Whether you’re just beginning to transition to full-time freelance work or you’ve been in the game for years, referrals are an important part of most freelancers’ businesses.
According to MailChimp’s Benchmark Report 2021 for Freelancers, up to 70 percent of freelancers said the top way they won new business was from referrals and networking.
Why are referrals so valuable for freelancers?
They can help you grow your client base with less effort than cold calling tactics.
Referrals may result in better clients since the referrer knows both your expertise and the clients’ needs.
Referred client relationships are already established in trust.
Ultimately, the more high-quality referrals you get, the easier it is to choose the exact clients you want to work with – which could result in more enjoyable work and/or better pay.
But not all referrals are created equally. When you pursue any old referral, keep in mind that the client…
might have needs that do not match your skillset,
may have been a challenging client to work with,
might have requests that do not align with the offered compensation.
Today, we’re giving you some useful tips on how to secure more referrals as a freelancer. You’ll be able to get more high-quality referrals if you:
1. Leverage your personal network
This is especially helpful for freelancers who are just starting out. Since you may not have the robust portfolio of seasoned freelancers yet, you can reach out to former coworkers and even friends and family members to let them know you’re open to freelance work and would appreciate their referral.
A good tip is to provide those in your personal network with:
A simple explanation of what you do in terms they can understand
A professional website, or your Rtist profile and portfolio
Examples of projects you’re qualified for and interested in
An idea of what your freelance work capacity is
Your personal network likely knows business owners, marketers and other professionals who can help you grow your own network and get more referrals.
2. Build relationships in your community
High-quality referrals can also come from people you’re not as close with. Meeting people in professional settings can help you widen your freelance network.
Relationships are built on reciprocity. Approach each conversation from the point of view of learning how you can help the other person. When you’re talking about yourself, remember to be specific about your skillset, the type of work you excel at and the types of clients you want to work with. Make sure you have a professional presence online you can point new connections to in case they do want to refer you for work.
3. Remind clients you’re referral-based
Once you do have clients you’ve been happy working for, they can be a solid source for high-quality referrals. They have direct experience working with you. They know the quality you produce and the service you provide.
To set yourself up for success for more client referrals, follow these steps:
i. Produce exceptional work
This is key. For your clients to refer their own networks to a freelancer, they’ll want to protect their reputation and only refer the best.
ii. Treat clients well
Client relationships also rely on the service a freelancer provides. In addition to exceptional work, clients value:
iii. Ask for referrals
Have a client who’s told you they’re thrilled with a recent project? Now’s the perfect time to remind them you’re a referral-based business.
4. Be a referrer yourself
Don’t be greedy. Referring work to other freelancers can help you grow your own business. If you’re asked to work on projects you’re not a fit for or that you’re just not interested in, there may be someone in your network who’s a fit. That’s why forming relationships with other freelancers is so important. When you refer work to others, you’ll be at the top of their minds next time a project comes along their way that you’d be a fit for.
When you refer a project to a freelancer who’s a great fit, that reflects well on you to the client you helped and to the freelancer. It helps boost your professional reputation and makes you a trustworthy, credible source in the freelance world — which can lead to more business for you.
Conclusion
Building a strong referral network takes time, but it can provide so much value in the form of clients that are a better fit for your freelance business. Referrals save time and marketing expenses. A referred client already trusts in your work, which sets your relationship up on the right foot.
If you’re looking out to start on your freelancer journey, why not check out Rtist? We have one of the biggest creative talent communities in Malaysia that matches you with your clients. Check us out now!
