« My Animated New Years Card | Home | My First Paid Gig As A Freelancer? »
7 Tips For Getting Freelance Work
By Glen Graham | January 12, 2009
One of the questions people ask me when they find out that I freelanced for five years is, how did you freelance for so many years with out a steady income? well below are a list of tricks that have helped me to land consistent freelance work. In these tough economic times every tip helps. Hey you got to stay sharp cause you never know when you may have to revisit your freelance roots.
1. DO THE BEST WORK YOU CAN. You may be able to please a client by doing a good job but if you wow a client by going beyond what is expected of you they will say good things about you. When they need more work done they won’t want to work with any one else but you.
2. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH PAST CLIENTS. Past clients may need new work created or may be looking to expand their business or try new things. By keeping in touch you will be aware of any change in address or new contact numbers. One way to stay in contact is to send out e- cards or simply send an email on birthdays or holidays. Nurture that client relationship.
3. MAKE A LIST OF THINGS THAT GOT YOU FREELANCE GIGS. Often times freelancers for get or abandon the things that made them successful in the first place. Keeping a list will remind you of old gems.
4. THE ART OF NOT SELLING YOUR BUSINESS 24 /7? Contrary to what you may have been taught or read always selling your business can be a turnoff to potential clients. I have had interesting conversations not pertaining to my business that have landed me a client. Sometimes just having a common interest with some one is enough to score a freelance gig.
5. READ ADS COMPLETELY BEFORE RESPONDING TO THEM? Employers looking to hire freelancers online don’t have a lot of time or patience. Often their email addresses are bombarded with responses to their ads, from people answering the ad improperly. Some freelancers respond to ads with out answering key questions in the ad. What this means to an employer is you don’t know how to follow instructions. When ever I come across and add online I outline all of the questions the client wants answered and then I answer the questions in a clear precise manner.
6. MOST REFERRAL BUSINESS COMES FROM THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW? Family members friends and coworkers will be some of the first people sending you ref feral business. It is important to treat clients no matter how close you are in a professional manner.
7. THE FOLLOW UP? The follow up is probably one of my most useful tools. It only works if applied correctly. If I meet some one that I feel is a potential client I will send a follow up email no more than two days after we have met. Taking more time than that is a mistake. If there was any magic it will die off quickly. Also following up is a sign of a person who does not procrastinate and goes after what they want.
I hope you found my 7 tips for getting freelance work useful. If you have any more tips you would like to add please leave them in the comment section below.
Stumble it!
Topics: Advice | 4 Comments »
January 16th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
yeah i dig it. especially number 7..the magic really wont last..i call the 2nd day too.
January 17th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Hey James
I believe in striking while the iron is hot!
January 18th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Good Advice. Thanks!
January 18th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Hi Lori
i’m glad you found my post helpful.