Let’s be real for a second: freelancing is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. You’ve got the freedom to work in your pyjamas, set your own hours, and choose projects that light your soul on fire. But then there’s the other side of the coin—the endless hustle to find clients, the feast-or-famine cycle, and the nagging fear of “What if I can’t make this work?”
I get it. I’ve been there. And so have countless other freelancers who’ve gone on to build thriving careers. The good news? You can absolutely do this. The even better news? I’m about to share some hard-earned, no-BS tips to help you land clients like a pro.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “10 tips to freelance success” article. Nope. This is a roadmap—a mix of strategy, mindset shifts, and practical steps—to help you go from “Where are the clients?” to “I need to raise my rates because I’m fully booked.”
Ready? Let’s do this.
1. Stop Chasing Clients—Attract Them Instead
Here’s a truth bomb: desperation repels clients. If you’re frantically applying to every job posting or spamming people with generic pitches, you’re not going to get far. Instead, focus on positioning yourself as someone clients want to work with.
How?
- Build a Personal Brand: Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Are you the “go-to” person for something specific? For example, instead of being “just another writer,” you could be “the writer who helps SaaS companies turn boring tech jargon into engaging stories.”
- Showcase Your Expertise: Share your knowledge on LinkedIn, start a blog, or create free resources (like templates or guides) that solve your ideal client’s problems. When you give value upfront, clients come to you.
2. The Power of Niching Down (Yes, Again)
I know, I know—you’ve heard this a million times. But hear me out. Niching isn’t about limiting yourself; it’s about standing out in a crowded market.
Think about it: if you’re a graphic designer who works with everyone from bakeries to tech startups, you’re competing with every designer out there. But if you niche down to, say, “designing bold, modern websites for female entrepreneurs,” suddenly you’re the obvious choice for that specific audience.
Still not convinced? Here’s a real-life example:
A freelance copywriter I know struggled to land clients until she niched into “helping eco-friendly brands tell their sustainability stories.” Within months, she was fully booked—and charging premium rates.
3. Your Portfolio is Your Secret Weapon to Building Your Dream Career
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of past work; it’s your chance to tell a story. Here’s how to make it irresistible:
- Show Results: Clients don’t just want to see pretty designs or well-written articles—they want to know how your work helped others. Did your website redesign increase conversions by 30%? Did your blog post drive 1,000 new visitors? Flaunt those numbers.
- Include Case Studies: A case study is like a before-and-after makeover for your work. Outline the problem, your solution, and the results. It’s proof you can deliver.
- Make It Personal: Add a photo, a short bio, and a touch of personality. Clients want to work with humans, not faceless freelancers.
4. Pitch Like a Pro (Without Sounding Salesy)
Pitching is an art, and the key is to focus on the client, not yourself. Here’s a pitch formula that works like a charm:
- Start with a Hook: Mention something specific about their business to show you’ve done your homework.
- Identify a Pain Point: What’s keeping them up at night?
- Offer a Solution: How can you solve their problem?
- End with a Call-to-Action: Suggest a next step, like a free consultation or a quick call.
Example:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I noticed your website has stunning visuals, but the copy doesn’t quite match the same level of polish. As a copywriter who specialises in helping luxury brands elevate their messaging, I’d love to help you create content that converts. Would you be open to a quick chat to discuss how we can make that happen?”
5. Leverage the “Hidden Job Market”
Did you know that 80% of freelance gigs are never advertised? That’s right—most clients hire through referrals, networking, or direct outreach. Here’s how to tap into this goldmine:
- Warm Outreach: Reach out to people you already know—former colleagues, friends, or even past clients. Let them know you’re available for work.
- Cold Outreach Done Right: Research companies or individuals who could benefit from your services and send them a personalised message. Keep it short, friendly, and focused on how you can help them.
- Ask for Referrals: If you’ve done great work for a client, don’t be shy about asking if they know anyone else who might need your services.
6. Network Like You Mean It
Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards or adding people on LinkedIn. It’s about building genuine relationships. Here’s how to do it:
- Join Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, or industry-specific forums are great places to connect with potential clients.
- Attend Events: Whether it’s a virtual webinar or an in-person meetup, events are a fantastic way to meet like-minded professionals.
- Collaborate with Other Freelancers: Sometimes, your peers can refer clients to you (and vice versa).
7. Be Patient, But Persistent
Here’s the hard truth: freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when you feel like giving up, but don’t. Keep showing up, keep improving your craft, and keep putting yourself out there.
Final Thoughts: You’re Building Something Amazing
Freelancing isn’t just a career—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about creating a career that fits you, not the other way around. And while the journey isn’t always easy, it’s 100% worth it.
So, take a deep breath, pick one or two strategies from this guide, and start taking action. Remember, every successful freelancer started where you are now. You’ve got this.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to finding clients and building your dream career? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
This article was inspired by my own experiences as a freelancer and insights from resources like The Freelancer’s Bible by Sara Horowitz and The Creative’s Guide to Starting a Business by Harriet Kelsall. If you’re looking for more in-depth advice, I highly recommend checking them out.
Now, go out there and start building the freelance career of your dreams!
