It gets harder if you’re a first-timer, as no one is willing to take a shot at you. So you probably have to work twice as hard to get your first client.
The bad news is, when you eventually get clients, you can only keep them as long as they want to work with you. On the other hand, the good news is that you can make them continue working with you.
How?
You’ll find out in this article as we share the right approach and strategies to help you get clients as a freelancer in Nigeria. And ultimately how to retain them.
How to Get Clients as a Freelancer in Nigeria
The first client is often the hardest to get. When you’re first starting, you have to work more and get paid less.
However, every satisfied client means an improvement in your portfolio. And as a beginner, you want to focus on producing results and building relationships.
Here are some effective ways to get clients as a freelancer.
1. Networking
Networking is a crucial part of building and sustaining a successful freelance business in Nigeria. It involves developing relationships with people who may become clients or refer clients to you.
One way to begin is by joining professional groups. These groups can be found on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, or through industry-specific organizations.
Joining these groups allows you to connect with other professionals in your field, learn about new opportunities, and build relationships that could lead to new clients.
Attending events is another effective way to network. By attending events like meetups, conferences, and workshops, you can meet potential clients and other freelancers, as well as learn about new trends and developments in your industry.
These events provide an opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals and exchange ideas that could lead to collaborations or new business opportunities.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram also offer valuable networking opportunities. Remember it’s called “social” media for a reason.
So, share your portfolio, write about your interests, connect with potential clients, share your opinion about a trending conversation, and literally run your mouth on social media. It’s an effective way to get clients as a freelancer.
2. Leverage social media
Social media has become a powerful tool for freelancers in Nigeria to showcase their work, build their brand, and connect with potential clients.
With the increasing use of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, you have an opportunity to expand your reach and tap into a vast pool of potential clients.
The first step, however, is to build a professional profile. A professional profile should include a bio that clearly states your services, skills, and experience. It should also include links to your portfolio, website, and other relevant profiles. Resist the urge to use your nickname or use a burner account. Give clients a reason to trust you and hire you.
Next, showcase your work. That design you made, the article you wrote, the screens you designed, the website you created, post it! How would you know if you are good enough to be hired if you don’t get feedback for your work?
Finally, engage with your audience and be consistent. Respond to comments, join relevant conversations, and share valuable insights related to your field. While you’re at it, be consistent. Consistency helps build your brand, establish trust, and keep you top of mind with potential clients.
3. Join freelance platforms
Freelance platforms are online marketplaces that connect clients with freelancers. They offer a wide range of services, including graphic design, writing, programming, and virtual assistance, among others.
These platforms provide an opportunity for you to showcase your skills and portfolio to a global audience. Some popular platforms include Expaat, a platform where Nigerians can easily work with global clients.
Joining the platform is just one step. To get clients as a freelancer, you have to optimize your profile and apply for relevant jobs. Create a professional profile that shows your skills, experience, and portfolio. It should also include a professional headshot and a well-written bio that highlights your strengths and services.
Then optimize your profile for search engines to increase your visibility. This way when prospects search for (e.g.) “freelance content marketers in Nigeria” your profile can show up in the results.
With this, you can apply for jobs where you stand a chance to get one. That is, if you are a freelance content writer, you have no business applying to be a freelance marketer or video editor. The idea is to apply for jobs that are your greatest strength.
4. Market yourself
As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do to attract clients and grow your business is to market yourself effectively. While there are many different strategies you can use to market your services, the key is to find the methods that work best for your unique skills and personality.
The first step in marketing yourself as a freelancer is to identify your target audience. Who are the clients you want to work with? What industries do they operate in? What specific needs do they have that you can help them address?
Once you have a clear understanding of your ideal client, you can begin to tailor your marketing efforts to speak directly to their needs and interests.
Next, develop a strong brand identity. Your brand should reflect who you are as a professional, and what makes you unique.
This might include your personality, your style of work, or your particular areas of expertise. Your brand should be consistent across all of your media channels, from your website to your social media profiles to your content.
Notice how Davido went all out marketing his Timeless album? Even down to creating a dance routine for some songs on the album and hosting concerts in the second quarter of the year? That’s all-out marketing.
You too can replicate the same strategy by talking about your craft timelessly across all media channels. Continuously be in our faces and share your challenges, work process, and results. Your prospective clients are watching.
5. Send cold emails/DMs
A cold email is an unsolicited message that you send to someone who is not already familiar with you or your work. This can be a bit daunting, as it means that you'll need to make a strong first impression to capture the recipient's attention and interest.
The first step is to do your research. Identify potential clients who might be a good fit for your services and learn about them. This could involve researching companies or individuals who work in your industry or who have a particular need that you can fulfill.
With your research in hand, it's time to start crafting your email messages. One of the most important things to remember is that your email should be tailored specifically to the recipient.
This means that you'll need to do more than simply copy and paste a generic message. Instead, take the time to craft a message that speaks directly to the recipient's needs, interests, and concerns.
When crafting your message, keep it concise and straight to the point. Most people receive a lot of emails each day, so you'll want to make sure that your message is easy to read and understand.
Alternatively, you can send messages on social media as a way to reach out to potential clients. If you’re lucky, you can close the client without going through the rigorous email method.
6. Request reviews and referrals from past clients
Reviews and referrals are critical to building your reputation on freelance platforms. Ask clients to leave a review after the project is complete, and share positive reviews on your profile.
These reviews act as social proof of your skill, telling potential clients that you’ve worked with other clients who trust your work.
The first step in requesting referrals is to ensure that you have delivered quality work and provided excellent service to your past clients. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others. So it's important to consistently deliver exceptional results and provide a positive experience throughout your projects.
Also, don’t be scared to ask for referrals from your past clients. Let them know the kinds of jobs you’re open to and what you’re willing to work on.
For example, if you are a graphic designer specializing in branding for small businesses, you can mention that you are looking for referrals for small business owners or entrepreneurs who may need branding services.
How to Retain Clients as a Freelancer in Nigeria
If you get many clients but fail to retain any of them, does that make you a good freelancer? One of the ways to make freelancing work for you is to have retainer clients. This way you’re sure of having clients every month and most importantly not going broke.
So, how do you retain clients as a freelancer in Nigeria?
1. Communicate
As a freelancer, it's important to not only attract new clients but also to retain existing ones. Communicating effectively with your clients can go a long way in building a strong relationship and keeping them coming back to you for future projects.
Discuss project timelines, deliverables, and pricing upfront to ensure that both you and your client are on the same page. Don’t leave pricing to chance. Establish how you will communicate throughout the project, whether it's through email, phone, or video chat.
As the project progresses, keep your client updated at every stage. It could be through reports, scheduling regular check-ins, or sending quick update emails.
In return, listen to your client's needs and concerns. Be open to feedback and ultimately implement it. If you face any blockers, endeavor to communicate with your clients. It helps everyone stay abreast of the situation.
2. Deliver quality work
The major reason clients will want to retain you is if they are satisfied with your work. So, for every opportunity you get, do your best work.
Not only does this ensure that your clients are satisfied with the services you provide, but it also helps to build a reputation for excellence that can lead to more businesses and referrals.
To deliver quality work, understand your client’s needs and expectations. Ask questions for clarity and ensure you have a clear understanding of what your client is looking for.
Next, give it all you’ve got. Do your work the best way you can. If you encounter any blockers, reach out to your client so the problem can be solved. Ensure your work is error-free, well-organized, and exceeds your client’s expectations.
As always, a good product sells itself.
3. Offer good customer service
If you are a freelancer, treat yourself as a business. To grow as a business, you need to take care of your clients by offering good customer service.
Customer service is not just about resolving issues or answering questions, but rather it is about building strong relationships with your clients. When clients feel that you value their business and care about their needs, they are more likely to return and recommend you to others.
To begin with, communicate with your clients regularly. This means responding to their messages and emails promptly, updating them on the progress of their project, and being available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.
Clients want to feel that they are a priority to you, and regular communication is the key to achieving this.
You can go as far as providing them with additional resources, offering advice and guidance when needed, and delivering high-quality work that exceeds their expectations. When you show your clients that you are committed to their success, they are more likely to return and recommend you to others.
Find Your Next Freelance Client on Expaat
Successfully getting and retaining clients in Nigeria requires you to be on your A-game all the time. Using freelance platforms like Expaat increases your potential to meet clients across the globe. Whether you’re a software developer, designer, writer, or analyst, there’s a client for you on Expaat.
When you do get these clients, focus on providing quality services, communicating properly, and seeking feedback, as these will ensure you stay top of mind of your clients.
Ready to begin? Kickstart your freelancing career and work with top clients today by signing up on Expaat.
