Finding, Applying, and Maintaining a Steady Stream of Freelance Clients
Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek the freedom and flexibility it offers over full-time work. The biggest issue we see our freelancers running into is finding a steady stream of clients for their business. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, understanding where to find clients, how to apply for gigs effectively, and strategies for continuous client acquisition is crucial for sustaining a thriving freelance business. Let’s cover a few essential tips and strategies to help you navigate this path successfully.
Where to Find Freelance Clients
Arguably the most important and talked about issue is where to find legitimate freelance opportunities so we thought why not compile a list of a few go-to spots to source new clients.
Freelance Platforms
Freelancing Females: Obviously we had to start with ourselves right? Our jobs board is filled with a diverse number of jobs from different industries that pay higher rates, so that our Freelancing Females can get paid what they deserve. We send our jobs straight to your inbox each week in our newsletter, so you can stay up to date. Plus, clients can search for freelancers direct through our Talent Directory and members have access to jobs in our Slack channel.
Upwork: One of the largest platforms and arguably the most competitive. Upwork connects freelancers with clients across various industries. The key for this site is to create a compelling profile and start bidding on projects often - like once per day.
Fiverr: Initially known for $5 gigs, Fiverr has evolved into a marketplace for freelancers offering a wide range of services. Set up your services (gigs) and let clients find you.
Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, Freelancer.com allows you to bid on projects, enter contests, and showcase your skills to potential clients.
Toptal: A more exclusive platform, Toptal connects top freelancers with clients. The application process is rigorous, but it can lead to high-quality projects and clients.
Kaitlyn Arford: Every Friday Kaitlyn releases her newsletter filled with opportunities for creatives.
Dribble: The biggest design jobs board! Dribble has a whole heap of new full-time and freelance opportunities posted to their site every week.
Working Not Working: This is a great jobs board where lots of large companies like the Google’s of the world post their freelance positions.
We the Makers and If You Could Jobs: Another great pair for design and creative jobs! They have a great diversity of businesses based all over the world.
Catalant: Designed for consultants, the platforms matches you to clients looking for freelancers in the space.
Gigged.Ai: This is a great site for our tech freelancing females. This site also matches you automatically based on your profile with clients so you don’t have to spend hours searching.
Gun.io: Gun.io has vetted job opportunities for engineers, the great thing about this site is you get to keep 100% of your earnings and they still match you with clients who need your services.
Contra: Contra is a freelance marketplace where you can get paid, find gigs and host your portfolio.
Behance: Behance is known for being a great place to showcase your creative work. Alongside being a social media network for creatives, they do have a few quality vetted gigs too.
SimplyHired: Proceed with caution on this site! They don’t charge job posters for their listings, so it is inevitable that scammers will be there. However, we have found a few great clients on this site. Plus if you’re new to freelancing there are a whole host of great resources on their for you.
PeoplePerHour: These guys market themselves as the best platform for matchmaking clients and freelancers. With the help of artificial intelligence, PeoplePerHour aims to bring freelancers and clients together in a more streamlined, precise way.
Guru: Guru is a great platform to search for a whole host of different jobs. They also have invoicing and secure payments integrated into their site.
Wellfound: Personally, we love working with start-ups over seasoned businesses. They are so much more exciting! If you feel the same way, then Wellfound is for you! They connect freelancers with upcoming businesses and they even let you see the salary and stock options of the company so you know what you’re getting into.
Flexjobs: As the name implies, Flexjobs focuses on flexible, remote work opportunities. Here you’ll find everything from project management and content writing jobs to contract work for programmers. This site for online jobs includes filters that centre around flexibility — allowing you to filter the job board by remote/hybrid/onsite, work schedule, or travel requirements.
Flowremote.io: This is a job board for webflow jobs.
Professional Networks
LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn to network with potential clients, find jobs by refining your job search to contract, join relevant groups, and showcase your work through posts and articles.
Industry-Specific Forums: Many industries have dedicated forums and communities where professionals share opportunities and collaborate.
Social Media
Twitter: Follow industry leaders, participate in relevant discussions, and share your expertise to attract clients.
Instagram: Showcase your portfolio, share client testimonials, and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
Facebook Groups: Join groups related to your niche and engage with potential clients by offering value and showcasing your expertise.
Referrals and Word-of-Mouth
Existing Clients: Ask satisfied clients for referrals. A personal recommendation from a trusted source can be incredibly powerful.
Network: Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to expand your professional network and gain referrals.
Personal Website and Portfolio
Website: Having a professional website with a portfolio of your work, client testimonials, and a clear description of your services can attract clients.
SEO: Optimize your website for search engines to attract organic traffic from potential clients searching for your services.
How to Apply for Freelance Gigs
Crafting the Perfect Proposal
Personalization: Tailor each proposal to the specific client and project. Mention the client's name, their business, and how your skills can address their needs.
Clarity and Conciseness: Be clear and to the point. Highlight your relevant experience and how it applies to the project.
Portfolio: Include links to relevant work samples that showcase your expertise.
Understanding the Project: Demonstrate that you understand the project requirements and explain how you plan to approach it.
Creating a Compelling Profile
Professional Photo: Use a high-quality, professional-looking photo.
Headline and Summary: Write a clear and concise headline and summary that highlight your expertise and value proposition.
Skills and Experience: List your relevant skills and experience, focusing on those that align with your target clients' needs.
Testimonials: Include testimonials from previous clients to build credibility.
Following Up
Timely Follow-Up: If you haven’t heard back from a client within a week, send a polite follow-up message reiterating your interest and willingness to discuss the project further.
Thank You Notes: After completing a project, send a thank you note to the client. This leaves a positive impression and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
Keeping a Steady Stream of Clients
Deliver High-Quality Work
Exceed Expectations: Consistently deliver high-quality work that exceeds client expectations. This leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Meet Deadlines: Always meet deadlines and communicate proactively if there are any delays.
Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with clients.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Regular Communication: Keep in touch with past clients by sending occasional updates or checking in to see if they need any additional services.
Special Offers: Offer discounts or special rates for repeat clients to encourage long-term relationships.
Value Addition: Provide value beyond the project scope, such as sharing relevant industry insights or tips that can benefit the client's business.
Continuous Marketing
Content Marketing: Create valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or eBooks, that showcases your expertise and attracts potential clients.
Social Media: Regularly update your social media profiles with new work, client testimonials, and industry insights.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters with updates on your services, success stories, and industry trends.
Expanding Your Skill Set
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and continuously improve your skills. This makes you more competitive and attractive to potential clients. We love using Skillshare for this!
Certifications and Courses: Enroll in relevant courses and obtain certifications to enhance your credibility and expertise.
Diversifying Income Streams
Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely on a single platform for finding clients. Diversify your presence across multiple freelance platforms and networks.
Productize Services: Consider creating and selling products such as eBooks, templates, or online courses related to your expertise.
Passive Income: Explore passive income opportunities like affiliate marketing, creating a blog or newsletter that generates ad revenue or sell courses on Teachable.
Finding and maintaining a steady stream of freelance clients requires a combination of strategic planning, consistent effort, and high-quality work. By leveraging multiple platforms, building strong relationships, and continuously marketing yourself, you can create a sustainable freelance career. Remember to stay adaptable, keep learning, and always look for new opportunities to grow your client base. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving long-term success in your freelance biz!