Landing new work is one of the most challenging parts of being a remote worker. Gathering a list of prospects alone takes much time and effort, which is hard to afford when you need money sooner rather than later.

While it’s easy to join freelancing platforms, they’re only suitable when you’re dipping your toes and not when you’re planning to work from home full-time. A steady stream of projects is what you need to maintain a stable monthly income.

Setting yourself apart from other virtual professionals is key. Go beyond creating a presence on job sites and, instead, build a brand that attracts high-paying employers. This is the objective of this series of posts we’re publishing here on our blog.

We’ve mentioned in Part 1 that you need to build your personal brand on social media, a portfolio to showcase your skills, and a professional website for added credibility.

3 More Things to Get Right to Land More Clients

Setting Prices Right

It’s always hard to determine how much you should charge for your services. Bidding too high runs the risk of losing potential assignments, yet bidding too low makes your career unsustainable. Striking a balance is paramount.

Know the value of your expertise

If you’ve been in the industry for a long time, you have a precedent to set a higher price point. On the other hand, if you’re a newbie, you’ll have to ask less until you establish a name for yourself.

Start at a reasonable rate such as $15 per hour then increase it after 2 to 3 years. Begin charging top prices once you have 5 to 10 years of experience in your field.

Ask others in the same industry

Seek input from your peers when you have no idea how much to charge. Talk to your colleagues who hire remote workers on a regular basis and enquire how much they’re paid. Attend online networking events and ask these same questions too.

You’ll eventually get a feel for how your counterparts are pricing their services. While it’s not necessary to follow their exact rates, you’ll at least have a good guide where to start.

Think how you’ll be charging

Some employers prefer to pay by the hour while others like to pay per project. Ideally, you must be willing to accept different terms of payment so you’ll be hired by more people.

Compute your price for each arrangement. For instance, if you decide to charge per project this time around, does your rate include several rounds of revisions? How about the time spent on research or being in meetings?

Serving Clients Right

Providing excellent customer service immediately bumps you ahead of the competition. It takes extra effort but it’s well worth it.

Respond as quickly as possible

A quick response makes anyone feel that their time is being valued. Hence, ensure you call or email back right away, especially if the job is straight from a client or recruiter.

Contact the other party even if you do decide not to take on the project. Explain why you’re unable to work with them and ask how you may assist in finding someone who might accept the assignment. Prospects will appreciate the honesty and may contact you in the future.

Be creative in winning them over

If there’s an employer you really want to get hired by, think like them. For example, you’re responding to an advert for a graphic designer by a big agency and you know there’s a lot of competition. Add a sample image with their brand along with your cover letter then.

Your resume might be just one of many from other applicants. However, your sample gives them a better idea of how you may fit into their culture and how you already have their branding captured. It may also provide them inspiration for their next campaigns.

Simplify how you invoice

Confirm how each client prefers to be billed, be it monthly or bi-monthly or even weekly. Be flexible with how you accept their payments too. If they want to send it by PayPal, for instance, create a PayPal account. If they want details of your day, send regular reports.

By making it easier for them to calculate how and how much they should pay you, you will actually get paid faster. You’ll spend less time worrying about when the money is going to enter your account or if the amount is correct.

Crafting Messages Right

Even if you don’t specialise in writing, it’s important to choose your words wisely to close more deals online. You’re given only a few seconds to catch the attention of prospects through your portfolio, website, or cover letter so get them right.

Solve a problem

Determine what the most common issues are for potential employers then explain how you’re able to solve them. Discuss how your specific set of skills is able to meet their needs and gain an edge over other candidates.

If necessary, prepare different content for different audiences. One type of client may face one problem often, while another is troubled by something completely different. You’ll want to appeal to both of them so be ready.

Match their language

Don’t expect prospective clients to understand super technical terms despite them recruiting for a technical position. In many cases, they know that they need your skills but they don’t quite understand what you do or how you work.

Use phrases and words that explain your qualifications and experience in a simple yet concise manner. Provide illustrations if you believe that would make it easier for them to understand your speciality.

Make that connection

Showcase all of the companies that you have worked for and are still working for in your resume. This is all the more crucial when you’ve worked in several industries e.g. made graphics for schools to hospitals to coffee shops.

It’s possible that your next employer is currently partnered or working with a previous one. You’re more likely to land the gig since they see that you’re already familiar with the niche or the signature style. Consider it a means to maximize your existing network.

Need a Hand?

We hope that the tips we’re sharing in this series will help you outbid other candidates, win more clients, and build up your customer base.

If you still need a hand with locating prospects to target your messages to or provide great customer service for, Remote Workmate is the right place. Let us help you make a connection with employers from all over the globe.