How to find new clients as a freelancer

lingoking GmbH | Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1 | 80992 München
How to find new clients as a freelancer
One of the most challenging and most important tasks for the freelance interpreters is getting new
clients. Either new or experienced freelancer, finding work is the backbone of any business. Although
this mission may seem overwhelming, there are a lot of tools and tactics which can help you to reach
new customers. Here are some of the major tips:
Word of mouth
Let your family and friends spread the word about your service. Contact
former employers, colleague, teachers or anyone from your past who
helped you to succeed. You might be surprised how helpful this people
can be in connecting you with potential clients. Look at your address
book and send emails announcing what you do and what you offer. Ask
your satisfied clients for recommendations. 30% of the interpreters we
interviewed said that personal network is their primary marketing
strategy.
Networks, networks, networks…
Take advantage of the internet services – make yourself ‘visible’ on the web. Participate in web-based
social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and XING. Register in forums and websites for interpreters –
Proz.com, translatorscafe.com . For example, in XING there are more than 10 million members, including
640,000 premium members. Over 90 % of Premium Members log into the platform regularly. Still,
merely having a registration is not enough. Read posts, answer to question, give your opinion, write
articles and share your experience. About 35% of the participants in our survey admitted that internet
forums and websites are their main channels for finding new customers.
Be proactive
Despite of all telecommunication technologies, face-to-face meetings always give a good ground for
long-term business relationship. Go to translation and interpreters events, such as conferences,
meeting, and seminars. Also go to events of your potential customers. At these fairs, socialize and have
your card ready. Get involved in your local social groups, such as universities, schools, clubs, church, etc.
‘Give little to get a lot’ – do some pro-bono work for charity organization with industry links.
Promote yourself
You think you are better than other interpreters? You believe you can offer more? Why potential
customers should choose YOU? Demonstrate your competency, professionalism and knowledge about
your work. Start a blog and publicize it, submit tutorials or how-to’s articles, offer to speak at industry
lingoking GmbH
Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1
80992 München
Deutschland
E: [email protected]
T: +49 89 416 166 17-0
F: +49 89 416 166 17-9
Geschäftsführung: Nils Mahler, Timo
lingoking GmbH | Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1 | 80992 München
and networking events. Take part in competitions and awards (and try to win them). Or you can
organize or help for the organization of such events.
Build a good reputation
Your reputation is vital for finding new clients. Be careful what you do and say. Pay attention to what
people are saying about you. Whenever your clients are unhappy with your work or refuse to use your
service, always ask for a feedback. Learn from your mistakes and try to improve your service. Constantly
develop your skills, participate in seminars and workshops. Become a member of interpreting
associations, such as AIIC and IMIA. Demonstrate that you take yourself seriously and that your
qualifications are approved by other experts as well. Your clients want to know that you can be counted
on to do a good job.
Certainly, there are many other techniques which may help you to get more work. Yet, this is a very
difficult task and requires a lot of time, patience and commitment. Thus, you might want to consider
working flexible hours for lingoking GmbH in your free time. We will be more than happy to consider
your application. Either way, we wish you good luck! 
Note: If you use the data in this short report, please reference it as www.lingoking.com (2010) “How to
find work as a freelancer”
Sources:
“101 ideas how to get more freelance work and generate new clients leads”, URL:
http://freelanceswitch.com/finding/101-ideas-to-get-more-freelance-work-and-generate-newclient-leads/
Entrepreneur, “Finding customers”, URL:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/findingcustomers/index.html
“Eleven ways to find customers”, URL:
http://www.businessknowhow.com/startup/findcustomers.htm
“The best FreelanceFolder: Our top 10 resources for getting clients”, URL:
http://freelancefolder.com/the-best-of-freelancefolder-on-finding-new-clients/
“Five simple tactics for finding new clients”, URL: http://freelancefolder.com/five-simple-tacticsto-find-new-clients/ success
lingoking GmbH
Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 1
80992 München
Deutschland
E: [email protected]
T: +49 89 416 166 17-0
F: +49 89 416 166 17-9
Geschäftsführung: Nils Mahler, Timo