How to Find Clients for Your Freelance Business

How to Attract a Constant Stream of Clients

March 3^rd 2015 Sally Ormond attracting clients, freelance business, how to find clients

attract more clients

Ask any freelancer what’s the most frustrating thing about their business and they’ll probably say the inconsistent level of work.

One minute they’re drowning under an influx of projects and the next there’s nothing but tumbleweed blowing through their office.

I’ve been there and I’m sure you have too.

So what can be done about it?

Can anything be done about it?

Even if you’re lucky enough to have a bank of retainer clients, sooner or later you’re going to hit a dry patch.

Client churn is a natural part of business, so you can never rest on your laurels just because, at the moment, you have a healthy monthly income.

Where do your clients come from?

I’m sure you have a favourite way of attracting clients:

Through website traffic
By blogging and article marketing
Through social media
Face-to-face networking

Those aren’t the only means of getting clients, but they’re certainly the most common.

A lot of freelancers will put all their eggs in one basket.

They’ll either solely rely on Google to bring them clients, or just keep hitting all their local networking events to drum up trade.

Both are legitimate courses of action, but they shouldn’t be relied on in isolation.
The best and most effective way of getting new clients is to do a mixture of the two.

Hang on, what about your existing clients?

Good point.

Most people are so wrapped up in finding new clients they completely ignore the fact that they have a database of people just waiting for them to help them with their next project.

Maintaining regular contact with past clients (and those that asked for a quote) will help you keep that door open and, hopefully, lead to repeat work. After all, if they were happy with you the first time round they’ll probably use you again.

That doesn’t mean badgering them on a weekly basis asking for work.

No.

If you do that you’ll just alienate them.

Once a month drop them a line telling them what you’ve been up to and perhaps offer a handy hint – something they will value.

There should be no sales pressure; this is just a ‘staying in touch’ email.

I’m sure you also send out monthly newsletters, but this will be in addition to that and can be tailored more to their individual needs.

You see keeping a constant flow of work is the holy grail of the freelancer. It’s not always possible, but by getting organised and maintaining contact with your list, will give you the best possible chance.