MiddleMe
The popularity of freelancing has dramatically shifted the way industries source their talents. The prevalence of online freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com has made it easier for individuals to enter the freelance market, intensifying competition for jobs on these platforms. There are also new talents who know their way around the changing digital technologies, allowing enterprises to modernise their operations and expand their presence.
Each year, freelancers grow in number, and as a result, competition is fierce. According to a report by Upwork and Freelancers Union in 2020, there were approximately 59 million freelancers in the United States, representing 36% of the U.S. workforce. This number has been steadily growing over the years. With this in mind, how can you stand out and get more clients to request your services? Below are 8 notable ways you can try out:
1. Create A Good Resume And Portfolio
If you want to appeal to your target market as a freelancer, you need to market yourself properly with the help of a good resume and portfolio. Your resume and portfolio should provide your potential customers with key information they need to know, such as your work history, work samples, contact information and recommendations.
2. Know Your Specialisation And Focus On It
There will always be freelancers who are better than you in certain areas, but no one will be better at all that you specialise in. According to a study by Payoneer, 57% of freelancers in 2020 said they specialised in a specific niche, emphasising the need to differentiate oneself in a competitive landscape. With this in mind, you should do your best to upskill and master technical skills and specialisation to help you stand out. For example, if you want to differentiate yourself from other writers, you can offer additional services to support your written work, such as creating graphics to match it.
3. Pick Your Clients Carefully
Some freelancers cannot handle their workload because they tend to say yes to everyone. However, if you want to build your career, you need to be very specific as to who you work for since this will help you stay excited about the work ahead. Having a select market will also help you establish yourself as an expert in the field.
4. Offer Discounts
Offering discounts as a new freelancer can be a strategic move to break into the competitive world of freelancing. It’s common for beginners to face challenges when trying to secure their first clients, primarily because trust and experience play pivotal roles in the decision-making process for potential employers. By providing discounts, you’re lowering the perceived risk for your clients, making it more enticing for them to try your services.
When clients see your discounted rates and subsequently appreciate the quality of your work, you begin building a valuable portfolio and garnering positive reviews. These reviews are instrumental in establishing your credibility and trustworthiness in the freelancing community. Over time, as you accumulate more projects and gain confidence in your skills, you can gradually increase your rates. As your expertise grows and your client base expands, you’ll find that clients are more willing to pay higher rates for your value, making it a sustainable and effective strategy for building a thriving freelance career.
5. Communicate
When building a working relationship with your clients, you must stay in touch with them. Unfortunately, some freelancers don’t like speaking to their clients via voice or video call and only prefer emailing them. Clients want to be updated regularly regarding the projects they request and be informed immediately if there are issues. You can sort this problem by scheduling one weekly day to chat with clients and keep them informed.
6. Be Consistent
Consistency is the hallmark of a successful freelancer. It extends across various dimensions of your freelance career, from the quality of your work to your communication style, meeting deadlines, and even your personal branding. When you consistently deliver high-quality work, clients come to rely on your expertise, and this trust builds a strong foundation for long-term working relationships. It’s not just about meeting expectations; it’s about consistently exceeding them. This consistency forms the bedrock of your brand as a freelancer.
Moreover, consistency in communication is equally important. Whether responding to emails promptly, setting realistic expectations with clients, or providing regular updates on project progress, maintaining clear and open communication reinforces your professionalism. Clients value freelancers who are reliable and transparent. Ultimately, this reputation for consistency sets you apart in the competitive freelancing landscape and leads to repeat business and referrals, solidifying your position in your chosen field.
7. Be Open To Feedback
Being open to feedback is indispensable for freelancers aiming to excel in their careers. Whether positive or constructive, feedback is a valuable source of information that can propel your professional growth. It provides insights into how your work is perceived and allows you to understand your client’s needs and expectations better. Embracing feedback doesn’t mean you have to implement every suggestion, but it does mean acknowledging its potential to enhance your skills and service.
When actively seeking and welcoming feedback, you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. It showcases your dedication to delivering the best possible results for your clients. Moreover, being receptive to feedback fosters stronger client relationships as it reflects your willingness to adapt and evolve to meet their evolving needs. This adaptability and desire to learn distinguish you from the competition and position you as a genuinely invested freelancer in delivering exceptional value and ensuring client satisfaction. Ultimately, being open to feedback is a pathway to professional development and long-term success in freelancing.
8. Stay Positive
You should also stay positive, especially when it comes to what you post online. While you may sometimes feel bad due to the amount of work you are getting, don’t let it show on your social media accounts. Remember, you shouldn’t post anything negative in your accounts because clients will hesitate to sign you up once they see it.
Whether you are a new freelancer or an established one, you must constantly adjust your strategy to stay ahead of the game. Check the tips we listed above to help you get started and slowly adapt to the constant challenges and changes brought by the career.
For more detailed tips, check out my book to Guide You to Freelancing Success.
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Kally
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