Pitching to a new client is no easy feat; being successful in the freelance arena takes time and lots of practice. When you do land an awesome pitch and the assignment is yours, how can you transform an initial project into on-going freelance jobs?

Its project time! It's your time to shine; having brand new freelance work is like having an audition. If you perform well the chances of getting continued work looks promising and can be the beginning of a fruitful long-standing relationship. 

Want repeat business? Follow these tips to help you get a freelance job: 

Want a Freelance Job?

Receiving your assignment brief gives you the chance to wade through some crucial facts, draw critical points and a timeline into how you will start and finish the project. Spend time browsing through all the messages you have received from your client and seek out any notes that have been written down during a phone call or from brainstorming on reflection of the project. Once you accept a formal invitation to commence the project study the material and take time to go through everything. The important aspect is knowing what exactly is required to build and complete a successful project.  

Express clarity when working with the client and make sure you ask questions that are relevant to the project. Having lots to discuss in the early stages is normal. Utilise a Q & A format to define the project goals clearly. Know with certainty what the client expects and how you will deliver the requested task. 

Before submitting your freelance work, triple check and use appropriate tools to get the best results. If you are writing an article, use Grammarly to check for any mistakes within the text. Involved with other assignments? Be sure your work is a masterpiece; this is your time to shine and earn a five-star review which will most certainly boost your portfolio.

Using a checklist can be beneficial when working on a lengthy project. It can be rewarding knowing you have been through with your work and that you are delivering a quality project. Avoid revisions were possible; being efficient will increase repeat business. Once you have triple checked and made any corrections to the project, submit and await the feedback.

 

Effectively use time management when submitting freelance jobs. Presenting a project a minute before the deadline will not do you any favours especially if you know that there could be potential mistakes with the work. Do you want to get repeat business? Well, it’s time to consider handing in your work early. As a freelance professional, you need to prepare for the unexpected; this could entail a last-minute emergency correction to a significant part of the project. Give yourself time as this will take the stress out of your work. Use the Pomodoro technique to increase the chance of productivity and timekeeping.

Turning your work in a day or two early or by a substantial time difference will no doubt earn you “brownie points” especially if a client has paid for fast delivery. Think smart when it comes to deadlines; this will help avoid any dilemmas and will most certainly keep the client happy.

Note: If you do a fantastic freelance job by submitting your project with haste be patient as the client might not respond straight away.

Once you submit your project, it is normal for the client to ask for a revision on certain points. Be clear and ask any relevant questions to determine the right course of action before going ahead with the amendments. Do your utmost to turn the revision around quickly.

If on the other hand you disagree with a change and it might hinder the project use your experience and push back gently if the client is adamant make the change as you do not want a bad review or seem like you are unwilling to support the client's opinion.  

Problems within projects do need addressing from time to time; these could consist of small tweaks or a major overhaul. Don’t hide away and feel that the problem will solve itself; as a freelancer, you want to be tackling any concerns and act swiftly to seek a resolution. If the request is the impossible-to-reach due subject matter or a technical glitch, communicate this to your client.

Freelance jobs do go wrong. Sometimes you are to blame and other time the client. Either way, it is essential to communicate to arrive at a solution.

When the project is nearing the completion, and you are wrapping up any loose ends, be sure to thank your client for the opportunity. If you have enjoyed working with them, let them know and compliment them on their level of engagement and that you hope to work together again soon.  

Clogging up your client’s inbox with unnecessary emails will not look professional, being over the top will also sink the boat! Be natural in your responses and thank them, letting them know you want to work together is positive and will improve your chances of repeat freelance jobs.

Get social about the freelance work you have done, copy your client in (if agreed) and showcase your success. It is unnecessary to link to their Facebook page, instead give your client a Twitter mention.

Once you have completed the project, pitch again soon, if you leave it a few months your name might ring a distant bell to the client, due to your client conducting multiple freelance jobs at any one time, and you will be forgotten quickly if the client has only worked with you once.

Pitch other ideas quickly to your client; this will help you keep at the front of their mind. Contact them directly within a week with some fresh ideas. Promoting yourself will jog their memory of who you are and how great you were to work with, in the first place.

On occasion, you can drop them a note asking if they have any particular freelance jobs they are looking to fill. Sometimes, clients will have freelance jobs on an ad-hoc basis and by mentioning your available could benefit your client. You might even save the day! They will remember you for all the right reasons and particularly as a freelancer who delivers and enjoys flexible work, that is precisely how you want to be known.

Taking these tips on board and forming your freelance career will help you make a good impression when working with clients. Your ambition will not only lead to one but many freelance jobs. If you are looking for projects, check out Skillbox a dedicated freelance platform.