One of the biggest challenges for service-based businesses / freelancers, is finding clients. Having a dry lead pipeline can be extremely stressful, especially when your expense runway is getting smaller. Below, I've listed and explained 4 different ways to find new clients. These methods don't usually lead to more work overnight. But they are a great way to build relationships that could lead to quality work down the road. If you are in a position where you need to get work as soon as possible then sites like Fiverr and UpWork are probably your best bet, even if the work might be the best quality or pay as well. So without further ado, lets get into it.
Attending local business networking events is a great way to get your name out and meet potential clients or connections to potential clients. The goal here shouldn't be to pitch your services to everyone you meet. Instead, just introduce yourself to people and when they ask what you do, you can give your 30 second elevator pitch where you briefly explain what you do and the value that you bring. Hopefully at some point in the conversation you're able to give them your email or social media accounts to that they can find you later if they need to.
Once you start niching down and finding your target audience, it will be much easier to find quality leads because you know exactly who you are looking for. Find companies in your target audience that are active on LinkedIn, and invite them to your group. Name the group ''Your Niche Market' Alliance' or ''Your Niche Market' Group'. Share valuable content and insights with them to prove that you are an expert in the market. Eventually you'll gain trust with them, and hopefully more work.
Most people use job boards to find permanent work (Full-Time/Part-Time), but they can also be used to find freelance work. There's a couple of ways this can be done. The first, is to filter your results for 'Contract' or 'Freelance' posts only. That way, you only see freelance type jobs in the results. Another way to find freelance work on job sites, is to pitch to companies that are hiring for full-time or part-time work. Clearly explain the value you bring, and how it can benefit them to hire a freelancer as opposed to a full-time employee (Benefits, Pensions, Vacation Pay etc.) It is sometimes cheaper for companies to hire freelancers, but a lot of companies have had bad experiences with them in the past so they tend to be hesitant to hire them. It would be your job to make them trust again.
Take some time out of your day to find rising startups that are in your field or interest you, and connect with their founder(s). Early stage startups with funding usually have money set aside for contract help with certain aspects of their business. By connecting with these founders, you have a better chance of staying top of mind when they need help.
There are so many creative ways to find clients, so I'm hoping to make this a series where every couple of weeks I can create a new post the outlines more ways to find freelance work.
