Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Veteran freelancers have their go-to solutions for locating new clients. Many rely on social media, networking, and job boards, which are all excellent ways to find freelance gigs and new clients.
But if your business isn’t growing as much as you’d like, you can increase your chances of landing new clients by trying some unconventional ideas to attract your target audience.
When you try to hook prospects through cold calling or sending out marketing materials that inform people about your services, the recipients don’t necessarily get to know you.
They have no compelling reason to select you over your competition, who may be sending them similar pitches.
Instead, consider ways to leverage your skills in collaboration with other professionals and interact with potential freelance clients in new ways.
7 Unconventional Ways To Find Freelance Jobs
Explore these creative marketing ideas to find freelance clients who will appreciate your expertise.
1. Leverage Media Releases From Other Businesses
Start here if you’re a creative freelancer. No matter your specialty, you’re likely receiving unsolicited press materials from various marketing and media organizations.
Instead of viewing these announcements as inbox clutter, look at media releases as a potential link to new freelance clients.
As these organizations seek help spreading their news, is there a way that you can assist and support both your business and theirs in the process?
For example, suppose you’re a freelance artist who designs social media graphics. Can you use some statistics from a company’s press release as part of your next campaign?
Ensure that you tag the company that sent the release, letting them know they’re being featured. You never know when that might turn into sharing services in a way that’s not blatantly self-promotional. After all, the source was the one who initiated the contact.
2. Quote Expert Sources
Many thought leaders would love your help broadcasting their ideas.
If you’re a writer or editor, for example, you could include some of their quotes in your material. If you’re a graphic designer, you could create an image that makes their quote even more shareable.
By doing so, you’ll help them get out their message and show how well you can do it.
Once you share a link to their published piece, highlighting their work, it’s a perfect time to let them know you’re accepting clients if they need any help down the road.
3. Promote Others’ Work
You can easily connect with potential businesses you’re targeting by researching what they do and finding ways to promote it. You don’t even need your own blog or website to make an impact.
For example, suppose you see a company on LinkedIn that looks like your ideal client. If you don’t know the hiring manager, it might feel awkward to reach out and pitch your services.
Instead, look at what a business is sharing through social media and their blog, then promote it through your channels.
If it’s not noticed, you have a legitimate reason to try and connect. You’re sharing the news that you enjoyed their work and have happily shared it with your network.
This might open the door to a further discussion about your work in a more natural way than a direct sales pitch.
4. Attend Trade Shows
Trade shows are a great option to make connections and find new clients. They allow you to meet face-to-face while discovering companies that may need your freelance services.
Also, trade shows often represent the latest trends and developments in the industry, so you can use that knowledge to benefit your freelance business.
It’s essential to be prepared for networking at trade shows, so memorize your elevator pitch, bring your business cards, and have a few questions ready. You’ll be equipped to make a good impression when the opportunity arises.
5. Follow the Path To Hiring a Freelancer
Rather than spend time in the forums and articles of fellow freelancers, put yourself in the shoes of someone looking to hire a freelancer.
Pretend you’re a hiring manager or business owner who needs your services but doesn’t know where to get them. Google those queries and look through the threads that recommend sources for locating a freelancer.
You might discover your ideal client is leveraging hiring tactics you hadn’t thought about or spending time on sites that you’re not.
You’ll also get behind-the-scenes feedback on their pain points and how you can best market your services to accommodate them.
6. Become the Go-To Expert
Are there local small-business associations you can support with a question-and-answer session? What about a career day at the local high school or community college? Any mentorship opportunities nearby?
Perhaps there’s a group online you can lend your expertise to, or prepare a presentation for an entrepreneur’s podcast.
The more visibility you get, the easier it is to add social proof to your portfolio. When you’re seen as an expert, you’ll often have a much easier time creating connections and sourcing jobs.
7. Launch a Social Media Group for Other Freelancers
It might not seem like it at first glance, but supporting your competition is an excellent way to promote your freelance business.
When their calendars are full, or a potential client doesn’t quite fit their services, they’re more likely to recommend someone they’ve built a relationship with.
You might even consider launching a Facebook group or an online resource site.
As you hear about communication and business challenges, you’ll be able to offer support, avoid making the same mistakes yourself, and become a subject matter expert.
Creating a Thriving Freelance Business
It can be challenging to find freelance gigs and clients, but if you get creative and find novel ways to interact with potential freelance clients, you can create financial stability and a thriving freelance business.
