6 (and a half) Foolproof Strategies to Land Quality Clients
Whether a seasoned or novice creative trying to make a living, every one of us is all too familiar with those moments of questioning, “What the hell am I doing?!” Being your own boss sounds like a dream come true, but how can you know that rejecting the norm of a traditional employment path for the aspiration of freelancing will be worth the blood, sweat, and tears? In the horrorscape of uncharted territory that is freelancing as a creative, we’re here to provide you with strategies to successfully build your clientele!
1.Defining Your Creative Niche
You’ve probably heard that your niche is where your passion and productivity intersect. As a creative, you cannot try to fit yourself into a box defined by the traditional world. You need to define a space that only you can occupy. Today’s market values specialists. To attract the right clients, you need to carve a corner where your unique expertise can shine and your skills will be appreciated unequivocally.
Tip: Identifying the intersection of your skills, experience, and the unmet needs of others will show you your niche.
2. The Art of Being Visible
There is a load of advice out there on how to develop your personal brand into a memorable snapshot of your talents that attracts clients. The key word here is “personal.” Representing yourself as a professional makes you trustworthy. Being authentically YOU is the only way you will be unique enough to stand out amidst the cacophony of noise in the global market. Content is currency in this economy. Share your unique insights through blogs, videos, social media posts, podcasts, or any other creative platform you can utilize to showcase your talents. Build a professional website that highlights your expertise. Ensure all these snapshots of you are consistent with your personal brand. Remember, what matters is not how loudly you speak, but how deeply what you say resonates.
Tip: Tailor your posts for the various audiences and algorithms of social media. Use Instagram to share visual content, X for quick updates and industry news, and LinkedIn for professional networking and detailed group discussions. Participate in podcasts as a guest to reach wider audiences. To help you get started, come be on Oba’s Podcast: The Mentally Fit Podcast.
3. The Value of Building a Strong Network
No one can go this tough path alone. As creative humans first and freelancers second, this community has got your back! Cultivate your professional relationships sincerely. We have so much to gain from each other. Be a lifelong learner. Attend industry events and meetups. Participate in online forums and discussions. Find people with complementary services to collaborate with. Deepening your talent pool increases your value to clients, expands the scope of projects you can take on, and gains you more referrals. Your network opens doors for endless leads and new opportunities.
Tip: Platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup can help you find relevant events in your area. Check out the Oba community to get plugged in remotely with others on the same journey!
4. Leveraging Metrics and Strategies
Exposure to the right clientele is a crucial first step, but exposure is not pay. How do you know that all your blood, sweat, and tears will actually pay your bills? Conversion rates. They tell you how well your platforms pre-sell your work. Experiment and be willing to try new ideas. Utilize business strategies as a science. Tools like Google Analytics that collect data for you are invaluable. Continuously test and optimize your approach to turn those who merely observe into paying patrons.
Example: Use A/B testing for your website’s landing pages and your marketing emails to find the most effective messages and calls to action. Tools like Mailchimp and Unbounce can help you run these tests.
5. Client Retention as a Testament
Quantity does not equal quality. Aim for clients who appreciate your art and are willing to invest in your art, even if they are few. One enthusiastic, loyal patron is more valuable than ten clients that you won’t hear from again. So, prioritize your clients. Listen to their needs, guide them through your process, and deliver more than just a service — deliver an experience. Go the extra mile to check in or reach out even after jobs are finished with a thank you note or future project opportunities. Your authenticity will bridge the gap between service and relationship.
Example: Develop a client onboarding process that includes setting clear expectations, defining project scopes, and establishing communication channels. These steps ensure you and your clients are aligned from the start of a contract. Use project management tools like Monday.com or ClickUp to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and client communications.
5 ½. A Sidenote: Myth of “The Sellout”
Imposter Syndrome comes hard for all of us. The fact is you are the only YOU to have ever thrown your hat into the entrepreneurship ring. No wonder we all feel like we’re figuring things out as we go! While your authenticity is what attracts quality clients, your confidence and business savvy will help them to put their trust in you as their specialist. There’s something to say for “faking it ’til you make it” while growing from your mistakes. Sometimes you have to lean into the uncomfortable doubts and move forward with your business before you feel ready. But always remember: vividly promoting your work does not diminish its value. Self-promotion is important in order for clients to recognize and respect the worth of your work. When you market yourself, you’re not just selling. You’re inviting the world to see the magic you’re capable of creating. Take yourself seriously as a professional and others will, too.
Tip: Understand yourself and how you work best. Schedule focused work sessions during your most productive hours and set aside time for regular breaks to maintain your creative energy and mental health.
6. Be a Storyteller
Stories inspire and resonate with the real, raw humanity in all of us. Sharing YOUR story of challenge or triumph is a way to give back to the circle of life creatives nurture. Seek out and learn from the stories of others paving the way. The common thread through all these steps is to craft your work as a narrative. When you understand your audience, you humanize your digital presence, making your marketing not merely a call for attention but a story that they want to be a part of.
Tip: Check out Medium, Creative Bloq, and Freelancers Union for feature stories of how top creatives built their careers to get inspiration. If you’re feeling bold enough, consider starting a YouTube or TikTok channel to share real, candid moments about your story and how your followers can be a part of your growth. Don’t be afraid to show the highs AND the lows–your authenticity is what encourages people!
The Mandate to Create
Acquiring clients isn’t a sprint but a marathon which starts with your perspective of your work. There is no higher calling than using your creative talents to expose to the world the truths about living. This journey breaks you down and builds you up like nothing else will. Every creative’s path is unique and each is a part of a bigger story — written by those of us fearless enough to wield the pen, audacious enough to see the vision, and humble enough to share the outcome. Join the movement and let us be your partner along this journey as you grow to reach your greatest potential. Stand tall, create boldly, and inspire endlessly. The world is waiting for your masterpiece.
What are YOU waiting for?
