Q: How do I generate leads as a freelancer? ...

5 min read

Deviation Actions

GraphicAndWebDesign's avatar
Published:
7.2K Views
A:

In order to generate the leads you want, you have to determine what kind of freelancer you want to be. I say this because unless you are running your own firm, with a lot of resources, you are going to want to decide if you want your client base to be mainly face-to-face local types; that you can work with in a very hands-on fashion. Or to be a geographically broader spectrum, e.g., doing the majority of your business online. I'm not saying you can't accommodate both, but each has their own pros and cons and while a local client my want you to freelance out of their office, that won't be conducive to having another client at the same time... Coles notes version: You have to become a master of time management and even learn to micromanage your life.

Ok, so here we go...

How to generate leads for the "Local Type" clientele:
(this list is probably missing a few bits so please be inspired to add your own ideas)
  • Create a designers press-kit (e.g., with a look-book type  portfolio, usb flash drive with your name on the outside and your work  on the inside, business cards, postcards, if you are an illustrator -  sketch something small and have it printed on nice card stock so you'll  be handing out little limited ed. prints with your press kit, stickers,  small woodland creatures ... I think you catch my drift.)
  • Hit the pavement with your press kits and visit the local businesses you feel would benefit from your skills/services
  • Only talk to the folks that sign the cheques: don't be afraid to  make an appointment to return in order to deliver your kit (leave a  business card in the meantime)
  • Join your local chamber of commerce (yep, it's like they do the networking for you)
  • Cold-calling. It's an oldie, but a goodie - call the local  businesses you wish to offer your services to and give them a reason to  hire you (ask for a small job or a trial project)
  • Be diligent in reviewing local classifieds (even craigslist and kijiji), every day
  • Consider pro-bono work for high profile local events/causes/charities (this is totally different than doing free stuff for every a-hole that asks you do work for free)
  • If your service pairs well with the services of another freelancer  in your area - approach them with a referral deal (e.g. "Hey, I'll  refer my xxx clients to you exclusively if you refer your xxx clients to  me exclusively - for xxx% finders fee upon contract..."
  • Help create a local designers group that gets together once a  month to share best practices, tasty cocktails and network.  (Alternatively, find one that already exists in your area)

How to generate leads for the "World Type" clientele:
(again, this is probably missing and lacking...)
  • Make sure you have exposure on top sites that cater to promoting and selling your service/skill (make sure your profile/portfolio is flawless and consistent from one site to the next)
  • If you are bilingual, this is the time to dust off those chops and launch on multi-language sites as well
  • Become familiar with the reputable job boards that focus on your industry
  • Learn to become a Twitter-ninja; that search bar is there for a reason
  • LinkedIn is more than just your fathers social network, use it to your advantage... that search bar is there for a reason
  • Offer free stuff from your website/blog that people all over the planet can download and use, e.g., templates, characters, vectors, etc
  • Be prepared to accommodate payments from Zimbabwe
  • Know what time you have to be awake and functioning for your 8am client call to London, England
  • Make your website easy to navigate - so easy, it can be done even if you don't speak the language (yes, really)

Other things that are interchangeable:
(ditto....)
  • Offer free consultation (if you don't get the contract you've made a good impression and perhaps gained a word-of-mouth client, if you do get the contract then ...well... you're employed)
  • Always have promo swag to give out - no matter where you are always have COOL stuff to give to people; shirts, stickers, ninja throwing stars, etc
  • Get active online; join all the forums and blogs relating to your service and use that signature space to link back to you
  • Get yourself in every online directory you can find
  • Cross promote with other businesses
  • and many many more...

So, those are some things you can do to boost your visibility to your market but I'm not going to lie - it takes hard work and dedication to make that investment turn around for you. Now, I'm not saying that you should quit your job and/or hide away from your family for 16 hours a day in order to accomplish this stuff - because that is just not realistic... or sane. What I am saying is, if you can afford a couple hours a day - do it, but do it every day. If you can only afford 1 hour or half an hour, so be it as long as your dedication to your own promotion is consistent.

--
Stacie / Perfektion Design
--
WEBSITE . FB PAGE . TWITTER . BLOG
© 2011 - 2024 GraphicAndWebDesign
Comments3
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
snowyremy's avatar
Some good advice here. Good luck to everyone, and remember your not a design monkey
deviantART muro drawingComment Drawing