Finding clients as a freelancer
By Carrie M. King →Deciding to be a freelancer is one thing, but how do freelancers actually find work? Here’s a beginner’s guide to finding clients as a freelancer.
A quick note from the Goose team: Following our recent interviews and survey, we learned that finding work is a major stressor. We're excited to share our solution to this problem soon, but in the meantime, check out our helpful tips to kickstart your freelancing journey.
Many would-be freelancers balk at the idea of finding new clients or pitching for work. And let’s face it: the application part of any job hunt can be tedious. But finding clients for your freelance business might not be as difficult as you think. Yes, it takes a little time and effort but once you get started, you might be surprised how quickly you can build up your client base.
Ready? Let’s go.
1. Define your niche and build your portfolio
Defining your business will be easier for some people than others. You might, for example, be a motion graphics designer who has already built up a strong, varied portfolio. If you’re more of a generalist, figuring out how to show off your skills might be harder. Take some time to think and be as specific as you can about what you can offer clients.
Ask yourself:
- What am I good at?
- What do I enjoy?
- What skills do I want to grow and develop?
- What does my ideal day-to-day look like?
- How much money do I need/want to make?
- What can I comfortably charge for my services?
These questions should help you begin defining your niche as a freelancer. Once you know what you’d like to put out there, get yourself one of those websites you always hear about on podcasts and get going!
2. Tell everyone you know
The word ‘network’ might come with schmoozy connotations but, even if you’re just starting out in your career, the truth is you already have one. You have friends, family, communities, social media followers, ex-teachers, former classmates, etc. In short: you already know people and those people know other people.
When you start out as a freelancer, you need to tell everyone. You never know how those connections, however loose, might come in useful down the road. By letting people know you’re open to freelance projects, they might think of you when they hear of an opportunity some day in the future. Make sure to take care of the connections that come through for you – every relationship needs give as well as take.
3. Post on social media
While you’re telling everyone you know, get yourself out there on social media. Spend some time crafting some posts that clarify your offering and what exactly you want and post them on your social media channels.
You can also join freelancer groups, find relevant Slack channels, and follow relevant channels, newsletters, and services that regularly post new opportunities. To find your first assignments via social channels, you’ll need to be responsive and quick off the bat, so prepare to be terminally online for a little while. Respond to messages and emails promptly as first impressions count if you want to build a lasting relationship.
4. Attend in-person events
Attend in-person events
Online webinars are great learning opportunities, but if you want to connect to other people, you can’t beat in-person events. Scour the internet for local meetups relevant to your industry and show up.
If you don’t feel comfortable going alone, take a friend along, but make sure to speak to people you don’t know. Breaking out of your comfort zone and chatting to strangers is how you’ll make connections that matter down the line.
5. Pitch your ideas
Do you have a dream client? Is there a company you’d love to work for? Maybe you’d like to write for a particular magazine or design for a brand you love. Spend time familiarizing yourself with their work, understand what you can offer them, and approach them directly with a pitch.
There’s a high likelihood you’ll never hear from them but taking the chance is worth it. It might work out! Pitching your ideas comes with a lot of rejection so don’t take it personally. Just use the process as a way to refine your interests and to understand the market. It’s also good to practice pitching so that it becomes second nature over time. Again: don’t be disheartened if you hear nothing at first. It’s all part of the process.
Over time, word-of-mouth will become your best friend. If you produce high-quality work and are good to deal with, one project will lead to another and eventually you’ll have to pick and choose between projects.
Be careful of low-quality, low-paying projects advertised on large gig economy websites. They’ll take up your time and are unlikely to reward you very well financially. As a freelancer, you are your own boss, secretary, and agent, so make sure to protect yourself and drive yourself forward with projects you really want to do.
Of course, you’ll sometimes have to take on projects because they make good financial sense, but keep your eye trained on your personal goals for your business and career. By valuing your work, your worth, and your time, you teach other people to value it too.
Good luck out there!
