subject: Tips For Getting More Clients - Graphic Design [print this page] There are a handful of jobs you can do if you are a freelance graphic designer. The best think about working as a freelance graphic designer is you can go after target projects that are interesting to you. For instance if you have a degree in graphic design you can design personal identities, brochures, business cards, mailers, package designs, website, ect. For me, I love doing personal identities, they are so fun and they pay pretty good, as well. Freelancing from home is amazing!
A lot of things I commonly see graphic designers failing to target their clients needs. For instance, if you are looking for work creating webpages, what good does it do to create a portfolio that shows your package design pieces. Make the majority of your display pieces website. Also, make sure you put your pieces that meant for your target audience on your home page. You clients are much more liable to see that, rather then if they have to browse through your site.
Another things that just kills me is why people do not use social networking on their portfolio websites. Social networks are huge. Everyone seems to have a Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Twitter, ect. Commonly, when you do one good job, and someone is really happy with it they tend to follow you on Twitter, view your Facebook fan page, or even add you to their LinkedIn contact list. I have gotten tons of contacts this way, and word of mouth is the best thing you can do for getting business. It gets people talking about your service and that is what you want.
Also, make sure you have a call for action button. Such, as get your 'free quote here today.' Something that will get your client wanting to contact you. Do not make the mistakes of creating a contact page that just says, 'contact me for a quote.' That is really lame! Actually take the time to have a call for action button on each page on your website. You will lose a ton of customers if you fail to have a call for action button/link on your page.
Last, but not least; how can you call yourself a freelance graphic designer if you are always searching for work, and have nothing to do. Early in my career I made the vital mistake of looking for freelance work at GetAFreelancers, which was a huge mistake. I would spend 1-2 weeks bidding on jobs only to be lucky to get 1 job. I would waste so much valuable time. I even had trouble getting someone to pay me! I feel so stupid for doing my project seeking that way! This is the worst way to look for freelance work.
