Three (Almost) Foolproof Sources of New Freelance Clients
Posted September 2, 2011 in Getting Clients
Life can be a bit of a roller coaster for freelancers. Whether you’re a copywriter, web designer, or anything else, getting regular contracts that can pay for your bread and butter is a priority.
When you’ve got them, things couldn’t be better, and your working life can run very smoothly. When you’re left with next to no work to do, on the other hand, you can be left questioning whether this lifestyle is for you.
Thankfully, there are a few ways that you can usually count on to give you a steady stream of freelance work, no matter what industry you’re in.
We’re all feeling the pinch, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t work out there to be found. Let’s take a look at three sources that are (almost) guaranteed to get you a lucrative new contract.
Source #1: Google Adwords or Other PPC Solutions
Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising, if you don’t already know, is a means of promotion by which you (as the advertiser) pay for ‘clicks’ through to your website. On most of these, including Google’s well-known Adwords program, you can choose how much you’re willing to pay per click, and you’ll never spend more than that. This means that PPC solutions are great if you want to keep tight control over your finances.
Of course, in order to craft a successful PPC campaign from start to finish–and get a few lucrative contracts on the hook–you’ll need a well-written and very tempting advert, along with a landing page to back it up.
It goes without saying that you will need a website in order to use PPC programs. However, with hosting costing just pounds a month these days, that’s not too tall of an order. Plus, if you already freelance, you should know the benefits of having your own site by now. By using PPC solutions, you can lure in potential clients who are looking for exactly your skillset–based on their web searches–so it can be a fantastic way to find new clients for your freelance efforts.
Source #2: Online Forums and Websites
Many freelancers find all of their work through online forums and other ‘classified’ style websites, including the world famous Craigslist. On these sites, you’ll find potential clients actually advertising for your particular skills so you know they’re already a hot lead.
One downside of sites like Craigslist is that you need to keep an eye on your particular category (writing, web design, etc.) to spot job opportunities, because there’ll be thousands of others just like you who’ll be replying to these ads almost instantly. By being proactive and keeping your eyes peeled, forums and classified sites can be invaluable in forging lasting professional relationships.
Source #3: Freelance ‘Bidding’ Websites
If you’ve been freelancing for a while, there’s a chance you’ve already come across ‘bidding’ websites that offer freelancers job opportunities. Examples include websites like oDesk and Getafreelancer.com. These sites are usually premium offerings, in that you have to pay for the privilege (although many give limited free accounts). You will be given the chance to browse through thousands of job postings, then ‘bid’ on them. This bidding is usually in the form of a price or timescale that you can reasonably offer.
However, this is also where the downside comes in. With so many other freelancers on these sites, pay scales are often driven into the ground. For this reason, don’t go into these sites thinking you’ll be set for life–but they can be great for ‘stopgap’ jobs.
A Final Word of Warning
Do bear in mind that on the last two points you’ll need to be weary of ‘scammers’ and other dishonest “clients.” It’s very easy for them to use sites like Craigslist to find unwitting freelancers, use their services, then never actually pay.
I’m not trying to put you off: simply laying it all down. It does happen, and according to once source in 2009 there were 57 scam jobs to every single real online opportunity (although we can assume this is including very obvious email fakes within that ratio).
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to combat these nefarious types.
- Always research new clients thoroughly. Do they have a website you can verify? Accurate contact details? Are there any of their previous customers you can get in touch with? Always do at least one of these things to set your mind at rest.
- Always get a signed contract, one way or another. This will help you from a legal standpoint–and if they’re not legit, they’ll refuse to sign it. That’s when you walk away!
- If you do any kind of work that can be printed, always send a copy to them with a recorded delivery. This way, if they claim your ‘digital goods’ were never delivered, you’re covered.
Nobody ever said being a freelancer was easy–as you’ve probably already discovered for yourself. But that doesn’t mean that finding new opportunities needs to be impossible. Sure, it can be hard going and may seem never ending, but when you get that one long-term contract that pays just what you need, it makes all the searching worth it.
Remember that this list isn’t exhaustive. There are lots of other ways you can find new work, including word of mouth, local advertising, direct mail, and much more. When it comes to advertising, the more creative you are, the better. This is especially true for creative professions like graphic design, copywriting, and web design. It’s in these roles that you truly need to show what you can do when you promote yourself. You need to be able to prove that you’ve got the skills you say you do, meaning you’ll need to provide samples whenever you’re asked.
Competition for freelancers is fierce, so don’t let yourself get washed away by the sea of “me too” types–set yourself apart by doing something truly different. If you can manage that, you’ll have new freelance contracts knocking your door down to get your skills on their projects!
Your Turn
Have you tried any of these sources to find jobs?
Share your story in the comments.
Image by jlantzy
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About the author: Tamsin Ingot is a freelancer who not only loves writing, but also loves writing about writing! She writes on behalf of a number of sites, including a leading discount furniture retailer.
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21 Comments
Gold
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 amWhat is wrong with payment in advance?
Jackson
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:08 amPPC, Forums and bidding sites?!?!? That is your advice??!?
I would like to add to the list, post office adverts, leaflet drops and cold calling.
Im sorry, but this may have been advice several years ago. But to get decent clients, things have moved on.
Jeff Schoolcraft
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:24 amIn my opinion the only “almost foolproof” source is a strong referral network, but even those can run dry.
I’ve heard a lot of people talk about using PPC to get work but I’ve yet to venture out to try it yet. I’m guessing something more like LinkedIn’s advertising would do better than trying to rank well for terms in Google Adwords, but that’s just a guess.
There are hundreds of job boards out there, not all of them have unique content, but more often than not it just takes a little work and persistence to dig through all the leads, find the ones you want and start contacting prospects.
If you count each CraigsList city as an individual board, there are 10s of 1000s. Half or more of all popular sites in any niche of some sort of job board associated with them. The problem is just sorting through it all.
If you don’t want to sort through it all have a look at Freelance Funnel (http://freelancefunnel.com). It’s my site. It’s a service that collects, filters and categorizes leads from over 65 sources and packages them up into a nicely formatted daily email. It’s paid service, but it’s worth it. I’m biased because I created it, but I landed a gig a month ago that’s brought in $8k.
Obviously, ymmv, results aren’t typical, blah blah blah. Instead of spending an hour a day going through all the various boards I spend 5 minutes scanning this email and contacting leads that look interesting.
Joshua
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:28 amEvery time I read this blog I get helpful ideas. This blog post is very useful to those who are starting their freelancing career and to those already doing it.
Signed contract is the most effective way of combating clients who don’t pay after getting their work done.
Chromilo Amin
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:46 amI recently lost two of our major clients and am currently finding it difficult to obtain new ones. I used Craigslist for a few of our web design and writing contracts (haven’t been scammed yet) and the other one was through direct referral. Referrals are fine but it’s passive. I wonder if freelancers use employment agencies to help them land contracts?
Jason Dancisin
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:40 amGreat photo! It’s the Thunderbolt at Kennywood Park.
Write Now Indy
September 2nd, 2011 at 12:05 pmThe best place to find new work is through your existing clients. Find ways to bring them fresh ideas and new campaigns to implement and they’ll keep coming back for more.
Job boards like Craigslist and Elance are okay, as long as you don’t mind working for a very low rate. Most businesses that advertise on these sites don’t understand the benefit of working with a pro freelancer and only care about getting the work for the cheapest possible price.
To each his/her own I guess, but I’d rather spend less time on high-quality projects than spending all my time on gigs that pay peanuts.
5 Tips For A Good Cover Letter
September 2nd, 2011 at 12:17 pmI have to agree with Indy. I myself work more with old clients rather than new one (I believe attrition rate is the term?) The best way to effect this is to become a part of their process rather than simply a freelancer. Take initiative and suggest ideas as to how THEY can improve, and then hold their hand and guide them! Having said, that, I am looking for someone who appreciates my work more :D
Jodi Kaplan
September 2nd, 2011 at 2:41 pmRather disappointing advice.
Referrals are a much better source of clients – and they don’t have to be passive. There are lots of ways to encourage them.
John Jantsch has tons of material on this, but it can be as simple as just asking your current clients, and thanking them when they give you a lead.
Or, partner with someone in a complementary business (a freelance writer and a graphic designer, for example – this lets you take on projects together that you couldn’t do separately).
Daquan Wright
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:28 pmThe best one out of that list is forums, I’ve got a few projects from them (it just depends on the “type” of work). Like twitter, forums are a networking platform as well but the type determines the clients you would have from that particular source.
The other options in my opinion are not good at all, even if you could get a few projects from them.
I believe the best source is through your existing clients, because trust is what gets people to give you their money to work on their project in the first place. Your current clients have your trust, and in turn, their friends have theirs. Or word of mouth.
Networking with other professionals is also up there, because they can pass work onto you when they are overloaded.
Blogging is a staple nowadays for finding work, both on your own and other websites. Showcasing your expertise is not only a great way to increase readership, but people will come to you because you are showing you’re an expert on a particular area/niche.
And then there are agencies, which some freelancers use as well.
Bidding sites in my opinion aren’t as bad as spec work, but they do follow some of the same patterns. People go there to find work for cheap, they don’t go there because they value the skills of a professional. That only makes me not want to work with them. Then you have to compete with people in other countries, who can afford to work for $10 on a project while you can’t.
Developing your own platform (website)/network/referrals is the key to growing a brand and building a positive image. If you’re on bidding sites, to me it just looks like you’re an ant in an ant farm. I’m sure the people who offer projects there probably think the same.
Copywriting
September 2nd, 2011 at 4:50 pmI disagree Jodi. I found Tamsin’s article to be very insightful.
Thanks Tamsin!
Susan
fiona
September 2nd, 2011 at 8:37 pmI have used Elance to find clients, and have had a few good projects, but it is getting harder all the time, there is a lot of competition from countries with very low cost of living. There are more and more clients expecting to pay very little,
I think referral and word of mouth are always the best way of getting decent clients, network and get known. Don’t do all your networking with other freelancers you should be networking with potential clients, local chamber of commerce, small business groups etc.
Pick a target market, get involved in online forums, give advice, just enough to show you are knowledgeable, have your contact details in your signature and offer your services when appropriate.
Kenn Schroder
September 3rd, 2011 at 10:05 pmGreat advice and all BUT …
1 – Getting work from existing clients is great, except you need existing or past clients to get work form them. If you’re newish, you’ve got no past clients. (You kinda do, by tapping into your contacts, past associates, etc.) You will need to get out there.
2 – Getting referrals is the same as getting work from past clients – as in you need people to get referrals from. However referrals are passive as in you wait for them. To make referrals active -> encourage them by touching base with your networks, aim for clients who are prone to refer (lead figures).
3 – If you want to get paid well and reduce your marketing time and efforts, I do not suggest general ads or places like job boards or bidding sites. Instead I suggest specializing (or even partially specializing) with unique services for unique kinds of clients that you can easily find. They can’t help but want to find out more about you.
Kenn Schroder
GetWebDesignClients.com
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Web Designers: 8 Mistakes that Stop You from Getting Clients
Daquan Wright
September 3rd, 2011 at 11:25 pmNewcomers can get started by doing personal projects or doing sites for organizations. It’s the experience they should be concerned with, NOT making money starting out (that will come, with and experience).
Once they do some work for someone with a goal/purpose, people will see it and they can build exposure.
Amber always says job boards are a joke and in my experience, they are.
fiona
September 4th, 2011 at 6:49 am“Newcomers can get started by doing personal projects or doing sites for organizations. It’s the experience they should be concerned with, NOT making money starting out (that will come, with and experience). ” quoted from Daquan Wright
volunteer to do some work for a local charity, community group, sports club etc.
the job can be put in your portfolio and other members of the commitee are often local business owners that will see how good you are, they could become clients or recommend you to others
Jessica Weber
September 6th, 2011 at 5:01 pmI’m swimming in freelance work and have never acquired any via the methods listed above.
1- dont suck and you will get tons of referrals
2- network locally
Manish Gusain
September 8th, 2011 at 2:29 pmIt was really nice article regarding how to get freelance work. I also use craiglist and it is very useful to find potential hot leads and more importantly it is free to use. you dont need to pay anything for this just do search in the website for the client requirement.
Tammi L Coles
September 9th, 2011 at 12:13 pmI’m with Jackson and Jodi on this. The only reason to refer newbies to adwords, forums, and freelance portals is to quickly remove them from the pool of competitors!
indrajit deb
March 19th, 2012 at 3:03 pmWe are recently open a SEO company.We need some good SEO clients.Also we can do freelancing project.If have any freelancing so please contact with us.We are waiting for you.
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