Hello Moms, your first client may be your most important one.
They may also be
the toughest client to get.
As a freelance writer, clients want to see that you
have experience.
However, if you are new to freelancing then you may not have
any experience to share.
It is a frustrating circle.
The good news is that there are several ways to gain your first client and that valuable experience that you need.
Let us talk about how to get your first clients and then help you step things up and gather even more valuable clients for your business.
Getting Your First Clients
#1 Freelance Job Sites
Job sites provide you with the opportunity to gain a freelance
job.
The downside to many freelance job sites is that they often do not pay
well.
However, if you are looking to build your portfolio and your experience
then the fee is secondary.
You can quickly get the experience that you need
through sites like Upwork, Freelancer and others.
#2 Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations need help.
Your valuable skills will benefit them and give you the needed experience.
And people who work for
non-profit organizations are generally very good about paying it forward.
When
you do a great job for them, they may become your best referral source.
#3 Spec
Some freelance providers can benefit by doing work on spec.
This
means the client does not pay for the work unless they like it.
If clients use your work, they pay you.
It seems risky, but whether you get paid or not, you
are getting material for your portfolio.
Ask for referrals from people you know to get work like this.
#4 Getting More Clients As You Get More Experience.
How many clients do you want to have?
Do you want a full schedule,
40 hours or more a week?
Or, do you want just a few clients annually?
Part of
building a freelance business that meets your goals is to focus on marketing
your business and getting more clients.
Here are a few tips and strategies to get more clients for your freelance business.
Networking both online and off is a fantastic way to build a solid freelancing business.
Online and off you can connect with potential clients and
potential partners.
Partnerships with other freelancers can be extremely
profitable.
For example, if you are a web content writer, you might partner
with a graphic designer to create complete website packages for your clients.
And when you know other business owners and build those
connections, you never know where work or referrals will come from.
And
speaking of referrals, that is the next point.
#6 Referrals
It truly helps build a freelance business because the testimonial for your business is coming from someone else.
You can encourage word of mouth by offering a referral bonus.
For example, any client that sends a new client to you gets a percentage off their next project.
You can maintain your referral business and track referrals by simply asking each new client how they have heard about you.
#7 Showcasing Your Freelance Portfolio or Resume
One of the best ways to get more clients and to establish your credibility is to have a winning portfolio.
You also must make sure your portfolio is available to view.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to place
your portfolio on your website or blog.
If you are a writer then you can easily post writing samples, but
make sure you have permission from clients to do so.
List the companies with whom you have worked.
If they have websites, then link to them.
Your portfolio or resume helps establish credibility.
It gives potential prospects some
confidence that they can count on you to satisfy their needs.
#8 Build Your Website or free Blog with Blogger.
Many writers start with freelance sites and rely on their profiles
from those sites, but do not get stuck there.
Have your own website where clients can come to you when they need you, instead of you chasing down work all the time.
A website allows you to showcase your specialty, grow your
mailing list of potential clients and gives your clients an easy place to refer
new clients to.
Make sure your website includes:
* Your portfolio
* Testimonials/References
* About Me Page
* Services
* Pricing
* Contact information
* Policies and procedures
* FAQs
But most importantly, make sure it shows why you are the go-to
person for your type of writing service.
Stand apart from the crowd and you are more likely to attract the precise client you are looking for.
As you have probably gathered, there are abundant opportunities
for freelance writers online.
You just must get out there and get them. If you are ready to start brainstorming on the writing markets you might explore, we have a FREE guide called 34 Ways to Profit from Your Writing, so get it now.
To your success,
Jacqueline The Earn At Home Mom
