There are a number of common mistakes freelancers and service providers make when they are trying to attract high-quality clients. Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between struggling or running your business smoothly, with a steady stream of clients willing to pay you what you are worth.
Failing to distinguish between cost and value
Many merchants are concerned about their pricing and are prepared to undercut the competition. The problem is that it may be difficult to raise the price in the future if you become locked into the lower pricing. Additionally, the lower price might only draw cheap customers rather than excellent ones with whom you could build a lasting relationship. You might even be rejected by successful businesspeople because you’re too inexpensive.
Next, there is the issue of worth. Price and value are not the same things. Your ability to produce quality work, be dependable, and meet deadlines will determine how valuable you are. Your experience also determines how valuable you are. You are more valuable than someone charging the same amount who isn’t a true expert in WordPress, for example, because you bring your knowledge and experience to every assignment.
Lack of Clarity in Your Offer
Make a list of all the services you can provide to clients that you are skilled at. Then focus on activities that you enjoy and can complete fast. Choose how closely linked they are to one another next. Can you provide a range of services that take care of a lot of the fundamentals that harried business owners would find handy to delegate to others? Customer support, email marketing, publishing content to a blog, and other tasks may be among them.
For instance, it can be helpful to say in some situations—but not in others—that you are proficient in email marketing and have a background in medicine. For instance, someone who is interested in finance might not think you are the best fit.
Not Choosing a Niche
Because they begin to establish a reputation as an authority in that area, service providers that choose a certain specialization to specialize in frequently discover that it is simpler to get employment. Health, finances, and self-help are the top three niches.
Not Having a Well-Constructed Portfolio
If at all possible, your portfolio should include examples of each service you intend to provide. Give each item a title, a link to it, and, if there are numerous samples, arrange them by the type of services being offered.
Giving Away Too Much for Free to Make the Sale
It’s admirable to want to demonstrate that you are a capable worker, but time and labor are both valuable commodities. Many new service providers offer an excessive amount of free advice and their time. Free samples are unnecessary because your portfolio suffices to demonstrate your abilities.
Avoid making lengthy consultation calls as well. You would probably divulge far more information than you ought to in an effort to be helpful and demonstrate your suitability for the position. Since you have already instructed them, they really have no incentive to hire you.
Not Marketing Yourself Enough
Once you become a service provider, you must let everyone know that you are open for employment. You shouldn’t be timid at this moment.
Not Marketing Yourself in the Right Places
Find out where the majority of the time is going to be spent by your high-end potential consumers. Next, create marketing collateral that appeals to their needs while providing practical solutions at a fair price.
Not Asking Happy Customers for Referrals
A thriving firm relies on word-of-mouth advertising. The difference between having a full schedule of regular tasks and having to hunt down projects depends entirely on how well-reviewed and dependable you are by satisfied clients.