How To Win Your Clients as Freelancer

You’ve taken the leap of faith. Whether you’ve resigned from that dreaded job or you’re venturing into freelancing after being laid off, all you have is your updated resume and a top-notch portfolio. But don’t worry, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you on how to win your first client.

How to Win Your Clients as a Freelancer

Starting a freelance business can be both exciting and challenging. While you have the freedom to choose your clients and projects, you also need to put in the work to find clients and win them over.

Landing your first client is a major milestone that can help establish your freelance business. Here are the three steps to winning your first client:

Step 1: Build a Strong Online Presence

After creating a professional website portfolio to showcase your work and services. Create profiles on freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal to build your reputation. Regularly posting updates and sharing content on social media platforms like LinkedIn can help establish your credibility and gives potential clients a chance to learn more about you. Take note of these strategies to build a strong online presence:

• Choose the right freelancer platform and make complete a profile.
  

Research and select the best freelance platform that aligns with your skills and niche. Some popular freelance platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Guru.

Create a complete and detailed profile that showcases your skills, experience, and expertise. Use a professional profile picture and write a compelling bio that highlights your unique selling proposition.

• Capitalize on your portfolio and maintain a professional image.

Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work and provides examples of your skills and experience. Ensure that your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Respond promptly to client inquiries and communicate professionally and clearly at all times. Be polite, courteous, and respectful in all your interactions with clients.

• Set Your Rates

By setting your rates competitively and ensuring that they reflect the value you provide to clients. Consider factors such as your skills, experience, and the complexity of the project.

• Optimize Your Profile for Search Engines

Use relevant keywords in your profile and portfolio to improve your visibility in search engines. This will help potential clients find you when searching for freelancers with your specific skills.

Step 2: Network and Pitch to Potential Clients

Identify the companies and industries you want to work with and research them thoroughly. Determine their needs, pain points, and how you can help solve their problems and explain how you can help them and provide value. Offer to provide a free sample of your work or consultation to demonstrate your skills and expertise.

Attend industry events to meet other professionals and connect with people who may need your services. Craft a compelling pitch that highlights your skills, expertise, and the unique value you can provide to potential clients. Keep it concise and tailor it to each client’s specific needs.

Pitch to companies that you would like to work with, even if they are not currently hiring. While not every pitch will lead to a new client, putting yourself out there will increase your chances of finding the right opportunities. This can help build trust and establish a relationship with potential clients.

Always maintain a professional image and demeanor at all times. Use proper grammar and spelling in your communication, and avoid using overly casual language or emojis.

Step 3: Apply on Freelance Job Websites

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Flexjobs are popular places for companies to hire freelancers. Browse job listings that match your skills and experience and apply to the opportunities that interest you. Make sure your application is tailored to the specific job and client.

Applying to many jobs on these websites helps maximize your chances of landing new clients. Here are some things to keep in mind to get a client on a freelance platform:

• Choose the Right Freelance Websites

Research and select freelance job websites that specialize in your niche or industry. Some popular freelance job websites include

• Upwork: Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelance platforms, with millions of registered freelancers and clients. It offers a wide range of job categories and a robust project management system.
• Freelancer: Freelancer is another popular platform that connects freelancers with clients from all over the world. It features a competitive bidding system, which can make it challenging to stand out from the crowd.
• Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform that focuses on small, fixed-price projects. It is known for its user-friendly interface and low fees, but it can be challenging to find high-paying projects.
• Toptal: Toptal is a platform that specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier freelance talent. It has a rigorous screening process and typically caters to clients with high-end projects and budgets.
• Guru: Guru is a platform that features a wide range of job categories and a flexible payment system. It also offers a comprehensive project management system and a user-friendly interface
• Customize Your Proposal

Read the job description carefully to understand the client’s requirements and expectations and customize your proposal for each job you apply for. Identify the specific skills and experience that the client is looking for. Highlight your skills and experience that match the job requirements, and show how you can provide value to the client.

A pro tip: Use relevant keywords in your proposal that match the job description. This can help your proposal rank higher in search results and show the client that you have read and understood the job requirements.

• Be Professional

Use a professional tone and format in your proposal. Avoid using overly casual language or making spelling or grammatical errors. Keep your proposal concise and to the point

Use proper grammar and spelling in your proposals, and avoid using overly casual language or emojis. Respond promptly to client messages and be respectful of their time.

• Follow Up

Give the client a few days to review your proposal before following up, avoid being pushy or demanding. Be patient and respectful of their decision-making process. This shows that you respect their time and give them space to make a decision.

Send a polite email to the client thanking them for the opportunity to submit a proposal and expressing your interest in the project. You can also ask if they have any questions or need any additional information.

Five Tips To Win Your First Client as Freelancer

Winning clients as a freelancer requires a combination of marketing, networking, and exceptional service. By staying focused and persistent, you can attract new clients and grow your freelance business.

1. Define Your Target Market

Think about the type of client you enjoy working with the most. This could be a specific industry, company size, geographic location, or job function. Define your target market and focus on clients who are most likely to need your services.

Developing a marketing strategy that focuses on reaching and engaging your target market can help you stand out. By determining your unique value proposition that speaks directly to your target market’s needs and pain points.

2. Start with Your Network and Build It Up

Networking is about building relationships, and one way to do that is by offering value. Share your expertise, offer advice, or make introductions to help others. Take the time to get to know people and show a genuine interest in their work.

Also, reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to let them know that you’re looking for freelance work. You may be surprised at the opportunities that arise from your personal connections.

Join professional groups related to your industry on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Network with potential clients and industry peers. This is a great way to connect with other professionals in your field and share ideas.

3. Offer Free Work or Guest Post

Consider offering free work or discounted rates to clients in exchange for testimonials or referrals. You can look for opportunities to offer free work or guest posts that align with your target market and showcase your skills. Make sure to showcase your best work in your free work or guest post, as this will help you attract new clients and build your reputation as a skilled freelancer.

It is better to be clear with the client or publication about what you are willing to offer for free, and set clear expectations about the deliverables and timeline. You can use your free work or guest post as a marketing tool to promote your services and build your brand, include them as a call-to-action in your bio or linking to your portfolio.

After completing the free work or guest post, evaluate the results to determine if it was a worthwhile investment of your time and resources. If it resulted in new clients or increased visibility for your brand, it may be worth considering doing again in the future.

4. Be Responsive

Respond to client messages and inquiries promptly, ideally within 24 hours. This shows your clients that you are reliable and committed to delivering quality work. Make sure you’re available to answer questions and address concerns throughout the project.

Consider using automated responses for initial inquiries or common questions, so that clients know that you have received their message and will be getting back to them. Let your clients know upfront how often they can expect to hear from you and what your preferred communication channels are.

5. Be Competitive

Being competitive is an important aspect of winning your first client as a freelancer. This means offering quality services at a competitive price point that will attract potential clients. It’s important to research the going rates for similar services in your industry and price your services accordingly.

However, don’t undervalue your skills and experience. Find a balance between being competitive and valuing your services appropriately. Additionally, consider offering unique services or packages that differentiate you from your competition and make you stand out.

Here Is Your Next Step:

As a freelancer, you need to make ongoing efforts to win new clients. By building an online presence, proactively pitching to new clients, and getting referrals from existing clients, you can establish a steady stream of freelance work.

While it requires persistence, with the right strategies, you can grow your client base and ensure a successful freelance business. Here’s how to build a top-notch freelancer portfolio to close your first deal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winning Your First Client

How do I establish trust with my first client?

To establish trust with your first client, be transparent about your skills and experience, set clear expectations and deadlines, communicate frequently, and deliver high-quality work.

Should I offer discounted rates to win my first client?

While offering discounted rates may be a way to attract your first client, be sure to charge enough to cover your costs and time. You don’t want to undervalue your skills and set a precedent for low rates.

Should I work for free to win my first client?

Working for free to win your first client can be a good strategy, as it can help you establish your reputation and build a portfolio of work. However, make sure you are clear about the terms and conditions of the arrangement and that it is sustainable for you.

How do I handle rejection when trying to win my first client?

Rejection is a natural part of the freelancing process. Try not to take it personally and continue to refine your approach and skills. You can also ask for feedback on why you weren’t chosen for the project to improve for future opportunities.

What should I do once I win my first client?

Once you win your first client, be sure to deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively to build trust and earn repeat business. You can also ask for referrals to expand your client base.

What should I do to impress my first client?

To impress your first client, make sure you understand their needs and goals, communicate clearly and effectively, deliver high-quality work on time, and provide excellent customer service.

How can I stand out from other freelancers when bidding for projects?

To stand out from other freelancers when bidding for projects, highlight your unique skills and experience, provide a clear and concise proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the client’s needs, and include relevant samples of your work.