The top 4 ways to find clients as a freelancer are:
- Find projects on freelancing platforms
- Be active on social media
- Network to increase clients
- Build an outstanding portfolio
When finding projects on freelancing platforms, highlight your skills or expertise. Clients may prefer when you stick to a particular niche. Use advanced search filters to find recent job postings. Also, set up job alerts based on your skill set. You’ll be notified when new freelance projects are posted.
Mia Juan suggests using Instagram to post content related to being a virtual assistant. According to the VA Handbook, virtual assistants see an average of 34% more client inquiries when regularly posting on Instagram than those who don’t maintain an active presence. As a freelancer, adopt a business owner mindset instead of an employee one. Switch to a business or creator account when optimizing your Instagram profile. Write an engaging bio highlighting your skills. Then include a professional profile photo to prove credibility. Add links to your website, resume, and portfolio. Also, follow the accounts of your potential clients. Research their businesses and like or comment on their posts.
When networking, attend industry conferences to meet collaborators, freelancers, and potential clients. According to EventMB, 76% of freelancers find at least one new client through in-person industry events. Go to workshops or seminars related to your niche. This allows you to gain more knowledge and improve your skills. Then join local Facebook or LinkedIn groups to answer questions and offer your services.
Prepare a portfolio of past projects to prove credibility and expertise. Reach out to entrepreneurs to offer them work for a review. Then include client reviews on your portfolio website. Include relevant pages like blogs, case studies, and service or product descriptions.
In this article, we discuss the top 4 ways to find clients as a freelancer. We include benefits like improved work-life balance, higher client retention, and higher rates.
1. Find projects on freelancing platforms
Create a profile on every freelancing platform you’ll use to find clients. Make sure your profile contains your bio, skills, work history, and portfolio. Include additional information like educational attainment, certifications, or seminars attended, if there are any. In creating your bio, specify your expertise tailored to your clients’ needs. Explain what makes you stand out from other freelancers. To complete your profile, choose a clear and professional photo to leave a positive first impression.
Fiverr is a famous freelancing platform with mixed reviews. There are people who get hired, while others can’t complete projects. Be sure to look for reviews or completed projects as a guide. This makes it easier to know what to expect from future clients. Once you land on a potential, discuss the scope of your project. Communicate your skills, experience, and availability. Most freelancers have different time zones with clients. So, it’s best to stick to a specific time to do meetings or revisions. Below are other freelancing platforms to find clients:
- Upwork – It has a wide range of job categories, including writing, marketing, customer service, web development, and design. Browse available job listings and submit proposals to many clients.
- Freelancer.com – Create a profile and start bidding on projects. It has a contest feature where freelancers submit their work to win posted projects.
- FlexJobs – Specializes in flexible and remote job opportunities in education, tech, and customer service. It screens all listings for quality to avoid scams.
- TaskRabbit – Good for finding local and short-term freelance tasks. These include handyman services, moving, cleaning, and other services. Set up your profile and offer your skills to clients in your local area.
Deya says your first freelance job should be about getting social proof on your profile. Choose a project you’re confident you can successfully complete. Find clients who have good reviews and verified payment. Start a one-time project to instantly collect testimonials. The competition may be tough depending on the role you’re applying for. So, apply within 2-3 hours of a job posting to be ahead of other freelancers.
2. Be an active freelancer on social media
Get clients on social media through posting samples of your work. This includes mentioning services like graphic design, email marketing, illustration, content marketing, or social media management. Showcase finished projects, before-and-after results, and testimonials.
To boost credibility, share the backstory of how you started your freelancing career. Also, don’t be shy to talk to people. Reply to stories, comment on their posts, and share their content. Focus on startups, CEOs, or small business owners. Below are social media platforms to use:
- LinkedIn – Good for professional services and B2B. This is an ideal platform for freelancers with skills in writing, consulting, marketing, and web design.
- Facebook – For broad audience and community building. Join local FB groups related to your niche. Also, target specific demographics by running Facebook ads.
- Instagram – Used for personal branding and visual services. This is great for creative freelancers in areas like art, photography, beauty, fitness, and design.
- Twitter – A fast-paced platform for engaging with industry influencers and potential clients. Get quick updates, additional knowledge, and news about your industry.
- TikTok – Popular for freelancers to show their skills, creativity, and personality entertainingly. Post short videos of tips or tutorials related to your work.
- Reddit – Home to various niche communities. Connect with freelancers and clients related to business and marketing.
Dakota Robertson outlines a framework to attract high-paying clients on social media without messaging them. First is to conduct market research to discover your audience’s preferences and pain points. To address these issues, ChatGPT is helpful for generating content ideas. Second, create engaging content to solve your potential clients’ pain points. Identify the problem and list steps to solve it. Then add case studies to show credibility. Lastly, use a clear call-to-action at the end of your content. Encourage users to send you a direct message for future projects.
A Redditor says promoting your services on Instagram compared to Facebook. But this still varies depending on your niche or chosen industry. When starting as a freelancer, develop a concrete strategy for your sales process. Determine the next steps when a potential client calls you. Confidently explain your skills, services, and experience once you get a meeting. You’ll need to work on becoming a salesperson while using your marketing resources.
3. Network your freelancing services to increase clients
Network on local meetups, webinars, and trade shows. These events are usually filled with freelancers, small businesses, and potential clients. Actively socialize to introduce your skills and services. Once you engage in a good conversion with peers, do follow-ups for future projects. Share your LinkedIn profile or email for direct communication. If you want to start online networking, use the following apps:
- Meetup – Find virtual events and local groups related to your field. These include categories like travel and outdoors, technology, and sports and fitness.
- Bumble Bizz – This is an offshoot of the popular dating app. Good for online networking with professionals and freelancers.
- Bizzabo – An event management platform designed for hybrid events. Has features like ticketing, live polling, Q&A sessions, and other networking opportunities.
Networking expands your professional circle as a freelancer. It fosters collaborations and unlocks new opportunities. Start with your family or friends who need your skills or services. Talk to former co-workers, alumni associations, and organizations outside your industry. Meeting different people and going to events can maximize referrals.
A Redditor mentions that building a network in the tech industry is a smart move. Your ideal clients will probably attend conferences targeted at tech startups. Reach out to tech bloggers or content creators. They often post what they do on social media or on their websites. This attracts a larger audience and increases revenue. If you have writing or web design skills, collaborate on a blog post or give free samples.
4. Build an outstanding freelance portfolio
Present your freelance portfolio on your personal website, portfolio platforms, and social media. In your portfolio, include samples of content you’ve created. This includes proofs UX design, virtual assistance, bookkeeping, language teaching, and illustration. If you’re a content writer, show articles you’ve written for various topics or a specific niche.
It’s important to have a freelance website to enhance your branding. Create service pages for SEO, web design, video editing, photography, or animation. Build trust and credibility by featuring testimonials and case studies. Use features like appointment booking, live chat, and contact form. These make it easier to quickly communicate with website visitors. Snapps.ai is a drag-and-drop website builder that has an image gallery widget. Users can swipe left to view each visual proof you have.
In building a copywriting portfolio, Tyson suggests starting with 3-5 well-crafted emails. These need to be relevant to the niche you’re targeting. Use Canva to design your copy on an actual webpage. This proves you’re capable of putting creativity to your work. Then explain the strategy behind each piece. Specify why it works, what it does, and how it fits into a funnel. This makes it easier for clients to understand its portfolio. Lastly, refine your outreach strategy so clients can actually view your portfolio.
What are the benefits of specializing in a niche for a freelancer?
- Higher rates – Sticking to a niche increases chances of receiving larger pay. Clients will pay a high rate for premium services.
- Reduced competition – Target a smaller and more specific audience. This makes it easier to differentiate your skills from other freelancers. Clients prefer specialists who understand their chosen industry rather than hiring generalists.
- Higher client retention – Clients will probably hire you again for future projects if they witness your skills and knowledge. You’ll have loyal customers who will come back for additional services.
- Improved work-life balance – Specializing in a skill can lead to smoother projects and a more productive workload. Focus on doing work you’re most passionate about. This will give you peace of mind so you can focus on your hobbies outside of work.
- Increased authority – Deepen your knowledge on the area or industry you’re working on. This helps you stay ahead of industry trends and boosts a competitive edge.
Can I get clients on a website builder for freelance writers?
Yes, you can get clients on a website builder for freelance writers. Feature a portfolio of your best articles or other writing pieces. Organize it by niche to make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for. Some writing types include blogs, press releases, product descriptions, or short stories. Create service pages for SEO writing, copywriting, technical writing, editing, and blog writing. Ask past clients for testimonials to display on your site. Use contact form and appointment booking to keep in touch with potential clients. Don’t forget to utilize SEO and content strategy to rank your site on search results. Add relevant keywords like “proofreading”, “ebooks”, or “storytelling”.
