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How to Land Social Media Clients: Pitches & Proposals
Get ready for a casual and actionable fireside chat where we talk everything proposals and pitching for agencies.
We talk about the entire process with tips you need at every step. From the biggest mistakes agencies make when pitching, to showcasing value before signing, to pre-qualifying the clients you want an need.
Meet the speakers:
Adam Hempenstall
CEO and Founder of Better Proposals, Adam started his first web design business at 14 and has helped his customers win $500 million in the last year alone. He’s the mind behind Proposal University and co-runs the UltraMeet festival.
Graham Todd
Co-Director of Spaghetti Agency, Todd is dedicated to making marketing strategies clear and exciting. At Spaghetti Agency, it’s “No bull; just beef,” ensuring digital marketing is accessible for everyone.
Moderator: Miruna Dragomir
Miruna has been leading growth efforts at Planable for the past five years, taking the company from 50 to 6.5K active customers. With experience at Uber’s Marketing Team and Oracle’s Social Media Team, she’s a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni who’s spoken at How to Web and CMO Alliance Fellowship.
Key Insights from the fireside chat:
1. Listen First, Pitch Later
Instead of launching into a pre-prepared pitch, Todd advises taking time to listen and understand what each client genuinely needs. This listening-first approach not only builds trust but also uncovers the real pain points your agency can solve, resulting in a pitch that feels more relevant and compelling.
2. Personalize with The Client’s Words
Both Todd and Adam recommend using the client’s own phrasing and language in your proposal. Including exact words they used during initial calls shows that you’re paying attention and personalizes the pitch in a way that makes them feel understood and valued.
3. Present the Proposal Live
Instead of emailing a proposal and hoping for the best, Todd advocates presenting it live (via Zoom or in person). Walking clients through the proposal allows you to handle objections instantly, gauge their reactions, and make adjustments on the spot—all of which can boost your chances of closing the deal.
4. Set Expectations Upfront
Address budget and timing early in the conversation. Todd shared that being upfront about these essentials saves everyone time and filters out clients who aren’t a good match. This approach also communicates that your agency values transparency and is a professional partner worth the investment.
5. Don’t Discount—Add Value Instead
When prospects push back on pricing, rather than immediately offering a discount, suggest adjusting the scope of services to meet their budget. Both Todd and Adam emphasize that this not only maintains the integrity of your pricing but also positions your agency as confident and willing to customize solutions without undervaluing the work.
Want to dive deeper? Leave your email below to access the full recording of this invaluable fireside chat!