Freelancing is the dream for many people because it allows you to make money on your own terms, doing the things you do best, often at home in your loungewear if you prefer, but of course, all of that relies on you actually being able to find enough clients to build a successful freelance career, right?
Well, don’t worry if you don’t exactly have clients knocking your door down at this point because there are lots of things you can do to find more people who want to pay you for whatever it is you do, as you will see below…
1. Nail Your Niche
First things first, know what you’re selling—and no, “a little bit of everything” doesn’t count. Imagine going to a restaurant where the menu has burgers, sushi, lasagne, and vegan Buddha bowls. You’d be suspicious, right? Exactly. If you’re a Jack (or Jill) of all trades, clients won’t know what you’re best at, and that makes it harder to stand out. Instead, focus on a niche that you’re both passionate about and skilled at. Whether it’s graphic design for pet stores or writing blog posts for tech companies, a specific niche shows clients that you’re the expert they’ve been looking for.
Once you’re the go-to person for something specific, word spreads faster than your aunt’s Facebook gossip.
2. Spruce Up Your Online Presence
We live in a digital world. Your website and social media pages are your shop windows, and if they’re a mess, potential clients are just going to walk on by. Make sure your website is clean, professional, and easy to navigate (because nothing says ‘hire me’ like a site that actually works). Include a portfolio, testimonials, and a little about yourself. Just a word of advice: don’t refer to yourself in the third person—unless you’re aiming for “eccentric freelance guru” vibes.
Your social media is also a goldmine for finding clients. LinkedIn is your business bestie, so keep it updated, connect with people in your industry, and share your work. But don’t sleep on other platforms! Instagram is perfect for creatives to showcase their portfolio, and Twitter is a great place to share industry tips and start conversations. Just maybe keep your political rants to a minimum…
3. Create Quality Flyers (Yes, Flyers!)
Who says old-school marketing is dead? Sure, it might feel a bit 1995, but quality flyers still have their place, especially for freelancers targeting local clients. Get some professionally designed flyers (no, your mate Bob can’t just whip one up in Paint) and leave them at strategic spots—like local cafes, community boards, or co-working spaces.
The trick is to make them eye-catching and informative without being too pushy. Offer a clear call to action like visiting your website, scheduling a free consultation, or giving you a follow on social media. Flyers are a small investment that can help you land gigs in your own backyard. And let’s be honest, sometimes, that beats chasing down internet leads in your DMs at 2 AM.
4. Network, Network, Network
Networking isn’t just for corporate types in stuffy suits. As a freelancer, it’s your secret weapon. Whether it’s attending local business events, going to conferences, or simply joining online freelance communities, getting your name out there is crucial. Plus, there’s nothing like a personal recommendation to sway a new client.
Start by looking for industry-specific events or local meet-ups where potential clients or collaborators might hang out. And don’t be shy! Go armed with your business cards (yes, they’re still relevant) and an elevator pitch that doesn’t sound like a robot wrote it.
Oh, and don’t forget online networking! Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and even Reddit can be treasure troves of freelance opportunities. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and—wait for it—don’t be afraid to ask for clients. Sometimes, it really is that simple.
5. Offer Freebies (But Don’t Work for Free!)
There’s a difference between offering something for free to attract new clients and working for free indefinitely. The first? Smart marketing. The second? A ticket to burnout city. If you’re struggling to get your foot in the door, consider offering a free consultation, audit, or mini-project. It’s a great way to showcase your expertise and let potential clients test the waters without them having to commit straight away.
Think of it as a sample at the grocery store. Everyone likes a free bite of cheese, but if it’s good, they’re buying the whole block. Just make sure you’re clear on what’s free and what’s not—before someone tries to rope you into a six-month “sample” project.
6. Referrals: The Ultimate Cheat Code
If you’ve done great work for a client, don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools you have as a freelancer. And guess what? Happy clients are usually more than willing to recommend you to their friends, colleagues, and neighbours.
Make it easy for them by offering referral bonuses, discounts, or even a little gift as a thank you. It not only shows appreciation but also incentivises them to keep spreading the word about how amazing you are.
7. Master Cold Pitching
I know, I know. Cold pitching sounds about as fun as pulling teeth. But when done right, it can be a game-changer. The key is personalisation. Don’t just copy and paste the same email to 50 potential clients and pray for a miracle. Research the company, find a contact, and tailor your pitch to address their needs directly.
Be short, sweet, and clear about how you can add value to their business. Include a link to your portfolio and offer a free consultation to sweeten the deal. The worst they can do is say no, and the best? Well, the best is another client in your books.
8. Create Content That Gets You Noticed
In the age of content overload, standing out means offering something valuable—whether that’s blog posts, videos, podcasts, or even cheeky Twitter threads. Sharing your knowledge and skills with the world can establish you as an expert in your field and attract potential clients who love what you’re putting out there.
Start by sharing tips, behind-the-scenes looks at your process, or industry insights. Bonus points if you can inject some humour into it (everyone loves a good laugh in the middle of their endless scroll). And who knows? That one article about “The 5 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Marketing Strategy” might just lead to a client reaching out to hire you.
Quick Fix Checklist for Finding More Clients:
- Define your niche – Know what you’re great at and make it known.
- Spruce up your online presence – Keep your website, portfolio, and social media game strong.
- Create flyers – Spread the word locally with some quality flyers in key spots.
- Network like a boss – Online, offline, it doesn’t matter—just get talking.
- Offer freebies – Tempt clients with a little something free, but don’t give away the farm.
- Ask for referrals – Your happy clients are your best marketers.
Finding new clients might seem daunting or time-consuming, and of course, you will need to put some time and effort into it, but as you can see above it is not so difficult to achieve if you are really willing to build a successful freelance career, so get out there and make it happen!
