Over 70% of my clients came through referrals.

Referrals were a crucial part of my success when I was working as a creative freelancer. Clients who come through recommendations usually already have a level of trust in you, making it easier to convert them into paying clients.

But how can you, as a freelancer, generate more referrals?

1. Specialize in One Area and Deliver Great Work

Great work is the foundation of getting referrals. To consistently deliver exceptional results, it’s important to specialize in a specific area. By honing your expertise, you can exceed your clients' expectations and leave them highly satisfied.

The best part? People love sharing when they’re working with someone outstanding. They’ll proudly tell their business partners and connections about you, generating organic referrals.

2. Actively Ask for Referrals

Don’t hesitate to ask your current clients for recommendations. Many freelancers feel shy about doing this, but I’ve found it to be one of the most effective ways to gain new clients.

Simply ask your clients if they know one or two people who might benefit from working with you, and request an introduction. If you have a good relationship with your clients, they’re usually happy to help. Personally, I’ve never had a client decline this request.

3. Recommend Others in Your Network

As a creative freelancer, it’s ideal to build a network of other professionals, such as photographers, graphic designers, video producers, or copywriters. These should be people you trust, who excel at their craft, and ideally, those you’ve worked with before.

When someone asks you for a service you don’t offer, you can refer them to someone in your network. The person you recommend will appreciate the gesture and will likely remember you when they have an opportunity to refer work back to you.

Building a strong referral network not only benefits your clients but also creates a supportive ecosystem of talented professionals and allows you to have creative collaborations with them.