How Do You Get Your First Client as an Digital Marketing Agency Owner?

Starting a digital marketing agency is an exciting yet challenging journey, especially when you’re trying to get your first client. As a new agency owner, you may feel overwhelmed with the competition and unsure where to begin. But trust me, I’ve been there—and getting that first client doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems.

In this blog, I’ll share the exact steps I took to land my first client and how you can do the same, no matter your experience level. From defining your niche to leveraging personal networks and running targeted ad campaigns, I’ve covered everything you need to know to get started. Plus, I’ll show you how to continuously grow your client base by tracking your results and adapting to industry changes.

Whether you’re just starting or looking for new strategies to attract clients, this guide will equip you with the tools, tips, and insights to make your agency a success.

Hi, my name is Raju Kumar, founder of Digital Marketing Marvel and a top digital marketer and digital marketing trainer. I’ve been where you are, and I’ve learned that the journey from struggling to thriving is closer than you think. Let’s take the first step together—because your success is just around the corner!

1. Define Your Niche and Ideal Client

When I was just starting out, one of my biggest struggles was figuring out how to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner. Like many beginners, I made the rookie mistake of offering everything to everyone—social media, SEO, email marketing, PPC—across all industries. 

It wasn’t until I started learning from a top digital marketing trainer that I realized how important it is to niche down and specialize.

I chose to focus on e-commerce brands. Why? Because I understood their ecosystem. These businesses are constantly battling cart abandonment, rising ad costs, and low customer retention. 

By narrowing my services to e-commerce, I positioned myself as an expert who truly “gets it”—not just another freelancer shooting in the dark.

If you’re trying to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, one of the smartest moves you can make is defining who exactly you serve and how. That’s where buyer personas come in. I built a detailed profile of my ideal client: a mid-sized online store owner in their 30s, struggling with ROAS and scaling paid ads. I even named him “Ecom Eric” to keep the persona grounded and relatable.

According to HubSpot, 71% of companies that exceed revenue and lead goals have well-documented buyer personas. That stat stuck with me and pushed me to refine my targeting. 

I dug through Reddit threads, Facebook groups, Shopify communities—anywhere I could understand what real business owners were complaining about.

Looking back, the decision to niche down and speak directly to a defined audience is exactly what helped me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner. It’s also what separated me from the pack and positioned me to become a top digital marketing trainer myself over time.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to any beginner looking to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, it’s this: specialize, understand your audience deeply, and speak directly to their pain points. The results will follow.

2. Build a Professional Online Presence

Once I had clarity on my niche and ideal client, the next step in my journey to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner was building a credible online presence. Let’s be honest—if your digital footprint doesn’t scream “professional,” why would anyone trust you with their marketing?

The first thing I did was build a clean, SEO-optimized website. No fluff. Just a simple homepage, a breakdown of my services, a few case studies (even mock ones to start), and a clear contact form. I didn’t wait until everything was perfect—done is better than perfect. 

According to a Blue Corona study, 48% of people cited a website’s design as the number one factor in deciding the credibility of a business. That stat pushed me to treat my site like my digital storefront.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, your site needs to work as hard as you do. I used keywords that reflected my niche and services and made sure the pages loaded fast and looked good on mobile. I also added a few video testimonials from freelance gigs I had done before—social proof, even in small doses, goes a long way.

But I didn’t stop there. I knew that to be seen as a top digital marketing trainer and practitioner, I had to be where my clients hung out—on social media. I focused heavily on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter (now X). 

I shared client success stories, marketing tips, and even behind-the-scenes looks at ad campaigns I was working on (with permission, of course). The goal wasn’t to go viral; it was to build trust and authority in my niche.

Posting consistently helped me stay top of mind, and I even landed a few discovery calls from people who said, “I’ve been following your content for weeks.” That’s how powerful your presence can be.

If you want to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, your online presence is non-negotiable. It’s not just about looking legit—it’s about being discoverable, trustworthy, and approachable. When done right, it sets the stage for everything else.

3. Leverage Personal and Professional Networks

When you’re trying to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, don’t overlook the most obvious (and often most willing) group of people—your personal and professional network. I used to think I had to land some cold stranger to validate myself, but in reality, my first paying client came through a friend of a former colleague. That early win gave me the momentum I needed.

I started by simply letting everyone know what I was doing—friends, family, college buddies, even old coworkers from my internship days. I didn’t pitch hard. I just shared updates on social media like, “Hey, I’ve officially launched my digital marketing services for e-commerce brands—if you or someone you know needs help, let me know!” That one post led to two referrals in the first week.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, you need to stop being shy about self-promotion. People want to support you—but they can’t if they don’t know what you do.

I also began attending local business meetups and online webinars. The first event I went to was awkward—I barely knew anyone—but I made it a point to talk to just three people. One of them turned into a lead two weeks later. The key is consistency and being genuine. You don’t need a slick pitch—just explain who you help and how.

According to a LinkedIn study, 85% of jobs are filled through networking—and the same principle applies in freelancing and agency work. I even joined a few Slack groups and digital marketing communities where I engaged in conversations and offered free advice. 

That helped me start building a reputation as someone who knows their stuff—which ultimately helped me grow into a top digital marketing trainer over time.

And once I got my first couple of clients? I asked them straight up: “If you’re happy with the results, do you know anyone else who could use help?” Referrals are gold. They convert faster and come with built-in trust.

So, if you’re trying to get your first client as a digital marketing

4. Execute a Cold Outreach Strategy

I’ll be honest—when I was trying to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, cold outreach terrified me. The idea of messaging strangers felt awkward. But once I understood how to lead with value instead of a sales pitch, it became one of my most effective strategies.

The key? Personalization. I didn’t send generic “Hey, need marketing help?” emails. I researched the business first—checked out their website, social media presence, and ads if they were running any. Then I crafted short, value-packed emails. For example, if I noticed an e-commerce brand had a slow-loading homepage, I’d say:

“Hey [Name], I noticed your homepage takes over 6 seconds to load on mobile. That could be hurting conversions. I run a digital marketing agency focused on optimizing e-commerce performance—happy to offer a free audit if you’re interested.”

This approach helped me stand out. According to Backlinko, emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened, and my open and reply rates shot up once I started personalizing everything.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, cold outreach shouldn’t be about asking for work—it should be about starting a helpful conversation. That mindset shift changed everything for me.

LinkedIn also became one of my most powerful outreach tools. I searched for business owners in my niche, sent connection requests with short intros, and then followed up with a helpful observation or idea related to their business. No spammy DMs—just useful insights. That’s how I booked three discovery calls in my first month.

And here’s the golden rule: follow up. I used to think no response meant “no,” but more often, it just meant “not right now.” I followed up at least twice over two weeks, each time adding something new—an article, a case study, or a relevant tip. That persistence often paid off.

Sticking to this strategy not only helped me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, but also taught me a core skill that every top digital marketing trainer emphasizes: outbound marketing is as much about empathy as it is about tactics.

So if you’re starting out, don’t fear the cold outreach. Just warm it up with real research, helpful intent, and respectful persistence.

5. Offer Free Value to Build Trust

When I was hustling to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, I realized that trust was my biggest hurdle. No one knew me, I had no big-name clients, and my portfolio was still growing. So instead of pushing for a sale right away, I started offering free value—and that’s when things really started to click.

One of the first things I did was offer free SEO audits to small businesses in my niche. I’d spend 15–20 minutes analyzing their site using tools like Ubersuggest or Screaming Frog and email them a short report with 3–4 actionable tips. That small gesture positioned me as someone who knew what I was doing and genuinely wanted to help.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, you have to show, not just tell. I also started offering 20-minute free consultation calls. These weren’t sales calls—I treated them like mini-strategy sessions. I’d ask questions, listen to their pain points, and share one or two strategies they could implement immediately. Even if they didn’t hire me on the spot, several circled back within weeks because I had already demonstrated value.

I also created simple educational content—one-page guides like “How to Improve Your Landing Page Conversions” or “5 Google Ads Mistakes E-commerce Brands Make.” I posted these on LinkedIn and offered them as free downloads. According to Demand Metric, content marketing generates three times as many leads as outbound marketing and costs 62% less. That stat held true for me—the leads I attracted through content were more engaged and easier to convert.

Another tip I swear by? Mock proposals. If I was having a promising conversation with a prospect, I’d go the extra mile and send a strategy outline or a mock-up of what I could do for them. I’d show the potential ROI using real numbers and projections based on their current performance. This not only made me look prepared, but it also helped them visualize the value I could bring.

Offering free value didn’t just help me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner—it helped me build a reputation for being helpful and credible. That reputation is what eventually positioned me as a top digital marketing trainer, because people started trusting my methods and results.

If you’re serious about growing your agency, start by giving. You’ll be surprised how much comes back when people see that you’re invested in their success before they’ve even paid you.

6. Use Freelancing Platforms to Get Started

When I first started trying to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, I realized that freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr were a great way to gain initial experience and build my reputation. At first, I wasn’t picky about where my clients came from, as long as I could get some solid work under my belt and start showing results.

I created optimized profiles on both platforms—making sure to highlight my expertise in e-commerce marketing, digital advertising, and SEO. Your profile needs to be laser-focused on what you do best, with a portfolio that highlights real work (even if it’s personal projects or low-budget work for friends). According to Upwork, clients are 50% more likely to hire freelancers with well-optimized profiles, so don’t skimp on the details.

Next, I began bidding on smaller jobs that were highly relevant to my niche—simple Google Ads audits, basic SEO content creation, and Facebook ad management for small stores. The key to landing my first few clients? I overdelivered on every project. 

I didn’t just meet expectations; I went the extra mile. For example, if I was running an ad campaign, I’d offer a few additional insights on improving their website or conversion funnel. This helped me stand out and led to repeat business and referrals.

When you’re just getting started and trying to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, every job you take should be an opportunity to collect testimonials and build a track record. After every successful project, I asked clients for feedback and a testimonial. 

Positive reviews are gold on freelancing platforms and can quickly help you gain credibility. Plus, it’s not just about what clients say—it’s about the impact you’ve made, which is key to your long-term success.

Using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr was a stepping stone for me, but it also helped me establish a foundation. Over time, I transitioned from small freelance gigs to larger projects, and my profile evolved from “new freelancer” to “top digital marketing trainer” in my niche.

So, if you’re looking to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, don’t underestimate the power of freelancing platforms. They’re an excellent way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and develop relationships that will set you up for bigger opportunities.

7. Run Localized or Targeted Ad Campaigns

When I was working to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, one of the most effective strategies I used was running targeted ad campaigns. It may sound counterintuitive to spend money when you’re just starting out, but when done right, paid ads can quickly generate high-quality leads and help build credibility.

I started by launching geo-targeted ads on Facebook and Google. I focused on businesses within my niche—e-commerce brands that were in my local area or specific regions. For example, if I was targeting fashion boutiques, I ran ads in areas where I knew there were a lot of small shops and retailers. By narrowing my targeting, I wasn’t wasting ad spend on people who weren’t likely to become clients. According to WordStream, Facebook ads have an average click-through rate (CTR) of 9.21% for the retail industry, which showed me that my approach could work well with the right targeting.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, the key to success with these ad campaigns is having a landing page that captures attention. I made sure to drive leads to a simple, clean landing page with a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA). It wasn’t about flashy designs or too much copy—it was about one thing: getting the lead to take action. My CTA was always focused on offering a free consultation or a quick audit, which made it easy for potential clients to take that first step.

To sweeten the deal and build trust, I also offered an introductory package or trial service. I knew that for some clients, especially those who were hesitant to invest upfront, having a lower-risk option was essential. For example, I offered a 7-day Facebook Ads management trial for $100, where they could see how I could optimize their ad performance before committing to a larger monthly retainer.

I can’t emphasize enough how powerful these targeted campaigns were in helping me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner. The leads I received were far more likely to convert because they were already interested in my service—after all, they clicked on my ad for a reason.

Over time, as I honed my skills and results, these campaigns helped establish me as a reliable, results-driven agency, eventually leading me to become a top digital marketing trainer who could teach others how to replicate this success.

So, don’t hesitate to use paid ads as a way to jumpstart your agency. If you’ve defined your niche and built a strong landing page, a targeted ad campaign can be the catalyst you need to get your first client and start building your brand.

8. Highlight Testimonials and Social Proof

When I was working hard to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, I realized that even the smallest wins could help build my credibility. At first, I didn’t have a long list of big-name clients, but I had something even more powerful: testimonials and social proof. This can be a game-changer when you’re trying to attract new clients and show them you can deliver results.

One of the first things I did was ask my early clients for feedback, even if the projects were small. Whether it was a small SEO tweak or a basic ad campaign, I made sure to ask for reviews after every job. Even if the client was just a friend or someone I’d worked with on a freelance project, their testimonial carried weight. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from people they know, so those early testimonials became a huge part of my social proof.

To really highlight my results, I also created before/after performance comparisons. For example, if I was working on a Google Ads campaign for a small e-commerce store, I’d document how their ad performance improved after I made optimizations. I showed the increase in CTR, lower cost per click, and the boost in sales. These before-and-after stats were tangible proof of what I could deliver.

Once I had a few strong testimonials and performance comparisons, I made sure to include them everywhere. They went on my website, in my proposals, and I even shared them on my LinkedIn and Instagram. I also made sure to update my profile on freelancing platforms with glowing reviews and case studies, which helped me gain credibility and trust, even with clients who didn’t know me personally.

As I continued to get more clients and build my track record, I started to position myself not just as an agency owner, but as a top digital marketing trainer who had a proven method to help others achieve results. Testimonials and social proof were key to this transition. They helped me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner and paved the way for many more.

So, if you’re just starting out, don’t underestimate the power of social proof. Even small testimonials from early clients can build trust and help you land your next job. And when you can show your results with solid data, you’ll be in a much stronger position to land your first few clients and grow your agency.

9. Track, Measure & Improve

Once I started to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, I quickly realized that simply getting results wasn’t enough—I had to track, measure, and continuously improve my strategies. Without real-time insights, I’d be flying blind, making decisions based on gut feelings rather than hard data. This is where tools like Google Analytics and performance dashboards came in.

From the very start, I set up Google Analytics on my website. This wasn’t just about tracking how many visitors I had; it was about understanding where they were coming from, what pages they were visiting, and which services they were most interested in. These insights helped me tailor my content and ads to attract more of the right people—business owners who needed help in areas like SEO and paid advertising.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, tracking performance is critical. I also kept a close eye on conversion rates—whether from my cold outreach emails or my paid ads. How many people clicked on my CTA? How many scheduled a call or filled out a contact form? Reviewing these metrics allowed me to identify which strategies were working and which ones needed adjustment.

For example, when I ran a Facebook ad campaign offering a free SEO audit, the initial conversion rate was lower than expected. By looking at the data, I realized that the ad copy wasn’t compelling enough. I tweaked the CTA to focus on a specific pain point (like “Improve your website speed in 7 days!”), and the conversion rate jumped significantly.

Real-time insights allowed me to refine my strategies and pivot quickly. For example, when I noticed my LinkedIn outreach wasn’t converting as well as I hoped, I refined my messaging to be more personalized and focused on providing value right away. Those small adjustments made all the difference in getting more engagement and converting more leads into clients.

As I continued to track and measure, I also realized the importance of ongoing learning. It was through analyzing these metrics that I could improve my services, sharpen my skills, and ultimately grow into the top digital marketing trainer I am today. I wasn’t just focusing on my own agency’s growth—I was learning from my data and helping others learn from my successes and failures too.

So, if you’re trying to get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, make sure you’re measuring everything. The insights you gain will be invaluable for refining your approach and making data-driven decisions that lead to more clients and better results.

10. Stay Updated and Keep Learning

One of the most important lessons I learned early on in my journey to get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner was that the digital marketing landscape is constantly changing. What worked yesterday might not work today, and if you’re not staying updated, you’ll fall behind.

I made it a point to follow industry leaders and join online marketing communities. These were goldmines for learning new trends, strategies, and tools. I regularly read blogs from SEO experts, followed PPC gurus on Twitter, and joined Facebook groups where digital marketers discussed the latest techniques. Following the right people on LinkedIn and engaging in discussions allowed me to stay on top of new trends, from AI in marketing to emerging advertising platforms.

To get your first client as a digital marketing agency owner, you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. I made sure to learn new tools, especially those that could make my workflow more efficient. 

For example, when Google introduced AI-powered tools for keyword research, I dove into them right away, integrating them into my strategies to improve client results. These tools didn’t just make me more efficient—they made my services more valuable. Clients noticed.

Adapting to changes in platforms was also crucial. Social media algorithms change, Google updates its search ranking factors, and new advertising options pop up all the time. I made sure to stay flexible, adapting my service offerings to meet these changes. 

When Instagram introduced shoppable posts, I jumped on the trend and helped my e-commerce clients capitalize on it—leading to more conversions and more referrals.

By continuing to evolve and expand my skill set, I eventually became a top digital marketing trainer. I didn’t just master the basics—I kept learning, experimenting, and staying ahead of the curve. This commitment to growth didn’t just help me get my first client as a digital marketing agency owner, it also helped me build a reputation for being on the cutting edge of marketing trends.

So, if you’re just starting out, make sure you’re always learning. The digital world moves fast, and the most successful marketers are the ones who are continuously evolving. 

Whether it’s a new tool, a new strategy, or an industry shift, staying updated and adapting your offerings will ensure you’re always ready to meet your clients’ needs—and keep growing your business.3