Why You’re Not Booking Clients (Even Though You’re Doing All The Right Things)
When you run your own business (especially in this economy) I swear most days end feeling like:
“Okay great, so I just clocked a whole day’s worth of work so I should expect some inquiries soon, right?…. Right?”
You’re doing everything they say to do:
- Posting consistently on IG
- Starting an email list
- Updating your website
- Showing up for your people
Yet you’re STILL refreshing your email for the 20th time today wondering if running a business just doesn’t work for you…
Yeah, that was me 3 years ago.
And you may be thinking, “Well, is this just normal?” (Yes. Yes it is.)
This is because all the social media advice has become so saturated, the main points are watered down, just like my iced coffee hangin in the corner of my desk at 2pm.
You’ve got a crap ton of educational content & information in your brain, causing nothing but migraines and a one-way ticket to Stress City population of one (yup, that’s you my friend).
Let’s clear something up right away:
The problem isn’t your effort.. it’s your execution.
*cue the awkward camera stare Jim Halpert gives in The Office*
BUT that’s actually good news! Because that means you don’t have to burn it all down. You just need a small business strategy that actually matches your business and not some generic “3 tips to (insert general dream outcome” Instagram carousel.
What you need is a mini business growth coach to help you get out of this funk (hey hey, that’s me!)
You’re Visible, But You’re Not Creating a Connection
If you’re a service provider, chances are you’ve been told that you need to “get more visible.” Aka, increase your brand awareness.
And that part? You nailed.
But visibility alone won’t grow your business — trust does.
Oooh this is where we get to the juicy stuff!
When your audience is watching, but not buying, that’s a sign that your business growth plan is too broad. You’re saying the right things… but not in the right way for them. Them meaning your dream upon DREAM clients.
Most service providers get stuck here:
- Your posts sounds helpful, but it’s not directed to a specific buyer type
- You’re sharing a lot, but it’s not creating momentum
- You’re attracting attention, but not action (leads, inquiries, ya know… revenue)
Here’s the real shift: You don’t need to be louder. You need to be clearer.
What Actually Works: A Better Business Growth Strategy For Service Providers
Instead of overcomplicating your strategy (or jumping to the next shiny tactic), simplify it down to 3 things:
1. Niche down your messaging, not just your offer
Too many business owners pick a niche but sound like they’re still trying to talk to everyone. And that’s a big fat Simon Cowell “no” when it comes to marketing your business.
Instead what you want to do is create content with ONE specific buyer type in mind.
Are they new and overwhelmed?
Are they experienced but stuck at a plateau?
It doesn’t matter if you’re an integrative health practitioner, in the wedding industry, a personal trainer, a website designer, or another cool creative entrepreneur.
Speak directly to where your target audience is in their journey, not where YOU are at.
Also notice how I literally described my target audience 2 sentences above? That’s exactly what I am talking about here. Because I may lose you after that sentence if you don’t think I am the right gal to learn from.
But that’s okay because I am not trying to attract everyone. I only want the people my business is specifically made for.
And look, I really do understand how overwhelming it is to be a one woman show. Trust me, as a gal who’s been there herself running 2 companies alone for so long. Holy freaking cow… its exhausting. But I am also very blessed to have found my way out of the long and lonely road of wondering what your next step is with no one to talk to about it.
Which is exactly why I made my monthly business coaching memberships. It’s ongoing, hands-on business support. Built around YOUR goals, YOUR stage, and YOUR growth. For as low as $7 or $12 a month.
No, I’m so serious. It’s really that price. So if this sounds like something that may benefit where you’re at with your business, here’s the link to get the deets and check out what’s inside.
Business Coach for Women Entrepreneurs Memberships!
Now back to our regularly scheduled program!
2. Build a connection funnel, not just a content funnel
A strong business strategy for service providers builds trust before it builds sales. (Write that down, write that down!)
This looks like:
- Storytelling over steps
- Testimonials that paint transformation
- Soft CTAs that invite, not pressure
When people trust you, they don’t need convincing. They just need a link to your contact form. Because once you gain trust from your audience, they learn why YOU are the one in demand for their emotions AND their logic. Which means the hard part is done.
But that won’t happen if you’re tunnel visioned on content without an actual connection rooted in its core.
3. Simplify your small business growth strategy
Yes. Simpler IS better in some cases.
You know like the saying “less is more”? Yeah, that applies with what we’re talking about here.
The best business growth plan example I can give you isn’t built on trends, it’s built on traction. What’s working? What’s not? What needs refining? All those kinda things.
So no, you’re not “behind” and you’re definitely not missing some magical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow you may think other business owners have found. You just need direction that matches your business model!
Now if you’re really wanting sustainable momentum
You don’t need another Instagram audit or viral hack.
You need clarity on what actually works for you.
That’s why I created the Starter Vault & Growth Lab — low-cost, cancel-anytime memberships designed to meet you where you’re at and help you grow with confidence.
I have 2 different types of memberships (both cheaper than the cost of your fav fancy latte) that give you monthly focused trainings, behind-the-scenes examples, and clear action steps that take the guesswork out of marketing for service providers.
The “I know I’m capable, I just need some dang direction” season.
The “I can’t drop $4K on a coach, but I’m tired of wasting time” season.
You don’t need more educational infographics.
You need clarity, confidence, and a next step that makes sense literally written out for you.
So if you’re reading this and thinking… “ummm Kaylie, did you just crawl inside my brain and read my exact thoughts??” then these business coaching memberships were created for you!
