Getting Clients

In Section 4, we talk about how I found clients when I first started freelancing. The big thing to remember is that there isn’t a solution that works for everyone and it’s a numbers game. Meaning, for every 10 people you tell, only a % of them will actually convert. And some may not even convert for months or years!

 

In this clip from May 2022’s Live Office Hours, Puno goes over this resource and talks about how she got clients when first starting out:

First, what kind of clients do you want?

  • Sometimes, you have a specific niche. And often, this will change as you take on new projects.

    • What kind of websites do you want to build?
      Portfolio, E-Commerce, Service, Membership, Online Courses, Weddings, Media Sites or Blogs, Podcasts, Restaurants — Check out Squarespace Template Topics

    • Can you get even more specific? (e.g. Etsy Shops, Yoga Instructors, Video Editor Portfolios)

    • What is your design style? What type of sites or people want this type of design?

    • What are your strengths (today)? Branding, Squarespace Development, Social Media, Email

    • Who is in your current network?

  • You need 1-3 client or spec work (your portfolio website doesn’t count unless you’re making portfolios)
    I know that it’s hard to make just one website, but if this is going to be your life… you need to make more!

  • What is your runway and expectations in terms of timing and revenue?
    In the beginning, I was pretty chill because I had a 1.5 year runway, but there was a moment where my bank account got very low and I really hopped to it!

Tried and True:

  • Your Current Network

    • Do you have friends that need websites?

Hi friends!
I’m starting to do Squarespace Web Design (you can see some of websites here) and looking for new clients if you know anyone! If you need a website, let me know. Happy to help you cuz I’m hungry for new fun work :)

You can always offer work for free or trade, but sometimes people are willing to pay $500 - $3000. It really depends! And is totally FINE if you undercharge and feel bad about it. You can ALWAYS charge more for the next client.

  • Tell everyone you meet that you’re a Squarespace Designer (or a Web Designer). Say it loudly!

  • Network your butt off

    • Helps to have some kind of project (eg, I had ilovecreatives and PeopleMap)

    • Host events or dinners

    • Social Media Posts

    • Attend events, but go out of your way to meet people

  • Expand your Network of Designers

    • Email or DM other designers

    • Offer to sub-contract at a Project Rate. Give options and say you’re flexible. You can always change.

  • Find Peers and your WOM Angel

    • Don’t just expect for them to give you work, give them work to!

    • 10% Referral Fees are nice 😅

  • The Cold Email / DM

    This is the scariest one and is definitely a numbers game, but CAN work!

  • Promotion

    • Instagram

    • Communities (ilovecreatives Creative Profiles)

  • Referrals

    You can’t really control this, but you can do a GREAT job!

  • Recurring Work

    • Follow up within 2-3 months, see if they need any other help (offer ideas)

    • Offerings beyond Squarespace (social, email, blog, etc.)

Quarterly or End of the Year Audit:

  • Leads

    • How many leads did you have?

    • What was the referral?

    • What was the total revenue per referral?

  • Clients

    • How many did you have?

    • What was the referral?

    • What was the total revenue per referral?

FreelancingPunoSection 4 – Marketing