If you own a freelance business, you must know the challenges of finding new clients and projects. On the bright side, freelancing allows one to be creative in a remote setting autonomously and brings in more income than traditional jobs in offices.
But according to a recent survey, there are 1.57 billion freelancers worldwide. That approximately comprises 47% of the global workforce.
So, freelancing is not a cakewalk, especially in today’s ultra-competitive environment. You must have great communication and negotiation skills to bring in new clients and retain the old ones while engaging with new and old digital platforms.
But it’s not impossible to grow your freelance business. All that is required of you is to have a solid plan and to take well-planned steps like these!
1. Define your niche
Your niche is defined by the specialized segment of a bigger market for products and services that are particular to your business.
Narrow down your focus group to have more focused marketing. You can use your resources to market and offer specialized services relevant to your business.
Operating with a smaller niche will help you create a more specific value plan for your business. Thereby, it will increase credibility within your group of potential clients.
2. Focus on building your presence online
As a freelancer, focus on being recognized as a digital entrepreneur. It is a no-brainer that the key to establishing and growing your freelance business lies in building a strong online presence for your business.
Use user-friendly software to develop a website portfolio for your products or services. This will allow you to share in-depth information and numbers related to your work and the prices for the same.
It is a means of showing off the key points of your business using creative cues, thus making it visually appealing for potential clients.
3. Network to grow your presence
One of the most important steps in growing your freelance business is networking in person or remotely. Studies have shown that effective networking is directly related to consistent career growth.
Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to connect and interact with potential clients and followers. It will also keep you updated with new news and events relevant to your industry.
Although digital resources have changed the approach to networking, business cards are still the classic way of appearing professional to potential clients.
Get a custom business card if you don’t already have one. They are an investment worth making, enabling you to expand your circle without needing in-depth interaction or follow-ups.
4. Develop valuable partnerships
Developing long-term and ongoing partnerships is the key to your sustainable business. These client partnerships will ensure regular revenue generation for your business.
Such engagements are necessary and important as you don’t need additional unpaid time or energy looking for potential projects. Rather, you can plan and allocate specific hours for these partnership projects.
5. Expand your scope of service from time to time
Keep track of a few services that most clients enquire about or ask for. It will benefit your business if you expand your scope of services to accommodate their requests.
Not only will this make them happy about you tending to their requests, but it will also increase your chances of getting projects.
6. Adjust your rates (increase if necessary)
It is important that, now and then, you review your rates according to the industry standards and also the kind of service or products you’re supplying.
A justified rate increase effectively increases your profits without adding more hours to your work day or finding new clients.
However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before increasing your rates. First, ask yourself if your rates are set appropriately as per your experience and the services that you’re providing.
Second, if your rates are justified as compared to your industry competitors. Finally, consider the reaction of your existing clients to the change. Take the necessary decision only after you’re content with the answers to these questions.
Final Thoughts
These are a few solid game plans that you can implement to boost your freelance business. So, If you’re unsure how to boost your gig, follow the necessary know-how!
