How to Get Global Clients for Your Web Development Agency
Hours of refining code and designs might feel futile if your client base remains confined to local boundaries. But what if you could push those limits?
With more and more companies investing in web design to unlock brand value and new revenue streams, the potential to tap into global markets is vast. Yet, attracting international clients in a competitive arena demands mastering certain key strategies.
That's why we're here—to share six proven tactics to assist your web development agency in converting global clients.
How do you get International Clients for Web Development?
While timely delivery and quality work are universally demanded parameters, standing out amidst global competition also requires a planned approach. Here are some strategies to focus on:
Deepen Your Understanding of Target Markets
Identify the best countries for finding international clients. While North America and Western Europe emerge as obvious choices, , consider Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America for less competition.
Use tools like Google's Market Finder to spot promising markets based on internet usage, GDP, and language. Refer to market research from industry associations (e.g., World Wide Web Consortium) or pay-walled resources like Gartner and Forrester.
After shortlisting target countries, research market dynamics:
- Understand market challenges, demand-supply gaps, regulatory landscapes
- Study common client requirements, project budgets, and pricing structures
- Analyze competitors, their service offerings, strengths, and positioning
- Identify industry clusters or hotspots generating the most demand
For example, if targeting the Middle East, research holidays, shopping seasons, and design preferences to tailor your services and strategy, avoiding mispricing and mismatched expectations.
Find clients through directories, communities, trade shows, and platforms like:
- Gun.io and crew.co for global clients
- Clutch.co and DesignRush for US clients
- Behance and Dribbble for European audiences
- Relevant Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, Slack channels, etc.
This streamlines your prospecting efforts and ability to get in front of the right decision-makers.
Specialize in a High-Demand Web Development Niche
Don't try to offer every type of web development service. You'll get lost among thousands of other agencies vying for international clients.
Focus on a specific niche or domain where your agency has proven expertise and a track record of success. Consider domains like:
- Ecommerce web design and development (WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.)
- Fintech and web applications for the banking/finance industry
- Mobile app development (iOS, Android, cross-platform, etc.)
- SaaS web applications and software product development
- Gaming and entertainment web solutions
- Marketing websites and sales funnels
Obtain certifications to enhance your credibility within the niche. For the ecommerce niche, get certified on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. For the fintech niche, show case studies demonstrating compliance with regulations like PCI-DSS and GDPR.
If focusing on SaaS web apps, create tutorials, code samples on integrating with popular APIs like Stripe, Twilio, etc.
Find it hard to cold outreach to your international prospects? Follow these steps.
Leverage Digital Platforms to Access Global Audiences
Get in front of international clients with the right digital marketing strategies:
1. Build an Optimized Global Web Presence:
Your agency's website should be a powerful lead-generation asset. Optimize it for search engines and ensure a seamless multilingual experience with details like:
- Clear localized landing pages for each target country
- Detailed portfolio case studies highlighting global capabilities
- Multilingual content and ability to browse in popular languages
- Testimonials and social proof from respected international brands
- Fast loading speeds and mobile-friendly design for a great user experience
2. Showcase Work and Thought Leadership on Social Media:
It’s a no-brainer to use professional platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and build an active presence. Mere presence isn’t enough.
- Share valuable web development insights and behind-the-scenes content. Engage target audiences through comments and group conversations. Post projects, videos, and updates to build brand credibility.
- Use paid ads to target international decision-makers. Prioritize value and trust over hard selling. Nurture audiences - they'll come to you when ready.
3. Utilize Freelance Websites and Digital Marketplaces:
Create professional profiles on top freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Highlight your language skills and experience working remotely across time zones. In case you’re worried about Upwork scams, click here to solve all your doubts.
Initiate project bidding, demonstrate your skills, and establish relationships with potential global clients.
Join Slack communities like React Developers and Node.js Community for niche networking.
4. Appear for High-Intent Search Queries:
Establish an omnipresent digital footprint optimized for international audiences.
It is a natural tendency for Google to find solutions, so why not invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website's visibility on search engines? This allows international businesses to easily discover your agency when searching for web development services.
Here are some strategies to appear for high-intent search queries
- Identify specific phrases potential clients use when searching for web development services. Check out the People Also Ask questions on Google about web development and try to add those to your website.
- Focus on keywords that indicate a strong interest in conversion, such as "ecommerce website development" or "hire a web developer."
- Integrate your target keywords throughout your website's content, including titles, meta descriptions, headings, and body copy.
- If your web development agency caters to a specific geographic location, implement local SEO strategies. Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing, and include local keywords in your content.
- You can also utilize paid search ads on Google and Bing. This will help you to appear in search results for target countries.
Get in front of international clients with effective digital marketing strategies:
a. Build an Optimized Global Web Presence:
- Create localized landing pages for each target country.
- Showcase detailed portfolio case studies with global capabilities.
- Provide multilingual content and browsing options.
- Feature testimonials and social proof from respected international brands.
- Ensure fast loading speeds and mobile-friendly design.
b. Leverage Social Media to Showcase Your Work
- Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Share valuable web development insights and behind-the-scenes content.
- Engage with target audiences through comments and group conversations.
- Post projects, videos, and updates to build brand credibility.
- Use paid ads to target international decision-makers, focusing on value and trust over hard selling.
c. Utilize Freelance Websites and Digital Marketplaces:
- Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
- Highlight language skills and experience working across time zones.
- Bid on projects, demonstrate your skills, and build relationships with global clients.
- Join niche Slack communities like React Developers and Node.js Community.
d. Optimize for High-Intent Search Queries:
- Invest in SEO to improve visibility on search engines.
- Identify phrases potential clients use, like "ecommerce website development" or "hire a web developer."
- Integrate target keywords throughout your website content.
- Implement local SEO strategies if catering to specific regions. Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing.
- Use paid search ads on Google and Bing to appear in target country search results.
- By implementing these strategies, you can effectively reach and engage international clients.
Participate in Global Web Dev Events and Communities
Don't underestimate the power of in-person networking. Attend industry conferences, trade shows, webinars, and meet-ups, including export promotion council events and trade association meetings.
These forums offer guidance and valuable connections for international scaling.
For instance, you could:
- Attend large-scale events. Adobe Summit, An Event Apart, Future Websites, and MozCon attracts developers globally.
- Speak at local web developer groups/communities in your target locations
- Get featured in or contribute to relevant podcasts.
- Join online forums like SitePoint, Web Professionals Community, Reddit Web Dev, Web Professionals Organization (WPO), Front-End Front (FEF)
For European markets, explore events like WeAreDevelopers, CSSDay, etc.
- Focus on value-adding activities instead of blatant self-promotion.
- Listen intently. Provide expert opinions. Solve people's queries. Nurture connections that could lead to future collaborations.
- Smaller meetup groups and communities, in particular, are goldmines for finding warm leads.
By consistently contributing to discussions, people recognize and become more receptive to your services.
Showcase an Impressive Global Portfolio and Testimonials
Showcase your past work and testimonials on your agency's portfolio website. Highlight successful projects for recognized brands across different countries. Use video testimonials to add credibility, especially for cultures that value personal connections. For example, demonstrate how you use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and load balancing for clients with high-traffic global events.
When prospective clients can clearly see your expertise and impact, it builds trust and credibility. And don’t forget to keep your portfolio updated with your latest work.
Bonus tip: Build Processes to Deliver Stellar Global Customer Service
International clients offer invaluable opportunities, but to maximize them, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on reliability over being extraordinary. Deliver what you promise.
- Ensure your team is available and responsive during your target clients' time zone.
- Establish seamless communication processes via email, chat, and calls.
- Adapt your approach to match each client's perspective and preferences.
- Develop escalation protocols and assign dedicated account managers for high-value clients. For example:
I. German clients prioritize efficiency and consistency.
II. American clients may have distinct communication styles.
III. Japanese clients value formality and hierarchy.
Use tools like Timezone.io to coordinate working hours across time zones. Consider implementing auto-translation on chat channels using Google Translate API. Simple gestures like offering project visibility and prompt resolutions can make a big difference.
Parting Thoughts
Securing those first international clients requires careful planning and perseverance. However, with the internet shrinking distances, reaching and acquiring international clients is more feasible than ever.And when you celebrate landing that first international client, know that Skydo is here to simplify your international payments journey. With a smooth and hassle-free onboarding process, you can receive international payments directly into your bank account without losing a cent to bank fees, forex charges, or any hidden expenses. Join us today to discover the Skydo advantage!
Q1. Which countries are best to target for international web dev clients?
Ans: The US, UK, Western Europe, Singapore, Australia/New Zealand are lucrative markets. Explore relatively untapped regions like the Middle East, Africa, Latin America specific to your niche and capabilities.
Q2. How do I get US-based web development clients?
Q3. How do I research and understand a new target market?
