The biggest challenge for freelancers is to find clients. Getting started would mean not having or having little idea on how to find a client or market yourself. However, you don’t need to be overly sales or launch advertising campaigns just to get clients. Here are some of the best ways on how to get clients as a freelancer.
Update and Market Your Portfolio
Keep your portfolio up-to-date and market it to attract potential clients. Use searchable portfolio websites such as Coroflot.com, Hireanillustrator.com, and Sortfolio.com. Blogging will help you. Have case studies or work samples on your blogs. You can also post your past clients’ testimonials.
Word of Mouth
People won’t mind, in fact, they will definitely recommend you when they like your work. People trust recommendations more than a blog, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile. So, do a good job, and you will certainly get referred to other people. Start doing work for family members or friends.
Create Content
Creating content is a good way to let potential clients know what you’re capable of. For example, you can add a blog to your portfolio or online resume. But before you post anything, make sure that you know your market.
Write blogs that are relevant to your field to show your expertise. For instance, you’re a WordPress developer. You can write articles about how building a WordPress website can increase sales. This will catch their attention and most likely get you a new project.
You can also create content for other people because it gets you in front of more potential clients. For example, you can write blogs or create videos for others. Just make sure to include your name in the credits, so potential clients will know that it’s your work. You can also take photos for a certain guide and include a link to your website underneath the image.
Use The Power of Social Media
Build connections with businesses and people you respect and want to work with. Follow them, comment on their posts, and show your support for their projects or endeavors. You may also connect with fellow freelancers. Once you gain their trust, they might refer you to those who need your service. You will also find job posts on various social networks, such as Facebook groups.
Network Both In Person and Online
Face-to-face meetings are more memorable than online discussions. Attend a networking event or local meetups relevant to your passion or interests, and don’t forget to bring business cards. You can also attend conferences online and join industry-specific forums like Quora, relevant subreddits, and LinkedIn and Facebook groups. Connect with others and offer recommendations and insights. Cold emailing will also work. Conduct some research about the company you want to apply to, so you can give them exactly what they want.
Speak at Conferences or Events
Speak at conferences or events where audience members may require your services. If you’re a web designer, for example. You can attend an event for business owners. During the event, talk about the benefits and importance of a killer web design to show your value to potential clients. As you gain trust and build up integrity as an excellent speaker, you may even get paid to speak at conferences or events.
Establish Yourself as an Authority/Expert in Your Niche
There are various ways to position yourself as an authority in your niche. One of these is by writing and publishing an eBook on platforms like Gumroad. Writing an eBook allows you to show your expertise on the subject at hand and gives you a good reason to attend interviews or speaking engagements, where you can talk about your book. You can also create online courses on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy, mentor newbies in person or online, or build other information products such as videos and PDFs. These products can also help you earn extra money.
Check Out Freelance Job Boards
Freelance job sites like Upwork, People Per Hour, and Freelancer are ideal for those who are not established or don’t have a portfolio. You need to put a lot of effort and time into building your reputation and rating and bidding, but these platforms can be useful for those who need a freelance job. The rates might be lower, but you also need to remember that you have to build your reputation first. Once your reputation is established, you can charge more and get better-paid work.
Conclusion
Perhaps you started freelancing with the intention of quitting your day job eventually. If you want to get freelance work and become a successful freelancer, you need to demonstrate your expertise and value as well as build relationships offline and online. Whether you want to start a freelance business or grow your client base, the tips stated above will help you build a strong portfolio and promote yourself to potential clients.
