Proven Strategies on how I have worked on 170+ projects in the span of 3 years and earned $15K

Over the past 3+ years of my freelancing journey, one thing has remained constant: the need to constantly discover and explore new avenues to find clients. In this article, I’ll share the 5 tried-and-true methods I’ve personally used to attract clients and help you leverage them for your own freelancing success. So, let’s dive right in!

1. Freelancing Platforms

If you just beginning your freelancing journey without a portfolio or previous work to showcase?

Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are your perfect starting points, and here’s why. On Fiverr, you can create impressive gigs by showcasing sample work, even if it’s not from real clients. Setting competitive prices for your services will attract clients and help you build a tangible portfolio while gaining exposure to the world of freelancing. In fact, I personally earned my first $2000 on Fiverr alone.

Now, let me introduce you to another fantastic platform called Upwork, where you can bid on projects. The key here is to offer competitive prices and be prompt in submitting your proposals. Although I haven’t personally explored Upwork extensively, I’ve heard rave reviews from fellow freelancers.

While I can’t vouch for other freelancing platforms, these two — Fiverr and Upwork — are excellent places to start your journey.

2. Creating content on Social Media Platforms

An outstanding approach to attracting clients in today’s digital era is by harnessing the power of relevant content on social media. Countless freelancers have successfully utilized this strategy to secure client deals they never thought possible. Here’s how you can dive right in. In my experience, I’ve found that creating content on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram is one of the most effective ways to attract clients, especially in the design industry. You can share insights about your design process, create captivating reels showcasing behind-the-scenes work, craft informative carousels featuring design content, and showcase your portfolio.

Personally, I’ve been actively creating content on LinkedIn and have successfully acquired multiple clients through this platform. However, I believe there’s still room for improvement in organizing my content to better attract potential clients. Overall, my profile has helped establish trust and allowed potential clients to get a glimpse of my work.

One crucial aspect to remember when embarking on your content journey is consistency. It’s important to maintain a regular presence and consistently deliver valuable content to effectively engage your target audience.

If you are interested in checking out my LinkedIn account 👉 My LinkedIn account

3. Behance and Dribbble

Behance and Dribbble are absolute gems for designers seeking to attract premium clients. These platforms serve as a hub for clients in search of design inspiration, significantly increasing the chances of them discovering designers whose work resonates with them. It’s like a one-stop destination for connecting with high-paying clients and achieving a high conversion rate.

To maximize your chances of getting noticed, it’s crucial to post regularly on these platforms, create visually appealing case studies, and share them across other social media channels. Moreover, make the most of the platform’s features designed to help you attract clients. On Behance, set up availability for freelance projects, and on Dribbble, consider upgrading to Dribbble Pro to unlock features like the Hire Me Profile. These platforms are tailor-made to enhance your client-attracting potential, so don’t hesitate to leverage all the incredible resources they offer.

4. Cold messaging on LinkedIn & Twitter

Cold messaging can be surprisingly effective if done right. Let me share my approach with you. Start by searching for phrases like “looking for a Freelance designer” on LinkedIn and Twitter. Filter the results to show the latest posts within the past 24 hours. This way, you’ll discover a few posts where people are actively seeking freelance services. Sending direct messages or commenting on these posts significantly increases your chances of conversion since they are already in need of the service you offer. With less competition in these cases, if they like your portfolio, there’s a good chance they’ll hire you.

Another strategy is to cold email or message small design agencies’ HR departments or founders. Many times, they have overflow work and often hire freelancers to assist them. Remember, when cold messaging, it’s essential to stand out and communicate the value you can provide concisely. Crafting optimized messages is where tools like ChatGPT can come in handy. Give it a try and see the difference it can make!

5. Asking for referrals

Another fantastic method to attract clients is by obtaining referrals from your previous clients. Referrals hold tremendous power and boast the highest conversion rate, all thanks to the influential nature of word-of-mouth marketing.

Personally, I make it a habit to reach out to my past clients periodically, particularly during festive seasons, to start a conversation and inquire if they or anyone in their network may require my services. Remarkably, many times I’ve secured new projects or received referrals through these interactions.

In conclusion, these five strategies have been instrumental in helping me attract clients and thrive in the world of freelancing. From leveraging freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to creating compelling content on social media, utilizing platforms like Behance and Dribbble to showcase my work, and even incorporating the power of cold messaging and referrals, each approach has played a crucial role in my success.

Remember, building a sustainable freelancing career requires continuous exploration and adaptation to stay ahead in this competitive landscape. By implementing these proven methods and staying consistent, you too can unlock a world of opportunities and achieve your freelance goals. Here’s to your ongoing success in attracting clients and taking your freelancing journey to new heights!

👋Hey there, If you are interested in more UI/UX-related design topics do follow me on LinkedIn and Medium.

Also here are some great free UI/UX resources on Gumroad & Figma Community. Do check them out :)