I run a small CRM consulting service and I’m having trouble getting new clients. I help businesses set up customer management systems, create automated processes, and improve their sales workflows. I also work with marketing companies who want to offer these services to their own clients without doing the work themselves.
Right now I’m mostly trying to reach companies in the US market. My main strategy has been writing emails to businesses and agencies who might need help. But honestly, I’m getting zero replies back.
I’m starting to think maybe my approach isn’t working. Here’s what I’m curious about:
Is email outreach even worth it these days?
Would I be better off spending time on social media platforms and freelance websites?
What would actually convince a marketing agency to work with someone like me?
I could really use some advice on finding the right clients, what kind of messages get attention, or just general tips on how to make my services more appealing.
Cold email is brutal right now. Your open rates suck and everything lands in spam anyway.
I’ve seen this with tons of consultants in our space. It’s not your service - CRM consulting is solid. You’re just competing with thousands sending the same generic crap.
Here’s what actually works:
Ditch mass emails. Start solving problems publicly instead. Join Facebook groups where your clients hang out. Answer CRM questions for free. Share workflow screenshots. People will reach out to you.
Agencies care about three things: can you deliver on time, will you make them look good, and can you juggle projects without drama. Lead with case studies proving these.
LinkedIn beats email if you don’t screw it up. Don’t pitch immediately though. Comment on their posts, share useful content, then connect.
Partner with web developers or business consultants who already have clients. They refer CRM work, you split revenue.
Freelance sites are a pricing race to the bottom, but they’re decent for building initial reviews if you’re starting from scratch.
Email works, but avoid sending generic messages. Many consultants rely on templated outreach that feels inauthentic. Instead, personalize your approach by researching the company’s recent developments or any relevant changes in their industry that could affect their CRM needs.
Remember, with agencies, you aren’t just another vendor; you’re enhancing their capabilities. Illustrate how your services can elevate their standing with clients and offer pricing that allows them to mark up your services confidently.
Credibility is vital as agencies are cautious about preserving their client relationships. Keep meticulous records of your results—tracking before and after metrics, process improvements, and gathering testimonials that showcase tangible outcomes. Even minor successes can be compelling when supported by strong data.
You might want to consider offering a pilot project at a reduced rate to establish a relationship. Succeeding in this initial task can lead to ongoing projects and referrals down the line.
Your timing’s probably part of the issue. Most businesses are drowning in CRM chaos but don’t realize how bad it is until something breaks. Stop pitching solutions right away. Instead, position yourself as the guy who finds CRM problems first. I’ve had great luck with free CRM audits that show specific problems in their current setup. Once they see actual numbers on lost leads or wasted hours, they get it. For agencies, focus on helping them scale without hiring full-time CRM people. Tons of agencies land clients wanting automation but can’t actually deliver it. Your white-label pitch should stress that you stay invisible while they keep the client relationship. Pick specific industries instead of going after everyone. Manufacturing, real estate, service businesses - they all have similar CRM headaches. When you specialize, your messaging hits harder and your case studies actually matter to prospects in that space.
Honestly, you’re missing the trust factor. Nobody’s handing over customer data to some random consultant they found online. Hit up local business meetups or chamber events - meet people face to face first. And maybe start with smaller local companies instead of going straight for the big US market. They’re way less suspicious and need the help just as much.