How to Get Freelance Clients
Kaitlyn Arford
September 22, 2024
· 3 min read
As remote work expands, the need for UX designers in the digital field is stronger than ever. These individuals are essential in developing user-friendly and visually beautiful digital experiences, making them highly sought after in today's tech-driven economy. However, starting into UX design might seem difficult, particularly for those without expertise.
This difficulty, however significant, isn't unbreakable. Platforms like Contra provide a route for beginners to learn and network and to start creating a freelance UX design career from the ground up.
Table of Contents:
Identify your target client 🕵️
Professional freelancers at the top of their game generally have an idea of who their ideal client is. Think about your values and who you want to work with. Make a list of your ideal clients. Consider the following:
Are there any industries that you want to stay away from?
What kind of clients do you want to work with?
As you look for your first client, you’re probably just hoping to work with companies or local businesses where you can build your freelance career. You have to get started somewhere!
Don’t get too focused on defining your ideal client if you’re just starting out. The most important thing is finding clients and starting your freelance career.
Improve your portfolio and share it widely 🤩
Guess what hiring managers are going to look at before hiring you? Your portfolio.
There’s a good reason why freelance writers, graphic designers, and web developers all have a personal website set up. Hiring managers and editors look at portfolios to vet the freelancers they work with.
Drive prospective clients to hire you based on your portfolio by clearly speaking about your services and projects. Better yet, make it look professional with a custom domain name.
Show off your valuable experience in your portfolio:
A collection of your best work. Your portfolio should always feature projects you’ve worked on. Your past work, more than anything else, will show clients what you offer.
A list of your services. Be specific with the services you provide. Briefly describe what services you offer and the deliverables you create.
Testimonials. Recommendations from satisfied freelance clients will show prospective clients your value.
Your contact information. Make it easy for clients to contact you! Always include your email.
Portfolios by Contra are completely customized specifically for Independents. They’re powered by your Contra profile, so your portfolio will work as both your digital storefront and as a client magnet.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile 🚀
Hiring managers and recruiters will run a Google search on your name before hiring you. Your LinkedIn will rank pretty high. When hiring managers look at your LinkedIn profile, is it clear that you’re available for hire?
Optimize your LinkedIn account by adding keywords to your headline and updating your skills section. Write a summary that highlights your freelance experience. Show off a professional headshot. It’ll take a little time, but cultivating a professional LinkedIn will attract high-paying clients.
Take an inventory of your social media profiles 👀
Along with LinkedIn, you need to take a look at your overall online presence. Your social media profiles represent who you are, and if you are using them for professional reasons, they need to look professional. Again, potential clients will see your social media platforms when they Google your name.
Start using social media platforms to your advantage. Get active:
Use the same professional profile pictures across your social media accounts
Post valuable industry insights or insider tips
Share your work and share that you’re looking for freelance work
Respond to other people’s posts with helpful advice and insights
Link to your portfolio in your bio
Look for freelance jobs
Create a profile on freelance job sites 🎥
As you get started freelancing, freelance job boards are where you’ll find a lot of opportunities. In fact, a 2022 Payoneer reports found that 71 percent of freelancers find the majority of their work through online job marketplaces.
You can set up a profile over on Upwork or Fiverr, but these sites are a real race to the bottom, and they charge you a commission fee on every freelance job you take on. You’ll have to put a lot of work into bidding on freelance opportunities.
But don’t you deserve to keep every penny you make? We think so. That’s why Contra has a commission-free platform that only includes freelance opportunities that pay at least $250 (or a minimum of $25 an hour). Create a profile on Contra today to start applying to opportunities.
Kaitlyn Arford
Award-winning writer ready to tell your story
Kaitlyn is full-time freelance writer specializing in writing features, profiles, and news stories. She is a top writer on Contra and has written many blog posts that helps freelancers and clients create a solid foundation for their business.
