Thread by @thesakshishukla

I built a sustainable freelancing business in exactly 8 months.

I wanted to share how I did that.

This is a master thread on getting your first client online. 🧵

Remember -

Freelancing is a combination art: the art of conversing + the art of marketing + the art of management.

Here is a step by step guide to land your first gig:

1/ Choose a channel to build your presence.

Social proof is the biggest proof. Building an audience is key if you want to attract people to yourself.

You can start with LinkedIn or Twitter. Optimize your profile. Headline, bio, picture — should be professional and genuine.

2/ Next, spend some time analyzing how can you stand out?

- What are other people not talking about?
- What are too many people talking about?
- What does my ideal client look for when scrolling through the platform?

While researching start engaging with people.

3/ Start reaching out to prospects:

Let me show you an example:

Search "#contentwriter" on LinkedIn and you will tons of people posting about looking for a freelance writer.

Check out their profiles, look at their company and see if you would fit.

Then send an invite 👇

"Hey [X]

Just came across your post and saw that you're looking for a writer. I love what you're building @ [company name] and I am 100% sure I could help you reach another level.

Let's connect and discuss your requirements. Good day to you :)"

This message shows that you are confident & willing to help the other person.

(PS. I have landed quite many clients just like this. )

Send this to 5 people and at least one will respond. If not, send it 5 more people.

If there are no responses, personalize the message.

4/ For Twitter, you can send cold DMs to the people you feel would benefit from your skills.

But don't obligate them, at the end of the message give them an out.

Make sure your message highlights why YOU are the best person for the job.

Keep it short and impactful.

5/ Build relationships.

Remember, freelancing is a long-term game. You begin slow and then gradually you catch pace too fast.

Communicating with people will help you gain confidence, learn from them and also market yourself.

👇

But knowing who you want to build a friendship with is key. Do you look up to their content?

Do they post stuff that interests you? Making friendships with people just for the sake of it won't help you.

You need to be genuinely interested in the person.

Social media is a great place to meet great people but if you're not cautious you'll end up wasting time. Invest in people wisely.

If you liked this thread, RT it so that more people can find it and benefit from it.

Follow @thesakshishukla and learn how to leverage the internet to build a better and financially stable life...