I write technical content for software startups and I’ve been doing this for 2 years now.
I’m currently with 3 clients on a retainer, meaning that I write for them every month and I get paid on a monthly basis.
And guess what?
I didn’t find my clients on Upwork.
I got them from another platform, No it’s not Fiverr.
It’s called Google and LinkedIn.
Google it’s simple, here’s how:
- Search for startups in my target industry using keywords
- Go on their website
- Find their business email
- Send them cold email
On LinkedIn, it’s almost the same but with DMs:
- I search for businesses in my target industry using LinkedIn search
- Go on their company page
- Have a look at employees working there
- Send them a cold DM
- If they have a website with a business email, I grab that and send a cold email as well.
Do that 2–3 times a day for a month and I can confidently say that you will get atleast a couple responses and one lead.
There you go, I spilled the beans.
Finding clients is simple.
But the problem is YOU.
Not everyone is consistent with that kind of stuff and I’m pretty sure you will not be consistent.
The majority of freelancers out there aren’t making money, because they’re not ready to take it seriously.
This is business, so you have to treat it like a business.
Lead gen can be extremely boring.
Even I get bored but I’m always pushing and then it becomes easier and part of my process.
But hey, I hope that was of benefit to you and remember stay consistent and keep working.
Source: How I’m Freelancing Without Upwork In 2024 ?