How Do I Find New Clients?

Your new workspace is all kitted out. Your website is up and running. You’re poised to make a flying success of self-employment or freelancing. The only stumbling block is that your client list is a little lacking. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out.

Perhaps you’re new to self-employment or freelancing and want to set the wheels in motion by securing your first job. Or maybe you’ve had the same clients for several years and you’re looking to grow and expand.

While there’s nothing wrong with repeat work – your ‘bread and butter’ – knowing how to find, secure and nurture clients is a key skill to master. So, let’s explore some of the most effective ways to find new work. Spoiler alert: we don’t specifically mention jogging down the street leaving a trail of business cards fluttering in your wake, but please do tag us on social media if you do. Ta.

Freelancing websites and platforms

There are stacks of freelancing websites and online networking platforms floating about the internet, so there’s a lot to wade through.

For example, Upwork is one of the most reputable platforms for finding freelance jobs, and is a must-have for any self-employed person looking to connect with new clients. You can search for jobs, send files, and stay in touch with your customers from anywhere at any time.

PeoplePerHour uses AI to connect freelancers with clients in a more precise way based on relevance. Submit your proposals, set your own prices and then wait to be chosen from a specifically curated selection the platform puts together for its customers. Payments are built into the system to protect both clients and contractors from any friction around invoicing and pay.

Fiverr is a great place to showcase your services, set your rates, and stand out from other freelancers in a way that suits you. Focus on building positive reviews and ensure you price yourself competitively without underselling your skills.

Other popular apps for finding freelance work and new clients in all industries include:

If you want to refine your search and target clients in a specific niche to capitalise on your specialist skills, check out more industry-specific apps, such as:

Social media

The right social media platforms can be an interesting and creative way to find new clients. The platform you use, and how you use it, might depend on what sort of services or products you provide.

For example, product recommendation videos might work well on TikTok, whereas Facebook and Instagram might be better for showing off your painting and decorating skills.

LinkedIn is the star of the show when it comes to sourcing clients for professional services supplied to businesses (rather than the general public). You can use the search tool to find open freelance positions, but you can also join professional groups and communities there too.

Stay active by sharing content, joining conversations and responding when people ask for recommendations for people offering your skills. Spend time proactively connecting with potential clients and sharing a personalised introduction message with them to put you on their radar.

Job sites

As well as searching through regular freelance job sites, you could also explore regular recruitment sites like Indeed, Reed, Monster, and Totaljobs. There are often lots of freelance, part-time and contract-based roles on there, nestled amongst the regular employment listings.

As long as you know how to use the search filter to your advantage, you should be able to find exactly what you need.

Digital marketing

You can often reach and engage new clients with organic marketing. You can do this in the background alongside all of your other work-winning tactics. Elements of organic digital marketing to prioritise include:

Paid media

If you have some spare cash and room in your budget, you could check out the option to create paid ads promoting your services. This could be a paid ad on Facebook or LinkedIn or even those ads you see in Google search results.

Do bear in mind that the cost of paying for placements can vary wildly. From boosting content to appear in more feeds for longer, to serious advertising placement, paid media covers a broad spectrum. Do some research!

Networking

There’s a lot to be said for getting out there, meeting new people, spreading the word about what you do, and building your connections the good old-fashioned way – networking.

You never know who you might meet, who might turn into your next client, or who might pass on your details to somebody in their own network in search of your skillset.

Don’t forget to take some business cards along with you (if it’s an in-person networking event) and remember to follow up with people you meet post-event to nurture new relationships. Drop them an email, follow them on social media, or set up a face-to-face meeting with them to continue the momentum.

Join forces with other professionals

As well as building connections with people you think may be good prospective clients, you should also consider teaming up with other self-employed people to expand your reach. If you’re a freelance copywriter, for example, you could connect with a content marketing strategist and offer your writing skills.

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to win new clients after all.

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