Freelancing may be one of the best ways to earn extra money on the side of a full-time job, or to begin pursuing self-employment. After doing some work on the side for a few people, you may even find yourself wanting to become a full-time freelancer. Freelancing certainly has it’s benefits.
While finding your first client may be the toughest first step, once you’ve done so, you might be wondering how you can continue to get business. After all, the worst thing that can happen when you’re a self-employed freelancer is that your business dries up.
To help you avoid this, here are four easy ways freelancers can get new clients.
1. Ask for Business
This really isn’t hard to do, but many people avoid asking for business at all costs. They may feel awkward asking, or they may want to avoid seeming “needy” or “desperate” for business. But the truth is, asking for business is one of the easiest ways to get new clients. If you don’t ask, you won’t get business. The worst thing they can tell you is no.
Seek out a few individuals, companies, etc. that you would like to work with. Then tell them your specialty, why you’d be a good fit for them, and ask them to hire you.
2. Do a “Free” Trial
Use this one with caution! It can be dangerous to work for free. But, one way to get new clients is to do a free trial to show them your work. If you are trying to convince a business or person to hire you, give them one free job to see how good your work is. Once they see your worth and skill, it should be easy to negotiate the next job or project.
3. Utilize Online Job Sites or Job Boards
A job is a job and money is money. There are several companies out there looking for people to do freelance work. There might be some dud jobs on job boards, but if you find a few good jobs, it could lead to steady clients. Jobs here and there are better than no jobs as at, especially if you are starting out or business has dried up suddenly.
4. Ask For A Referral
Asking for a referral can just as hard as straight out asking for the work, but don’t let it stop you from asking. The clients you currently have probably know someone else who could use your services. Ask them to refer you and see where it leads. To get the best referrals, give specifics of what types of clients and work you are looking for so your clients can help you find work to fit your talents.
These may sound basic, but these are proven tricks of the trade. Using these methods diligently should result in more work than you can handle if you play your cards right and work hard. Then you’ll have the freedom to choose what you work on instead of accepting every new client that comes your way.
