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Freelancing is not just about having the talent or skills or setting your workplace or getting your prices fixed so you can start earning some money for yourself but before you can begin to earn a living for yourself, you need clients.
Getting clients as a freelancer can be quite taxing especially if you are just starting your freelancing journey but you do not have to worry about all that as I have been able to work out some strategies and approaches in no particular order to help you get the potential clients you need to kickstart.
1. Family and Friends
Do not underestimate the power of your family and your close friends because one word from these people can bring you all the clients you have been looking for. Before you begin your freelancing journey as I always call it, tell them and ask them if they need your services, you never can tell. Maybe your aunt has been on the lookout for a web developer or your brother’s friend needs help managing her social media accounts but you wouldn’t have known all these except you tell them you are on the hunt.
Again, who else can be able to swear to you being competent and efficient if not your loved ones so don’t hesitate to ask for their help.
2. Identifying and Knowing Your Potential Clients
Before you are on the lookout for clients, you have to know the type of clients you would like to work with and work for. As a beginner, you need to get the perfect clients that align with your ethics so to do this, I would advise you to make a list of the perfect clients that would suit you.
While drafting your list, you need to reflect on and ask yourself these questions, for example,
- What type of client would I like to work for and with?
- Clients I would like to avoid working for.
As you are on the quest of looking for your perfect client and drafting your list, do not dwell too long on it, especially as a newbie, you can always give room for exceptions so your career can kickstart and you do not end up waiting for the “Perfect” one without getting any.
3. Do Not Be Afraid To Start Small
Be ready to start small when you are ready to begin freelancing. You do not have to go searching for the big, influential, and powerful clients or the biggest industries to work with.
There is a popular saying that goes “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step”, so do not feel dejected when startup companies or businesses want to work with you, you can start from there to build your clientele and portfolio and you can tell that the small company you are reluctant to work for might lead you to land the client of your dreams through words of referral.
4. Freelancing Platforms
If you have been searching for your first clients and you haven’t been able to get any, you can try checking any of the freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer.com, Toptal, etc. to get you some beginner jobs. You can also check for some sites that only serve freelancers in a particular niche.
You need to be aware that you might not get those clients immediately and if you do get some clients, the fee might not be what you have dreamt of being paid as a starter. Don’t despair because, in return for the paltry pay, you are getting some helpful knowledge and also building your network of clients.
5. Social Media
Social media shouldn’t be underestimated because it has become a platform where clients look out for freelancers and creatives. It is very accessible and easy to use so you have to build a powerful social media presence, and advertise who and what you are, and what value you offer because your social media platforms can also be your mini portfolio.
Building your social media profile like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp involves making sure your contact information is up to date, engaging with your friends and followers, and posting your goods and services regularly on your page.
6. Partnering/Networking With Other Freelancers
Partnering with other freelancers is a good way of starting up and getting clients. Whether you are a newbie or an oldie in freelancing, you can always reach out to your fellow freelancers in your niche who can refer clients to you. Some of them might be looking to outsource some projects or they might be overburdened with lots of tasks, reaching out to them can help you get some jobs.
I remember when I got started on my freelancing journey[writing], it was hard getting clients so I reached out to another freelancer that I was available in case he was slammed down with work. Without wasting time after reading through some of my work and discussing my pay, he sent over some writing jobs for me to do and from there he was constantly bringing me jobs. I was so glad I made that move so please do not be afraid of reaching out for fear of being snubbed or ignored. Shoot your shots, partner with a freelancer that provides complimentary services, for example, a songwriter teaming up with a music producer to have a full song and deliver a total package.
You can also attend special networking events where freelancers and clients are invited or hosted, there, you can pitch your services to them. One can never tell, you can meet someone there who requires your services so always talk about what you can offer when you meet face-to-face at such events.
Sign up for freelance events around, you can join a community of freelancers online so you can be notified or get invited to their events. Don’t forget to carry your business cards to share alongside.
7. Build A LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn has proven to be a platform for freelancers and creatives to get jobs because it was specifically designed for employment and business connections. Every human resource or job recruiter uses and navigates LinkedIn for contract or full-time prospective freelancers so this is an opportunity to create that mindblowing and captivating profile if you are a starter and if you already have one, make sure to keep it updated.
You can also follow professionals or organizations you would like to work for so you can gain knowledge about their business.
8. Networking With Other People
“All work and no play makes you a dull person”. I get we all want to create that too-serious persona and all but networking with other people by showing up at social gatherings or even wedding parties can build relationships that can help you get that client.
Talk about yourself and your business when you are in an event especially when the conversation at the table is steered towards work. Don’t be shy to wear your freelance coat because you never can tell if the person or people you are speaking to is/are your potential clients and if they aren’t, be sure to tell them that you are on the lookout for clients so that in the future, if they know someone that needs your services, they will think and refer you to that person because you have put yourself in their head.
SUMMARY
Networking and building relationships are the keys to getting your dream clients because ‘no man is an Island’. We all need each other. You do not need to do it all at once and rush the process, the most important thing is getting your tools in place and always making sure to express your value and expertise.
I wish you well!
