I’ve put together the three things I think helped me most when it came to landing my first client:
1) Be Google-able. (I didn’t just make up that word, I promise.) If you’re a freelancer in this day and age, you need to have SOME sort of web presence, even if what you’re offering has little or nothing to do with the digital realm. If Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or blogging isn’t your thing, just set up a simple, easy to read website (services like Yola offer free web hosting and don’t require a lot of technical know how) with an example of your work. Being Google-able goes a long way when it comes to street cred.
2) Be open minded. Yes, I’ve found clients off of Craigslist and websites such as Elance, and I’m not ashamed to say it! In fact, my first ever paying client came from Elance and I still work with her today. She has connected me with many other opportunities and clients, too. Websites like CL and Elance have bad reputations, and while I’m not saying you should go to meet a prospect at his or her home or accept a job for $3.50 an hour (many freelancing websites have such reputations, and sometimes justly earned) I AM saying that you should give these sites a chance. Be discerning, because there is a lot of junk to wade through on these sites, but there are also some gems out there.
3) Be available. You have no idea how many leads I get that just don’t pan out. I would say about one in 15 leads actually becomes a paying client. Many times this is the natural way of the world and the business- visions misalign, budgets don’t work, etc. However, every once in a while I land a job simply because I answer an email promptly or have the ability to take a call without much notice. A focused and attentive attitude is always appreciated and goes a long, long way even in the prospecting stages of a project. I realize this isn’t always possible with a busy schedule, but as much as practicable, practice availability.
An extra tip: I hear, “I don’t have a portfolio,” as an excuse not to get started a lot. How do you think anyone starts out!? Put together a small portfolio that shows people how darn talented you are. Use projects from school, or even your own website or blog (if applicable) as part of your portfolio. Think outside the box and I promise you’ll realize you have more to show than you think.
This is, as always, by no means an exhaustive list- but you’ve gotta start somewhere! If you’re a freelancer, or just starting to freelance, where did you start?
Comments
Every time I read one of these posts, it makes me feel like I could do anything- even freelancing! Maybe I will give it a go, could always use more cash…
Follow up! I sometimes get that extra boost when I check in even if things are left with the prospect.
You make it sound so easy, but then again everything is for you isn't it
I'm just starting to make money from my blog, and the biggest thing I've learned is to interact with other people- network.
http://www.inlovewithparis.blogspot.com
Google-able…nice new word. Inspires me to start freelancing.
Georgia makes a good point, without getting the word out your blog is dead in the water (like mine).
http://www.rylan.blogspot.com
Rylan, I love your blog! Getting the word out is so important- and it seems like you're doing that, even by coming here (and you now have a new follower on your blog- me!). I have lots of other ideas that I'll write about in the next few months, so stay tuned!
Awesome post girlie.
http://www.makeup101blog.blogspot.com
I am a freelance worker myself, I know how hard it can be to get clients.
There are so many competitions, you really have to work hard to get works.
I agree with you when you said "you need to be Google-able". People often do not want to hire someone with no identity.
It's true, competition out there is fierce! How did you make yourself "Google-able," out of curiosity?
When I first started freelance work, I used to hang around in many forums. I used to post in these forums with the same nickname.
When people type in my nickname on Google, they can easily see what I do.