The UK freelancing sector has fully recovered post-pandemic, with "work opportunities, day rates and quarterly incomes soaring" according to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE).
If you want a piece of that, this is what you need to do to make yourself more hireable and desirable on the freelancer market.
1. Push your most valuable skills to the forefront
Any business searching for a freelancer is ultimately looking for skills it doesn't have in-house. Whether you're a designer, a developer, or a digital marketer, your portfolio, pitch deck, and website should make a fuss about which specific skills you'll bring and why your potential clients need them.
2. Be present
This is a simple one but easily forgotten when you're busy. Be responsive to emails and Slack messages. Make yourself available to clients when they have questions. Be vocal and visible on Zoom calls. These are the basics of good, attentive service and will mean existing clients are happy to recommend you. Many businesses would rather listen to a word-of-mouth recommendation than search through freelancing platforms.
3. Show an understanding of your potential clients' sectors
Do your research before a pitch. Find out what that particular client's biggest challenges are, where they might want to go in the next few years, and what you can do to help them. They'll be impressed by your attention to detail and appreciate the fact you've made an effort to 'get them'.
4. Make it easy to work with you
Send contracts over quickly. Give clients clear quotes and timescales. Demonstrate you've read the brief and know what they need from you. The less your client needs to do, the happier they'll be to work with you.
5. Maintain a digital presence
You don't need to be a social media guru building a massive following, but when current and potential clients Google your name they should like what they see. That could be a detailed LinkedIn profile, your website, or a series of podcasts or YouTube Videos. Create content you're proud of that showcases your skills.
6. Be transparent with clients
Clients obviously want to know their money is being used wisely. Share documents with them, share your screen during meetings, give them the freedom to add feedback and comments. Some clients will prefer to be hands-off and leave you to it, while others will like to be involved. Make sure they have that option and they can trust you and your work.
7. Pay attention to the professional details
A professional email address and email signature might seem like tiny details, but it's these details that demonstrate you mean business. Your LinkedIn photo should be inviting and professional, your tone and attitude in all communication should be positive and warm. Be yourself, but be your best self.
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