The only guide you need to get started as a freelancer
Are you thinking about taking the leap and getting started as a freelancer either as a side hustle, or part- or full-time?
There can be a lot to keep track of when you're looking over the edge into a new chapter of your working life.
When you break it all down, though, it's not so scary and if you're a little methodical, you're not far from pursuing your dream. (If you're looking for some inspiration for good business ideas to get you started, you can find a list here).
Read on as we take a closer look at how to establish your freelance foundation and move towards your first client.
1. before you start:
Is the freelance life for you?
The most important thing when choosing the freelance path is to be clear about whether it's really the career you want to pursue. Freelancing comes with a lot of benefits, but it also places high demands on your self-discipline.
A freelancer is self-employed and does not have a permanent employer, but rather clients. These clients pay you to perform one or more specific tasks for a certain amount of money.
As a freelancer, you can be hired on a project basis, an hourly basis or in a completely different way depending on what suits the client and you best. However, freelance work for a client is usually for a limited period of time.
As a freelancer, you have to be able to swallow a certain amount of uncertainty, but on the other hand, you only have yourself to answer to.
Know your niche and target audience
As a freelancer, you'll be fighting an uphill battle if you make it as a 100 meter champion in the whole thing.
You'll do yourself a big favor by defining your niche from the start. Because if you cut out some of the clutter, you'll find it much easier to attract new customers.
At first glance, this may seem a bit contradictory - that you will attract more customers by offering fewer services, but the reality is slightly different. Customers (in 99% of cases) have specific problems and are looking for specific skills to solve them.
And it's also worth mentioning that you can increase your price quite a bit when you're an expert in a given field. We're only scratching the surface here, but you can dig deeper into how to define your freelance niche here.
Define your version of freelance success
Be clear about what you want to get out of freelancing before you jump in head first.
Maybe it's to supplement your income from your full-time job. Maybe it's out of necessity. Maybe it's to improve your skills in a field. Maybe it's to be 100% in control of your own career. Maybe it's to create a stronger financial foundation. Or to create more freedom in your everyday life.
There are many benefits to being self-employed, but no matter what, there's no getting around the fact that it takes money to fuel your dream and ambition, and it's inevitably a big part of the equation.
You can download our free hourly rate calculator to help you create a framework for how much you want to earn, how much you can/want to work, how much you want to save, etc.
An easier freelance life with Factofly
Be a freelancer without hassle and get paid without your own CVR number with Factofly. We help almost 2,000 others with an everyday life without administration.
2. Get the legalities right before you close your first customer
Whether you're chasing a full-time career as a freelancer or you want to do a few odd jobs, you'll be in a good position to understand the different options you have for getting paid.
Basically, you have three options, depending on your temperament and ambition:
Setting up a business
2.1. invoice in your own CPR number.
As a private individual, you can invoice VAT-free in your social security number until you reach the limit of DKK 50,000 (in the current calendar year). You must declare your income to the tax authorities and ensure that you pay the correct tax.
Read more about what you need to know if you want to send an invoice as a private individual.
2.2. Create a CVR number.
The classic way is of course to set up a "real" business. You can read about how to get started with a CVR number as a freelancer here, where we have also packaged the article with links to business registration.
When setting up a business, there are a number of things you need to keep track of: VAT deadlines, annual accounts, business accounts, and statutory insurance to name a few of the most important.
Whether you want to spend your time managing a company, in addition to the constant hunt for new customers, is obviously a pretty good thing to consider before choosing this route.
2.3. invoice with Factofly.
With Factofly, you can invoice and get paid without your own CVR number. You invoice your customers directly through the platform, we handle all the administration and pay out your money as normal salary.
It can be a start-up tool to help you find out if there is a business case, or it can be a full-blooded replacement for the CVR number if you want to get rid of the administrative headache.
You can read more about Factofly here and calculate what your salary will look like here.
2.4 Bonus: Contract template
As a professional freelancer, as a rule of thumb, you should have a contract on the table if your assignment extends beyond 2 weeks. It's an added security for both you and your client, and it's also helpful to be able to revisit a shared document if any disagreements arise.
If you are a Factofly user, you automatically have access to our contracts, but you can read more about what should be included in a contract and download our free freelance contract template here.
3. Turn your skills into a service
When you're considering the freelance route, it's most likely because you have specific skills that can help solve specific problems.
But before you go after customers, you need to give them something to say yes to. A genuine offer and a service that takes away headaches.
Basically, you need to translate your skills into a service, and in turn, turn your service into a solution.
A quick look at various freelance marketplaces will also show you that clients are rarely looking for "marketing" or "developer".
Instead, people search for "paid social specialist who can help generate XX new leads per week" or "iOS developer who can develop XX platform's app".
Think of your skills in terms of your (future) customers' problems and then formulate it as the solution.
Your customers aren't interested in personal training, they're interested in six-pack abs. They're not interested in an SEO solution, they're interested in more customers through increased visibility on Google.
The clearer you can articulate the value you deliver, the easier it will be to sell your service.
Pricing
Getting the price right is a science in itself, and below you can find two of our popular articles that go in-depth on pricing.
Of course, you have a few different options for cutting the cake. Ultimately, it depends on both how experienced you are and how your customer likes to manage a project:
Hourly rate:
Selling your time by the hour is a go-to trick of the trade in freelancing.
If you sell your service by the hour, customers often expect a corresponding hourly invoice when you send the invoice.
Project price:
Project price is a one-time fee paid by your customer and is most often used for small or shorter projects.
The better (and more efficient) you become, the more it makes sense to sell on a project basis, as customers are often more interested in solving a problem than how much time you spend on it.
Clip card/retainer:
If you work with a customer over a longer period of time, it can make sense to sell a bunch of hours (or projects) in one go. There is usually a discount in the range of 10-20% when selling on retainer.
A retainer requires a closer relationship with the customer, and regular updates on how much of the voucher has been used are expected.
Values-based:
Value-based pricing - also known as value-based pricing - is one of the more advanced methods. Basically, you go in and provide your service for free in exchange for a share of the revenue.
For example, you might create a campaign video to promote a massage gun in exchange for 5% of the revenue from the campaign.
If you're good at what you do and at getting your customer on board, there are greater earning opportunities in this category.
4. Show what you can do: Build your portfolio
Every customer hires you because they have a problem that they trust you can help them with.
Some freelance work magically falls into your lap, perhaps through friends, family or professional networks. You already have a lot of trust built into that relationship, but most often you need to give your (potential) client a reason to trust you.
The key element here is TRUST.
The easiest way to build trust and clearly communicate that you can deliver the quality you promise is by building a portfolio.
In your portfolio, you showcase your previous work - and of course, what you are most proud of, while representing your niche.
Depending on your field, your portfolio can be built as a standalone website, but can also be an account on Instagram, Dribble, or Adobe Portfolio.
Your website can help potential customers
A website is one of the easiest ways to give a potential customer a better insight into what you offer. A well-designed website also makes you look more serious and professional.
It's also a great way to shake hands with your customer, show your strengths and help your customer dream up a world with your solution in hand.
But a website - like everything else - takes time!
You need to prioritize whether it's something you need to invest time and effort in to start with, or whether it can wait until you have your first customers and are up and running.
A website can be a good idea, but many people also run their freelance business quite profitably without one - so anything is possible!
Get started with your website
There are plenty of platforms where you don't need to be a born developer to create a beautiful freelance website, such as Wix, Webflow and Squarespace. But first you need to decide whether you want to create your website yourself or hire someone else to do it for you.
Basically, creating your own website is not as difficult as it sounds, and there are countless guides on how to do just that.
One advantage of creating your own website is, of course, that you have complete control over all aspects and can continuously update it with new projects. If you think you don't have the courage to take the plunge, you can always find a web designer who has everything under control and can help you bring your ideas to life.
But remember that even though your website acts as an online business card, it still takes work to drive traffic to the site if your new website is to bring you potential customers.
5. Get a grip on your toolbox
As a lone freelancer, there's one captain for everything and your time can quickly become limited if you try to do it all from scratch.
Your needs will naturally evolve over time, but you might as well make it as easy as possible for yourself from the start.
We've compiled a separate list of some of the most important freelance tools that can save you both time and money.
6. Take a strategic approach to attract new customers
Okay, if you've made it this far, it also means you're getting the basics right.
- Ambition
- Goal setting
- Niche and target audience
- Setting up a business or creating with Factofly
- Packaging your service
- Pricing
- Portfolio
- The right tools
It's a bit of a mouthful, but once you have the foundation in place, you're ready for the next step: finding customers!
How do I find my first client as a freelancer?
There are several different ways to find your first customer. Depending on the industry or niche you work in, it can of course vary.
But in general, it's about finding out where your potential customers are and then making sure you're active or visible there.
It's always a great advantage to use your network, whether it's on social media or "just" spreading the word in your personal network.
Most people know someone who knows someone, and it's often an easier way to land a customer because it gives the customer confidence that someone he or she knows has recommended you. (It was that trust thing we talked about earlier).
If you don't have a very large personal network, that's no barrier to getting started. With social media, the world has become much smaller and you can easily and quickly start spreading the word about your new business.
But how? We'll give you some tips below.
Which social media channels are best for finding new customers?
If you're unsure of which medium to choose, you can either play it by ear or try to guess where your potential customers are most likely to be.
If you're starting out as a social media manager, Instagram can be a good place to find new customers who need help with their social media. If, on the other hand, your new customers are companies and your business is being built as B2B, then LinkedIn might be the place to go.
Facebook can also be a great place to promote your service in the beginning, where your personal network is likely to be willing to help you spread the word.
Ahh LinkedIn.
"Facebook for dads" is the social media focused on career and networking, and here you (still) have great opportunities to build your personal brand.
On LinkedIn, it's important that you fill out a detailed profile with the most important things from your CV.
This includes education, volunteering and previous work, but most importantly information about your new freelance shop.
This way, visitors to your profile can quickly get an overview of who you are and what you can offer.
So start by updating your profile to suit your new freelance career.
Once this is done, it's time to reach out to your network.
Create a post about your new service and ask your network to help spread the word by sharing your post in their network.
You can also expand your network on LinkedIn by searching for potential leads.
For example, if you work in marketing, you can connect with small or medium-sized business owners.
If you want, you can also reach out to new connections with a small message, just be careful not to make it too promotional or self-promotional.
Most people on LinkedIn are there to expand their professional network and will be happy to connect with others in the same industry.
Be active on LinekdIn
One of the biggest opportunities LinkedIn provides is how you can communicate your service and expand your network through regular posts.
As a freelancer, it's an opportunity that's too big to pass up, so get to the keys. Even before you decide to get started as a freelancer.
Instagram & Facebook
On Facebook, it can be a little harder to expand your network if you don't already have a connection in real life.
One of the biggest opportunities here is Facebook Groups, where you can both promote yourself and scout for new leads.
A good rule of thumb is to provide value in the groups (help with answering questions, commenting on posts, etc.) before pushing your service.
If you think your potential customers are on Instagram, it's time to get started and be active here too.
If you're a freelance photographer or social media manager, for example, Instagram is a great place to showcase your work and interact with potential clients.
Plan to post regularly, set aside time each day to follow new, relevant accounts and interact with their content.
Here you can also send a welcome message to new followers to thank them and briefly introduce yourself and your service.
Overall, it's all about being social on social media and expanding your network.
Draw attention to your successes
The most important thing about LinkedIn and other social media as a work tool is to remember to keep your network updated.
Make relevant posts when something new happens in your career, or when you're doing relevant work and have small and big achievements to share.
For example, if you finish a project, it makes sense to make your network aware of this by posting it on LinkedIn.
This also applies when you land your first customer - and most customers are also happy for free publicity.
There will always be a lurking jealousy voice somewhere in the background, but remember that there's no scoreboard looking at whether you're sharing too much or too little. People are typically too busy doing their own thing to do that, so give it all the gas you can.
Interact with your network
It's equally important that you keep your network alive. You need to interact with your network and you can do this through their posts where you can appropriately congratulate them on their new job or education, while making yourself more visible.
This is also the time to invite your network for a cup of coffee or a video call to discuss the possibilities for collaboration. You can read more about first interactions here.
It can be a good idea to test the different social media channels in the beginning to find out where your potential customers are located. If you need more inspiration on how to strengthen your network through LinkedIn, you can find more tips and tricks here.
7. Hunting fields
Freelance portals: UpWork, Fiverr and Worksome
New customers are hiding everywhere and when you feel that the most obvious - your network - is exhausted, there are plenty of other places to find work.
An obvious option for finding new clients quickly is the various freelance portals that are out there. This is where the hot leads are, as they are potential customers who are already looking for a freelancer.
You only need to create a profile on the different portals once and then potential customers can find you.
In addition, on most freelance portals you can also find posts or tasks posted by different companies looking for freelancers for specific tasks - just send a message and sell yourself as best you can.
Some of the most popular freelance portals are UpWork, Fiverr and Worksome. Here you can find clients from all over the world who already have a problem they need solved. Of the three, Worksome has the largest selection of assignments from Danish-speaking clients.
The advantage of freelance portals is that they are often responsible for creating the contract between you and the customer and that you are better guaranteed payment from the customer, as most portals reserve the amount in the customer's account. However, most portals also charge a fee for their service, which can be up to 20%.
You can find a list of different freelance portals right here.
Get started!
At the end of the day, it's just a matter of getting started. You'll only find your first customers by taking action and reaching out. While reaching out to your network may seem daunting at first, just take the first step.
You only find out what needs to be fixed when you actually talk to potential buyers and listen to their problems and needs.
Alternatively, you can start using freelance speakers if networking seems more remote to you.
However, the power of social media and networking should not be underestimated, so if you want to go all-in and build your business as quickly as possible, it's a good idea to take advantage of every opportunity.
If you'd like to read more about how to find customers, you can read our previous tips here.
Welcome to the amazing world of freelancing and good luck finding your first clients!
The only guide you need to get started as a freelancer
Are you thinking about taking the leap and getting started as a freelancer either as a side hustle, or part- or full-time?
There can be a lot to keep track of when you're looking over the edge into a new chapter of your working life.
When you break it all down, though, it's not so scary and if you're a little methodical, you're not far from pursuing your dream. (If you're looking for some inspiration for good business ideas to get you started, you can find a list here).
Read on as we take a closer look at how to establish your freelance foundation and move towards your first client.
1. before you start:
Is the freelance life for you?
The most important thing when choosing the freelance path is to be clear about whether it's really the career you want to pursue. Freelancing comes with a lot of benefits, but it also places high demands on your self-discipline.
A freelancer is self-employed and does not have a permanent employer, but rather clients. These clients pay you to perform one or more specific tasks for a certain amount of money.
As a freelancer, you can be hired on a project basis, an hourly basis or in a completely different way depending on what suits the client and you best. However, freelance work for a client is usually for a limited period of time.
As a freelancer, you have to be able to swallow a certain amount of uncertainty, but on the other hand, you only have yourself to answer to.
Know your niche and target audience
As a freelancer, you'll be fighting an uphill battle if you make it as a 100 meter champion in the whole thing.
You'll do yourself a big favor by defining your niche from the start. Because if you cut out some of the clutter, you'll find it much easier to attract new customers.
At first glance, this may seem a bit contradictory - that you will attract more customers by offering fewer services, but the reality is slightly different. Customers (in 99% of cases) have specific problems and are looking for specific skills to solve them.
And it's also worth mentioning that you can increase your price quite a bit when you're an expert in a given field. We're only scratching the surface here, but you can dig deeper into how to define your freelance niche here.
Define your version of freelance success
Be clear about what you want to get out of freelancing before you jump in head first.
Maybe it's to supplement your income from your full-time job. Maybe it's out of necessity. Maybe it's to improve your skills in a field. Maybe it's to be 100% in control of your own career. Maybe it's to create a stronger financial foundation. Or to create more freedom in your everyday life.
There are many benefits to being self-employed, but no matter what, there's no getting around the fact that it takes money to fuel your dream and ambition, and it's inevitably a big part of the equation.
You can download our free hourly rate calculator to help you create a framework for how much you want to earn, how much you can/want to work, how much you want to save, etc.
An easier freelance life with Factofly
Be a freelancer without hassle and get paid without your own CVR number with Factofly. We help almost 2,000 others with an everyday life without administration.
2. Get the legalities right before you close your first customer
Whether you're chasing a full-time career as a freelancer or you want to do a few odd jobs, you'll be in a good position to understand the different options you have for getting paid.
Basically, you have three options, depending on your temperament and ambition:
Setting up a business
2.1. invoice in your own CPR number.
As a private individual, you can invoice VAT-free in your social security number until you reach the limit of DKK 50,000 (in the current calendar year). You must declare your income to the tax authorities and ensure that you pay the correct tax.
Read more about what you need to know if you want to send an invoice as a private individual.
2.2. Create a CVR number.
The classic way is of course to set up a "real" business. You can read about how to get started with a CVR number as a freelancer here, where we have also packaged the article with links to business registration.
When setting up a business, there are a number of things you need to keep track of: VAT deadlines, annual accounts, business accounts, and statutory insurance to name a few of the most important.
Whether you want to spend your time managing a company, in addition to the constant hunt for new customers, is obviously a pretty good thing to consider before choosing this route.
2.3. invoice with Factofly.
With Factofly, you can invoice and get paid without your own CVR number. You invoice your customers directly through the platform, we handle all the administration and pay out your money as normal salary.
It can be a start-up tool to help you find out if there is a business case, or it can be a full-blooded replacement for the CVR number if you want to get rid of the administrative headache.
You can read more about Factofly here and calculate what your salary will look like here.
2.4 Bonus: Contract template
As a professional freelancer, as a rule of thumb, you should have a contract on the table if your assignment extends beyond 2 weeks. It's an added security for both you and your client, and it's also helpful to be able to revisit a shared document if any disagreements arise.
If you are a Factofly user, you automatically have access to our contracts, but you can read more about what should be included in a contract and download our free freelance contract template here.
3. Turn your skills into a service
When you're considering the freelance route, it's most likely because you have specific skills that can help solve specific problems.
But before you go after customers, you need to give them something to say yes to. A genuine offer and a service that takes away headaches.
Basically, you need to translate your skills into a service, and in turn, turn your service into a solution.
A quick look at various freelance marketplaces will also show you that clients are rarely looking for "marketing" or "developer".
Instead, people search for "paid social specialist who can help generate XX new leads per week" or "iOS developer who can develop XX platform's app".
Think of your skills in terms of your (future) customers' problems and then formulate it as the solution.
Your customers aren't interested in personal training, they're interested in six-pack abs. They're not interested in an SEO solution, they're interested in more customers through increased visibility on Google.
The clearer you can articulate the value you deliver, the easier it will be to sell your service.
Pricing
Getting the price right is a science in itself, and below you can find two of our popular articles that go in-depth on pricing.
Of course, you have a few different options for cutting the cake. Ultimately, it depends on both how experienced you are and how your customer likes to manage a project:
Hourly rate:
Selling your time by the hour is a go-to trick of the trade in freelancing.
If you sell your service by the hour, customers often expect a corresponding hourly invoice when you send the invoice.
Project price:
Project price is a one-time fee paid by your customer and is most often used for small or shorter projects.
The better (and more efficient) you become, the more it makes sense to sell on a project basis, as customers are often more interested in solving a problem than how much time you spend on it.
Clip card/retainer:
If you work with a customer over a longer period of time, it can make sense to sell a bunch of hours (or projects) in one go. There is usually a discount in the range of 10-20% when selling on retainer.
A retainer requires a closer relationship with the customer, and regular updates on how much of the voucher has been used are expected.
Values-based:
Value-based pricing - also known as value-based pricing - is one of the more advanced methods. Basically, you go in and provide your service for free in exchange for a share of the revenue.
For example, you might create a campaign video to promote a massage gun in exchange for 5% of the revenue from the campaign.
If you're good at what you do and at getting your customer on board, there are greater earning opportunities in this category.
4. Show what you can do: Build your portfolio
Every customer hires you because they have a problem that they trust you can help them with.
Some freelance work magically falls into your lap, perhaps through friends, family or professional networks. You already have a lot of trust built into that relationship, but most often you need to give your (potential) client a reason to trust you.
The key element here is TRUST.
The easiest way to build trust and clearly communicate that you can deliver the quality you promise is by building a portfolio.
In your portfolio, you showcase your previous work - and of course, what you are most proud of, while representing your niche.
Depending on your field, your portfolio can be built as a standalone website, but can also be an account on Instagram, Dribble, or Adobe Portfolio.
Your website can help potential customers
A website is one of the easiest ways to give a potential customer a better insight into what you offer. A well-designed website also makes you look more serious and professional.
It's also a great way to shake hands with your customer, show your strengths and help your customer dream up a world with your solution in hand.
But a website - like everything else - takes time!
You need to prioritize whether it's something you need to invest time and effort in to start with, or whether it can wait until you have your first customers and are up and running.
A website can be a good idea, but many people also run their freelance business quite profitably without one - so anything is possible!
Get started with your website
There are plenty of platforms where you don't need to be a born developer to create a beautiful freelance website, such as Wix, Webflow and Squarespace. But first you need to decide whether you want to create your website yourself or hire someone else to do it for you.
Basically, creating your own website is not as difficult as it sounds, and there are countless guides on how to do just that.
One advantage of creating your own website is, of course, that you have complete control over all aspects and can continuously update it with new projects. If you think you don't have the courage to take the plunge, you can always find a web designer who has everything under control and can help you bring your ideas to life.
But remember that even though your website acts as an online business card, it still takes work to drive traffic to the site if your new website is to bring you potential customers.
5. Get a grip on your toolbox
As a lone freelancer, there's one captain for everything and your time can quickly become limited if you try to do it all from scratch.
Your needs will naturally evolve over time, but you might as well make it as easy as possible for yourself from the start.
We've compiled a separate list of some of the most important freelance tools that can save you both time and money.
6. Take a strategic approach to attract new customers
Okay, if you've made it this far, it also means you're getting the basics right.
- Ambition
- Goal setting
- Niche and target audience
- Setting up a business or creating with Factofly
- Packaging your service
- Pricing
- Portfolio
- The right tools
It's a bit of a mouthful, but once you have the foundation in place, you're ready for the next step: finding customers!
How do I find my first client as a freelancer?
There are several different ways to find your first customer. Depending on the industry or niche you work in, it can of course vary.
But in general, it's about finding out where your potential customers are and then making sure you're active or visible there.
It's always a great advantage to use your network, whether it's on social media or "just" spreading the word in your personal network.
Most people know someone who knows someone, and it's often an easier way to land a customer because it gives the customer confidence that someone he or she knows has recommended you. (It was that trust thing we talked about earlier).
If you don't have a very large personal network, that's no barrier to getting started. With social media, the world has become much smaller and you can easily and quickly start spreading the word about your new business.
But how? We'll give you some tips below.
Which social media channels are best for finding new customers?
If you're unsure of which medium to choose, you can either play it by ear or try to guess where your potential customers are most likely to be.
If you're starting out as a social media manager, Instagram can be a good place to find new customers who need help with their social media. If, on the other hand, your new customers are companies and your business is being built as B2B, then LinkedIn might be the place to go.
Facebook can also be a great place to promote your service in the beginning, where your personal network is likely to be willing to help you spread the word.
Ahh LinkedIn.
"Facebook for dads" is the social media focused on career and networking, and here you (still) have great opportunities to build your personal brand.
On LinkedIn, it's important that you fill out a detailed profile with the most important things from your CV.
This includes education, volunteering and previous work, but most importantly information about your new freelance shop.
This way, visitors to your profile can quickly get an overview of who you are and what you can offer.
So start by updating your profile to suit your new freelance career.
Once this is done, it's time to reach out to your network.
Create a post about your new service and ask your network to help spread the word by sharing your post in their network.
You can also expand your network on LinkedIn by searching for potential leads.
For example, if you work in marketing, you can connect with small or medium-sized business owners.
If you want, you can also reach out to new connections with a small message, just be careful not to make it too promotional or self-promotional.
Most people on LinkedIn are there to expand their professional network and will be happy to connect with others in the same industry.
Be active on LinekdIn
One of the biggest opportunities LinkedIn provides is how you can communicate your service and expand your network through regular posts.
As a freelancer, it's an opportunity that's too big to pass up, so get to the keys. Even before you decide to get started as a freelancer.
Instagram & Facebook
On Facebook, it can be a little harder to expand your network if you don't already have a connection in real life.
One of the biggest opportunities here is Facebook Groups, where you can both promote yourself and scout for new leads.
A good rule of thumb is to provide value in the groups (help with answering questions, commenting on posts, etc.) before pushing your service.
If you think your potential customers are on Instagram, it's time to get started and be active here too.
If you're a freelance photographer or social media manager, for example, Instagram is a great place to showcase your work and interact with potential clients.
Plan to post regularly, set aside time each day to follow new, relevant accounts and interact with their content.
Here you can also send a welcome message to new followers to thank them and briefly introduce yourself and your service.
Overall, it's all about being social on social media and expanding your network.
Draw attention to your successes
The most important thing about LinkedIn and other social media as a work tool is to remember to keep your network updated.
Make relevant posts when something new happens in your career, or when you're doing relevant work and have small and big achievements to share.
For example, if you finish a project, it makes sense to make your network aware of this by posting it on LinkedIn.
This also applies when you land your first customer - and most customers are also happy for free publicity.
There will always be a lurking jealousy voice somewhere in the background, but remember that there's no scoreboard looking at whether you're sharing too much or too little. People are typically too busy doing their own thing to do that, so give it all the gas you can.
Interact with your network
It's equally important that you keep your network alive. You need to interact with your network and you can do this through their posts where you can appropriately congratulate them on their new job or education, while making yourself more visible.
This is also the time to invite your network for a cup of coffee or a video call to discuss the possibilities for collaboration. You can read more about first interactions here.
It can be a good idea to test the different social media channels in the beginning to find out where your potential customers are located. If you need more inspiration on how to strengthen your network through LinkedIn, you can find more tips and tricks here.
7. Hunting fields
Freelance portals: UpWork, Fiverr and Worksome
New customers are hiding everywhere and when you feel that the most obvious - your network - is exhausted, there are plenty of other places to find work.
An obvious option for finding new clients quickly is the various freelance portals that are out there. This is where the hot leads are, as they are potential customers who are already looking for a freelancer.
You only need to create a profile on the different portals once and then potential customers can find you.
In addition, on most freelance portals you can also find posts or tasks posted by different companies looking for freelancers for specific tasks - just send a message and sell yourself as best you can.
Some of the most popular freelance portals are UpWork, Fiverr and Worksome. Here you can find clients from all over the world who already have a problem they need solved. Of the three, Worksome has the largest selection of assignments from Danish-speaking clients.
The advantage of freelance portals is that they are often responsible for creating the contract between you and the customer and that you are better guaranteed payment from the customer, as most portals reserve the amount in the customer's account. However, most portals also charge a fee for their service, which can be up to 20%.
You can find a list of different freelance portals right here.
Get started!
At the end of the day, it's just a matter of getting started. You'll only find your first customers by taking action and reaching out. While reaching out to your network may seem daunting at first, just take the first step.
You only find out what needs to be fixed when you actually talk to potential buyers and listen to their problems and needs.
Alternatively, you can start using freelance speakers if networking seems more remote to you.
However, the power of social media and networking should not be underestimated, so if you want to go all-in and build your business as quickly as possible, it's a good idea to take advantage of every opportunity.
If you'd like to read more about how to find customers, you can read our previous tips here.
Welcome to the amazing world of freelancing and good luck finding your first clients!
