Here’s the good news: Freelancing has never been hotter! According to Forbes magazine, 60 million Americans performed freelance work in 2022, representing 39% of the U.S. workforce, an all-time high.
But when you’re out there hustling to find as many clients as you can, it’s natural to be aware of (and maybe intimidated by) your competition. But should you worry about it?
Competition can feel very daunting. But there are three things you need to keep in mind and five key strategies to stand out from the freelance competition.
Competition Is Good
The fact that others are making a living as freelancers means that it’s possible for you, too. Plenty of people are making good money freelancing because there is lots for work to go around.
Companies Need Freelancers
There are millions of businesses in the world that need freelancers so there isn’t really strong competition. (See the first sentence!) After the pandemic, freelancing got even bigger—and we predict it will only continue to grow.
Additionally, companies are constantly laying off their workforce but still need to get the work done. So, how do they do that? They hire freelancers!
Want to find more freelance clients? Here are 25 ways!
Everyone Struggles With Doubt
Freelancers struggle with doubting themselves and working up the motivation to prospect for work.
But what you shouldn’t worry about is your competition—unless all that worry immobilizes you and keeps you from building your business. The only time you should worry about your competition is when you’re not doing anything to compete.
Let that worry go and focus your energy on building your business instead!
5 Ways to Set Yourself Apart from Freelance Competition
It’s sad but true: Few people, including freelancers, are willing to go the extra mile.
That’s good news for you because you’re someone who will go the distance. Here are a few ways to stand out from your freelance competition.
1. Create a Website
Freelancers who have a website make a major first impression. You want to look as professional and polished as possible, and a personalized website can help you do just that.
Your website should include a description of your services, testimonials from previous clients, samples of your work (if applicable), links to your social media, and other pertinent information that is applicable to your services.
(Read here for what not to do on your freelance website.)
2. Customize a Page on Your Website
If you truly want to make a big impression, you can create a custom page on your website for a prospective client. This page doesn’t have to be wildly fancy. I could include some observations on the business (what ideas are you already bringing to the table?) as well as samples that are most relevant to the business and the opportunities you see. Share with prospects your thoughtful, insightful ideas about how they can improve their business and increase their bottom lines.
The custom webpage should include your unique selling point (USP)—what makes you stand above other freelancers who offer the same service.
Don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile, your professional Facebook page, and any other social media profiles to showcase your USS.
3. Research the Client
Know who your client is before you approach them. Believe it or not, clients want to hear from you about how you can help their business. But they don’t want generic, this-could-have-gone-to-anyone offers. They want to know you are interested in their business. That if you work with them, you’ll care about their business and will be invested in its success.
When you have your first conversation with a prospective client, it should be evident to them that you’ve done your research. That means signing up for their emails, reviewing their website, and seeing what they’re posting on social media before your first conversation.
Being a strategic partner to your client—from when you first approach them to when you are doing the work to after the project is over—is what sets successful freelancers apart.
4. Keep Track of Prospective Clients
Keep a running spreadsheet of prospective clients. Include contact information, name and title of client, the date you emailed them, a short description of their reply, and next steps such as a scheduled call.
You may even want to use this spreadsheet as your depository for your research, such as some ideas you have to improve their business.
5. Follow Up
You’d be surprised how many freelancers approach prospective clients and never follow up! Establish a set time from when you email a prospect to when you’ll follow up. Two weeks is a good amount of time. That allows for someone to get caught up with their email, take some time to think about a response, and send it.
If someone takes the time to have a call with you or even a meeting, you want to follow up with a handwritten thank you note. It’s a class act!
Of course, with many offices being fully remote, you may not have a physical address of the person you want to thank. If that’s the case, make your thank you email stand out and briefly include something fun you discussed in your meeting or some other connection you made.
Whether your interaction results in work or not, you want to leave on a high note. After all, you never know when these potential clients may need additional help or where your paths may cross in the future.
Don’t Let Fear of Freelance Competition Derail You
The best way to overcome your fear of competition is with focused, effective action to set yourself apart, create a strong client base, and build a steady referral stream. You’ll also worry a lot less about competition when your schedule is full of work. Instead of worrying about your competition, make sure you set yourself apart from it.
Your Turn!
Which of these techniques have you implemented and how did it work out? Do you have any advice to other freelancers on how to stand out from the competition? Share in the comments below!
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
