Freelancing is something that many more are taking up as a profession in this modern age. Thanks to the digital world of the internet and social media, it has paved the way for many more job types to come into creation.
For freelancing, while it has existed prior to the internet, there are a lot more faucets available through it than ever before. With that in mind, there are a lot of highs and lows that come with freelancing. There’s no guarantee of work with freelancing and once one project or contract ends, it’s time to find a new one.
So whether it’s digital design services to copywriting, here are some helpful ways to acquire more clients as a freelancer.
Make connections through platforms like LinkedIn
Social media is a wonderful place for advertising, something mentioned further down. However, one social media platform that’s more of a networking site than a place to share the typical found on social media feeds, is LinkedIn.
LinkedIn serves as a useful place to connect and speak to like-minded individuals who may be able to secure work for those freelancers who need it.
The ability to outreach to clients directly can be helpful, especially when cold pitching usually reaches the inbox of a receptionist. The hope that this receptionist then forwards the pitch to the right person is often slim.
With LinkedIn, it also helps showcase the portfolio of work that has been achieved so far. There are over 800 million users on the platform, so there will be more than just a few who are looking for freelancers.
Utilize data to help when pitching to new clients
Any freelancer that’s been in the game long enough, will know the challenges faced with cold pitching.
Where an intention is required to reach the audience and encourage them to select the freelancer amongst any others, the right visual pitch is required. With Power BI, a platform such as this one can be helpful for those freelancers who want to showcase their track record of work.
This may be particularly helpful for those whose work is data-driven and needs to show proof to the client, that the freelancer is the right one to deliver on the goals set.
Get on social media to advertise work
Social media has so many uses, despite having its toxicity to some degree. As a freelancer, it can be a great way to connect with others to get work.
Freelancers need to see themselves as businesses. As a business, it’s important to advertise the work that has already been created. For some social media platforms, one may be more useful than the other. For example, if selling artwork, a platform like Instagram might be more beneficial than Twitter.
Focus on where other freelancers are advertising themselves and that offer a similar or the same service. Utilize these platforms to an advantage where possible.
Create an insightful portfolio
Freelancers need to showcase their work and if it’s not on social media, then a portfolio is required. This portfolio might be physical, digital, or both. For example, if it’s a digital portfolio, then a website is a good place to display all previous works and experiences.
Having a portfolio that provides a potential client with all of the work done prior, can cut down the amount of time and effort the client needs to do in order to secure a freelancer. Save them energy and time. Make it easier for them to choose you as their freelancer.
Speak to existing clients for contacts
It’s something that many freelancers will forget to do and that’s to speak to existing contacts and clients. Networking is something that many people do and it may be that the contacts a freelancer has already got, have them in mind for other clients that are looking for freelancers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to those that are already on the books and pick their brains over whether they know anyone else who is looking for a hard-working freelancer!
Ask previous clients for testimonials and reviews
To secure work, great testimonials and reviews can come in handy. Speak to those who you’ve worked with previously. See if they’re willing to provide testimonials or reviews on the work done. This information can then be displayed on a website or social media feed to help attract more clients.
Acquiring clients as a freelancer can be a constant activity that many need to do, despite how popular they become for their work.
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