There’s no doubt about it, freelancing can be competitive. However, as you start trying to secure clients, there are a few things you can do to stand out among the sea of fellow contractors. This advice also applies to those who have been actively trying to win more work for a while but are having trouble converting. Simply creating a profile and reaching out to buyers isn’t enough to create a freelancing model that provides consistent work and in turn, loyal clients.
Regardless of the platform, spend time carefully crafting your profile and focus on building out your brand. This sounds more complicated than it is but it’s really about promoting the person behind the service. Don't be afraid to include photos of yourself on your profile, as it’s been proven that buyers feel more comfortable seeing who they are working with, and it also builds trust between both parties.
When you start building out the description section of your freelancing profile, clearly highlight your expertise and specializations. Sticking within a particular niche will help solidify your credibility as an expert in that space, which helps buyers feel confident in your service. Be sure to also include past work examples and relevant certifications.
Most importantly, keep all of the imagery and content on your profile consistent across every platform you have a presence on. This cohesion will only help strengthen your brand, appearing to clients that you are not only skilled but dependable.
A majority of the buyers that visit freelance marketplaces are needing help with one-off projects and in an age of instant gratification, they are looking for help and they want it now. Buyers place high value on freelancers who are able to provide their services in a timely manner.
Depending on your specific offering, implement a two-day or three-day delivery time. This will not only help with attracting more clients, but can also lead to stellar reviews. Many buyers will be impressed by the quality delivered in such a short timeframe.
If you’re a beginner and are nervous about committing to this level of turnaround, rest assured that you will get quicker over time. Practice really does make perfect in the world of freelancing.
Once you’ve locked in a client and have sent over the necessary deliverables, entice that buyer to keep coming back for more. A great way to do this is by offering a discount. This will boost loyalty, as buyers know they will be getting quality work for a great deal and will provide you with a consistent avenue for income. Securing repeat clients is essential to the longevity and success of your freelancing business.
In addition to an explicit discount, you can think about implementing a referral program. Word of mouth can be very beneficial to your business and to encourage current clients to speak positively about your services, provide a discount to any client that makes a referral that converts.
