How to Get Clients as a Freelancer in 5 Easy Ways
Jumping into freelancing can feel like a big leap, especially if you’re moving away from a regular 9-to-5 job. Tons of doubts and uncertainty will definitely come to mind when you’re trying to find clients.
Questions like where to find them, how to interact with them, and what services you can provide are all answered in this article.
This guide is here to help, offering straightforward strategies to help you reach out effectively, make the most of your network, and kickstart a successful freelance career.
With that said, let’s start talking about how you can get clients as a freelancer.
How Do You Get Clients as a First-Time Freelancer?
The most viable options are to start building your own network, work on your portfolio, and do volunteer work. All of these are especially beneficial if you’re new to freelancing since they primarily require your time, not your clients’.
While it may not yield great pay initially, the amount of learning and experience you’ll gain is definitely a better trade-off in the long run.
ALSO READ: Is Being a Freelancer Worth It?
1. Create Your Own Network
When you’re just starting out, especially in freelancing, it’s important to build a network you can rely on.
Start small by introducing yourself and your services to friends and family. Next, attend events related to your interests and niche where you can meet like-minded people who align with your services. Utilize various social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., to position yourself as an expert in your niche.
By doing all of these things, you can definitely attract good leads and clients in need of your expertise.
ALSO CHECK: What are the Best Alternatives to Upwork and How Do You Write an Upwork Proposal?
2. Start Working on Your Portfolio
Building your portfolio is often mentioned, but not everyone puts in the effort—why? Well, because it’s too time-consuming for most. As a result, many new freelancers overlook building their portfolios.
However, having a portfolio that showcases your recent work is highly effective.
It demonstrates that you’ve invested time in presenting your previous projects to potential clients in a way that highlights how your skills can address their needs.
Setting up your portfolio on your personal website, GitHub, or any other platform that best fits your role is something you should definitely do if you haven’t already.
3. Reach Out to Clients via Cold Emails
Cold emails, when done right, can indeed offer the highest ROI for growing your business.
The response rate can range between 2% and 10% when executed effectively.
So, if you’re a new freelancer just starting out, it’s best to gather leads and send out those cold emails. You never know—your first client might come from a reply to your pitch.
4. Do Some Volunteer Work
Sometimes, volunteering is one of the most practical things you can do when you’re just starting your freelancing journey.
Helping small business owners, family members, or even friends with tasks that align with your services can indeed open doors for you. It allows you to build your portfolio, create your own network, and even gain referrals.
So, don’t disregard this option just because some may equate volunteering with unpaid labor. It simply means you’re willing to put in the hard work initially and reap the benefits once you’ve demonstrated the quality of your work through volunteering.
5. Ask for Referrals
If you have previous clients or know people within your circle who need your expertise, asking for referrals is the way to go.
Not only will this help you, but it can also benefit the referrer, leading to a better relationship.
Tips When Getting Clients as a Freelancer
Here are some added tips that can help you land your client.
Find Your Niche
Think about what you’re really good at and what you love doing. Is there a specific area where these intersect? That’s where you should focus.
Finding your niche means you’re not just another freelancer; you’re the go-to person for something specific.
Whether it’s graphic design for indie bands or copywriting for tech startups, knowing your niche makes it easier to market yourself and attract the clients who need your exact skills.
Position Yourself as an Expert
Now that you’ve found your sweet spot, it’s time to show off a bit.
Dive deep into your niche—learn everything you can, join relevant conversations, and maybe even share your knowledge through blogs or social media.
Think of it this way: the more you know and share, the more you’re seen as an expert. And who wouldn’t want to hire an expert?
Understand the Importance of Word of Mouth
Never underestimate the power of a happy client. Good work gets talked about! If you knock a project out of the park, that client might just tell their friends. And just like that, you’ve got word-of-mouth marketing working for you—no billboards needed. Keep those relationships strong, and don’t be shy about asking for referrals.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Let’s face it, everyone’s on social media these days, and it’s not just for cat videos. Use platforms like LinkedIn to show your professional side, or Instagram to post your latest projects. It’s like a continuous portfolio that not only showcases your work but also helps you connect with potential clients and stay on the radar of your industry peers.
Keep It to 3 Clients
Starting with a small number of clients allows you to focus on providing top-notch service and really getting to know their needs.
It’s like having a mini focus group dedicated to making your business better. As you grow more comfortable and your processes get smoother, you can start adding more clients without dropping the quality of your work.
Conclusion
JRW is a platform that aims to help its users navigate the freelancing industry. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit a bottleneck in acquiring clients, we’re here to assist you in finding solutions to these dilemmas.
Consider checking out our previous articles like ‘What are the Best Brand Manager Interview Questions Right Now?’ and ‘How Do You Write an Effective Upwork Proposal?’ You’ll find these and much more on our blog.
In conclusion, these tips should make it easier to navigate the freelancing waters, helping you not only attract clients but also build lasting professional relationships.
We hope we’ve helped you address this issue, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below.
FAQs
What are effective strategies for crafting a compelling cold email?
Start by personalizing your email—use the recipient’s name and reference specific details about their business. Craft a catchy subject line, keep your message concise, and directly state how you can solve their problem. Finish with a clear call to action and follow up if you don’t hear back within a week.
How can I effectively ask for referrals from past clients?
Ask for referrals right after a successful project completion when client satisfaction is high. Make it easy for them to refer you by providing a sample message or a referral link. Offer a small incentive to encourage them, and be clear about the type of clients you’re looking for.
What should I do if my cold emails are not getting responses?
Reevaluate your emails for relevance and engagement. Experiment with different subject lines and sending times. Consider warming up contacts via social media interactions before emailing. If still unsuccessful, seek feedback on your approach.
How can I leverage my existing network for more effective referrals?
Keep your network engaged with regular updates about your work and achievements. Share useful content and offer help when possible. An active and reciprocal relationship encourages your network to provide referrals.
What are common mistakes to avoid when sending cold emails?
Avoid generic messages and a hard sell approach. Personalize your emails, keep the tone friendly, and always double-check for typos. Remember to follow up, as it often makes the difference in getting a response.
