Getting Clients In Design Industry

To me, traveling has always been a hobby since I always get to learn and experience something new. This blog, however, is not about my learning but about voicing an interesting realization on how our everyday ordinary moments continuously present us with opportunities of turning them into extraordinary memories. I was recently hit by this realization on my recent travel to the States and this trip reinforced my belief that learning is directly proportional to one’s mindset.

User Experience Center

 

Business is about believing, creating, and communicating.

The purpose of this trip, to be specific, was to explore UX labs as we wanted one in-house. Our UX Lab is an essential part of our process, ensuring research-backed design decisions. As usual, I took out my pen and started reflecting on my expansion plans for Lollypop. Generally, we get business from phone calls, mail inquiries, or word of mouth as we do not adhere to usual selling strategies; for us, business is about believing, creating, and communicating. We never spent our time wondering how design agencies get clients, how they convert them, etc. Things always took place organically for us, but I am glad to admit I was partially wrong!

While returning to Bangalore from Heathrow London Airport, I had stopped at Starbucks for a cup of coffee and realized that I was running late to catch my flight. So, I started running and suddenly noticed a gentleman who looked Indian (in unknown lands, we Indians just bond better) also running beside me in the same direction. I confirmed if he was also going towards the same gate, and he nodded. Thus, began the conversation, and we slowed down, realizing we would get there right on time. The normal exchange of general questions kicked off with what brings us to the States and what we do; I shared my discoveries of UX labs and my space in design, and unwittingly, I was acting as a strong brand ambassador for UI/UX Design Services.

He introduced himself as a founder of Soliton, a tech giant, and that he had been in the service industry for more than a decade. We exchanged our cards at the security check and went our own ways. A week later, I was surprised to have a friend request from him on LinkedIn, and soon, we were talking business. Those five minutes of passion for my work turned into an inquiry. Today, we have partnered with them for numerous projects, and the professional journey has been amazing. For those wondering how to get design clients on social media, LinkedIn is the best route!

Soliton Website Design

This visit really put things in perspective for me, and I began to reflect on various other moments that had led to new business opportunities. Networking is key! Once, when dropping my children at school, I had a conversation with a fellow parent about UI/UX Design Trends, which led to an interesting business connection. These chance encounters have reinforced my belief that business opportunities are everywhere.

World is my school, and the world is my market.

The way I see it, good work with great passion always attracts clients. For those wondering how to find design clients, here are some practical tips:

The way I look at it, good work with a great passion always pulls client. For those who are wondering how to find design clients, here are some pointers on how to ‘do-it-yourself’! Trust me, even if you’re not the aggressive sales kind, this helps.

Keep the conversation flowing

What has worked for me on each of these occasions is that the strategy remains conversational. I have gotten to know the people involved in these chance encounters very closely. The shared experience of almost missing a flight, a familiar face at the salon, a shared moment of anguish allows people the chance to let their guard down and talk. In these initial moments of connection, always be authentic!

Always know your pitch

Contrary to popular belief that only salesperson should know the pitch, I say all of us in the company should be a salesperson. At every point, you have to know exactly what you bring to the table. What do you do better than anyone else in a similar field? What do you do differently? Identify your edge and reinforce it during the conversation. If you are passionate about your work, it should reflect in your communication.

Research your clients

Once initial pleasantries have been exchanged and someone officially reaches out for your work expertise, make sure that you are well researched before you have that formal conversation. Research the people that you will work with, what they have achieved so far, what they hope to do and how you can help. This step is what sales folk call a ‘closer’ meeting, ie, a final presentation where you know you have closed or converted the client.

Network, network, and network

Doing this exercise once is not enough! You have to get out there and meet people every step of the way and speak of your work passionately every chance you get. You never know who’s listening and where one seemingly harmless exchange of words could lead.

Communicate properly on digital mediums

Always reach out to people on the appropriate digital mediums to formalize your association. This will ensure that you stay in touch and will keep you updated with any new developments in their professional life, which can always lead to more opportunities in the future!

Conclusion

If we boil down all of my shared experiences in this blog, they all indicate that it’s just a matter of initiation and we humans tend to bond at the most uncanny situations. Finding design clients is not easy, but they are humans as well, and everybody yearns for connection! Life is extremely amusing and presents us with so many opportunities every single day, but it is our perception and willingness to explore them. The more open we are to life and the people around us, the better are our chances of success. There is always something to learn; I would put a stop here and sum up in one line ‘ the world is my school and the world is my market’!

FAQs

1. How can I find UI/UX design clients?
You can find UI/UX clients by leveraging networking, LinkedIn outreach, attending industry events, and showcasing your portfolio on platforms like Behance and Dribbble.

2. What are the best strategies for generating UI/UX leads?
The best strategies include SEO-optimized content, LinkedIn engagement, email marketing, and offering free UX audits to potential clients.

3. How does LinkedIn help in acquiring design clients?
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for personal branding, cold outreach, and building industry connections, helping UI/UX designers land projects through thought leadership and direct messaging.

4. Why is user experience (UX) research important in UI/UX design?
UX research helps understand user behavior, pain points, and expectations, leading to data-driven design decisions that improve usability and engagement.

5. What industries need UI/UX design services the most?
Industries like fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, SaaS, Telecom and edtech require user-centric designs to enhance customer experience and drive conversions.