Duh…as freelancers; we, want, work! Freelancing is a juggling act, all too often we are our own employers and employees, accountants and agents and, well, you get the picture. Freelancing is also a see-saw act by way of sod’s law in that one month we find ourselves swarming in job opportunities – some of which we may have to turn down because there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. Then, another month, perhaps for several, we find ourselves without a gig. This may be due to it being a particular season in our industry or just simple bad luck. For this reason, we must learn to be savvy, to fill in those quiet gaps with payable hours while simultaneously bulking our portfolios. Here are a few ways in which you, as a freelance retoucher, can find more work.
Try an Online Freelance Marketplace…like Wishu!
The goal of a Pro freelancer is to have clients coming to you, however, in the beginning, you may need to be a bit more proactive in looking for work and even then, it’s worth it for pro freelancers who are looking to reach out into other domains or scenes.
Registering for a freelance job site like Wishu allows you to showcase your portfolio to a whole new audience which includes both clients and other freelancers thus expanding your network.
Pitching – check out our other blogs on pitching
Looking to land your dream freelance gig? If there’s someone you want to shoot for, do your research, find them online, develop a pitch and get in touch!
Not only does cold pitching show potential clients that you’re proactive and can take initiative, but because you’re not going up against other job applicants, the process can also be less competitive. Of course, not every pitch will lead to an immediate project, but it’s a great way to introduce yourself and get your foot in the door to start a conversation with your ideal client.
Browse our other blogs for tips on pitching!
Go to Events
Whether you’re based in a big city or smaller town there is always a scene for your niche and making a name for yourself within that scene is how you’ll get noticed. Attend a Q&A, exhibition or local event within your field and strike up a conversation with whoever is there. A common misconception is that fellow freelancers bring only competition. This is not true. Befriending a fellow freelancer can often lead to referrals or even group projects and that means more work. Furthermore, collaborating on fun projects with a fellow freelancer can introduce you to their client base and vice versa. So it’s a win-win really. Check out Eventbrite for cool events near you.
Keep an eye on Google Search
The right Google searches could prove profitable when it comes to finding freelance opportunities in your niche. Sites such as The Dots, Google Jobs and LinkedIn offer a plethora of opportunities and even side hustles to start paying those bills. Before you Google, have a CV and example work at the ready – make sure your CV is up-to-date and focused on your experience for the sort of freelance jobs you’re hoping for. Prospective clients will likely want to see examples of your work, so you can pre-empt this by providing some samples in your approach email. If you can provide examples of your work that are relevant to the company you’re approaching, even better.
Ask clients for testimonials
Testimonials are worth it because they increase the chances that other potential clients will see your recommendation and want to get in touch – especially if you display them on both your CV and online profiles namely LinkedIn and your website.
As your website gets established in search engines and your client list grows, you’ll find your work starts to grow organically.
