Finding new clients is an essential part of thriving as a freelancer and, unfortunately, something many struggle with. Some don’t know how to attract new clients, others are shy, feel they lack sales skills, or think they’re simply bad at networking.
But winning new clients doesn’t require you to turn into a sleazy used car salesman. What truly matters is authenticity and being willing to connect with people. Often, new opportunities arise from simple, genuine conversations.
Here are 20 ideas to help you find clients and secure new projects:
1. Work in a Coworking Space
Coworking spaces are great for meeting new people and expanding your network. Collaborations often emerge from these connections, or you might get referrals to potential clients.
2. Reach Out to Agencies in Your City
Large agencies often experience staffing shortages, which they cover by hiring freelancers. Reach out to various agencies to see if you can introduce yourself or propose a trial collaboration to showcase your skills.
3. Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile
New clients often find me through LinkedIn. It’s important to highlight your skills and expertise in your profile so others can find you when searching for those specific abilities. Ask former colleagues, clients, or peers to endorse your skills for added credibility.
4. Start with CrossFit
CrossFit gyms often have the advantage of fostering a highly active community. This means you’ll quickly meet new people through training. Some of them might run their own businesses, while others work for companies that could benefit from digital marketing support. If CrossFit feels too intense, you can opt for another activity that suits you better. The key is to choose something with a vibrant community to network with.
5. Create a Google Maps Listing
Google Maps isn’t just for restaurants and shops—it can also help you as a creative freelancer. A listing increases your chances of being found in location-specific searches for freelancers. You can easily create a profile at www.google.com/business. Use your name and profession, e.g., Name + Photography or Name + Graphic Design, as the business name. Complete your profile as thoroughly as possible and upload a photo of yourself to add a personal touch.
6. Ask Existing Clients for Referrals
More than 70% of my new clients come from referrals. When a client is happy with your work, they’ll be more than willing to recommend you. People also take pride in connecting their network with someone they see as highly skilled. Actively ask your clients if they know one or two people in their network who might also need creative support. Then, request that they introduce you directly.
See also: How to Get More Referrals as a Creative Freelancer.
7. Share Your Knowledge
At the start of my career as a freelancer, I produced a compact guide to online marketing that explained the basics. I distributed the guide at relevant events and left copies in coworking spaces. It garnered far more attention than a simple business card. I also offered the guide as a downloadable resource on my website, requiring people to share a post before accessing it.
You can share your expertise through blog posts, social media, or newsletters as well. Providing valuable insights positions you as a knowledgeable and approachable professional.
8. Write Guest Articles
Many online platforms welcome guest authors. Writing guest articles is an excellent way to reach new audiences, increase your visibility, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
9. Speak at Events
Consider applying as a speaker at relevant industry events, such as the Allfacebook Conference for online marketing professionals. Speaking at such events helps you gain recognition in your field and positions you as an authority on your subject.
10. Host Your Own Event
When I started freelancing, I decided to host my own event on the topic of online marketing and gave a presentation. I promoted the event through Facebook and Twitter, and it was a big success. Over 100 paying guests attended, and among them were two new clients.
11. Join a Creative Community
Creative communities like the Creative Lunch Club or CreativeMornings provide excellent opportunities to regularly meet new people in the creative industry. For example, in the Creative Lunch Club, you’re paired with two other members each month for a lunch meetup, offering a great way to expand your network.
12. Offer a Free Webinar
While free webinars may no longer be the hottest trend in online marketing, they remain an effective way to attract new people. In just an hour, you can explain the basics of your field, showcase your approach, and end with a brief Q&A session. It’s a simple yet powerful way to generate interest and build trust.
13. Optimize Your Website for Google
Believe it or not, it’s not that hard to rank high on Google for search terms like "graphic design + your city." By optimizing your website with targeted keywords, you can attract local clients who are searching for your expertise.
14. Create Content for Google and Potential Clients
Do you want to be found on Google when potential clients search for "Instagram Advertising"? Write a detailed article explaining how Instagram ads work, and optimize it for search engines. High-quality, informative content not only helps with SEO but also positions you as an expert in your field.
15. Run Google Ads
Search engine optimization takes time, but Google Ads offer a faster way to get to the top of search results. For competitive keywords like "Online Marketing Agency," ads can help you stand out. Be aware, however, that these searches are highly competitive and often expensive.
16. Become a Content Creator on Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn
Only 1% of social media users actively create content. By producing your own content on these platforms, you can set yourself apart and attract potential clients. Building an audience as a content creator can also open up opportunities to sell digital products in the future.
17. Network with Other Freelancers
Make an effort to regularly connect with other creative freelancers and build relationships. If you’re unable to take on new projects, refer clients to your freelancer friends—they’ll likely return the favor when they have overflow work.
Here you'll find some tips on how to meet other creatives.
18. Showcase Your Successes
When you’ve completed a successful project for a client, turn it into a case study and feature it on your website. Outline the challenge, your approach, and the results achieved. This not only builds credibility but also helps potential clients understand the value you bring.
19. Upsell to Existing Clients
It’s much easier to sell additional services to an existing client than to acquire a new one. Regularly assess how you can further assist your clients, or meet with them over coffee to discuss their challenges and see if you can offer additional solutions.
20. Tell Everyone You’ve Gone Freelance
At the start of your freelancing journey, tell as many people as possible that you’ve gone freelance and share what you offer. It doesn’t matter if the person doesn’t need your services directly—perhaps their sister runs a company or their uncle works in a marketing department.
Talking about your work helps you refine your pitch and boosts your confidence when presenting yourself.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Using Fiverr or Similar Gig Platforms to Find New Clients
The gig economy is often touted as the future of work. However, in my opinion, platforms like Fiverr are not suitable for building a sustainable and successful business. Here’s why:
- Excessive Price Pressure: You’re competing with freelancers worldwide, which often drives prices to unreasonably low levels.
- Simple, Low-Value Tasks: The majority of jobs on these platforms are basic tasks that don’t allow you to showcase your full expertise.
- Lack of Long-Term Collaborations: It’s rare to build lasting client relationships on these platforms.
Your goal should always be to establish long-term partnerships with clients. In the long run, it’s far more effective and efficient to invest in strengthening existing relationships than constantly chasing new clients. A strong client base leads to repeat business, referrals, and greater stability in your freelancing career.
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