Well, Hello to the freelancer bees swarming around and looking for a way to earn some cash and spread their business. Firstly, freelancers deserve applause because it's not easy doing what we do, and secondly, if anything harms our work its only our tactics and techniques.
During these tough pandemic times, every sort of economy is suffering and for freelancers, the situation is the same, some would say worse even. But sitting back is not an option, the only way to combat the situation is to look at ways to increase our client base and keep the money flowing.
So my fellow freelancers, after a lot of research I bring to you ways to gain customers and increase your client base. While reading them remember that 'Rome wasn't build in a day'.
Some days, the life of a freelancer can feel like you’re spending more time client-hunting than actually working. Time is money, and you owe it to yourself to use it wisely.
1. Word of Mouth This is probably the best way to land clients without doing any work to get them. When someone recommends you to a person they know, it means a lot more than a polished resume.
People trust personal recommendations more than a portfolio, killer resume/LinkedIn profile, or blog. It all comes down to that age-old saying: “It’s not what you know, but who.”
2. Have a clear, up-to-date portfolio—and market it
A good portfolio is practically non-negotiable. However, it is important to note that having a site won’t guarantee that people will come to it. To attract potential freelance clients, you need to market it.
One way to do this is by utilizing searchable portfolio sites, like:
3. Blog (or more simply—create content) Add a blog to your portfolio or online resume. You can use #hashnode, its easy and efficient.
But before you dive in head-first into the world of blogging, it’s important to know your market.
Writing about topics relevant to the field you want to work in gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise. There is an art to this.
4. Write (or create content) for others The most common form of this is guest writing. However, creating content for other sites/publications doesn’t have to be writing. It could be:
– Illustrations
– Infographics
– Videos (with your name in the credits)
– Images (taking photographs for a particular post/guide, with a link to your site beneath)
5. Keep your LinkedIn up to date Self-explanatory, recruiters can spot you, duh.
6. Keep other, industry-relevant social media accounts up to date These days, there are social media sites catering to a variety of specific industries, especially freelance-oriented fields. Depending on your expertise, there most likely is a platform for you.
7. Network in person Attend conferences and local Meetups. Go to happy hours. And make sure to bring some business cards!
Meeting face-to-face is always more memorable—there’s that in-person connection you can’t get online.
it's pretty tough meeting anyone during a pandemic era but trying is the keyword.
8. Start coworking Collaborations bring you plenty of attention
9. Network online Nowadays you don’t have to be face-to-face to network. You can now attend conferences virtually.
So these are the 9 mantras I've come up with. Remember while you practice these, you gotta be regular and relentless. Slacking did nobody any good my friends.