More than 51% Freelancers cite a lack of clients as their biggest challenge. No surprise! While switching to independent status is an exciting adventure, you can only rely on yourself to find assignments.
The good news is that there are ways to regularly find clients. Which ones? We’ll show you. 7 techniques !
1. Sign up on Codeur.com
Web developers, marketing specialists, graphic designers, community managers, virtual assistants… the site Codeur.com brings together all web workers. The goal? To connect you with clients looking for services.
The idea is simple: project owners post their listings and outline their needs. Freelancers who can meet the request submit a quote. Professionals can then review the proposals and contact the freelancers who interest them.
To access these listings, simply register on the platform.
Clients on Codeur.com can also contact you directly. When creating your profile on the platform, be sure to fill in all information and complete your portfolio. Some professionals prefer to consult the directory and reach out directly to freelancers who match the desired profile.
Registration on the Codeur.com platform remains free. However, a subscription allows you to respond to 160 listings per month! Enough to regularly find projects!
A subscription puts you in pole position when clients search for freelancers. You therefore increase your chances of being contacted directly by a potential client.
2. Reach out to your network
“I know someone who knows someone who…” You’ve certainly heard that phrase! As a freelancer, your personal and professional networks are one of your first strengths for finding work.
Spread the word to all your close contacts! Let them know you’ve launched your activity as a freelancer, and be sure to specify your services. Be precise, because many people don’t know digital professions and might call you to fix a computer… Don’t hesitate to clearly explain what you do.
Also use your professional networkIn your former companies, can you get back in touch with colleagues or a supervisor? Informing them about your new freelance life may encourage them to talk about you, or even to give you an assignment directly. After all, they know you and know how you work.
3. Think about social networks
Use your social networks to share your skills and your search for assignments. Your Facebook profile will help activate your personal network, but don’t forget to post on Twitter and LinkedIn, two platforms where freelancers are commonly sought!
However, don’t just announce you’re looking for work—establish yourself as an expert in your field. No one wants to hire someone who only keeps asking for work… Think about giving value!
Advice, studies, key figures… Share the market monitoring you do and speak up to give your point of view on news in your field. This will encourage prospects to follow you and, perhaps, to contact you for assignments later.
4. Prospect local businesses
After your immediate circle, your town or region represents a pool of potential assignments. It’s time to sharpen your prospecting . Identify and contact companies in your geographic area. Start with the closest ones and expand the circle gradually.
Proximity is a strong selling point for working with a freelancer. Clients feel reassured when they can meet a provider and confirm their responsiveness. Use this as an opportunity to find assignments.
Use Google Maps to find them or the good old Yellow Pages (in digital form, of course!).
Prospect on LinkedIn. Follow the pages of companies in your area and connect with their decision-makers. For example, if you are a graphic designer, identify the marketing directors and managers at those companies and send them a personalized connection request.
Also read : Freelancers: 4 types of clients to prospect
5. Attend professional events
The networking It has always been an effective way to find assignments. Fairs, trade shows, conferences, business clubs… These events offer a unique opportunity to approach clients, as well as other freelancers. They’re perfect for building your network and increasing your chances of finding projects!
However, for this technique to be effective, do research on the attendees before you go. You’ll be able to develop an action plan and identify the contacts to prioritize.
Additionally, learning about the companies attending allows you to personalize your approach. Professionals will always prefer to work with freelancers who know their products or services.
6. Focus on guest blogging
The publishing articles in industry blogs High-authority media are an effective way to expand your audience and reach clients. Make a list of the media outlets and blogs specialized in your sector in the activity area, then get in touch with the editors-in-chief.
Check recently published articles to get an idea of the style and themes covered. The idea is to find topics that haven’t been addressed yet to propose to the editor-in-chief.
Warning: Don’t make the mistake of writing an article and submitting it. If it’s rejected, you’ll have wasted your time. Agree on the topic with the contacted media before starting to write.
7. Establish yourself as an expert
There are different ways to prove your expertise as a freelancer. Aside from guest blogging, you can take part in or launch a podcast, create a YouTube channel, or appear as a guest.
Discussion forums such as Reddit or the LinkedIn groups offer a way to answer other professionals' questions and prove your value.
Speaking of questions, we can also mention Quora! This social network has a strong community that answers members' queries. You can certainly share your expertise on some topics.
Why not write a white paper also? It positions you as an expert while helping you generate leads to convert into clients! You can also publish case studies to present your previous successful projects.
Our advice for finding freelance gigs
These 7 techniques help you increase your visibility and manage your image to capture prospects' attention.
Of course, don't hesitate to be proactive, via Codeur.com for example, by replying to job postings. The goal is to take advantage of active methods as well as techniques that attract prospects to you!
