You might find it nerve-wracking just thinking about how youâll get your first client. After all, you are looking for someone whom you would be able to work well with while making sure your bills are being paid.
Itâs actually easier than you think. It could need just a little bit of effort on getting the first one, but once you start, youâll eventually notice that the more experience you have, youâll be more than likely to have clients approaching you and asking for your services.
Just follow these simple tips to find and make a deal with your very first client!
Never Stop on Improving Where Youâre Good At
Being a freelancer comes with a lot of benefits especially when it comes to freely managing your time. Of course, this also comes with a whole new list of responsibilities in contrast with the traditional 9-to-5.
Youâll be solely in charge of your own growth when it comes to both your career as a freelancer, as well as a business owner. Youâll most probably be the person financing this too.
Constantly improving your expertise through webinars, online courses, as well as by working on different projects would aid you in becoming more attractive to potential clients.
Be Professional but Continue Being Flexible
When discussing proposals with a potential client, it would always look more official and professional to have contracts indicating your terms and conditions.
Having this in hand will help inform the client much about your preference, in addition to your rate, as well as the services you are to offer.
However, being flexible may help in the long run as it could make your client trust you even more. For example, you can accommodate more work (within your limits) when theyâre in dire need of more hands.
You can also be flexible through being readily available, and welcoming change for the improvement of the company.
If your clients notice that you are accommodating and flexible, they could give you additional job opportunities, giving you a chance to charge higher. Just make sure that your flexibility isnât being taken advantage of as that would be a different story.
Start Applying to Projects You Can Do Really Well
When starting off as a freelancer, it is best to work on where you are currently good at. Perhaps you can try searching for jobs as a web designer if you are adept in creative design in your current/previous 9-to-5 job.
Having an experience or even being adequately skilled in a freelance job youâre applying for will give you an edge to others. After all, you already know the ins and outs of the business and how it works.
Create a Blog About Your Industry orNiche
As a part of your sales and marketing technique, it is highly recommended to create your blog focused mainly on your industry or niche. Feature some of your best works for clients to check out, making sure you highlight the job functions you are good at as well as other services you offer.
If you are a content writer, you can write some articles about how your clients can easily earn more income. This would make potential clients earn interest in checking out your services and be convinced that you can help with their business.
Have Networking as a Priority
Networking is probably one of the most recommended ways for a freelancer to get clients. Being a freelancer may require you to attend networking events to get clients. When in a networking event, donât be afraid to mingle with other people, especially with ones that work on the same field as you.
Share what you are interested in and what you are currently working as. Youâll never know when you will encounter someone who needs your services or someone who knows a client in need of one.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful sites when it comes to searching for a potential client. It does not just provide different job openings of your preference, you can also increase your skills and abilities through their online courses and webinars.
Moreover, by having connections with trusted freelancers in your chosen field, you may be able to find others who might be interested in your business.
Make sure to take time to fill up your profile as it could serve as your portfolio in this platform.
Build a Good-looking Portfolio
Creating a portfolio when youâre just starting your career as a freelancer can be daunting. After all, you donât have much to put in it yet.
All you have right now is your experience in your current or previous 9-to-5 job.
How will you do it then?
There are many ways to do it. But itâs always recommended to put your best foot forward on things you enjoy and are really good at.
Properly format your portfolio in such a way that itâs detailed enough but still easy to understand. Highlight your best experiences and regularly update it. If you think your experience isnât good enough, you could always create some sample works for clients to see.
Gather Client Testimonials and to Gain Credibility
It is recommended to ask for feedback from the people you worked with as you finish more projects and meet new clients as a freelancer.
Doing so would help you know how you performed during the duration of the project. This includes both the good and the bad, so youâll be able to determine which aspect you need improvement on.
You could display these testimonials on your freelance site profile or on your blog which could entice clients on wanting you to be part of their team.
In Summary
Getting your first client as a freelancer requires hard work and determination. Due to the growing rate of freelancers, expect a lot of competition. But this is something every freelancer experiences. A lot of them have surpassed this one challenge successfully. Try following the tips on this article and see for yourself on what it feels like to gain multiple clients.
