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How to Attract International Web Development Clients (Proven Strategies)

Luka Pecavar

Finding high-paying international clients for your web development business can feel overwhelming. The market is competitive, and web development businesses often struggle to stand out. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to rely on luck. With the right strategy, you can consistently attract and close premium web development clients, whether you're a freelancer or an agency owner.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through proven methods—starting with the most effective one: cold outreach.

How to Get Web Development Clients

To get web development clients, you need a well-planned approach. Below are the key strategies that will help you expand your client base and find web design clients effectively.

1. Cold Email Outreach

Cold emailing is a powerful way to land web development clients by reaching out directly to businesses that need your services. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1️⃣ Identify Your Ideal Clients

Focus on businesses that need web development services, such as:

  • Companies with outdated or slow websites
  • Local businesses without a website
  • Startups needing an MVP or web app
  • Web design agency clients looking to outsource development

2️⃣ Find Leads

Build a targeted list using:

  • Google Search (e.g., "best restaurants in [city]" → check if their site is outdated)
  • LinkedIn & Sales Navigator (to find decision-makers)
  • Yelp, Clutch, AngelList (to target specific industries)
  • Any Scraper (to collect emails and automate outreach)

3️⃣ Craft a High-Converting Cold Email

A great cold email is short, personalized, and value-driven.

📌 Cold Email Template

Subject: Solving {{issue}} can improve your {{metric by xyz performance}}

Hi {FirstName},

I came across {CompanyName} and really liked [something specific about their business]. But I noticed your website could [mention a specific issue, e.g., improve speed, design, or user experience].

I help businesses like yours optimize their websites to [specific benefit, e.g., increase conversions by 30% or improve loading speed by 50%].

Last month, we helped [competitor] reach [milestone]. 

Would you be open to a free audit and share insights?

Reply “yes” if this is of interest to you.

Best,

[Your Name]

4️⃣ Automate Email Outreach with Manyreach

Manually sending and following up on cold emails is time-consuming. With Manyreach, you can automate your outreach while keeping emails highly personalized.

Here’s how to set it up:

  • Upload Your Contact List – Import a CSV with names, company details, and emails.
  • Add Sender’s Addresses – Upload multiple senders for bulk outreach and start email warmup.
  • Create an Automated Email Sequence – Schedule follow-ups.
  • Use Personalization Tokens – Add spintags and variables for customized emails.
  • Track Performance – Monitor open, click, and reply rates.

5️⃣ Follow Up (Most Replies Come After the First Email!)

Most people won’t respond to your first email. Manyreach automates follow-ups for you. Send at least 4 to 5 follow-ups.

📌 Follow-up Example (Sent 3-5 Days Later)
"Hi {FirstName}, just checking if you saw my last email. I’d love to offer a free audit of your website—would you be open to a quick chat?"

📌 Final Nudge (Sent 7-10 Days Later)
"Working on {issue} can improve {metric by xyz%}. Let me know if you’re interested!"

6️⃣ Track & Optimize for Better Results

To improve your cold email success, track these key metrics:

  • Open Rate – Aim for 40%+
  • Reply Rate – Aim for 10%+
  • Bounce Rate – Keep below 5%

If results are low, try:

  • Better targeting (refining your lead list)
  • A/B testing subject lines
  • Tweaking your message

2. Build a High-Converting Portfolio (Your #1 Sales Tool)

Your portfolio is often the first impression potential clients have of your work. A strong portfolio helps web development consulting businesses attract clients. The best portfolio can be a well-designed website with the following elements.

How to Create a Portfolio That Attracts Clients:

  • Showcase your best work – Highlight 3-5 high-quality projects with before/after results.
  • Include client testimonials – Social proof builds credibility.
  • Highlight your niche expertise – Are you great at e-commerce, SaaS, or WordPress development? Make it clear.
  • Optimize for UX – Ensure your portfolio site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.

Checkout Bricx - a web developement agency's website for inspiration.

3. Network Strategically (Go Beyond LinkedIn)

Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about building relationships.

Where to Network for Web Development Clients:

  • LinkedIn & Twitter (X) – Engage with founders, CEOs, and agency owners.
  • Industry Events & Meetups – Attend (or speak at) tech conferences like Web Summit.
  • Partner with Complementary Freelancers – Designers, marketers, and SEO experts often refer clients.

4. Leverage Social Media & Content Marketing

Posting consistently on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), or a personal blog can position you as an authority and attract inbound leads.

5. Optimize for SEO (Get Found Organically)

Ranking on Google for terms like “how to get web development clients” can bring long-term, high-quality leads on autopilot.

Quick SEO Wins:

  • Keyword Optimization – Use tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest.
  • Blog Regularly – Write about topics like “How Much Does a Custom Website Cost in 2024?”
  • Backlinks – Guest post on tech blogs.

Final Thoughts: Start Landing Clients Today

Attracting international web development clients isn’t about luck—it’s about executing the right strategies consistently.

Your Action Plan:

  • Start cold emailing – Use Manyreach.

  • Polish your portfolio – Make it client-focused.

  • Engage daily on LinkedIn/Twitter – Build authority.

  • Publish SEO-optimized content – Drive organic traffic.

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