or offer a valuable tip.

Then, work up to promoting your skills and end by explaining how you can help them address a specific pain point (no wedding photos, lack of artwork, or ineffective graphic design).

Going Beyond Instagram

Think bigger than Instagram, too. Use your bio to drive organic traffic to your website. Cross-promote your Instagram content on other social media platforms.

Continue collaborating with other creatives offline by attending workshops and industry events. Doing this will help you find even more potential clients.

Use Instagram To Expand Your Client Base

By using these straightforward strategies, you can transform your Instagram profile into a client acquisition tool.

With this guide, you can establish yourself as an expert in your niche and demonstrate the value you offer to clients. So, take the time to create compelling content, engage with your audience, and watch as your client base expands.