Let’s face it, getting business as a freelancer can be hard. There are many options out there for freelancers to try and advertise their services but a lot of these options just don’t work. Today I will show you some proven tactics to get more business as a freelance website or graphic designer.

First off, let’s go over a few options that don’t work so you don’t waste your time. Freelancer bidding sites such as Elance and Freelancer.com often yeild low pay if you can even compete against the hundreds of people bidding for the same job (see our article on this subject here).

Online classified sites such as Craigslist also don’t work well, with posters often wanting the world for next to no pay. Occasionally you may find a gem on one of these sites, but in my experience and many other freelancers, it ends up just being a waste of time.

So what tactics should freelancers use to get more business?

  1. Build a professional portfolio. Before you get started, if you haven’t already, put together a professional portfolio with only your best works, and be sure to make your contact information easily available. Make sure you have professional business cards (hint: if it says Vistaprint on the back, try again).
  2. Contact local restaurants. Most local restaurants have horrible websites, and with the amount of restaurants and the state of the economy restaurants are looking for ways to have an advantage over their competition.
  3. Tell people what you do for a living. Anytime someone asks you what you do for a living tell them “I do websites” rather than I am a web developer, or web designer, etc. Make it plain and simple, and tell everyone you can. Sometimes people will respond saying they or someone they know is looking for someone to build a website for them.
  4. Consider doing free work for well known charities. Charities need websites, and often cannot pay for them. Find charities with local businessmen on the board of trustees of the charity. If you do a good job for the organization the business owners might be impressed and contact you. You could also ask for a link back on the charity’s website.
  5. Use word of mouth to your advantage. If a customer tells you they are pleased with your work, let them know you appreciate them spreading the word. Consider giving them a discount on future jobs if they send you referrals. After all, who doesn’t like a discount?
  6. Contact local web agencies. Many large web design agencies don’t like to take on smaller jobs, and sometimes they need someone to outsource work to when they become unusually busy. Have them call you when they need this type of help.
  7. Join business networking groups. There are plenty of great business networking groups out there that are either free or low cost. Find ones with a decent amount of active members, show up regularly and be sure to take with everyone there if possible. Once the regular members get to know and trust you, they may be willing to help you out. Bonus points if you send other businesses in the group some new customers.
  8. Network with people in similar, but different fields of work. Network with programmers, print shops, and other related businesses that are not your competition. Often times their customers will need services you offer and they can send these customers to you.
  9. Do good, quality work every time. Make sure every project is something you can be proud of. You will never get enough business if your reputation is bad.

What other tactics do you use to get customers? Discuss below.

Related Posts:

  1. How to Get Started as a Freelancer
  2. The Problem with Freelancer Bidding Sites