Where Are Clients? Where to Find Freelance Clients
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you where to find freelance clients.
A great service only earns money if clients can FIND it! In freelancing, you can use all three profile types: a marketplace, your own website, or a social store. Each one fits a different stage.
Marketplaces
Marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer are where most new freelancers start. Why? They bring clients right to you! Businesses and people who want to hire someone search there by skill, and contact freelancers who fit.
No fans or ads needed first! And the marketplace handles payments, bills and problems.
Is it the best place?
In return, the marketplace keeps a piece of each payment, usually between ten and twenty percent. And reviews decide how often your profile is shown. So take extra good care of your first few projects!
One habit to start right away: log in every day! Clients can see when you were last online, and they like freelancers who look available. Freelancer customer service shares more habits.
Your own website
Your own website lets you decide EVERYTHING. For bigger jobs, a good website often makes clients trust you more!
No marketplace fees, and the client relationship is all yours. Dominic, from the freelancing examples, uses his website this way.
Your jobs with a website
But you have real jobs too! You collect payments with helpers like Stripe or PayPal, write your own bills, and handle agreements yourself. You also need a privacy page and simple rules.
And most importantly: YOU bring all the visitors. With SEO, content, or recommendations. SEO for beginners explains the basics!
Social media and a social store
A social store works well if your clients already hang out on social media. A designer on Instagram, or an advisor on LinkedIn, might get messages just from their posts! Payment links or a simple booking page handle the rest.
The catch: apps change their rules, and can even block accounts without warning!
How to choose
Just starting? A free marketplace is usually easiest! Clients are already searching, and your payments are protected. Use your first projects to collect reviews and work examples.
More experienced, with returning clients? Add a website for bigger jobs. Already posting on an app where your clients hang out? A social store can bring messages too. Lots of freelancers end up using two, or all three!
The friendship stays the same
Wherever clients find you, freelancing is always a human friendship with each client. How you talk, how fast you answer, and how clear you are decide what happens next.
Great service is your best marketing!
An example
Imagine a freelance translator who starts on a marketplace. Her first ten projects bring great reviews and two returning clients. After a year, she builds a simple website for her specialty, legal documents, with higher prices.
Now clients find her in three places!
Small and private
A marketplace profile or social store can start for free! You’d be surprised how little you need. No monthly payments before you have clients. And your work examples and reviews can speak for you!
What’s next?
The next article lists the setup freelancing needs. Only one of five setup types is always needed! All ten ways to earn are in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help decide? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Is LinkedIn good for finding clients?
Yes, especially for business services!
Where do beginners find clients?
Usually on a marketplace like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer.
Why are my first reviews so important?
They help marketplaces show your profile to new clients!
When does a website make sense?
For bigger or longer jobs, and clients who pay more.
Can I find clients on social media?
Yes, if your clients already hang out there!
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Is there a cheap way to start freelancing?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start freelancing for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
