One of the most challenging parts of working as a freelance Designer is gaining new clients. There are ample ways for designers to network and grow in the field, but no two processes will be the same among different designers. This means it’s crucial for creative professionals to create an organized marketing plan and reach a broader target client audience.
With an estimated 57 million Americans working as freelancers, designers must remain authentic to their unique style and stand out from the crowd. The process doesn’t have to be intimidating with a strong plan of action and patience during the process. This article will discuss some of the top tips for freelance designers who are looking to build their clientele and secure more work.
Create Authentic Content
While it may seem straightforward, creating authentic content unique to your style as a Designer is an excellent way to boost your portfolio and reach your ideal clientele. No matter what your specific design niche is, there are options for you to showcase your content in different ways. Graphic designers can create blog posts on the subject area to reach a wider audience, while those in web design can craft a helpful tutorial. Overall, this will help provide content for your portfolio that offers clients a clear idea of your style.
Ensure Your Portfolio is up to Date
Working as a freelance Designer, one of the most important career elements to maintain is your online portfolio. There are many factors to consider when building a portfolio, including the hosting platform, your target clientele, what content you plan to showcase. One of the most popular hosting platforms is Adobe Portfolio, which is offered as part of a Creative Cloud subscription. Your portfolio should be a collection of your best work that highlights your strongest skills and personal style. It’s important to update your portfolio regularly as you complete new work and grow as a Designer.
Volunteer Your Services
It may seem counterintuitive, but offering your design services for free to organizations or individuals is an excellent way to get your work in front of more eyes. You can check with online communities, local businesses or post on a forum advertising your free design services. This is an effective way to network as a Designer and helps build your skills while creating more content for your portfolio.
Evaluate Your Online Presence
While it’s important to keep your portfolio current, it’s just as crucial that your online presence is current and easy to navigate. This means that any social media pages, online community profiles, and your portfolio should be as up-to-date as possible. You should also work to make sure all of your contact information is easy to locate, so there are no issues with clients reaching out to you.
Keep in Touch with Previous Clients
Just because a specific project or task is complete doesn’t mean you will never work with some of your clientele in the future. You don’t always have to reach out to your former clients directly after a project is finished, as some designers choose to use email marketing to connect with former customers. Building a networking relationship with your freelance clients is essentially building your reputation as a creative professional and opening the door for future opportunities with both new and returning clients.
Continue to Network
Even if you have a solid workflow and client base, designers must continue networking and keep a clear focus on building their reputation. Creating genuine relationships with those in the design field is a great way to learn new techniques, gain referrals, and stay current on industry trends. Networking is an excellent source of help if you ever run into a professional issue, just as you may be able to help a peer with your skill set.
Gather Reviews and Recommendations
One of the most efficient ways to gain a client’s trust and be viewed as an expert in the design field is to provide reviews and testimonials from past projects. If you have worked on projects in the past where both you and the clients were happy with the final product, it may be helpful to reach out and ask for a review or client recommendation. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to market and spread information about your services, and a recommendation from a happy customer can help to boost your reputation.
Stay Positive and Patient
Last but not least, freelance designers need to stay positive and patient while looking to gain new clients and jobs. Freelancing can be challenging at times, but staying patient is one of the best ways to stay motivated and continue networking with others. There are ups and downs to freelancing, like any career position, and it may not be for every Designer. Working to stay positive through the frustrations can help make things easier overall.
Whether you are new to freelancing or are looking to secure new clients, staying up-to-date on your practices and software knowledge is crucial for success. Technology evolves each year rapidly, meaning you should plan steps to remain current with your education and professional goals. There are graphic design classes specifically for those who want to refresh their skills in one day and more in-depth courses for designers who want to cover more subject areas.
If you are considering a career change or are just starting your journey as a freelance Designer, signing up for a live online graphic design bootcamp may be extremely helpful. These virtual classes can be taken from anywhere and will provide students with an immersive curriculum. If you are ready to sign up for a class, look for graphic design bootcamps in your area to learn more about the options local to you.