How to Find Clients When You're First Starting Out

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares effective strategies for attracting high-quality, long-term clients, especially when starting a freelance business. They highlight the importance of content marketing, specifically through platforms like YouTube, and how networking with fellow freelancers can lead to valuable opportunities. The speaker also recommends leveraging existing personal networks and using platforms like Upwork to find clients, emphasizing the importance of personalized proposals and starting small. Consistency and building a strong portfolio are key to long-term success in freelance client acquisition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Content marketing, particularly YouTube, is a powerful tool for attracting long-term, high-quality clients, even when you have a small following.
• 😀 Consistency in content creation and dedication to your craft is crucial, even if you’re just starting and don't have many followers yet.
• 😀 Networking is essential for getting clients in the early stages of freelancing—view other freelancers as allies, not competitors.
• 😀 Regularly co-working with other freelancers can provide accountability, motivation, and lead-sharing opportunities.
• 😀 Your existing network, including friends and family, can be a valuable resource for referrals to potential clients.
• 😀 Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn and Facebook posts to let your network know you’re open for business.
• 😀 Upwork is a great platform for beginners, even if the pay isn’t initially high. Small gigs can lead to more opportunities in the future.
• 😀 Personalize your Upwork proposals to stand out—use client details, reference parts of the job post, and include a video introduction if possible.
• 😀 Building a strong portfolio of past work, even small projects, will help your Upwork profile stand out and attract higher-paying clients.
• 😀 Treat Upwork as a long-term game; starting with lower-paying gigs can help build your reputation and lead to more lucrative projects down the road.
• 😀 It’s important to balance digital marketing with real-world connections, such as attending networking events and community meetings, to gain trust and build relationships.

Q & A

What is the primary way the speaker got high-quality, long-term clients early in their business journey?

The primary way the speaker got high-quality, long-term clients early on was through content marketing, especially YouTube. A YouTube video reviewing a competitor's platform led to a consulting opportunity, which eventually turned into a long-term client.

How did the speaker approach content creation when starting their YouTube channel?

The speaker emphasized consistency and passion in content creation, posting regularly even when they had a small following. They noted that creating content, while time-consuming, helped them attract quality leads.

What role did networking play in the speaker’s early business growth?

Networking played a crucial role in the speaker's early business growth. They mentioned regularly meeting with other freelancers and making connections in their local community, which helped them find clients and establish relationships in their industry.

What strategy did the speaker use to stand out and generate interest in their business when meeting people?

The speaker used a laptop sticker with their business name on it as a conversation starter. This helped them strike up discussions with strangers and potential clients, even before directly introducing themselves.

How does the speaker suggest leveraging existing networks for client acquisition?

The speaker suggests leveraging existing networks by posting on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to inform friends and family about your services. Even if the immediate connections might not need your services, they may know someone who does.

What advice does the speaker give for getting clients through Upwork?

The speaker advises using Upwork’s advanced search feature to filter job listings by experience level and client details. They also recommend starting with lower-paying gigs to build a strong profile and gain positive reviews, which makes it easier to secure higher-paying clients in the future.

What is the significance of the quality of a proposal on Upwork?

The quality of a proposal is critical. The speaker advises against sending generic or copy-pasted proposals and instead suggests personalizing them by referencing specific details from the job listing. A well-crafted proposal that stands out is more likely to attract attention from potential clients.

How can freelancers improve their chances of getting hired on platforms like Upwork?

Freelancers can improve their chances by including a personalized video introduction in their proposals, demonstrating enthusiasm for the project. Additionally, having a well-organized portfolio showcasing past work can help set them apart from other candidates.

What should freelancers do when using Upwork to find high-paying clients?

When using Upwork, freelancers should focus on finding high-paying opportunities by carefully vetting clients, reviewing their past job postings, and filtering by experience level. It's important to filter out low-paying jobs and focus on those with a higher budget to ensure quality clients.

What does the speaker recommend for freelancers who feel intimidated by reaching out to their network for client leads?

The speaker encourages freelancers to overcome the intimidation by understanding that even distant connections (like Aunt Debbie) may know someone in need of their services. They suggest being proactive in asking for referrals and sharing your services with a wide network.