While working as a design freelancer offers a different level of flexibility and independence than traditional employment, self-employment also has its challenges. One main issue many freelancers face is finding project leads and securing clients. It’s common for a freelancer’s workflow to ebb and flow, meaning it can vary from week to week. However, this is still challenging for those who rely on a steady income.
With over 57 million Americans working as freelancers, it’s clear how important it is for these professionals to stand out from the crowd and secure project leads. This article will discuss some helpful tips for getting project leads as a freelancer and succeeding as a self-employed Designer.
Consistent Networking
Many freelancers use networking as a way to gain referrals and learn new techniques. Networking is an excellent way to build valuable relationships with those in the design field and find project leads. It’s great to engage with other creatives with whom you can collaborate, as this can help designers build a solid reputation. Some popular networking sites for design freelancers are Dribbble and Behance, where there is an opportunity to connect with potential clients and secure project leads.
Update Your Portfolio
If your portfolio is outdated or no longer accurately represents your style as a Designer, it can affect client communication and obtaining new leads. Your portfolio is often the first thing a potential client will see when searching for a Designer, which is why it’s so crucial that it showcases your specific skill set.
If it has been some time since you’ve updated your work samples or online presence, be sure to check-in and make any necessary adjustments. Many design freelancers use Adobe Portfolio for their hosting, as the platform offers unlimited pages and various themes.
Create an Online Presence
Building off the last tip to keep your portfolio current, creating an online presence is important for freelance designers looking to build their clientele. Designers can use different social media platforms to connect with clients and network with others in the field. LinkedIn is a great choice for connecting with other creative professionals, while others use social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok to promote their work. While building a social media presence helps reach a specific target audience, it is also a great platform for advertising freelance design services.
Utilize Online Communities
In addition to social media, there are different online communities where design freelancers can meet and network with other creative professionals. These platforms are typically more specialized and connect designers who work in a specific niche with one another. Some of the most common online communities for professional designers are Dribbble and Behance, though there are other options that target more specific areas of design.
Attend Conferences and Events
Some freelancers prefer to step away from their screen and attend local conferences or events in their specific design field. Visiting a local design event provides an opportunity to gain inspiration from others in the field and gain live feedback on your own projects. The American Institute of Graphic Arts, or AIGA for short, is one of the oldest design organizations in the industry and is an excellent source to find events in your area.
Physical Portfolio and Business Cards
While digital content is designed to reach a broad audience, many freelancers overlook the benefits of having a physical portfolio and business cards on hand. Offline marketing is just as important as building an online presence, which is why freelancers can benefit from having physical materials ready at all times. You never know when you will run into someone that needs a Designer or knows someone looking for your specific skill set. Be sure to use a consistent design on business cards, portfolio materials, stationery, and letterheads to support your professional reputation.
Build a Blog
Many designers are surprised to learn the wide range of benefits associated with writing blog posts for their personal websites. Though most specialties like graphic design or motion graphics focus on artistic skills, creating a blog is a great way to expand your marketing efforts. Having written content on your website will make it easier for users to find your site through web search and show potential clients you can communicate effectively.
Try a Freelancing Platform
If you struggle to generate project leads with your marketing efforts, joining a freelance platform can help boost your workflow. Many freelancers use popular websites like Upwork to secure work, while others utilize more traditional platforms like Indeed. These websites are designed to help you streamline your work search and discover new opportunities in your professional field.
Follow up with Past and Potential Clients
Another great way to land new projects as a freelancer is to create a schedule for following up with past and potential clients. Keeping an open flow of communication gives designers a chance to inform clients of any new skills or services they offer and increases the likelihood a past client will reach out with a lead rather than search for someone new. It also provides an opportunity to collect feedback from previous work for your portfolio or website.
Keep Creating Content
While it can be challenging to work as a freelancer, staying consistent with your efforts and content creation is an excellent way to generate more project leads. Having an inconsistent work schedule can make it difficult to complete tasks on time, which may affect your ability to secure work in the future. Maintaining a solid work schedule that includes time for marketing and content creation will help keep balance through your freelance career.
Design freelancers should also work to stay current with any updates to software or processes and trends in the industry. Courses like Photoshop In a Day provide a fast way to refresh your skills and learn about any new updates to the software. If you are new to working as a freelancer or just starting a career in design, a live online graphic design bootcamp may be the best place to start. These types of courses are immersive and provide the training needed to make a career switch. You can search for graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available.