How to stand out as a freelancer?

1. Be clear about your value

Your value to potential clients is what sets you apart from the competition. When you can clearly communicate the value you offer, you'll have a better chance of attracting more clients as a freelancer.

The first thing to ask yourself is what your real value is. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

- What results have your previous clients achieved with the projects you did for them?

- What experience do you have that is unique to you?

- What do you have to offer that other graphic designers don't have?

For example, if you have direct experience in a specific sector (such as health, finance, lifestyle, etc.), you will have more value to clients in that sector because you will understand their needs better. Consider what your value is and then decide how you can communicate it more clearly. This can be done by showcasing awards in your design portfolio, including specific results from previous projects, or leveraging your experience in your presentations and proposals.

Speaking of proposals, it's a good idea to have a service where you can create and organize all your paperwork, from proposals, contracts, invoices to your taxes. Software like Bonsai offers freelancers an easy-to-use platform to manage their paperwork, projects, and much more.

2. Ask for recommendations

If you have satisfied clients, ask them for referrals or recommendations. Let them know that you are always open to speaking with new clients and thank them for the referrals.

Depending on the exact services you offer, you could even create an official referral or affiliate program.

While it may initially seem that a client would not want to refer you to potential competitors, remember that most businesses have working partnerships with all types of suppliers and other organizations. While they may not refer their competitors to use your services, they may refer their suppliers or other business contacts to you.

There is value in providing good referrals to develop business relationships.

3. Make sure your portfolio is at its best

Your graphic design portfolio is one of the most valuable assets you have to attract new clients.

Make sure to show your best work there and take the time to explain each project. Talk about what your role in the project was, what the design problem was, and how you solved it.

Share your portfolio widely. Add new projects regularly (but remember that you don't need to add every project you work on; just the best examples).

The time you spend on your portfolio will pay dividends in building trust with potential clients.

4. Create valuable content

One of the best (but often overlooked) ways to attract new clients is by creating content. Writing blog posts, creating templates or UI assets, or otherwise providing valuable content that attracts your potential clients is an excellent way to build your professional reputation, while also offering potential clients another way to find you.

Writing articles about graphic design topics is one of the best ways to attract new clients. Writing about design details for the niches or industries you serve can be especially helpful.

I've had clients from various industries approach me after I wrote about design for those industries. It's an easy way (assuming you're a good writer) to become visible to organizations that might want to hire you.

5. Update your online presence

Make sure your design portfolio is up-to-date with the latest projects. The same goes for your social media profiles.

If a potential client visits your Instagram profile or another social network and there are no posts in the last six months, they may assume that you are no longer working as a designer. The same goes for your portfolio or blog: if there are no updates in recent months, a client may assume you are no longer active and move on to the next graphic designer.

This also applies to your contact information. Make sure it is easy to contact you and that contact forms are functional and up-to-date. Don't make potential clients work harder than necessary to get in touch with you.

6. Do networking, networking, and more networking

The mere word "networking" can scare many graphic designers. But if you approach networking as building mutually beneficial relationships, it becomes much less intimidating.

Meet people with the intention of getting to know them. Don't immediately think about what they can do for you or what you can get from them. Instead, see how you can help them.

Are there other people you can connect them with? Is there a great book or article you've recently read that might interest them? Look for ways to connect on an authentic level with the people you meet and take it from there. You might end up working with these people in the future or they might refer people to you (and vice versa).

7. Use social proof

Social proof in the form of testimonials can have a huge impact in convincing clients to work with you. Display testimonials prominently on your website or portfolio. Share them on social media as well.

Ask previous clients for feedback and testimonials about the projects you completed for them. Ask for recommendations and endorsements on sites like LinkedIn, too. When potential clients see that you have successfully worked with other organizations, it gives them reassurance that you have the expertise you claim.

8. Don't underestimate the power of a follow-up

So, you sent a design proposal to a potential client and haven't heard back from them. Or maybe you sent them information about scheduling a discovery call and they haven't done it yet.

Whatever the case, sending a follow-up after a few days is a good way to reassure clients that you value their business.

The same goes when you met a potential client at a networking or professional event (in person or online). Send a follow-up after meeting them, reiterating any business you discussed, or sending information or resources they may have talked about.

Follow-ups show people that you value working with them and that you are eager to continue the relationship. You can even set tasks to follow up with potential clients or manage your proposals using Bonsai, ensuring that you don't forget or miss an important opportunity.

"If you don't receive a response after the follow-up, be careful about sending multiple messages. This can come across as pushy (or desperate). If it's a potential client you really want to work with and you feel the need to send more than one follow-up, consider what you could send them that would be valuable to them.

Is there an article you recently read that you think they might be interested in? An event that you think they would like to attend?

If you provide value, you are building a relationship rather than just prompting them to give you business. And this can lead to more business in the future.