Freelancing is a pretty flexible and fun job to do. Being a freelancer means you have the freedom to set the time and choose anywhere you work, but this job has its challenges, especially when it comes to finding clients.

For freelancers, finding clients requires the right way and strategy. Just like getting customers while running a business, getting clients as freelancers is also tricky. Not only is it difficult to find prospective clients, but finding the right client is a challenge in itself for freelancers.

Thus, with the offer and personal branding that you have and being able to give you a good project for your portfolio as a freelancer, it is a plus at the stage of finding freelance clients.

Here are the six best ways to find clients for freelancers:

1. Define Your Ideal Client or Market

Knowing the ability and selling points makes it easier for freelancers to sell their services. However, after learning these two things, you can also begin to map freelance project clients that have potential and are compatible with your offer.

These potential clients can be the target market for finding the right freelance project. The existence of a target market does your marketing in finding clients much more efficiently with better opportunities. 

For example, your ideal client is a blockchain related industry. Then, it would be best to do deep research through blockchain videos or the internet before finding clients. So, ensure to define your ideal client and market before finally doing personal branding.

2. Build Your Portfolio and Profile

When looking for clients, freelancers will do personal branding through their portfolios and proof of their best works all over the internet to convince potential clients. Design your portfolio as attractive as possible!

You can use a variety of exciting designs and styles in showcasing your works, such as PowerPoint, photos, video animations, etc. Use text animation apps to make your portfolio more eye-catching, and consider creating GIFs to to add some extra flair.

And keep in mind, avoid overselling, which will only make your clients leave and lead to work delays or other problems when running projects with your freelance clients.

For example, if a job takes one week, avoid saying that you can complete it in three days to create fictitious marketability for the client. So, show your honesty and ability to customers for the best long-term results.

Don't forget to update your portfolio regularly so that clients are more interested.

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3. Use Social Media to Get Freelance Clients

One of the most effective ways to get the right clients is to take advantage of social media. Even though you currently have a personal social media account, it's a good idea to create a separate professional social media account for business matters. 

Create your business account with an account name that looks more professional and is related to your field. Then, make engaging content that can showcase your freelance services. It can be in the form of explainer videos, photos, testimonial videos, etc. 

Although there are many social media that you can use, it would be better if you don't have to use all of them because it will be challenging to manage them, so the results obtained are not optimal. 

It would be best to have 3 or 4 social media accounts. Prioritize using Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn platforms because, primarily, people try to find products on these three platforms.

In addition to utilizing LinkedIn for networking, consider reaching out to potential clients via email using an email finder extension to expand your outreach efforts effectively.

4. Leverage Freelance Job Boards

Today, many online platforms make it easier for freelancers to find work and clients, such as freelancer sites that can be used to find new clients.

For example, there are ServiceScape, Upwork, SolidGigs, Fiverr, and others. You can use your best to get clients that match your freelance expertise.

Source: Google Image

In addition, make sure to put up a professional and eye-catching portfolio so that it can attract the attention of clients. You can also promote your job board account to social media with the appropriate hashtags for optimal results.

5. Meet People - Networking Really Works

As a freelancer, you need the ability to build a network. Having a connection will benefit and help a freelancer meet potential clients.

The challenge is in the process of expanding the network itself. You have to start meeting people and be able to mingle and cultivate relationships with other fellow professionals. 

You can expand your network by joining forums, webinars, or conferences. In addition, you can also join online freelancer groups on social media, take advantage of co-working societies, etc.

You will get potential clients and even good negotiations for your work when you have successfully expanded your network.

6. Craft a Winning Pitch

Lastly, One effective way of finding your clients is to keep improving your work and efforts. So, ensure you prepare your pitch to be more to the point and convince your customers.

Focus your pitch on how you can be a solution to your client's problems. It is an excellent way to win the hearts of your clients. Don't forget to show your portfolio, proof of your expertise, and supporting documents such as clients' testimonials, data, etc.

Therefore, before building an exciting pitch. Make sure you craft a winning pitch. You can start to take courses and collect feedback from clients, colleagues, and experts to convince your clients.

Takeaway

If you are a new freelancer or a freelancer who wants to grow, you will need effective ways and strategies to get the right prospects. Especially the increasing number of freelancers from year to year makes you have to find a way to stand out among other freelancers.

By maximizing the six tips mentioned above, you will not only be able to get freelance clients but also improve your skills and portfolio to develop your career and future projects as a freelancer.

Special thanks to Andre Oentoro for coming up with this blog. He is the founder of Breadnbeyond, an award-winning explainer video production company. He helps businesses increase conversion rates, close more sales, and get positive ROI from explainer videos (in that order).

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