Hi Scotty, I just wanted to see essentially if it was a problem with my work. As I regularly post finished projects on LinkedIn and Facebook and NO ONE likes them! 3 or 4 times a year I send out digital newsletters to potential clients and I also get no response.
Facebook requires you to pay to get your content seen. How many of your clients are sat on Facebook looking for a designer anyway, probably none. Same with LinkedIn, that seems to just be full of recruiters looking to fill full-time positions.
Are you actively going out and speaking to people? Digital newsletters are likely of no interest to most potential clients. Try instead sending them something that perhaps highlights an issue they may be having and offer a solution.
For example if I was trying to gain a web design client, I'd perhaps use a strategy like below;
First send out an email to a potential contact explaining how I find them/why I know about their business
This is important as it shows that you're not just sending out mass emails to anybody and everybody, but rather that you're actually familiar with the business beforehand. This is basically an ego stroker, every business owner likes to know their marketing is working, but it also serves as a 'common interest', like chatting to a stranger and immediately liking them more when you discover you have something in common.
Then I'd describe my role and explain how I've noticed some issues with their current site they may not be aware of.
You need to use tact here. Don't go in guns blazing explaining why their stuff is crap, instead explain that there are several small changes that could
improve their business (notice the selling point in bold).
Finally I'd ask their permission to send them an e-book I have written entitled "20 reasons why customers are leaving your site" that they may wish to peruse at their own leisure.
Here's where you assert your authority and position as an expert in your field. The aim of the e-book/whatever is not to have them turn round and hire you on the spot, but rather it's a way to make contact with them in a non-pushy, non-selling manner and leave them with something that tells them who you are and demonstrates that you actually know what you claim to be know about, as well as featuring some direct contact details in the back. Hopefully they will read or at least flick through the e-book, notice some issues with their site and get in touch. If not, you have a reason to follow up by just asking if they've had a chance to read through it. The trick is not to be pushy, but rather to get in front of them, so if/when they need a designer they'll think of you.
Most businesses have at least some need for designer, but many don't know where to look or who to trust. Your aim at the early stage should be to become a contact. I've met a few people who've never hired me, but have sent their contacts my way when they asked "Do you know a designer?"
Direct word of mouth referrals are the best way to get new work.
I made that point bigger because it's important.