Ways to get more assignments as a self-employed professional

The first step to finding clients is determining who your ideal client is and what your action plan is to reach that client. With the right marketing, you will get more assignments and avoid wasting time and money. For example, you will not have to spend unnecessary money on advertising on the wrong social media platform. Or buy an expensive ticket to a big national conference, while your customers mainly do business locally.

Below are 8 ways that other freelancers successfully use to find new assignments:

1. Build a business network

Entrepreneurs find new assignments mainly through networking. So, as a zzp’er or freelancer, start by building a business network. For instance, go to local business meetings if you are looking for clients and collaborations in your own area. Visit trade fairs, industry-specific conferences, or networking events where you know there are visitors interested in your field. Municipal websites often provide an overview of different networking organisations.

Get started: Tutorial acquisition business networking

2. Start with acquisition

With acquisition you try to reach potential clients, make an appointment, or win contracts. For example, by having promotional teams at an event, contacting businesses by phone, or advertising on social media.

Get started: Acquisition and business networking tutorial

3. Use social media

You can use social media to find customers and foster customer engagement with your business. How? Know which social media channels your potential clients are on and what their interests are. You can also use this information to come up with fun posts and videos on social media.

Get started:

Acquiring clients via Facebook

Acquiring clients via TikTok

Acquiring clients on Instagram

4. Build a network on LinkedIn

LinkedIn focuses on business connections and careers. As an entrepreneur, it allows you to share valuable content that showcases your expertise. You can use that to attract potential customers. Here you can also connect with decision-makers and professionals who might be interested in your services.

Get started: Acquiring customers via LinkedIn

5. Ask happy customers for a review

Previous clients can recommend you to others. 9 out of 10 consumers read reviews before buying something. Do you have happy customers? Ask them to leave a review for you on your website, Google Review, LinkedIn, or sales channels such as Bol or Amazon.

Get started: Read 7 tips on how to collect reliable online reviews.

6. Let search engines find you

To attract as many visitors and clients as possible to your website, you want to score high in search engines (Search Engine Optimisation: SEO). Make sure your website answers your customers' search queries. With the right keywords in your texts, and a clear website with relevant links, search engines will find your website faster. And so will customers.

Get started:

• Do you want to rank higher in search engines for free? Optimise your website step by step with these tips for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
• If you prefer to be found directly by certain keywords, it might be more effective to start with Search Engine Advertising (SEA).

7. Approach media

With online ads, press releases, or other media coverage in newspapers, magazines, or leaflets, you can also draw attention to your products or services. Get published in media that match the interests of your ideal clients.

Get started:

• Can you use your knowledge or service to tap into a theme or topic that is trending? Then write a press release and send it to various media outlets.
• Read 5 tips for online media advertising.

8. Use freelance platforms or communities

Do you find it difficult to sell yourself? Then you can also find new clients through intermediary agencies or platforms. For example, for gardeners, painters, or contractors there is Werkspot. You can find various freelance assignments on Freelance.nl (in Dutch) or Hoofdkraan.nl, for example. If you are looking more for international clients, Upwork or Fiverr are good online resources. Finally, you can also find interesting assignments on LinkedIn.

Join communities: For example, industry associations, freelancer platforms, or online groups where your potential clients are.

More help finding clients

• Visit the page Acquiring customers. Answer the questions and get advice and inspiration in a way that suits you.
• Read the white paper Proven ways to find customers.

Do you prefer to speak to someone in person? Get in touch with a KVK adviser. Available every working day from 08:30 to 17:00 on 088 585 2 222 (local rate).