How to Turn One-Off Projects into Long-Term Jobs

With the global freelance market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15% through 2026, freelancing continues to be a dream come true for many—no doubt about it. 

You get to set your schedule, choose projects that inspire you, and work from anywhere—be it your favorite café, your home office, or even a tropical beach overseas. The flexibility and freedom are unmatched. 

But freelancing has its challenges too. Chief among them? One-off projects, while profitable at the moment, mean you’re constantly searching for the next gig to keep your income steady.

Sound exhausting? You’re not alone. 

Did you know that freelancers spend an average of 23% of their time searching for new clients? That’s almost a quarter of your workweek wasted on finding jobs rather than doing them. 

What’s worse, competition is fiercer than ever: according to Upwork’s 2024 report, over 50% of the workforce will participate in freelancing in some capacity.

The good news is you can change this. The most successful freelancers know how to transform one-off projects into long-term relationships. 

Having a strategy to secure ongoing work is mandatory—not optional. 

In this guide, I’ll share actionable tips, backed by proven ways, to help you turn short-term gigs into long-term jobs. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to transform your freelancing career.

Why Building Long-Term Relationships Matters

Long-term clients aren’t just convenient—they’re key for scaling your freelance career. Here’s why:

• Save Time: Finding new clients takes time. Building ongoing relationships saves you from constantly marketing yourself and allows you to focus on delivering quality work.
• Financial Stability: A steady stream of income from repeat clients reduces financial stress and allows you to plan ahead.
• Stronger Reputation: Long-term partnerships boost your credibility. A strong portfolio of repeat clients speaks volumes about your reliability and expertise, giving you a competitive edge.
• Deeper Collaboration: Working with clients over time allows you to truly understand their needs and deliver better results.

The benefits are clear, but securing these clients requires strategy and intention. Let’s now dive into how you can turn one-off projects into long-term jobs.

10 Proven Strategies to Turn One-Off Projects into Long-Term Jobs

1. Ask Questions to Identify Long-Term Needs

The key to building lasting relationships starts at the beginning. When onboarding a new client, go beyond the immediate scope of the project. Ask thoughtful questions that help uncover ongoing needs, such as:

• What are the biggest challenges your business faces?
• Do you see this project requiring updates or extensions in the future?
• Is there a backlog of tasks you’d like to clear?
• Are there any processes that could run more smoothly?

Understanding the bigger picture and showing genuine interest in their long-term goals, positions you as a partner, not just a contractor.

2. Highlight Additional Skills

Most freelancers wear multiple hats, so don’t be afraid to let your clients know about the full range of skills you bring to the table. 

• Are you a writer who can also manage social media?
• A graphic designer with project management experience?
• A developer who understands automation?

For instance, if you offer copywriting services you could say 

“Along with writing, I can also help you with social media content scheduling if that’s something you need.”

Clients value freelancers who can handle multiple aspects of a project. The more value you can offer, the more indispensable you become.

3. Leverage Your Track Record

Social proof is a powerful way to build trust. During conversations with potential or current clients, share examples of other businesses you’ve worked with on an ongoing basis (while respecting confidentiality). For example:

“I currently manage monthly blog content for a health tech startup, and they’ve seen a 20% increase in traffic since we started.”

When mentioning these clients, emphasize results. This reassures clients that you’re capable of delivering consistent results and are trusted by others in their industry.

4. Emphasize Maintenance Tasks

Many deliverables require ongoing attention, but clients may not realize this. Educate them about the importance of maintaining their projects:

• Websites need regular updates, security checks, and performance optimizations.
• SEO strategies require fresh content and periodic audits.
• Email marketing campaigns require A/B testing and tweaks.
• Social media strategies benefit from regular evaluation.

Positioning yourself as someone who can provide these ongoing services ensures clients see you as an integral part of their team and you’ll be top of mind when future work arises.

5. Bundle Your Services for Added Value

Packaging services together is an effective way to encourage clients to rely on you for multiple needs instead of offering isolated services. For example:

• A web designer could bundle site design with monthly analytics reports or SEO optimization.
• A content writer could offer blog posts alongside content strategy.
• A social media manager could provide content strategy along with campaign execution

Bundling services not only increases your perceived value but also simplifies the decision-making process for clients. It’s a win-win.

6. Spot Industry Trends

Staying ahead of trends in your clients’ industries can set you apart. If you notice emerging opportunities, pitch them ideas that align with their goals. For example:

• If podcasting is growing in their niche, suggest creating show art or promotional graphics.
• If short-form video is trending, offer editing services or scriptwriting.
• If AI tools are trending, suggest ways you can help integrate them into workflows.

Your knowledge of trends positions you as a forward-thinking partner. Proactively addressing industry shifts shows you’re invested in their long-term success and keeps them coming back to you for guidance.

7. Follow Up After the Project

The relationship shouldn’t end once you submit your work. Following up shows professionalism and keeps the door open for future opportunities. Ask questions like:

• Did the project meet your expectations?
• Would you like assistance with ongoing improvements?
• How is the campaign performing?
• Can I assist with any adjustments or next steps?

These conversations can uncover additional needs and often lead to repeat business. Consistent communication shows professionalism and keeps the door open for future work.

8. Keep Your Portfolio Updated

Your portfolio is your most powerful marketing tool. Regularly updating it with recent projects, particularly long-term collaborations, ensures you attract the right kind of clients. Include:

• Case studies that show before-and-after.
• Testimonials from satisfied clients.
• Examples of versatility across industries or skill sets.
• Metrics that showcase ROI.

An impressive portfolio builds trust and makes it easier for clients to envision a long-term partnership. Highlighting successful partnerships reassures prospects that you’re capable of delivering reliable, ongoing value.

9. Deliver Outstanding Results and Seek Feedback

Always aim to exceed expectations. It might sound obvious, but consistently delivering high-quality work is the foundation of any long-term client relationship. Quality work speaks for itself, but going the extra mile makes clients want to keep you around. After completing a project, ask for feedback through questions like:

• What worked well for you in this collaboration?
• What could I improve next time? 

Show you’re committed to growth and value their input. Positive feedback boosts your confidence and reputation, while constructive criticism helps you grow.

10. Ask for Referrals

If you’ve done everything above and still don’t see long-term opportunities, ask for referrals. Sometimes the simplest strategies are the most effective. If a client is happy with your work, ask for referrals. A simple line like:

“Do you know anyone else who could benefit from my services?”

“Feel free to share my name if someone needs (a specific service).”

can go a long way. Referrals often lead to less competitive opportunities and clients who trust you from the start thanks to the endorsement of someone they know.

A Strategy for Freelance Success

These strategies aren’t just tips—they’re a roadmap for a successful freelancing business.

Turning one-off projects into long-term jobs requires more than technical skills. It’s about building relationships, showing initiative and commitment to your client(s) goals, and delivering value over time.

Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting, these steps will help you move beyond the uncertainty of one-off gigs and build a sustainable career.

The Next Step

Are you ready to master the art of client retention and scale your business? Join the Freelance Mastery Hub, where you’ll find tailored courses, expert advice, and a community of freelancers rewriting their success stories. 

Sign up today and take the first step toward a stable, fulfilling freelance career.