The Lie That Led to My First Client

The Lie That Led to My First Client

Hey there!

In today's newsletter, I want to share some tips and tricks that helped me secure my first client in a short time (less than 2 weeks) and enabled me to survive the high competition on platforms like Upwork, where thousands of freelancers claim to be the best editors, designers, and community managers out there.

It's a jungle out there, but don't worry, I won't ask you to become the king because that position is already taken by me. (Sorry, my testosterone levels are a bit high. I just got back from the gym.)

You just need to be a cow! A purple one, to be exact.

Imagine being a client and receiving 20 proposals that all sound the same. Overwhelming, right?

The key is to be different and unique in your profile, grabbing their attention by being a purple cow among those 20 non-special ones.

Let me share some personal secrets with you, but remember, in this game, the only rule is that there are no rules…

So, rule number 1: Go super niche...

Let's say a client is looking for a podcast editor. They come across two profiles: one freelancer does it all, offering graphic design, filmmaking, animation, motion graphics, audio design, photography, painting, sculpting, creative writing, music composition, interior design, fashion design, web design, typography, calligraphy, pottery, collage making, jewelry making, printmaking, and paper crafts.

And then there's the other profile that focuses only on podcast editing.

Which one do you think they'll choose?

Definitely not the one who does graphic design, filmmaking, animation, motion graphics, audio design, photography, painting, sculpting, creative writing, music composition, interior design, fashion design, web design, typography, calligraphy, pottery, collage making, jewelry making, printmaking, and paper crafts.

Exactly! They'll skip you just like you skipped that long list in our dear freelancer profile.

Clients want specialists, not someone trying to do it all. So be specific and provide only the necessary information.

When it comes to your profile description, keep it simple, short, and straight to the point. No need for complex words or flexing with your English skills.

Just be yourself, be authentic, and make the client feel comfortable in their first contact with you by checking your profile.

And don't forget to choose a cool profile picture. People love seeing real faces, so avoid stock images or mysterious silhouettes.

Now, let's talk about those precious Upwork connects that can make or break your freelance dreams.

Here's the deal:

Upwork provides you with some free connects each month. Treat them like gold!

Personally, all my clients came from those free connects. (There's no conspiracy theory about the platform trying to profit from freelancers as many say.)

Avoid sending random proposals and instead, be strategic.

Personally, I focus on new job offers. If a posting has been up for more than 2 hours, I move on to another opportunity.

If I notice that more than 15 proposals have already been sent, I save myself from the gladiator fight and find a less crowded arena.

It's about finding the right balance and saving your energy for the right opportunities.

Now, let's impress clients and make them want you so bad.

Here's what you can do:

Consider offering a free trial.

Yes, I understand your “tImE iS pReCiOuS, aNd nOt eVeRy hOuR sHoUlD bE gIvEn aWaY fOr fReE”.

However, a 1 minute free trial can be a shortcut.

Everyone loves free things, so give them a taste of what you can do. Once they taste your skills, they'll be craving more.

Then, promise the client a bright future.

Let clients know that if they hire you, their life will be much better. Show them that you can deliver exceptional results and that you know exactly what you're doing.

Don't try to sell to people like everybody else does. Remember, you are the purple cow.

Now let's focus on another skill that differentiates skilled freelancers: communication.

Be nice, be appreciative. If a client has a YouTube channel and needs an editor, stroke their ego a bit. Compliment their content, and then politely suggest improvements.

And remember, don't bombard them with your entire portfolio. Start by sharing work that is similar to their style or needs. Once they're hooked, you can showcase your full portfolio.

Last but not least, the need for speed. When a client messages you, respond quickly.

If you take longer than an hour, the client might have already hired someone else and completed their project.

Don't be afraid to be yourself and don't waste time, even if you're not a pro yet in your field. Learn in the process. After all, learning while making money is the best combination.

And finally, I want to close this newsletter with a quote from Seth Godin that I've injected into my mindset:

"Don't try to sell people things like everybody else does; try to give them the opportunity to buy."

That's it for today.

Keep being the purple cow and don't forget to move this email to your inbox if you want to read the pink cow story that changed my life.

Lemino