About the author
Many people choose freelance work to transition into remote working. The recommended strategy is to be sensible and only quit your job when you have regular income and a solid client list.
You will be disappointed if you think you will start earning money overnight.
As previously written, you can start freelancing while working full-time. After saving up six months’ salary, I felt comfortable quitting my office job of 24 years; freelancing in the evening and on weekends is what helped me the most.
This guide will teach you how to find freelance work without experience.
Networking to Find Freelance Work
Networking is essential for a new freelancer, as most people need help. Spending a few hours a week getting involved in communities where potential clients are active will help you avoid relying on freelancing platforms.
LinkedIn, forums within your industry and niche, and Facebook groups will help you create your client list. You must add value to these communities, answer questions, get involved, and be active.
In addition, you can look for local in-person networking events where you can meet other business owners and build relationships with them. These contacts might help you in the future when you start to reach out to businesses.
Reaching Out to Potential Clients
Create your power list of 6-10 businesses you would love to have on your client list. Think about your services and where you could add the most value. I advise focusing on a niche or industry rather than trying to be a freelancer for all. It’s easier to market yourself, as we will discuss below.
Remember that business owners are busy people, just like you.
Please do not call them; instead, email them briefly explaining how you can help them today. Remember to mention why your services will save them time or money or how they would help increase their income.
Also, send them a link to your website where you showcase your skills and include testimonials.
Give them two weeks; if they don’t respond, please send them a final email.
Use Freelance Platforms
The quickest way to find freelance work is to sign up for one of the many freelancing platforms. Sites like People Per Hour, Fiverr, and Upwork are places to start. Remember that you will be up against people whose pay rate is lower than yours, and those looking for freelancers are usually looking for it cheaply.
The advantage of these platforms is that it is an opportunity to learn how to work with freelance clients. Stick to your hourly rate, and do not do anything cheaply. You will find clients, but seeing people happy to pay your rates might take longer.
You can build relationships with clients away from the platform. However, you do not want to rely on a third-party platform for your client list in the future; you want complete control.
Content Marketing Works
This strategy does work, but it will be the slowest way to gain new clients. It’s a way to build a client list that will stay around longer. As a freelancer, you most certainly need a website, and having a content plan to showcase your skills and help build trust is essential.
What challenges are your potential clients struggling with? Give them quick wins that will save time or money and make them realize they need you to help their business grow.
Content like you’re reading today exemplifies how content marketing works. You’re a new freelancer looking for help to get new clients, and as a coach, it’s something that people ask me to help them with.
See what I did there?
How-to-style posts do very well because they are the content your future clients seek. Think about what kind of content you are better suited to. A video or audio is a better option for you than writing.
Before you head away, please take a moment to read my other freelancing articles, like how to become a successful freelancer or the mistakes many make when creating their website.
