How to Get Your First Freelance Client: A Guide for Newbie Freelancers
So you’re new to the freelance game and want to get your first client? We’ve all been there. It can be tough getting started on your own, but it’s not impossible. With these tips, you’ll have a better chance of getting one of those elusive clients who will help launch your career.
How To Get Freelance Clients
Freelancing is a great way to earn extra income and work on your own schedule. But how do you get clients in the first place? For newbie freelancers, this question can feel daunting. Luckily, we have some tips for getting started so that you can start earning money right away.
1) Set up an account on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is both a social and professional network worth joining if you want to grow your freelance career. It’s a great place to find potential clients, showcase your work, and connect with other professionals in your field. When you set up an account, be sure to complete your profile completely and add a good headshot.
LinkedIn also offers a paid feature called InMail that allows you to send messages directly to people who aren’t connected with you. This can be a great way to reach out to potential clients who you think would be a good fit for your services.
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn’s search feature to find groups related to your field of work and join them. This is a great way to connect with other professionals and learn more about what they’re doing.
Read more: How to List Freelance Work on LinkedIn
2) Join professional organizations and attend networking events
Another great way to meet potential clients is by joining professional organizations in your field. Attending networking events can also be a great opportunity to make connections with other professionals.
Be sure to bring business cards and have an elevator pitch ready to go. This is a brief introduction of yourself and your services that you can use when meeting someone new.
Pro Tip: Consider offering a free consultation or trial period to potential clients. This gives them a chance to see what you’re capable of and how you work.
3) Create a portfolio website with samples of your previous work
We can’t stress enough how a portfolio is critical to one’s freelancing career. If you don’t have any previous work samples to send to potential clients, they won’t know what kind of quality and style to expect from your services.
Creating a website is much simpler than it sounds and there are plenty of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) online tools out there that can help you create one quickly. You can also use Etsy to sell your products if you have any for sale.
Pro Tip: Use these websites to make money by selling your own goods or services. This is a great way to earn extra income online while getting more freelance clients at the same time!
Read more: How To Build a Freelancer Portfolio
4) Word of mouth
One of the best ways to get new freelance clients is through word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, and former colleagues if they know anyone who’s looking for a freelancer in your field. You never know where your next client will come from!
Pro Tip: Stay up to date on what’s going on in your industry by reading articles and following influencers on Twitter. This is a great way to stay relevant in your field and network with other professionals at the same time!
Different social media platforms offer an array of opportunities for anyone looking for work.
If you are into visual arts, photography, graphic design, Instagram is your best bet in finding your first client. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words so make sure whatever you share is as impressive as it can be.
Twitter is great for finding potential clients who are looking for someone with your skill set. It’s also a great way to keep up with what’s going on in your industry and connect with other professionals. Use hashtags to find relevant jobs in your field. Twitter is also a great way to follow companies or brands that interest you, build a rapport with them, and then pitch your services when the time is right.
Although Facebook isn’t as great for finding work opportunities as LinkedIn or Twitter, it can still be a useful tool for freelancers. You can join groups related to your industry and post about your services. You can also reach out to potential clients through private messages. You can also let your friends know that you are looking for freelance work.
6) Consider freelance job boards
If you’re having a hard time finding clients on your own, consider using freelance job boards. There are plenty of them out there and they can be a great way to find quality leads. Just be sure to research the board before signing up and only apply for jobs that fit your skill set and interests.
Pro Tip: Don’t apply for every job that you see. This will only make you look desperate and unprofessional. Only apply for jobs that you are qualified for and interested in.
Freelance Job Boards to Check Out:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- PeoplePerHour
- Problogger Job Board
7) Set yourself as an expert in your field
One of the best ways to attract potential clients is by setting yourself as an expert in your field. By becoming an industry expert, you will be able to attract more potential clients who need your expertise.
You can do this by writing articles, speaking at events, and even through social media. Share your knowledge with others and they will see you as an authority figure in your industry. This is a great way to build up an audience before approaching brands about work opportunities.
Pro Tip: Be sure to blog about your experiences as a freelancer. This will help you attract new clients and also show potential clients that you are an expert in your field.
Find Your First Client!
Getting your first freelance client can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. By using the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be on your way to finding quality leads and landing great work opportunities. Good luck!
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