How to Find Freelance Work

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When people hear that I have been freelancing since I started college, I often hear “how do you find clients?”. Growing up with a dad who did contract work for a large portion of his career, I always understood that to be a career path option. From watching my dad, I learned that after getting a couple of clients you enjoy working with and doing your best work, referrals and longer-term work is sent your way.

This was true when I had my first freelance client out of college. I worked with them for over 5 years, and they made up about 30 hours of my week. It didn’t start out that way. I was hired to do some marketing and SEO work for them, but as I saw opportunities for additional work, I would offer my services. I was fortunate because they always said yes. While working for them, the other staff I worked with would refer me to their network, and my business grew and grew until I was telling people I didn’t have time to help them – or could ONLY help them for a specific, shorter contract term.

But how do you find your first client to get the momentum?

There are a few options here! Something for everyone, if you will.

1. Value-Based Pitching

I am a BIG fan of the Fired Up Freelance course. In the course, Nicki teaches value-based pitching and how to pitch companies you shop from, live near, and like. She walks students through how to effectively pitch to new clients and what to look for in a client. Because there is nothing worse than a nightmare client! I think the idea of pitching is uncomfortable for people, but stop and think for just a moment – you know that sales email you got at just the right time for a pair of shoes, pet gear, or that trip you were thinking of? That could be you – perfectly timed in someone’s inbox. Plus the step by step of how to do the pitching makes it not intimidating and easy to do.

2. FlexJobs

I have been referring others to FlexJobs for years. All the jobs on their website must be remote at least part of the time. There is a big mix of small and large businesses as well as full-time, part-time, and freelance job postings added each day. The site is heavily monitored and the small fee to join is worth it. Definitely check out their free trial to see if it is for you.

3. LinkedIn

Does your existing network know you offer freelancing services? Do you show it on your profile? Make sure your LinkedIn profile shows off what you do. Then take it a step further and post once a week so you can stay top of mind.

I do not recommend is job bidding sites. Working as a freelancer, you should be choosing who YOU want to work with, rather than clambering for work alongside hundreds of other people in your same area of expertise. Job bidding sites attract clients who are looking to get the work done for CHEAP – they aren’t looking for a relationship with you. So you are working for less money, with faster turn arounds, and little-to-no hope of future growth with that client.

Tell me what you think in the comments! How do you find freelance work?