Your first job as a freelancer is finding the work itself. That can be tough, especially when you are just starting out. But there are tactics that increase your chances of finding jobs or projects. Use these tips to help you get started on your freelance journey.
1. Build a simple webpage - show what you offer
Unless you already have clients banging down your door, you'll need a way to show off your skills, share your portfolio and give your pricing. Your freelance website doesn’t need to be complex. In fact, a single page is enough to demonstrate what you offer. You don't need to pay for web hosting or a domain to begin with (though you might want to later).
You can use Craft to create a simple, beautiful page that will help you attract clients. The most important thing is to demonstrate your skills, including prior experience and examples, and make it clear exactly what you are offering.
Pro Tip: use our free freelance portfolio template to create a great-looking, shareable webpage to highlight your skills and experience.
2. Use your network (and grow it)
A great way to meet potential customers or employers is to network. Attend local or online events, join groups and join in on conversations related to your skill set. Reach out to local businesses and offer them your services, and ask friends if the companies they work for require your skills.
Pro Tip: local meet-ups are a great way to see what businesses are operating in your area. Use sites like Meetup.com to find events where people might need your skills, and attend these. People are often more likely to give work to people they have met, so ‘showing face’ will help you to sell your services, in an organic way.
3. Utilize social media
Social media can be a powerful tool for finding freelance work. Set up a professional profile on LinkedIn and let your network know that you’re on the market and looking for new clients. Be active, interact with other professionals, and get involved in relevant discussions.
Pro Tip: Craft a series of posts that are targeted toward a specific area of work. Don’t be generic in your offer; as a freelancer, you want to demonstrate that you are highly skilled in one particular area of business, as this is what most clients are looking for. Keep posting regularly, but remember to add value to the conversation, rather than spam. Showcasing your expertise and knowledge by helping others is a great way to build your freelancer brand.
4. Sign Up on freelance job platforms
There are plenty of online platforms that list jobs and projects specifically for freelancers. You can create a profile and apply or respond to people who are looking for your skills. Popular platforms include Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.
Pro Tip: Find the best platforms for your type of freelance work, rather than creating profiles on every freelance platform that exists. [see link to best freelancer websites]
5. Join a freelance community (relevant to your field)
There are many communities out there for freelancers and entrepreneurs. By joining, you can learn from other freelancers and make connections with potential customers.
Pro Tip: Help others out. You’ll build a reputation for yourself, which can lead to referrals from other freelancers. As Daniel Korpai - Design Head at Craft reveals, helping others helped him get hired. Read his tips on how to find freelance design work and elevate your design skills.
6. Don’t give up
Finding freelance work takes time and effort. At the start, most freelancers will need to allocate quite of lot of time just to the job hunt itself. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get any responses right away. Keep trying different approaches, and reaching out to people (in a polite - non-spammy way!).
Pro Tip: perseverance is the key to finding and winning work in the freelance world. It’s always hardest at the start, when you may not have many clients or much experience. Fight hard for your first few jobs and once you have these, be sure to keep your website updated, post regularly on LinkedIn, ask your clients to write you a recommendation on LinkedIn (and add the best ones to your website), and be open to sharing your knowledge with others.
Following these tips and tactics can help you get noticed by potential employers and increase your chances of finding freelance work. With a little hard work, you can turn your freelancing dreams into a reality.
