For many freelancers, their work schedule is often best described by the term “feast or famine”. During the “feast” months, freelancers find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work their clients are requesting; a good problem to have in terms of their finances, but potentially problematic for their free time and stress levels. In contrast, the “famine” periods present the example opposite problem: a lack of work means more free time and lower stress levels, but can be financially concerning.
While the “freelance feast” undeniably poses its own challenges, for many freelancers, the “famine” phase is more concerning – it may be part of being a freelancer, but most freelancers would agree it’s preferable to have too much work than not enough. If you work as a freelancer and are currently facing a period of less work than you are accustomed to, then it may be reassuring to know that you can do a few things to resolve the issue and return, if not to feast, then at least to a comfortable working schedule. Here are a few ideas to try.
1. Contact former clients
Most freelancers work with a wide range of clients, some of whom they will work for regularly, and others whose requests for work are more sporadic. If your regular clients are going through a dry spell, it’s worth reaching out to sporadic clients and asking if there is anything that you can do help them with.
It’s usually best to send a lighthearted, casual email that nevertheless makes its point; keep it friendly, but make it clear that you have time available and you would be happy to look at any projects. It can also be helpful to emphasize that you might be able to work to a quicker turnaround than you usually would. If they reply offering you work, great! If not, then make sure to reply and say you understand, thank them for their time, and that you look forward to working with them again in future.
2. Analyze and improve your digital marketing strategy
Much of the process of finding work to see you through a freelance famine is about seizing the initiative and finding new clients for yourself. However, to supplement this process, it’s worth spending a little time on ensuring that people who may be searching for a freelancer in your field can find you – and in the modern world, that means putting your digital marketing strategy under the microscope. Take the time to review your digital marketing efforts thus far and analyzing if they are performing as you would hope.
If your review finds that your digital marketing isn’t quite what it could be, then search for improvements. You could try using some of your available time to DIY your marketing but, in truth, seeking the assistance of a professional agency who specializes in techniques such as PPC is likely to be the preferable choice. By outsourcing, you will benefit from expert advice that should lead to a greater number of leads and conversions in the future.
3. Consider joining freelancing websites
Websites that act as an intermediary between clients and freelancers can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, these websites can connect you with clients that you may otherwise have never met; on the other, they often charge a fee for doing so.
However, in the midst of a freelance famine, it’s still worth signing up to – or reviving your existing account – for a few freelance websites relevant to your niche. Spend some time on your profile (if relevant) and make sure you have a few samples of your work on hand to send to any prospective clients should they ask. Lastly, decide the rates you are willing to accept for any work you produce; freelancing sites have a reputation for only being suitable if you’re willing to work for very little, but good clients – who will value your skills and expertise – do exist on these platforms, so there’s no need to undercut yourself too much.
4. Cold pitch to clients you would like to work with
Cold pitching is a prospect that no freelancer relishes, but it can still be a great way to connect yourself with new clients during a time of famine.
The key to cold pitching is to make sure that every pitch you send is at least somewhat tailored to that specific client. You can work off a base template that covers your skills and experience, but make sure to include a few client-specific details, such as recent ads they have run, products they sell, or recent news stories they have been featured in. It’s also worth tailoring the tone of each pitch you send. You can use the company’s social media accounts or website as a guide to how formal you should be, though it’s always best to err on the side of too formal rather than too casual.
5. Attend local business networking events
Networking is a great way to meet clients during any time, but if you’re usually too busy to attend, it makes sense to use the extra time you have available during a freelance famine to try the idea. Of course, there’s no guarantee that attending a networking event will connect you with the perfect client who is ready to hire you immediately – though, of course, it would be nice if that could happen. However, what networking can do is raise your profile within the local community, which could lead to further opportunities in the future.
You can usually find networking events listed in the local press or online listings. Wherever possible, focus on events that are specific to your niche, though general “local community” events can also work well. You may find it useful to read a few networking tips before the day itself, and make sure that you have plenty of business cards to distribute, and then you can venture out and see what the event may bring.
In conclusion
I hope that exploring the ideas above should allow you to end your “freelance famine” period and even result in more opportunities that are lucrative in the future.