Sometimes, it feels like there isn’t much freelance work, but a new lead pops up, and you’re okay again.
However, sometimes there really is not enough freelance work or a project gets canceled, and you need to work your butt off to find the next client.
If you’re experiencing a freelance job drought, don’t panic. I’ve been there (many times). In this blog, you’ll find my go-to tips and tricks to find new clients when it feels like the freelance game is over.
Is There Really No Freelance Work?
You’ll often see people complaining that they make no money from freelancing or that there’s not enough freelance work these days.
But that’s not strictly true. It’s just an information bias.
In reality, millions of freelancers are working away. It only seems like there’s a freelance work shortage because the people posting are the ones complaining. Everyone else is riding the wave.
Of course, there are quieter periods. These are usually around January and in the summer holidays.
In my experience, quiet and stressful times can happen when you least expect them. For example, Christmas is usually busy for me, but September (when most people say they’re busy) was my quietest month.
Strange. But you’ve got to roll with it!
How To Navigate the Freelance Work Shortage
Fed up of checking an empty inbox? Here are some actionable tips to get you through the lack of freelance gigs and back into being booked and busy.
1. Email previous clients
Whenever things go quiet, my first move is to check in with current and previous clients.
These are known as warm leads, as you already know them, and they’re more likely to be interested in your services than any average Joe!
Let clients know you have availability in the upcoming months and remind them which services you offer.
Follow up once, but leave it as is if you don’t get a reply. You don’t want to be annoying and ruin their perception of you.
Some clients might ignore you. This can hurt, especially if you enjoyed working with them in the past. I’ve experienced this myself, and whenever I feel a pang of embarrassment, I have to remind myself that freelancing is all about business.
AKA, don’t take it personally!
2. Cold pitch to new clients
Cold pitching is controversial in the freelance space, as it can irritate some marketing managers.
However, if you want to drum up new business and put yourself out there, you have to take this chance.
Cold pitching is more or less a numbers game. Don’t expect lots of replies, but with consistency, you might make new contacts.
Building a thick skin takes time. If, like me, you’re worried about getting angry emails back from subjects, remember this advice a wise marketer told me:
“Professional marketers should understand that cold pitches are part of the business. If they don’t like them, they can delete them. If they send a rude reply, they don’t get it and aren’t someone you want to work with.”
Be polite and don’t go overboard.
3. Update your website’s SEO
SEO is everything, especially if you want clients coming to you rather than having to reach out.
If you don’t already have a website, this is your sign to make one and fill it with SEO that targets your dream clients.
For example, if you’re a photographer based in Manchester, you might want to create a page focusing on “Freelance photographers based in Manchester.” Location-specific keywords are more important than you might think.
This strategy takes longer, but pays off in the long-run.
4. Use social media
Don’t stop after making a website. Keep the good vibes going on social media.
The best social media platforms for marketing yourself as a freelancer include:
- Twitter (or X)
Reddit can even work if you post in subreddits where your target audience hangs out.
Any writers out there? You can find some legitimate clients on r/Hireawriter. I’m yet to find success there, but I have read many success stories about the sub.
5. Consider freelancing sites
Lastly, when you’ve taken the four steps above, consider freelancing sites — e.g., Upwork and Fiverr.
These days, these sites are more of a sinking ship. The rates are low, clients are unreasonable, and they’re full of AI slop.
The glory days have passed, and it’s too late to have a full career on them alone.
However, you can find some hidden gems amid the clutter.
Bonus: Check other freelance pitching guides
It’s always good to be in the know before you kick-start your freelance marketing strategy.
Online guides, like this one, are readily available to help you achieve success. You can even find plenty of resources on Pinterest with information for every niche.
If you’re unsure, keep researching until you’re ready to dive in.
Not Enough Freelance Work – The Takeaway
Facing an empty inbox and no freelance work is never fun. However, with a few targeted emails and some personal branding, you can turn the tides.
Have you ever used these strategies before? What do you think?
Tell me all in the comments below!