When you are new to the freelance market, it can be difficult to sell your web development services. Because programming is becoming more popular every day, it is very competitive. Many web developers opt for the freelance route to increase their variety and be their boss.
Freelancers have enough clients. The trick is finding them. It can seem daunting to try to find clients willing to pay what you have to offer. You may have the best skills, but if it isn’t possible to learn how to get clients, you will not be able make it. There are many ways to find clients. These methods have been tested and proven successful by other freelancers. We have compiled a list of tips that we believe are the most effective for finding clients as a freelancer web developer. Find out more.
1. Register for the Freelancing Platforms
You might be tempted to argue that freelance platforms are a waste of your time. You shouldn’t dismiss websites like Upwork or Fiverr just because someone else didn’t have a positive experience. Although not all freelance jobs you find on these websites are worthwhile, there might be some lucrative gigs that you’re interested in. There is some work involved when you register for these platforms as the competition is fierce. In order to get 5-star reviews, you might have to accept low-paid projects at first. You can later increase your hourly rate to make more money and be more selective about your projects. You should also make sure to check out regular job boards for freelancing opportunities. Although you won’t be able to find as many gigs as freelancers, it is worth looking.
2. Make a great portfolio
Portfolios are essential for every freelance developer. Portfolios are a way to showcase your work and convince potential clients that your services are worthwhile. Ask former clients if you could feature their websites on your portfolio. To demonstrate your abilities, include any personal side projects. If you are a complete beginner and have never built a website before, this might seem daunting. You can offer to help a person who needs a website, such as a small business owner. You get the website and you have a project to add to your portfolio. You could also build your website yourself, instead of outsourcing it to someone else.
3. Reach out to small businesses in your area
If you are just starting out in freelance work, small businesses can be a great place to start. There is nothing better than real-life interactions and personal pitches. Don’t be afraid to approach people door-to-door. To find out if a manager is interested in a new site or redesign, you can simply show up at the location. Talk to these managers and owners of local businesses and have a friendly conversation. See what happens. Even if they don’t need any development services right now, they might be able to refer you to someone who is.
4. Networking, both in real life and online
You can quickly get your freelancing career off to a fast start by networking. You can now network in your home from your couch by
joining Facebook groups related to your niche, attending events on LinkedIn or joining communities like Reddit and Quora. There are many ways to connect with web developers and find freelancing opportunities. You can also search for conferences and events in your area if you prefer to network face-to-face. You can meet potential employers and fellow freelancers by attending these events.
5. Reach out to friends and acquaintances
There are many sources of project opportunities, including friends and acquaintances. You might know someone who works for a company that needs web development, or may know of someone who does. You will never know unless you ask. Remember that your reputation could be at risk if you accept a job as a freelance developer through a friend, acquaintance or family member. Accept them only if they are certain you can do a great job.
6. Create Your Online Presence
A freelance web developer without a website is not something that any business or company would hire. Your website can be your portfolio and business card, depending on the profession. Your personal portfolio website will be more attractive to clients. It is important to remember that the web development market can be very competitive. This is why it is crucial that you think of ways to distinguish yourself from others. You need to have a unique selling proposition (USP). This will help you stand out among the rest.
You should also establish a presence on social networks, particularly on the platforms where your prospects spend their time. These could include LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You can share your expertise and be a trusted voice on social media. Engage with other users by posting about your work and using appealing captions
7. The Best SEO Practices
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a great way for you to reach people who are interested in your services. To rank high on Google search results pages, you can use the content of your website to drive traffic to your site. Clients will be attracted to you if your work, price, communication, and portfolio are excellent. Find keywords that your customers are searching for. Write relevant content to engage readers and encourage them to hire you. Local SEO is important because it equals convenience. People in your local area are more likely than others to hire you. SEO can be tracked and adjusted, so you can always adjust your keywords and strategies.
8. Get together with other agencies and freelancers
Freelancers Union reports that 81% said they had referred work to. This shows that working with someone else will result in more clients than if you were to do it all by yourself. It is possible to team up with someone on larger projects or more complex projects than just web development. You can partner up with agencies or freelancers in related fields such as web design, content marketing, and so on. If clients require these services, they might also require web development services. In this case, your partners could refer their clients to you. You can refer clients to other niche-specific partners.
9. Ask existing clients for referrals
Referring is a great way to get new clients. They will be more likely to refer you to others if they had a good experience working with your company. Ask your client if they are able to refer you to another person if you have just completed a project with them. While it’s best to ask for a referral right after completing a project, past clients can also be reached out to. Keep in touch with customers who have referred you. Although they may not be aware of freelance opportunities right now, they might in the future.
10. Offer free samples of your work
Free samples of your work are a great way for clients to get in touch with you. However, only if they are satisfied with the quality of your work and will be willing to pay for it. This strategy is worth considering, especially if you are just starting out in freelancing. It may be more challenging to get clients. Reach out to potential clients and offer your services for free. Let them know that a paid collaboration is possible. Similar strategies include offering a lower price for your clients at the beginning. However, this will let them know that it is a promotional offer, and that they will need to pay the full price later. These strategies work because clients might be reluctant to pay full price for services they haven’t tried before.
11. Reach out to prospects and submit proposals
Cold calling is not something that anyone wants to do. Fear of being rejected is the main reason why cold calls are so popular. They are very effective so don’t be afraid to use them. You can start contacting people via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Some of the responses you get will not be positive but others will lead to great opportunities. Even if they decline your proposal, be grateful and ask them to keep in touch with you for the future.
Last Thoughts
These tips will help you find clients as a freelance web designer and increase your client base. You have many reasons to pursue a career as a freelance web developer. Don’t let the simple task of finding clients discourage you. Although it may take some effort at first, it will pay off when you make money.