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How I Started Getting More Freelance Jobs

by Erika Torres
9 comments

freelanceI recently learned that I may be losing a major freelancing client of mine, through no fault of my own.

For the past two years, I’ve had to really limit my freelancing. Between working full-time and going to school full-time for my MPA, I just didn’t have much spare time to devote to my side hustle business.

So I kept the work that I had and took leads that came to me, but when it came to actually going out there and pursuing business? I pretty much took a break from that.

And still, I managed to earn $20K a year from my side hustle income for the past two years in a row.  I consider that a success.

Now that my master’s program will be done in less than four weeks (!), combined with losing a big client, I decided I should really start taking some time to build up my clientele and putting myself back out there.

SO I did—and in less than a week, I found myself with four new freelancing clients.

How did I start getting more freelance jobs?

I Emailed Leads

I scoured websites that may need a writer and started emailing them to offer my services. I emailed old contacts I had and told them I was on the lookout for more work. I followed up with clients who had emailed in the past, and who I –unfortunately—had to turn down at the time due to my schedule. I searched online job boards. Basically, I followed up on every lead I had and I emailed them to offer freelancing services.

I Promoted Myself

A big advantage I feel I have over some other freelancers is that I have professional writing experience, in addition to my blog. I actually worked as a reporter for a newspaper for a few years, so I have solid writing experience.

In order to distinguish myself from other freelancers, I highlight my work experience, and include my 7+ years of blogging experience. In order to start getting more freelance jobs , you have to be able to promote yourself.

I Told Everyone

In addition to following up on my own leads, I also let people know that I am accepting new clients. Similar to when I was searching for a job almost five years ago, I let everyone and their mother know that I am seeking more freelance work. Because even if that person doesn’t need a freelancer, they may hear of someone that needs a freelancer and they’ll go “Oh have you tried Erika yet? She is accepting new clients and she’s really good!”

Which leads me to…

Do You Need a Freelancer?

Hire me! I am an experienced professional writer with 7+ years of blogging experience. I do SEO content, proofreading, editing, content management, and more.

I’ve extensively covered personal finance, but also write about lifestyle topics and niche marketing as well.

Email me at newlywedsonabudget at gmail for more information on how we can work together!

 

9 comments

efinancialclub February 5, 2015 - 7:59 am

you are too smart. congrats on this
could you share details on what strategy you follow to find such clients? I see most of these companies looking for employee on full-time basis. I check indeed.com. Is there any other website that we can check out?

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Mrs. Frugalwoods January 30, 2015 - 9:21 am

Nicely done–congrats! You’re smart to put yourself out there like that, you’re right that you never know who might be hiring.

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Crystal January 29, 2015 - 8:04 pm

Congrats on securing more freelancing so quickly! And on the upcoming MPA! Great advice! When business is slow for me, I try to think of what I want to do full time and I think I’m leaning towards non-profit work now…

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Chloe @ Marriage and Money Blog January 29, 2015 - 1:25 pm

That’s awesome you’re able to bring in so much extra income! I definitely need to find my niche and start making money with my skills – tutoring science classes perhaps?

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mark@barebudgetguy.com January 28, 2015 - 6:11 pm

Promoting myself has never come naturally, but I’m trying! I’ve learned that that’s a huge part of it.

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dojo January 28, 2015 - 12:01 pm

Great job on getting more clients. Here is what I did to get more deals:
1. revamped my web design portfolio
2. re-activated my Linkedin profile.
Immediately got a well paying job with a client I worked with 4 years ago.

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Michelle January 28, 2015 - 9:58 am

Great job! I do many of these same things in order to find more freelance jobs. It works!

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Alex @ The Happy Homeowner January 28, 2015 - 9:20 am

I agree with Tonya, and I love how you just went after it! I’m gearing up to do the same now that we’re finding our rhythm with the new site. Best of luck to you!

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Tonya@Budget and the Beach January 28, 2015 - 7:18 am

That’s so awesome you were able to make 20k two years in a row, especially with everything on you plate!

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