Finding well-paying freelance jobs requires a lot of dedication. However, the process can be easy and fruitful if you have the right skills and know how to find and approach potential clients.
Other times finding clients can feel incredibly draining and non-productive. Learning how to spend time in the most efficient way will help you build up a solid roster of clients.
In this article we’ll share five of our most used strategies to get started in finding freelance work that you can start applying today. There’s no one single strategy to get freelancing work, but using a combination of the techniques below will increase your ability to find your next gig.
Networking
Networks from past jobs and professional contacts can be an excellent place to get freelance jobs. It is a foundation through which you can create your freelancing career.
Anyone from your network can be your freelancing client. Before you quit your current job, let your friends and relatives know that you’re entering into freelancing. Some may turn out to be your first clients, while others might recommend you to those who are looking for the skills you offer.
Networking and referrals are the most powerful tool you can use when becoming a freelancer. Take the time to reach out to those you know and let them know about your transition and what types of work you’re looking for.
Offer to volunteer for non-profits to help get your foot in the door and have more people see your work. There are many ways of leveraging networking to let leads come in.
Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can provide ample opportunities to get freelance jobs. Consider posting about the freelancing services you’re offering for your connection to see. For more targeted results, use keywords related to your niche when looking for jobs on social media platforms.
There are also several Facebook groups that bring together different freelancers, post job listings, and provide an excellent opportunity to hear more about types of jobs.
Join Industry Groups
You can increase your chances of landing a freelancing gig by joining industry groups. For instance, you can connect with like-minded professionals and probably get leads by joining a related LinkedIn groups or other in person groups. There are several industry groups that are city specific that offer events, networking opportunities, and the ability to grow your skill set with training events.
However, you must remember that it will take time to build relationships and trust with potential leads. Joining several industry groups isn’t enough. You need to participate in the conversation and offer help to members where you can.
Freelancing Job Boards
There are many sites like where potential clients post freelancing jobs. These sites like Upwork and Fiverr can be incredibly competitive but are a great option for many.
On Upwork you’re able to apply for different jobs and submit proposals. It can take a while of lower paying gigs to get your rating score high enough, but with a lot of energy and effort working through these kinds of platforms can be well worth the energy.
Cold Pitching
If you want an excellent and less competitive way of getting freelance work, cold pitching is the way to go.
Cold pitching involves contacting companies, entrepreneurs, or even bloggers and let them know how you can help grow their business through your freelance services. Well, this can sound hard and trick, especially for new freelancers, but it’s doable.
To get started in cold pitching, you need to identify the business that you want to pitch. You may have noticed that a client’s website is wanting or they don’t have a robust online presence, and you believe your freelance services can be of help to them.
Once you have a list of the businesses you want to pitch, the next thing is finding the right contact person. The next step is to draft a cold pitch and send it to the person you’ve identified. Some of the things you must include in your pitch include:
- Who you are
- How and where you heard about them
- How you can help them