How to Get Freelance Clients as a UX Designer

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9 Steps to Win the First Freelance Client as UX Designer

Hey there!

So, you're a UX designer looking to dive into the freelance world, aren't you?

It's an exciting journey but it can be pretty daunting too. Finding clients is only sometimes a walk in the park (if it were, everyone would be doing it).

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about some tried-and-true strategies to land those freelance gigs.

Video preview — How to freelance as a designer with Trevor Nielsen

1. Start with a Killer Portfolio

First things first – you need a portfolio that knocks people’s socks off.

Think of your portfolio as your personal brand ambassador. It should showcase not only your skills but also your personality and the way you approach solving problems.

Make sure to include a variety of projects that highlight different aspects of your skill set. This could be anything from wireframes and user personas to fully interactive prototypes.

Don’t just show the final product; tell the story behind it:

What was the problem you were solving?

How did you arrive at your solution?

What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?

This narrative helps potential clients understand your thought process and see the value you bring to the table.

Additionally, consider adding video case studies to your portfolio. Sometimes a project’s complexity and your process can be better explained through a short video. It adds a personal touch and makes your work more engaging.

Also, don’t forget to keep your portfolio updated. Regularly add new projects and remove outdated ones to keep it fresh and relevant.

2. Network like a Pro

It’s not just what you know but who you know. Networking can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you're an introvert, but it’s an essential part of freelancing.

Conferences, meetups, workshops—these are all golden opportunities to meet potential clients and collaborators.

Online networking

LinkedIn is a treasure trove of professional connections. Join UX design groups, participate in discussions, share your work, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people.

Beyond LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram can also be valuable platforms for networking.

Twitter’s UX community is vibrant and active. Engage in conversations, follow industry leaders, and share your insights.

Instagram, on the other hand, is a great place to showcase your design aesthetics and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work process. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.

In-person networking

Attending local meetups and UX-related events is another effective way to network. Face-to-face interactions often leave a more lasting impression than online engagements. You never know where a casual conversation over coffee could lead.

For those who find in-person events daunting, look for virtual meetups and webinars. The digital space has made networking more accessible than ever before.

3. Leverage Freelancing Platforms

Marketplaces

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are great places to find freelance gigs.

But keep in mind that these platforms are competitive. To stand out, you need a compelling profile.

Make sure it’s complete, professional, and highlights your key skills and experiences. Also, take the time to tailor your proposals to each job you apply for.

Generic copy-paste proposals are a big no-no. Show that you've read the job description carefully, understand the client's needs, and explain how you can solve their problem.

Job boards

Beyond the mainstream platforms, consider niche job boards and forums dedicated to UX design opportunities. Websites like Dribbble, Behance, and UX Jobs Board can connect you with clients specifically looking for UX talent.

When building your profile on these platforms, invest some time in curating a standout bio and showcasing client testimonials. Incorporate keywords related to UX design to improve searchability.

For example: On Upwork, achieving “Top Rated” status can significantly boost your visibility and credibility.

Remember, consistency is key. Regularly check for new job postings, refine your proposals based on feedback, and maintain professional communication with prospective clients.

Another powerful way to attract clients is by establishing yourself as an expert in your field.

This could be starting a blog, writing articles, creating YouTube videos, or hosting webinars on topics related to UX design.

Share your knowledge, and don't be afraid to show off your expertise.This doesn’t mean you have to give away all your secrets, but sharing valuable insights and tips can help build trust with your audience.

Plus, it makes you more visible. People searching for UX design tips might stumble upon your content and decide to hire you based on the value you provide.

Think about the pain points your potential clients might have and create content that addresses these issues.

For example, write a blog post on “Common UX Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” or create a YouTube tutorial on “Creating Effective User Personas.”

This not only showcases your expertise but also positions you as a helpful resource in the UX community.

Don’t be afraid to share your successes and failures. Case studies, where you delve into a project you worked on, detailing the challenges you encountered and how you overcame them, can be incredibly compelling. People appreciate honesty and insight into your problem-solving skills.

Additionally, guest posting on other established blogs and websites can widen your reach. Collaborate with influencers in the UX space for webinars or podcasts.

5. Ask for Referrals and Testimonials

Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.

If you've done great work for a client, don’t hesitate to ask them for a referral. Happy clients are usually more than willing to spread the word about your services. Also, ask for testimonials that you can display on your website and LinkedIn profile.

When asking for testimonials, guide your clients on the key points they can touch upon, such as how you solved their problem, the quality of your work, and the professionalism you exhibited.

Make it easy for them to provide a testimonial by preparing a few questions they can answer or even drafting a sample testimonial they can tweak.

Incentivize referrals. Offer a discount on future services or a small thank-you gift for clients who refer others to you. This not only encourages them to spread the word but also strengthens your professional relationship with them.

6. Offer a Free Workshop or Consultation

Offering free value can be a great way to attract clients.

For example: hosting a free workshop or offering a limited-time free consultation.

This gives potential clients a taste of your expertise and what it's like to work with you.

During these sessions, focus on providing as much value as possible. Avoid turning it into a sales pitch. The idea is to build trust and show that you genuinely want to help, which can eventually lead to paid gigs.

A free consultation also allows you to understand a potential client’s needs in depth. This understanding can help you craft more personalized and compelling proposals later. You’ll be in a better position to offer tailored solutions, increasing the likelihood of securing the project.

Workshops, whether in-person or virtual, can also position you as a thought leader. Promote them through your social media channels, email newsletters, and relevant professional groups. Providing value upfront often leads to trust, and trust leads to clients.

7. Stay Organized and Professional

Freelancing requires you to wear many hats, and staying organized is key. Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.

Professionalism goes a long way. From the way you present yourself in emails to the quality of your work, every little detail matters. Building a reputation as a reliable and professional UX designer can lead to repeat business and long-term clients.

Establishing a standardized workflow can significantly enhance your efficiency. Create templates for proposals, contracts, and invoices to streamline administrative tasks. Tools like Dubsado or Honeybook can help automate these processes and save valuable time.

Consistently seek feedback from your clients, not just for testimonials but also to identify areas for improvement. Constructive feedback is invaluable for growing your skills and enhancing client satisfaction.

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8. Price Your Services Wisely

Pricing can be tricky, especially when you're starting out. You don’t want to underprice and sell yourself short, but you also don’t want to overprice and scare potential clients away. Do some research to find out what other UX designers with similar experience and skills are charging.

Consider offering different packages or pricing tiers. This gives clients options and can make your services accessible to a broader range of budgets.

Remember, your pricing should reflect the value you provide. Don’t be afraid to charge what you're worth!

When setting your rates, consider factors like your experience, the complexity of the project, and the client’s budget. Be transparent about your rates and what they include. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures clients know exactly what they're paying for.

Offering different pricing models can be beneficial. Fixed-price projects can provide clarity and security, while hourly rates offer flexibility for ongoing work. Some clients may prefer a retainer model if they anticipate ongoing needs.

Adapt your pricing strategy based on what works best for both you and your clients.

9. Be Persistent and Patient

Last but definitely not least, be persistent and patient.

Building a successful freelance career doesn’t happen overnight. There will be highs and lows, and it’s important to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

Keep refining your skills, networking, and putting yourself out there. Every project, no matter how small, is a step towards building your reputation and expanding your portfolio. Stay dedicated, and eventually, the clients will come.

It can be helpful to set both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals might include improving your portfolio or securing your first few clients. Long-term goals could involve becoming a renowned expert in your niche or increasing your rates.

Remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from them, adapt, and keep moving forward. The landscape of freelancing can be unpredictable, but persistence, coupled with a positive attitude, can keep you on track.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap! Freelancing as a UX designer is a challenging but rewarding journey.

By building a strong portfolio, networking, using freelancing platforms, creating valuable content, seeking referrals, staying organized, pricing wisely, and being persistent, you’ll be well on your way to landing those coveted freelance clients.

Good luck, and happy freelancing!

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How to Get Freelance Clients as a UX Designer