Where to find clients
There are clients in many places. What matters is choosing two or three channels and working them well, not being everywhere halfway.
Your areaBusinesses in your town or neighbourhood. Going in person, with something prepared, works better than you think.
Your peopleFamily, friends, your community. Tell everyone what you do.
Social mediaShow your work every week. Clients come once they’ve seen you several times.
GoogleA Google Business listing if you serve your area (mechanics, photos, renovations).
PlatformsFiverr, Upwork, Malt and others. Lots of competition and they keep part of what you charge.
Other freelancersDesigners who need someone to code, agencies that are flat out. They pass you work.
Platforms, with numbers
- Fiverr: keeps 20% of what you charge.
- Upwork: charges the freelancer a variable fee of 0% to 15% depending on the contract, and to send proposals you spend “connects” (about $0.15 each).
- Malt: widely used in Spain and Europe for company projects; it also charges a fee.
They help you get your first reviews, but you compete with people worldwide who charge very little. Over time, it’s best to have direct clients.
The source of clients that works best in the long run is referrals: a happy client who talks about you. That’s why every job done well is also your best advertising.