Freelancing is an excellent side hustle for teenagers. It has opened the door for many people to stay at home and earn a full-time income.
A steady stream of work is the key to success as a graphic designer. But, getting clients is one of the most challenging parts of a freelancing career!
There will be days when you will spend more time finding clients than actually working!
As a freelancer, this is one of the most time-consuming and tiresome work, especially when you are a beginner.
I still remember the time when I had spent 7 days in a row to find new clients. The other days I got four clients with similar deadlines and hence I had to decline some projects!
Here are my top 5 strategies to attract clients and make money.
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Tools That You Need To Use As A Graphic Designer
Here are some essential tools that you need to land some freelance graphic design jobs and succeed as a graphic designer.
Canva
Just getting started as a graphic designer? Don’t have any experience? Don’t have a portfolio to showcase?
Worry not!
Canva is one of the best platforms to get started. You will be able to create an eye-popping portfolio and grab the attention of your clients in seconds!
Canva Pro allows you to create premium quality designs with minimum effort.
When I began my freelance design journey, I had no clue about Photoshop.
I was looking for an easier alternative that would help me to land clients as a new designer.
I landed my first client within one month of mastering Canva. In the meantime, I started learning Photoshop.
You can do the same! Learning Photoshop can be a bit time-consuming. So, start with an easy tool, learn the basics and then master other software.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is one of the best accounting software for freelancers.
You can create invoices for your clients and save time by organizing your expenses.
While working with multiple clients, it becomes very difficult to keep a track of your finances. Remembering when each payment is due and how much to pay for tax can be a stressful task.
In a nutshell, FreshBooks will help you to keep detailed financial records for your business.
1. Sending Cold Emails
Sending cold emails is one of the best ways to get freelance clients every week.
Send emails to companies and let them know that you are available for commissioned works. Almost every company needs graphic designers for marketing purposes.
After all, there is no harm in asking people for work or even letting them know that you are available for work.
You can send emails to digital agencies, magazines, tech startups and tell them that you are available for work.
On the other hand, if you are a motion graphic designer, feel free to send your portfolio to small film agencies or YouTubers too.
2. Subscription to a job website like Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a premium job search service that offers lots of remote opportunities for graphic designers.
The subscription will give you unlimited access to every job, expert job search tips and personalized support to make your search more effective.
You will also get a personalized portfolio to make a great impression on employers.
With Flexjobs you can get freelance graphic design jobs within a few days!
3. Get high-paying clients on Behance
I got my first graphic design client on Behance!
So, why do I recommend Behance (especially to a beginner)?
Behance is one of the FREE ways to reach out to clients.
Platforms like Upwork charge you a fee to send bids to clients.
Go to the job section and apply directly with your Behance profile. If their email address is mentioned, don’t hesitate to follow up with an email.
There are tons of jobs (freelance, part-time/ full-time and internships as well) on the platform, which makes it a beginner-friendly platform.
You can also go for Fiverr and LinkedIn to find clients.
4. Get Referred
As a freelancer, you must learn how to make the clients come to you.
A referral or a word of mouth is more effective than just a mere attractive resume. Most people choose to see the reviews before purchasing a product, right?!
Similarly, people would like to hear good things about your work before investing their money.
Be good to every client. When they are satisfied with your work, they will refer you to their friends. However, you can also put testimonials on your portfolio website when you finish a project.
How to maintain a good relationship with your client throughout the project?
Communicate with your clients.
Send them hand drafts, sketches and keep them updated about every step of the process.
Ask them if they need any changes or any other suggestions they have in their mind.
In this field building up a good reputation is very important. After several years of working, the clients will come to you with references from other people.
PRO TIP: Offer your client a referral bonus. It could be an instant reward like a freebie, a small share of commission or a discount for a future project.
Make it a win-win situation and your clients will be bound to refer you!
5. Sell online courses
After all, the best way to learn something is to teach it!
Create and sell online courses to aspiring students.
This will help you to build your credibility and people will start recognizing you through your work.
Teachable is one of the best platforms to sell your online course.
6. Use Instagram
Build your presence on social media.
Connect with other designers and Let them know that you are available for collaboration. You never know, if you can end up with a group project?!
Moreover, you can find lots of freelance graphic design jobs on the job pages on Instagram.
7. Update your portfolio
What should you put in the portfolio?
You can put digital illustrations, posters, your school projects, projects you have done in collaboration and yes, your personal projects too!
Personal projects are those that you did for yourself and not for anyone.
For example, have you made a portrait of your favorite movie character during your spare time?! Yes, you can include that too!
8. Blog
Create a website and write articles related to design.
Make your posts SEO optimized so that they can rank on the first page of Google.
In this way, your blog will get traffic and you will get noticed by others.
Moreover, you can sell ebooks and other online courses on your blog and share your expertise as a graphic designer.
Many designers have a tough time finding clients. If you are already good at it, you can make money by sharing your knowledge through ebooks.
SendOwl is one of the best platforms to sell ebooks.
Related article: How to start a blog and make money online
9. Networking
Network with other graphic designers. Check out your competitors on Instagram.
Many of them might receive tons of work each day. So, send them a DM or email and ask them to collaborate with you.
Suppose, a freelancer is working on a lengthy project with a client. You can help him finish the project!
In return, he can share a part of the commission with you!
This can be a great way to build networks and get paid in the process.
10. Start an Etsy Shop
Sell flyers, brochures and graphic design templates on Etsy. People can even approach you and order a customized version for themselves.
Starting an Etsy shop is one of the best ways to earn passive income as a graphic designer.
The Bottom Line: Freelance Graphic Design Jobs
If you work hard, build an attractive portfolio and have some patience, of course, you will get quality clients.
There is always a high demand for really good and exceptional designers.
The process of getting high-paying clients and making money does not happen overnight. But if you are willing to put effort, the journey is going to get smoother.
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