Thread by @tom_hirst

"I can't find freelancing clients".

A thread.

1. Is it obvious that you're available in a freelance capacity?

You won't attract clients if they don't know that they can hire you.

So many people fail at this.

2. Do you have a well-refined market position?

Many freelancers start off too broadly.

For instance, marketing yourself as a "developer" will give you a hard time standing out.

What do you enjoy most? What do you do better than others?

Specialise, become an expert, be seen.

3. Is there a viable demand for your services?

Are businesses actively looking to hire freelancers with your skills?

Not all sectors have enough demand to support a new freelancer in the space.

Research!

Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself if things aren't working out.

4. Do you profile your ideal client?

It's difficult to market your freelance offering to people that you know nothing about.

Put the time in to find out:

• How they hire.
• Their common pain points.
• Where they digest content online.
• Where they gather in person.

5. Are you speaking your customers' language?

Terms that are common to you may be confusing to your clients.

👎 "I use X, Y and Z to engineer performant design systems and content frameworks".

👍 "I build websites that are fast and reusable".

Target clients, not peers.

6. Have you produced a personal project that demonstrates the skill you want to sell?

"I can't build a portfolio until I get my first client", is your brain tricking you to procrastinate.

Show what you can do via self-initiated projects to instil confidence in your ability.

7. Do you regularly share your expertise?

Be seen as a quality freelancer by producing content that clearly highlights your competence.

Start with articles on your own website/industry blogs & move towards case studies as you gain a client base.

Consistently share what you do.

8. Are you connecting with people on social media?

Not by adding 100 people on LinkedIn and going in with an instant cold pitch.

Truly connect with people that you share commonalities with.

Offer consistent encouragement & value.

As a freelancer, your network is everything.

9. Do you ask for written recommendations?

It's not a requirement to have had a previous freelancing client.

Ask someone you have worked with to write a few words about your character and skill.

Always ask after projects.

Social proof is a powerful asset for all freelancers.

10. Don't give up.

Building your client base takes both initial and ongoing effort.

In truth, your marketing work as a freelancer is never done.

There will be knockbacks.

However, your first client is often the hardest one to get.

Perseverance will be rewarded!

I can help you apply the value in this thread to your specific circumstances!

There are limited spaces available on my mentorship programme for freelancing success.

If you’re serious about getting ahead, faster, go to the link below and enrol now.

tomhir.st/mentorship