12 channels by which you can get clients as a freelancer

In this post we will look into 12 ways by which a freelancer can get clients. However, before I go into that, I want to remind us that freelancing is not a totally online activity but it can also be offline or a hybrid of both online and offline. As to whether you will go for offline or online is influenced by a number of factors some of which is the style you use to market yourself. As detailed in the post ‘6 ways in which you can call yourself as a freelancer’, your title has a lot to do with the platform you will use to deliver your service.

At the end of this post, you will know that online platforms are not the most popular ways by which freelancers get clients. This therefore enlightens us on other ways that freelancers at any level can gain clients. This post is inspired by a survey that was done by ‘Freelance Business’ in 2022. Next to each method I will indicate the percentage as indicated in the results from the study.

Existing or past clients (53.9%). This goes to say that if each of the clients to work with is happy, your chances of success are increased as they will probably think and consider you in their next assignments. Surprisingly, this happens to be the most popular method.
Recommendation by a friend, family or colleague (44.7%). Related to the first point, clients who are happy and have confidence in your potential to deliver exceptional service will help boost your business. It is true that some friends and family will recommend you just to help you get some business yet it remains your duty to ensure satisfactory delivery of services.
Social media (34.8%). Social media platforms differ in a number of ways yet their all-round quality is that they are very vibrant and have a potential of turning around a business if used right. Social media success can be temporary and it depends a lot on the frequency of updates and the tastiness of your content to viewers.
Website presence (19.8%). Having a website of your own may be considered to be traditional and primitive yet it still works as a channel of attracting clients. Closely linked to website presence are emails and yes they also still work.
Cold calling or pitching directly to potential client (16.8%). This can be done either online or offline. Targeting clients online can be done on social media, forums, websites and directories. Offline clients can be identified on print media and door to door visits.
Freelance platforms (14.7%). This happens to be less popular yet it is where I found my success. About 99% of my freelance work came through fiverr, one of the most popular freelancing platforms online. Most platforms will not charge you to be listed, it is just that you must present yourself right. I have detailed my experience of more than 10 years in the e-book whose details are shared on the ‘Shop/Service’ page.
Recruiters (8.3%). If you have done an exceptional job or have a well-recognised qualification you may attract recruiters.
Communities and collectives (7.8%). A collective is a group of entities that share or are motivated by at least one common issue or interest or work together to achieve a common objective.
Events (7.4%). Meetups and similar events can be a good source of clients. Do note that in our time some events are hosted online. However, there are chances of fake representation with some of the client, of which you must be alert on.
Job board (4.8).
Community messaging apps (2.8%).
Pay Per click adds (0.95%). Though likely to be effective, especially at infancy of your freelancing career, PPC is not very popular with freelancers.

Getting clients as a freelancer can be challenging, however, if you work on a strategy to stand out from the rest and keep testing as many methods that you can, your chances of getting clients also increase. You may want to be a leader by initiating some of these methods in your community (online or offline) such as hosting events. You may offer free webinars or workshops to potential clients to promote yourself.

You must be alert to the fact that in freelancing, things might happen slowly. Don’t tarry until you reap the fruits of your efforts. One way to keep motivated is by reading content that supports your activities, subscribing to relevant magazines and newsletters, and more.

You are welcome to send me an email to admin@freelancinginafrica.com to enquire on any subject of the freelancing business. I will make an effort to respond.