Getting work as a freelancer is not without its highs and lows.
Sometimes you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle to get new clients and projects, and other times you’re overflowing with work.
If you’re experiencing a dry spell in your freelancing career right now, you’re not alone. Maintaining a consistent workflow can be challenging for independent contractors. However, there are proactive steps you can take to get through these difficult times and revive your business.
In this piece, we’ll examine seven useful strategies to help you cope with and get past obstacles associated with landing a freelance job!
Reasons why it could be difficult getting work as a freelancer
Flexible work schedules, self-reliance, and the chance to follow your interests are just a few advantages of freelancing; yet, there are obstacles involved as well.
Here are a few reasons why you could be having trouble getting freelance work.
Competition
As the gig economy has grown, more independent contractors are competing for the same jobs and clientele. Due to the low entry hurdles and growing skill pool, competition can be intense, making it more difficult to stand out and land a job.
Lack of established reputation
If you are a novice to the field or lack credibility and experience, it may be difficult to break through and win over clients. Instead of hiring inexperienced freelancers with no track record or limited experience, clients are more likely to choose more seasoned experts with a solid portfolio of work and recommendations.
Rates
For independent contractors, figuring out a reasonable and competitive price for their services can be a challenging balancing act.
Even though it’s critical to charge a fair price for your services without undervaluing your labor, more freelancers will likely offer reduced fees due to increased competition in the gig economy.
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How to Adjust if You’re Having Trouble Getting Work as a Freelancer
1. Diversify your skill set.
Having a diverse skill set is one of the best strategies to make yourself more marketable as a freelancer.
Evaluate your areas of strength and potential for growth in your area of expertise.
If you work as a graphic designer, for instance, you might want to take up web programming or video editing classes. You’ll be able to appeal to a larger clientele and raise your chances of obtaining new contracts by providing a wider range of services.
2. Redesign your portfolio.
Your portfolio serves as your online storefront, allowing prospective clients to view your abilities and prior work.
Give your portfolio a makeover if you’re having trouble attracting business.
- Make sure that your portfolio is aesthetically pleasing and simple to explore
- Add your most recent projects
- Emphasize your most significant achievements
Consider writing case studies or client endorsements as additional ways to offer social proof of your professionalism and dependability.
3. Network, network, network.
For independent contractors hoping to grow their clientele and discover new prospects, networking is crucial.
Become involved in online communities, go to industry events, and establish connections with other experts in your sector.
Developing connections with other independent contractors, possible customers, and influential people in the field might lead to new projects and cooperative efforts. Never undervalue the role networking plays in expanding your freelancing career.
4. Use social media.
Freelancers can effectively market themselves and establish connections with prospective clients by utilizing social media platforms.
Utilize social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to interact with your target audience, offer industry insights, and exhibit your work.
Take the initiative to develop your internet presence and position yourself as an authority in your field. To increase your network and visibility, you should also think about joining pertinent organizations and taking part in debates.
5. Investigate new marketplaces and platforms.
If you’re having trouble finding work through conventional channels, you might want to look into alternative freelancing marketplaces and platforms.
Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers and clients who are looking for their services.
These platforms offer a large pool of possible clients and projects, even though they can be competitive. To get noticed and gain new business, strategically craft your ideas and profile.
6. Provide special discounts or promotions.
You may set yourself apart from the competition and entice clients to choose you for their projects by providing value-added incentives.
To get prospective customers to cooperate with you, think about providing exclusive deals or discounts on your services. This could take the form of bundled services, referral bonuses, or special prices for new customers.
Occasionally, a small incentive might go a long way towards drawing in new customers.
7. Invest in continuing education.
If you want to remain competitive in your field as a freelancer, you must invest in your professional growth and continuing education.
Invest in online seminars, certification programs, and courses to hone your abilities and keep up with emerging trends and technologies.
This will not only show off your skill but also your dedication to providing your clients with work of the highest caliber. Recall that learning is a lifetime endeavor and that one of the best investments you can make in your freelance business is in yourself.
Bonus Tips to Get Work as a Freelancer
Build connections with other freelancers.
It’s common for freelancers to feel alone. You don’t have the same established network of coworkers that you would in traditional employment because you are typically working alone.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that you’re not travelling this freelance path alone. There are a lot of other people traveling down the same path.
Joining a professional organization or online forum is one of the finest methods to make connections with other freelancers. These communities offer a great way to network with other freelancers, share information and insights, and work together on projects.
Additionally, if they come across potential customers who aren’t a good fit for their company, they might refer you.
Remain determined and show grit.
When you first start working as a freelancer, it’s easy to become distracted by little things or to give up when you receive rejection after rejection. However, perseverance is the only way to succeed as a freelancer.
To reach your goals, you need to be disciplined and have fortitude. When things get difficult, review your objectives and the reasons you began in the first place.
Getting Work as a Freelancer: Final Thoughts
As a freelancer, it can be hard to get through dry times, but it’s important to remember that they’re a normal part of the journey as an independent worker.
Following these tips will help you get new customers, adapt to changing market conditions, and set yourself up for long-term success.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
If you are persistent and determined, it’s only a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’ you can be successful as a freelancer.
