It's the gold standard for many freelancers to have a set of regular, diversified clients. Your earnings won't be too seriously affected if one client leaves or reduces the workload. You're also less likely to fall foul of IR35, which can penalise freelancers who appear to be 'off contract' employees working for a single employer.
If you want to increase your freelance earnings or just work on something new, this is how to find more clients.
1. Be selective on People Per Hour and Upwork
Freelance job sites can provide frequent new work. Some one-off jobs can even turn into regular income if the business loves what you do.
However, it's important to remember the upfront admin and time involved. You need to keep your profile and portfolio up to date, actively bid for jobs, price yourself fairly, write customised proposals for each client, and often discuss the details before committing. This is all unpaid labour, but worth it if you secure a well-paid job or gain a regular, happy client. The sites' payment rules can also help to keep you safe from late and non-payment.
2. Let friends and acquaintances know you're looking
And that doesn't just mean freelance friends. If you're close to people working in relevant fields, or own businesses themselves, let them know you're open to new projects.
It can be tough for freelancers to know how to sell themselves - we've created a guide to help you with this already. It's not about the hard sell. Your friends are more likely to know your work, trust that you'll deliver, and want to work with you. Remember, word of mouth is the most powerful selling tool. If you've already got loads of connections who would be happy to work with you - use them!
3. Don't forget your LinkedIn connections either
LinkedIn can be different things to different people; somewhere for ex-colleagues to flex their latest promotion, the home of entrepreneurial cringe, or a long-forgotten place you haven't logged into for years. However you currently feel about LinkedIn, it's a very useful promotional tool for freelancers.
First, update your profile. Add all your recent positions, update your 'Open to Work' section, and make your headline accurate and compelling - this will help you appear in searches. Then, post to your connections that you're on the lookout for new projects. Finally, be ready for incoming messages with industry-specific samples of your work!
4. ...and the LinkedIn search function
It's not just about being found, it's about looking for opportunities too. Using relevant keywords like 'frontend developer', 'copywriter', and 'admin assistant' can help you to proactively locate the people actively looking for these freelancers. Direct, unsolicited messages can have mixed results - many people may not respond. But others might appreciate your approach, particularly if it makes it easier for them to get the job done!
5. Focus on your niche skills
Being a generalist can help you appeal to lots of potential clients, but providing a specific offering can help you secure the job. According to Upwork, the highest paid freelance roles are:
- Public relations manager
- Business consultant
- Media buyer
- Photographer
- Artificial intelligence (AI) professional
Sell your most relevant skills and experience when you're pitching for a specific project. That means locating the most compelling items in your portfolio, collating past experience, and telling clients which tools you can use to your advantage.
Get your invoices paid 3x faster on average
With Solna, freelancers can set up automatic invoice reminders for all their clients. Set the frequency, create the message, and sit back while your late-paying clients receive a polite nudge.
in LND