What are we gonna talk about:
1. Leverage Your Existing Network to Find Freelance Clients
2. Tap Into Freelance Communities & Contractor Networks
3. Create Strategic Partnerships as a Freelance Professional
4. Optimize Your Online Presence to Attract Freelance Clients
5. Build a Referral Engine to Support Your Freelance Career
Why Not Upwork and Fiverr?
Simplify Your Workflow with Abillio
Conclusion
FAQs
You’re doing everything right, so why is finding good freelance work still such a grind?
If you’re trying to get freelance clients, maybe you tried Upwork or Fiverr. At first, they seemed like a good way to get your foot in the door. But you quickly realized they’re packed with freelancers competing on price and clients who care more about cheap rates than quality work. Even if you land a gig, the competition is fierce, the pay is low, and the platform fees take a chunk out of your earnings.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need gig platforms to grow a thriving freelance business. In fact, many top-earning freelancers never use them at all. In this article, we’ll break down smarter, more sustainable ways to find freelance clients.
1. Leverage Your Existing Network to Find Freelance Clients
Your personal and professional network is one of the most underused resources for finding freelance work. Whether it’s former colleagues, classmates, family members, or friends, these are people who already trust you, which is a massive advantage.
How it works: Let people know what you do and that you’re open for business. This isn’t about spamming everyone in your contacts, it’s about reconnecting and sharing your journey.
Actionable Tip: Send a short, casual message:
“Hey [Name], just a quick note, I’ve recently taken on freelance projects and am looking to collaborate with businesses or individuals who might need help. If you know anyone who could use [your expertise], I’d love an intro.”
If you’re using LinkedIn, consider turning on the “Open to Work” feature. It lets recruiters and potential clients know you’re available, without broadcasting it to everyone in your network. This way, you stay visible to the right people while keeping things professional and discreet. It’s a low-effort way to stay top-of-mind for potential clients who are already looking for someone like you.
2. Tap Into Freelance Communities & Contractor Networks
Online and local communities are goldmines, not just for connecting with other freelancers, but also for finding freelance clients. These aren’t just support groups – they’re hubs for sharing leads, collaboration, and even landing gigs.
Where to look:
Actionable Tip: Don’t pitch immediately. Instead, offer value. Answer a question, share a useful tool, or comment meaningfully on someone’s post. Relationships lead to referrals.
If you’re more introverted, consider writing valuable posts or newsletters instead of jumping into live chats. You’ll still build visibility and authority over time.
Offline opportunities matter too, don’t underestimate the power of in-person networking. Attend creative meetups, coworking space events, or local panels where freelancers and potential clients gather. These events foster genuine connections in a way online platforms often can’t.
Coworking spaces can also be a goldmine, not just for a desk, but for collaboration. Many host workshops, mixers, and talks where you can connect with like-minded professionals or even find your next project. Even if you only pop in occasionally with a day pass, you’ll increase your visibility in the freelance ecosystem.
And remember, networking isn’t just about getting work. Supporting other freelancers, whether by offering advice, sharing a useful contact, or mentoring someone newer to the field, builds community and trust. That often leads to new opportunities without even asking.
3. Create Strategic Partnerships as a Freelance Professional
One of the fastest ways to get consistent freelance work is to team up with other service providers who offer complementary services.
How it works: Pair up with professionals in related fields – developers, designers, copywriters, marketers, and share referrals. When a client asks them for help outside their skill set, you’re the go-to.
Actionable Tip: Build your freelance “referral circle.” Make a short list of freelancers you respect and propose a mutual referral pact. Share each other’s portfolios and align on project types.
Consider formalizing this into a small collective or micro-agency. This can open doors to bigger contracts that require a team.
4. Optimize Your Online Presence to Attract Freelance Clients
If someone Googles your name, what do they see? A strong digital footprint, especially a well-crafted website or LinkedIn profile, can convert curious visitors into paying clients.
How it works: Your website acts as your digital storefront. Treat it that way. Clearly communicate your services, include social proof (testimonials), and offer easy ways to get in touch.
But don’t stop there, your LinkedIn presence is just as important. Many clients will check your profile before reaching out, so make sure it clearly communicates your value, builds trust, and positions you as a go-to expert in your niche.
Optimize your Linkedin profile
- Choose a clear, high-quality profile photo (not that blurry wedding shot from 5 years ago)
- Customize your banner and headline to highlight what you do and who you help.
- Use strong calls-to-action across your profile to make it easy for people to connect or reach out.
- Write an “About” section that speaks directly to your ideal client – focus on the problems you solve and the value you deliver.
- Share past roles and freelance projects in your experience section, focusing on impact and outcomes.
- Keep your profile active by sharing helpful content, commenting on relevant posts, and engaging with your industry.
- Featured links or case studies that show your work.
Actionable Tip: Make it easy for people to contact you. Add a CTA like “Let’s work together” and link to your calendar, website, or contact form.
Keep your profile active. Share helpful content, insights, and updates about your work. This builds credibility and keeps you top of mind.
5. Build a Referral Engine to Support Your Freelance Career
Referrals aren’t just lucky breaks, they’re often the quiet foundation of a sustainable freelance business. Many contractors find their best projects not through outreach or job boards, but because someone else said, “You should talk to them.”
Why? Because referral clients tend to come with trust already built in. There’s less need to prove yourself or negotiate from scratch, they’ve heard good things, and that matters.
So how do you encourage more referrals, even if you’re early in your freelance journey?
How to encourage more referrals:
- Keep in touch with past clients. A simple “How’s everything going?” email keeps the door open.
- Let people know you’re taking on new projects, many just need a nudge to think of you.
- Make it easy. Include a short line in your email signature like: “I’m currently open for new freelance work, feel free to refer anyone who could use support.”
Referrals aren’t just about clients either. Other freelancers often refer work when they’re fully booked or get inquiries outside their scope. That’s why being helpful, responsive, and visible in your circles really matters.
Be active in your network:
- Recommend others when you’re not the right fit, referrals go both ways.
- Offer help without expecting anything in return. Freelancers remember who shows up.
You don’t need a formal system, just a few small habits that remind people you’re here and good to work with.
You don’t always need to ask. Just be present, easy to work with, and someone others can feel confident introducing. Over time, referrals won’t be something you chase, they’ll be how work finds you.
Why Not Upwork and Fiverr?
Freelancing platforms promise convenience, but for many, they deliver frustration. They’re overcrowded, competitive, and full of clients who undervalue your work. Instead of rewarding expertise, these marketplaces tend to favor whoever bids the lowest or responds the fastest.
And then there are the fees. Platforms like Upwork take a cut of every payment, sometimes up to 20%. Over time, that adds up and eats into your earnings, especially on larger or recurring projects.
And let’s talk about the odds. These platforms have millions of freelancers competing for a limited number of projects. On Upwork alone, the freelancer-to-client ratio is more than 3 to 1. It’s like buying a lottery ticket and hoping you’ll be the lucky one to land the job, except you’re also paying for the ticket.
There’s also less freedom. You’re bound by platform rules, limited in how you communicate with clients, and often competing for the same pool of projects with thousands of others. In many cases, building a brand or long-term client relationships within these ecosystems is incredibly difficult.
When your income depends on staying visible in someone else’s algorithm, you don’t own your pipeline, you rent it. And at any time, that visibility can vanish, leaving you scrambling for new leads.
By skipping Upwork and Fiverr, you’re not just avoiding fees, you’re building something far more valuable: your own pipeline. You get to own your client relationships, set your rates, and grow a personal brand that brings in referrals and repeat business. That’s the foundation for a sustainable freelance career, one where you’re in control, not an algorithm.
Simplify Your Workflow with Abillio
Landing clients is a huge win, but managing everything afterward can quickly become overwhelming. Things like onboarding, invoicing, getting paid on time – link to psychology of clients when you publish, or keeping up with cross-border tax rules… that’s where a lot of freelancers get stuck.
That’s where Abillio comes in. It’s a tool designed specifically for freelance contractors working with clients around the world. It helps you handle the admin side.
It’s a simple way to stay organized and professional without spending hours on admin every week. Take a look at Abillio and explore what it can do.
Conclusion
Freelancing invites you to play a long game, but too often, we’re taught to sprint. The allure of quick wins and instant clients on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can feel tempting, especially early on. But building a solid freelance business takes time, and underpricing yourself won’t get you there.
The truth is, meaningful freelance work comes from people, not platforms. From conversations, shared goals, trust built over time. And when you build that kind of foundation, the right clients stick around. Not because you were the cheapest, but because you were the right fit.
You don’t need to be everywhere. You don’t need a flashy website or a perfect pitch. What you do need is consistency, clarity, and connection. The rest will follow.
This isn’t just about getting clients, it’s about building a career that feels like your own. One where your values shape your path.
So keep showing up. Keep refining your presence. Build trust, one conversation at a time.
And trust that the clients who value what you do will meet you there.
FAQs
1. How do I know if a freelance client is a good fit before working with them?
Before committing, ask questions about their expectations, timeline, budget, and communication style. Look for red flags like vague project briefs, resistance to contracts, or unrealistic deadlines. A discovery call or paid test project can also help you to see if you’re a good match before jumping into a full project.
2. Should I niche down or offer a wide range of services to get more clients?
While offering a range can seem appealing, niching down usually builds trust faster. Clients want specialists who understand their specific needs. You can still diversify behind the scenes, but positioning yourself clearly in one area helps attract high-quality leads.
3. How can I follow up with a potential client without sounding pushy?
Keep it light and helpful. Send a short message like: “Hey [Name], just checking in to see if you had any thoughts on the proposal. Happy to answer any questions or adjust things if needed.”
