Are you still waiting or are you moving the needle?

Social Media is broken. Relationships aren’t.

Social media is broken — and it’s probably not bringing you any new clients. While a large number of creatives are still pushing out content like crazy and waiting to be “discovered” online, the creatives who are actually growing their businesses are focusing on something far less flashy, but far more effective: client relationship management.

First: past customers are gold. You’ve already earned their trust – don’t let that go cold. A simple check-in or update keeps you top of mind and builds the foundation for scaling a creative business.

If a contact moves jobs — great! Now you have two potential opportunities.

Did you know it takes seven touchpoints before someone remembers or hires you? Seven!

So: send the email. Share new work. Send the Christmas card. Christmas card? Don’t they get tons of those? Yes, they may, but everyone still loves a little something they can pin behind their desk, stick on their laptop, or that sparks joy for a few seconds.

Ask for a coffee to show your latest projects. Track who you’ve contacted, how often, and what they need.

And no, waiting for a DM or “being seen on social media” is not a strategy. Dream clients don’t just drop into your inbox. They see great work all day, every day.

You have to be proactive! Reach out. Email art directors, editors, and agencies. A quick message, a postcard, even a GIF — anything that shows you’re thinking about them and how your work fits into their world.

Know where these people spend their time. What conferences, events, and platforms are they on? Go there. Get published where they read. Be where they already are.

Freelance success doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from showing up — consistently, with purpose.

Need help building that client relationship system? Oddly Wise offers strategic, no-nonsense support for creatives. Book a free intro call, and let’s get your client game working for you.