Ready to find more clients and boost your freelance game? You’re in the right place. Seven years ago, I waved goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind with no idea I’d end up freelancing. Well, the ups and down of life made me jump straight into freelancing. 

Best. Decision. Ever! 🙌

But hey, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Landing gigs felt like an impossible puzzle. Building solid client relationships? Even tougher. 

I tried all sorts of tricks and tips…

Some methods flopped, while others were goldmines. 

Every experience taught me something new. 

Fast forward to now, I am still learning and would like to say I’ve mastered the art of finding the best clients and keeping them happy.

Want to skip the trial and error? I’m here to share with you some secrets. 

Use these tips to find your next or first client. 

 

Top 10 Tips to Get You Started

1. Tap into Freelance Platforms

While navigating freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and FlexJobs may seem obvious, most people are going at it the wrong way. To succeed on these platforms, you need a strategy.

Don’t just do the bare minimum and hope that your bid will be accepted. Build a killer profile that will woo clients to your offerings. Use keywords in your industry to boost the visibility of your profile. 

Showcase your best work in your portfolio, and always include client testimonials. Don’t have any? Use recommendations from your peers and mentors. Before you know it, clients will be knocking on your virtual door.

2. Network Like a Pro

As a freelancer, building connections is crucial. Join online communities, attend industry events, and engage on social media. 

LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups are excellent places to start. The relationships you build can lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities you never saw coming. 

Find podcast hosts, summit organizers, or bloggers who are into the same stuff as you. Tailor your pitch email to showcase your skills as a guest speaker, writer, or partner.

Highlight common interests or past work you’ve done that fits their vibe. 

Make them see how a partnership can benefit everyone involved.

3. Flaunt Your Portfolio

Think of your portfolio as your freelance business card. A strong, visually appealing portfolio can do wonders in attracting clients. 

Use platforms like Behance or Dribble to showcase your best work. Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and highlights your skills in a way that shows potential clients.

Get someone from your target audience to check out your services page. Ask for their thoughts on how clear it is, how easy it is to use, and how well it gets your message across. Use their feedback to make it even better, so your value shines through clearly.

4. Collect Glowing Testimonials

Nothing speaks louder than a satisfied client. 

After completing a project, don’t shy away from asking for a testimonial. 

Positive reviews from past clients build credibility and can significantly influence new clients’ decisions. It’s social proof that you’re as good as you say you are.

Write about a client who faced challenges in their industry and how you assisted them in achieving success. Describe the problem they encountered, the solution you provided, and the positive results they experienced. This story can serve as your initial case study or testimonial.

5. Get Social 

Social media isn’t just for selfies, memes, and cat videos —though we all love that. 

It’s a powerful tool for promoting your freelance services. 

Share your work, write about your experiences, and engage with your audience on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The more active and visible you are, the more likely you will attract potential clients.

Share your projects, write about your experiences, and get chatty with your followers. Whether you’re flaunting your latest design, dropping knowledge bombs from your latest gig, or simply sharing the highs and lows of freelance life, it’s all gold. 

The more you show up and engage, the more you’ll catch the eye of potential clients.

Remember, visibility equals opportunity. 

6. Offer Free Value

Sometimes, giving away a little can bring back a lot. Offer free consultations, write helpful blog posts, or create free resources like eBooks or guides. 

Offering these goodies not only showcases your expertise but also positions you as the go-to guru in your field. 

It’s like giving your audience a taste of what you bring to the table. And guess what? They’ll keep coming back for more.

When potential clients see the value you provide without asking for anything in return, they’re more likely to trust you and appreciate your expertise. 

Before you know it, you’ll have a line of clients eager to work with you because you’ve proven you know your stuff.

7. Reconnect with Past Clients

Don’t forget about your past clients—they’re a treasure trove of potential new projects! Take a few minutes to browse their latest updates on their website or social media. Notice any exciting news? 

Maybe they just launched a new product or celebrated an anniversary. 

Drop them a personalized email like:

“Wow, congrats on the new product launch! You must be over the moon. With the holidays coming up, how about we chat about creating a killer marketing campaign to boost those sales?”

This not only shows you care but also positions you as the go-to expert ready to tackle their latest needs. It’s a great way to rekindle old relationships and score some fresh gigs!

8. Research Potential Clients

Who are your top 10 dream clients? Let’s make it happen! Start by thinking about the businesses that would benefit most from your services. Reflect on past clients and projects you loved.

Then, dive into research. Use sites like PeakFreelance, Superpath, LinkedIn, or CrunchBase to find businesses actively hiring. Focus on those that fit your ideal client profile and write down their details.

Leverage your network, too! Check LinkedIn or other social platforms to see if you’re already connected to potential clients.

Finally, figure out how your services can benefit each one and tailor your pitches accordingly. This strategic approach will help you land those dream clients and grow your freelance business.

9. Master the Art of Cold Pitching

Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to potential clients. 

Seriously, what’s the worst that can happen? A “no”? Pfft, you’ve got this.

First, do a little detective work. Research companies or individuals who could use your awesome services. Think about who might benefit from what you offer. Once you have your list, it’s time to craft a killer pitch email.

EXAMPLE: Subject: How (Client Name) Boosted Sales by 25% in One Week.

Body: Hi (First Name),

We just wrapped up a project with [Client Name], and their sales skyrocketed by 25% in the first week! Check out the amazing results [here](Link to Case Study).

I’m (your name), a freelance (your profession), and I specialize in (your service). I believe I can bring similar success to (Their Company/Project) by [how you can solve their problem or add value].

Let’s chat about how we can achieve great results together. Feel free to grab some time on my calendar [here](calendar link).

10. Follow-Up and Automate 

Don’t forget the follow-up! It’s easy to send that first email and then… crickets. 

But following up can be a game-changer. Set reminders to check in if you don’t hear back.

Even a simple spreadsheet in Google Sheets can help you track who needs a follow-up and when. You can schedule this with Google Calendar alerts which works wonders.

By consistently following up, you show you’re serious and committed. This simple habit can turn potential leads into loyal clients, boosting your freelance business significantly. So, get your follow-up system in place and watch your client list grow!

Ready to take your freelance game to the next level? 

Enroll in a course in the Freelance Mastery Hub today! 

Let’s turn your freelancing dreams into reality, one step at a time.