8 Things Freelancers Must Do to Get More Work and Client Leads

There's nothing like being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and choosing which projects to work on. Only the freelance work allows for that. But make no mistake, freelance can be very painful - in various aspects. It requires hard work, dedication, vision, passion, and most importantly it requires a client base. If you don't have a client base that is big enough to support you financially, you basically have no freelance business. But when the right ingredients are present, nothing will feel better than freelancing! This articles aims at providing you some key factors in making sure you have enough work for your freelance business. Let's get into the subject.

In the lines that follow I will outline seven major factors in keeping a freelance business going well.

1- Word of mouth

There is something about word of mouth; it grows exponentially! As you can imagine, a huge number of people will find out about your services if you just tell your friends and family about your business. So make sure you get in touch with friends, family and anyone relevant to what you do and tell them.

2- Exposure: web, media, local

You should have a web presence that is well optimized for search engines. Publish press releases. Also, get in touch with your local businesses and make deals with them. For instance, pay referral fees if they bring you business. If possible, trade services (advertisement and the like).

3- Use available resources, research

People post jobs on various boards, which you should always check out. Use popular classifieds site. Also advertise your services by posting on those sites.

4- Showcase your talent/expertise

Always try to show your expertise to the public using forums, publications, events, ebook, etc. By providing people with good information, they will grant you some level of trust. And with that you can open doors to many more business opportunities. Show off the vast knowledge and skillset you have.

5- Networking

Always seize any opportunities that allow you to connect with potential clients and other people who share your interests. Participate in all sorts of activities such as events, seminars, conferences, etc. Be sure to have your business card with you.

6- Great retention rate

You have worked hard to earn your clients. Nothing hurts more than seeing those clients leaving you to go do business with someone else. You should try to maintain a very high retention rate. Don't just give services to your clients; be their business partner. Try understanding what their businesses are about and offer great solutions to them. Keep them happy. Keep in touch. Revisit them every so often.

7- Volunteering

For starter freelancers, it can be hard finding clients because nobody really knows what you are capable of. One way to prove yourself is by offering your service for free. So be ready to do some volunteer work. Just make sure you do it for people you deem deserve such services. If you provide free service, the receiver should be someone who can give you referrals or should be someone who will pay you for future work.

8- Testimonial (endorsement)

This is probably one of the most important things after you have performed work for a client. Always ask for a testimonial, if the client is happy with the work. Using client testimonials, you can easily win other clients. Don't fail to ask for an endorsement!

The Corporate world was not made for all of us. Or at least, we can only spend so much time in it. If you have left the corporate world, make sure you have left for good. Be ethical, professional, visionary, motivated and ambitious. You, too, have your place in the great freelance world!There's nothing like being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and choosing which projects to work on. Only the freelance work allows for that. But make no mistake, freelance can be very painful - in various aspects. It requires hard work, dedication, vission, passion, and most importantly it requires a client base. If you don't have a client base that is big enough to support you financially, you basically have no freelance business. But when the right ingredients are present, nothing will feel better than freelancing! This articles aims at providing you some key factors in making sure you have enough work for your freelance business. Let's get into the subject.

In the lines that follow I will outline seven major factors in keeping a freelance business going well.

1- Word of mouth

There is something about word of mouth; it grows exponentially! As you can imagine, a huge number of people will find out about your services if you just tell your friends and family about your business. So make sure you get in touch with friends, family and anyone relevant to what you do and tell them.

2- Exposure: web, media, local

You should have a web presence that is well optimized for search engines. Publish press releases. Also, get in touch with your local businesses and make deals with them. For instance, pay referral fees if they bring you business. If possible, trade services (advertisement and the like).

3- Use available resources, research

People post jobs on various boards, which you should always check out. Use popular classifieds site. Also advertise your services by posting on those sites.

4- Showcase your talent/expertise

Always try to show your expertise to the public using forums, publications, events, ebook, etc. By providing people with good information, they will grant you some level of trust. And with that you can open doors to many more business opportunities. Don't keep that vast knowledge and skillset to yourself, show it off.

5- Networking

Always seize any opportunities that allow you to connect with potential clients and other people who share your interests. Participate in all sorts of activities such as events, seminars, conferences, etc. Be sure to have your business card with you.

6- Great retention rate

You have worked hard to earn your clients. Nothing hurts more than seeing those clients leaving you to go do business with someone else. You should try to maintain a very high retention rate. Don't just give services to your clients; be their business partner. Try understanding what their businesses are about and offer great solutions to them. Keep them happy. Keep in touch. Revisit them every so often.

7- Volunteering

For starter freelancers, it can be hard finding clients because nobody really knows what you are capable of. One way to prove yourself is by offering your service for free. So be ready to do some volunteer work. Just make sure you do it for people you deem deserve such services. If you provide free service, the receiver should be someone who can give you referrals or should be a someone who will pay you for future work. So don't just be a nice person.

8- Testimonial (endorsement)

This is probably one of the most important things after you have performed work for a client. Always ask for a testimonial, if the client is happy with the work. Using client testimonials, you can easily win other clients. Don't fail to ask for an endorsement!

The Corporate world was not made for all of us. Or at least, we can only spend so much time in it. If you have left the Corporate world, make sure you have left for good. Be ethical, professional, visionary, motivated and ambitious. You, too, have your place in the great freelance world!