How to Find Clients and Jumpstart your Freelance Career

In this season when everyone seeks work and financial freedom, freelancing is a viable option to take. You become your own boss and determine how you want to run your business whether as a side hustle or full time. 

There are several steps that you must take if you want more financial freedom and need to jumpstart your freelance career

I. Define your market

• What kind of service do you want to offer? 

• How big is your chosen service?

• What do you want to specialize in?

• Who is your audience?

• Which region or locations would you want to cover?

• How would you reach your audience effectively?

II. Set Realistic Goals

Make your goals simple from the start. Do not take more than you can handle or the quality of your work will suffer.

However, starting out as a freelancer can sometimes be scary especially if you are a newbie. There will be hurdles to cross to be successful but the satisfaction and thrill that comes with working at own pace while delivering quality results are beyond words. 

Your confidence in your abilities increases and you get to spend your time as you wish.

Many would always advise that you get a website and create quality content that is engaging to attract and hold the attention of customers. But I think while this is a good idea, you can still start your freelance career without a website.

So how do I do this?

Here are 6 Ways to Find Client's and Jumpstart your Freelance Career

1. Start with those around you.

Tell your friends and contacts about the kind of services you offer and that you would be glad to offer them this service. Offer the service for free and build a portfolio if you do not have one. 

When the business has grown and you build a website, you would have a good number of samples of your work to show prospective clients.

2. Do an In-depth Research

Do proper research of the people or businesses that need your kind of services. You can go further to identify those you would like to work with and learn as much as you can, how they operate, what they are currently lacking, and ow you an offer them more value in their areas of weakness. Then pitch to such persons or businesses.

3. Use Freelancing Job Boards

Most freelancers register with one or more of the many freelance websites and search for jobs on their job boards. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour. Once you've signed up, bid for jobs that match your skill set and expertise. 

Note: You are bidding against other professional freelancers so you must give it your best. Your price does not have to be very high at the beginning.

4. Network with Other Freelancers

Being alone ranger does not help to freelance. There are forums for like-minded people who offer the same services as you online, search them out, and join. This will allow you to talk and listen to other freelancers in your field. 

Find out their success story, their strategies for getting more work, how they charge for specific jobs, and any other question you might wish to ask. This is also where you can ask for help if you face any challenge. 

The number of responses you'll get in these online communities when you cry out for help can be humbling. 

5.  Position Yourself as an Expert

The people who would hire you expect nothing less than expert advice and top-notch services so you need to position yourself as one. Post useful and related content always. Businesses are looking for freelancers who can add value to them.

6.  Guest Post

This practice involves creating quality and relevant content for others. However, when people read your content and find it engaging, they click on your link which takes them to your own website for more.

In Conclusion, nothing is ever difficult if you are determined, and finding clients for your freelancing career is no different. Follow these simple steps and build your career while enjoying your free time. 

Good luck.