6 Tips on Getting Your First Client As A Freelancer

When starting your own freelance business, there's no one-size-fits-all path. However, this post will help you to create the perfect client experience from day one.

 The first step to getting clients is to make them aware that you're available to work for them. The second step is to get in front of the right people to hire you.

 How to get your first client as a freelancer in 6 simple steps

The internet is a crowded place. There's so much information available to the average business person that it can be overwhelming to sort through what's worth your time and what's not. You may wonder where to turn if you're starting and looking to start a new project. The good news is that you have plenty of freelance opportunities to create and build a thriving business. But first, you'll need to know what you're doing before starting. I've written this article to help you figure out how to get your first client as a freelancer in 6 simple steps.

 1. Figure out what you're good at

Your success as a freelancer is directly related to your ability to do what you do best. To get started, you'll need to determine your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you're a designer, you might be better at design than writing. You might be better at writing than designing if you're a writer. Once you know what you're good at, you can start building a portfolio and finding work that you're passionate about.

Here is a short list of skills that you can consider: 

• Design
• Writing
• Photography
• Illustration
• Video editing
• App development
• Graphic design

You should concentrate on your most vital skills as you build your portfolio. Don't waste your time learning skills you're not good at. Instead, focus on your strongest skills and begin building your portfolio. This will help potential clients see that you are the right person for the job.

 2. Identify the Problem that business in your niche have

If you're new to freelance, starting by identifying a problem you can solve for a client is a good idea. There are several ways that you can go about this. For example, you can use Google to search for "What are some problems my clients have?" You can also use your social media channels to ask your friends and followers about their problems. Once you have an idea of the problems that your potential clients have, you can start brainstorming solutions for them.

Let's use content writing as an example. Content writing is in demand. If you're a freelance content writer, you could write for a website, a blog, or a business. Many businesses need content for their websites. Some of these businesses might be:

• Magazine publishers
• Blog publishers
• Event promoters
• Educational institutions
• Financial institutions
• Marketing firms

The more businesses you're able to find that need content, the more opportunities you'll have to find work.

Another example is a virtual assistant. 

Virtual assistants are the modern-day equivalent of secretaries. They can help business owners with administrative tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, sending emails, planning events, conducting research, and customer service.

3. Find a freelancing platform where you can sell your services

Once you have a problem in mind that you're good at solving, you can start thinking of ways to sell your services. This is where freelance platforms come in handy. A freelance platform is a website that allows you to sell your services to clients. You'll want to choose a flexible freelance platform with the tools you need to help you find and sell your services. You can select one or all; it doesn't matter. What's important is that you have a platform where you can advertise and sell your services. 

Here are a few of the best freelance platforms to get started with:

• Fiverr is a great place to start. You can sell your services for $5 or $10. You can sell anything from designing logos, writing, or video editing. You can choose the price you want to charge, but remember that the lower the price, the less likely you'll get hired. You can also make money through commissions and other referral programs.
•  Upwork is another excellent freelance platform. You can sell your services for $10 or $20 per hour. There are several categories to choose from, including writing, graphic design, photography, and programming. You can choose the price you want to charge, but remember that the lower the price, the less likely you'll get hired because, in freelancing, a low price is equivalent to low quality.
• 99designs - 99Designs is a platform where you can sell your services for $99. This platform is perfect for graphic designers, writers, and web developers. You can make money through commission or by selling your services.
• Freelancer is a popular freelance platform that allows you to sell your services for $10 or $20 per hour.
• If you're starting, I'd recommend starting with Fiverr. You can get a feel for what it's like to sell your services and find out if you're good at it. You can then decide if you want to continue with the platform or move on to a different one.

4. Start building your freelance portfolio

A freelancer portfolio is not your typical resume. It should be brief, simple, and easy to read. Also, remember that in your given niche, you are competing with thousands of freelancers. Therefore, your profile needs to BE DIFFERENT. 

In Upwork, for example, clients are given a list when they search for a freelancer. In this list, they can see your name, photo, and other information (like your rate, badge, etc.), and the most critical part - is the first two lines of your profile description. The first two lines will grab the client's attention, so do not start it with "Hi. My name is Gino; I'm a customer service expert." This is boring, irrelevant, and a sure way to get ignored by the client. 

Watch this video to learn how to design your Upwork profile properly.

 5. Market yourself 

The best way to market yourself is to use your services. For example, if you're a graphic designer, you can create a few graphics and place them on your Upwork profile. You can also put them on your social media accounts and anywhere else you can think of. 

This is the best way to promote yourself because it will help you to create a portfolio. However, it's important to remember that this will take time. You should also not forget that promoting yourself on social media is much easier than on Upwork.

• How can you market yourself?
• Use social media (join groups, follow pages)
• Use freelancing platforms
• Use your network (friends, colleagues, family)

6. Be the Entrepreneur Freelancer 

Entrepreneurship is a skill that every freelancer should learn. It's not about the money but about how you think and acts - as a business owner.  

The best way to get clients is to be the best in your niche. For example, if you're a graphic designer, you can offer a discounted price if the client pays you within 24 hours. This will make you more attractive to the client, and they will feel like they are getting a good deal.

If you're a web developer, you can offer a special rate if the client pays you within 24 hours. This will make you more attractive to the client, and they will feel like they are getting a good deal.

More importantly, remember to be mindful of how you deal with your clients. Their satisfaction is vital in having repeat business. Here are some ways you can make your clients happy:

• Provide excellent customer service. 
• Offer discounts to your clients.
• Keep your clients updated on the status of their projects.
• Be honest and upfront with your clients.
• Be flexible and willing to change your schedule to meet your client's needs.

Getting your first freelancing client. 

I'm going, to be honest with you. Getting your first client is challenging. There are thousands of freelancers out there, and clients tend to hire freelancers with experience.

It's all about the perception of value. 

I want to ensure you know that freelancing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes a lot of hard work and time, and those who endured and took a slow and steady approach have proven to be the most successful in this endeavour. 

Networking is the most efficient way to get a freelancing client. Go to networking events, make friends, and ask for referrals. In addition, since you are new, it would be best to get a client from a platform like Upwork. Your five-star rating from this client will start the ball rolling for you.