About the author
When you are struggling to find freelance clients, it can be a stressful experience. It happens to most freelancers at some point, so do not despair.
Having been a freelancer for a few years, I know it’s tough when work isn’t coming in, and money is tight because clients are slow at paying invoices. It’s important to know this from the outset so you are prepared.
Are you struggling to find clients and make these mistakes?
Focusing On One Client
We’re all guilty. One client continuously gives you work, and the money flows into your freelance business. New clients are getting in touch, but you do not have the time to take on any more work.
Then, one day, the client notifies you they are selling the business, taking it in another direction, and no longer need your services. You are left with no clients, and finding freelance work is a constant battle.
Never focus on one client – split your time on a balance of clients who regularly hire you for new projects. When you’re too busy, consider hiring a trusted freelancer to complete the work.
Then, you do not lose the client, and they continue to come to your business.
Not Spending Time Marketing Your Services
Within the working week, you need to designate a few hours to work on marketing your services. This includes networking with potential clients and creating content to showcase your skills and experience on your website or social media.
While working with one client, you should search for the next project you can work on. This leads me to the next mistake.
Not Asking for Referrals
So many freelancers wait for clients to come to them instead of asking previous and current clients for referrals. Word of mouth is still a powerful way to market a business, so ask people to refer you to other business owners.
Speak with family and friends and ask them if they know anyone who could be a potential client. Ensure you contact businesses needing your services and inform them you are available for future projects.
You Do not Charge Enough
Quote a potential client at a low rate, and you are likely to send alarm bells. One skill many freelancers lack is evaluating how much time and effort it will take to complete freelance work.
Underestimating the time will result in you having to do more work for a much lower pay rate.
When communicating the expectations with the client, try to judge what type of person they are. Many questions and changes to the work while evaluating the quote for the project are red warning signs.
Bad Money Management
In all honesty, this is why most freelancers fail. Most clients will take at least a month to process your invoice, so managing your money is essential. While invoices are waiting to be paid, you still have bills to pay.
Take time each week to chase up clients who are not processing invoices. Consider working for large companies or governments because they take longer to pay.
Make sure you take at least 50% upfront.
If a client is unprepared to pay upfront, you should not work for them. Of course, if a client continuously gives you freelance work and pays you on time, you can be a little more flexible.
Not Focusing on a Niche or Industry
When focusing on clients within every industry, you are up against thousands of freelancers bidding for projects. Instead, be the go-to person, the expert within a specific industry, or even a niche.
You are a copywriter, writer, or designer. One of your passions is playing golf, so focus on working for companies within the niche.
Reach out to golf courses and golfing equipment shops. Chat with editors of golfing magazines and websites. Why? You must wake up each day and be motivated to work, so combining a passion with your freelance work is innovative.
Not Thinking Like a Business
Freelancers make the big mistake of not thinking like a business.
What is your end goal? Do you want to become an agency and have a team of freelancers working for you? Or are you freelancing to save enough money to quit your office-based job?
You will not just be spending your time working for clients. You must split your time between marketing, chasing client invoices, and networking to find new work. You will need to continuously showcase your skills and experience by creating content.
So, if you are struggling to find freelance clients, these are the common mistakes you must avoid as a freelancer.
