No matter how good you are as a freelance graphic designer the number one challenge is getting new clients. If you are someone that is looking to go solo and work on your own terms, this is something that will keep bothering you.
There are multiple reasons why someone would want to not work in a formal office setting and attempt to become a freelancer. Things like a toxic work environment, inability to balance work and personal life, or simply an urge to go out and conquer on your own might lead people to take up this decision.
Freelance graphic designers that chase clients and probably going to end up spending more time in the ‘chasing’ part than doing actual work. In order to help freelance graphic designers, Bennet Schwartz, one of the most famous names in the industry has some great tips.
Common Challenges Faced by Freelance Graphic Designers
According to Bennet Schwartz, the following are some of the challenges that freelance designers face in getting new clients-
- Many clients feel more secure when working with an agency than a freelancer. This security comes from engaging with another formal working organization.
- Freelancers are considered rebels in their own right. Brands feel that will not adhere to strict professional timelines, deadlines, and output when required.
- Lack of accountability is also a major reason brands want to work with professional agencies. Some freelancers might have set poor precedence in this regard.
- Brands prefer getting formal bills and invoices from organized businesses. Freelancers usually work on cash and this becomes difficult for brands to pay.
- Finally, brands feel that an agency will be able to help them out with many other areas and requirements as and when the case arises. Freelancers cannot do the same.
The above five are the major challenges that freelancers suffer from when it comes to getting new clients.
List of 5 Ways Freelance Graphic Designers can get more business
- Set up the Best LinkedIn Profile Possible-
A lot of brands, agencies, and marketing professionals are on LinkedIn. This means that this is your go-to professional space for getting new clients. All you need to do is be active on your profile, share your portfolio and emerge as a thought leader in the industry. Once you are able to do that, you will see that you are getting queries on work-related issues.
- Maintain an Active Presence on Portfolio Platforms-
The first thing someone interested in hiring you will do is go to Behance and search for your name. For a graphic designer, this is a sign of credibility. This is why you need to have your updated profile on as many portfolio platforms as possible. You do not have to talk people through your work. You can send them the link and they can check it out for themselves.
- Contact Agencies and Brands and Request for Outsourcing Work-
Every creative agency out there is always in need of graphic designers. You can create an emailing list of all the agencies in your state and send them an updated portfolio. Request them for freelance work. You will be surprised how many replies you receive. Yes, the pay can be low, but then again you will have an option to choose who you want to work with.
- Be a Part of Work Platforms-
Freelancer, Upwork, SolidGigs, and FlexJobs. There are so many freelance platforms out there where you can get work. Yes, you need to put in some work, but remember that if you can land the first gig, you can always create a separate contact and communication with the agency or business that is giving the work to you. You can find a lot of work on these platforms.
- Be Creative on Social Media Platforms-
Brands come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. They are also led by people who have different approaches to doing business. If you are active on social media, you might get contacted by an enterprising 21-year-old founder of a brand who is a rebel in his own right. They might want people like you to help them with design. You are going to find such entrepreneurs on social.
The Bottom Line
For Bennet Schwartz, all the above-mentioned five ways can help freelance graphic designers win new clients. You need to put in the hard work and be as professional as possible when it comes to delivering work. Once you can establish your credibility and word gets around, you will see work overflowing.