Want More Clients in 2026? Start With This One Thing

2026 is full of potential — but attracting the right Clients doesn’t just happen by chance. The difference between a busy, thriving business and one that’s stuck isn’t always obvious. In this post, I’m sharing a simple, practical way to start moving the needle — a step you can take right now to set your business up for a successful year.

I’m going to ask you a few simple questions — the kind that help you step back, look at your business more objectively, and see things from a slightly different perspective. The aim isn’t to add more to your to-do list, but to spark a few fresh ideas you can gently build into your plans for 2026.

So grab a notepad or journal or open up new note, and here we go.

My first question is about VISIBILITY: Is it obvious who your Client is, and how you can help them?

There are plenty of businesses in my local area that I recognise by name, but I couldn’t tell you exactly what they do. It’s usually only when I’m actively looking for a solution — or someone recommends them — that I take a closer look.

That’s how most of us work, isn’t it?

Take a moment to write this down. Start with a few keywords, then expand on them. Think about your people — who they are, what they need, and where they’re most likely to find you.

The next question I have for you is about CLARITY: Is it easy for potential clients to understand what you offer?

Whether that is in a sucinct 60s introduction speech, the opening words on your website, or the wording on the outside of your building or vehicle. The easier it is to understand, the more likely the right people will reach out to you.

Industry-specific language can be brilliant if you’re speaking to peers — but it can also be confusing to everyone else. Take photography as an example. Do you know exactly what personal branding photography is? You might have a general idea, but would you confidently enquire about something if you weren’t sure whether you actually needed it?

Clarity builds confidence. Again — jot down a few words, then refine them.

And my third and most important question: How easy is it for potential Clients to TRANSACT with you?

Because until you have that transaction, you're not moving the most important needle in your business that you should be focussing on. And to get that transaction, you need to have an enquiry, pitch a solution, and feel clearly invited to take the next step. Making their buying decision as simple as possible. Too many options, too much back-and-forth, or unclear information can create hesitation — and hesitation slows everything down. Ask yourself: Is the right information available at the right time to help someone make a confident decision?

If this has got you thinking, that’s perfect. 2026 has already started well! In my next blog, I’ll be sharing some easy wins you can implement to help move that needle — without overwhelm.

With love,

Rachel xx

Rachel Thornhill Photography in a Magenta Jumper doing some 2026 planning in a Journal

P.S. You may have noticed that I haven’t mentioned photography here — and that’s intentional.

Yesterday, I was at a networking meeting and had an interesting conversation with a fellow photographer who disagreed with me when I said that not everyone simply needs more followers.

More followers can absolutely increase warm leads. But without being clear about the message you’re putting out, you run the risk of creating content that becomes little more than scroll-fodder — content that eats up your valuable time and energy, and adds to the vast sea of forgettable posts filling our feeds.

Clarity always comes before visibility.

(And with that… I’ll step off my soapbox now.)

About Rachel Thornhill

Rachel Thornhill ABIPP is a Reigate and Surrey-based corporate, business and branding photographer who creates stunning, scroll-stopping images that help businesses and brands stand out and shine. From professional headshots and team portraits to on-location brand photography, her work connects brands with the right clients and tells their story with impact.