How to Find Clients for Freelance Technical Writing Without Upwork in 2024

核心概念

Consistent outreach through Google and LinkedIn can help freelance technical writers find clients without relying on platforms like Upwork.

要約

The author is a freelance technical writer who has been working with 3 clients on a retainer basis for the past 2 years. He did not find these clients through Upwork, but rather through proactive outreach on Google and LinkedIn.
On Google, the author searches for startups in his target industry, visits their websites, and sends them cold emails. On LinkedIn, he follows a similar process, searching for businesses, viewing their company pages, and sending cold direct messages to employees. He recommends doing this 2-3 times a day for a month, which he believes will result in at least a couple of responses and one lead.
The author acknowledges that this lead generation process can be boring, but emphasizes the importance of consistency and treating freelancing as a real business. He notes that the majority of freelancers fail to make money because they are not willing to put in the consistent effort required.

統計

None.

引用

"Finding clients is simple. But the problem is YOU. Not everyone is consistent with that kind of stuff and I'm pretty sure you will not be consistent."
"This is business, so you have to treat it like a business."

抽出されたキーインサイト

How I’m Freelancing Without Upwork In 2024 ?

by 場所 medium.com 04-30-2024

https://medium.com/@Tanweer_Ali/how-im-freelancing-without-upwork-in-2024-28316961efdb

深掘り質問

How can freelance writers effectively track and manage their outreach efforts to maintain consistency over time?

Freelance writers can effectively track and manage their outreach efforts by utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) tools to keep track of leads, contacts, and interactions. They can create a system for organizing and categorizing leads based on industry, response status, and potential value. Setting up reminders and follow-up schedules can help ensure that no lead falls through the cracks. Additionally, maintaining a detailed spreadsheet or document to track outreach activities, responses, and conversions can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different strategies. By consistently reviewing and updating this information, freelance writers can adjust their approach and improve their outreach efforts over time.

What are some potential drawbacks or limitations of relying solely on cold outreach through Google and LinkedIn for client acquisition?

While cold outreach through Google and LinkedIn can be a valuable strategy for client acquisition, there are some potential drawbacks and limitations to consider. One limitation is the time and effort required to research and reach out to potential clients individually. This approach may not be scalable for freelance writers looking to expand their client base quickly. Additionally, relying solely on cold outreach may result in a low response rate, as many businesses receive numerous unsolicited emails and messages daily. There is also a risk of coming across as spammy or intrusive if not done thoughtfully and strategically. Finally, cold outreach may not always yield high-quality leads, as not all businesses or individuals contacted may have a genuine need for the freelance services being offered.

How might the author's approach to freelancing be adapted for other types of freelance services beyond technical writing?

The author's approach to freelancing, which involves proactive outreach through Google and LinkedIn, can be adapted for other types of freelance services by customizing the search criteria and messaging to suit the specific industry and target audience. For example, graphic designers could search for businesses in need of design services, while social media managers could target companies looking to improve their online presence. The key is to identify the right keywords, platforms, and messaging that resonate with the target clients. Additionally, freelancers in different fields may need to adjust their outreach frequency and methods based on industry norms and client preferences. By following a similar proactive approach to client acquisition and staying consistent in their efforts, freelancers in various fields can replicate the author's success in finding clients outside of traditional freelancing platforms.