Hello everyone!
Today I want to talk about finding new clients.
I know what a struggle can be to find new clients, especially when you are starting out or under challenging circumstances, like the ones we are living right now with COVID-19.
And although it is difficult, it isn’t impossible. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but the results will be worth it.
First, I want to talk about finding new clients when you are starting as a freelance translator.
When you are starting, finding clients is a must. But being new in the business doesn’t make it easy, so here are a few ideas that might help:
Your former employer.
Yes, if before starting to work as a freelance translator you worked as an in-house translator or had any other job, your former employer or employers could become your first clients or could help you find them. Always be in touch with them and talk about your plans. Most likely, they will help you.
They can also provide you with references, which will be unbelievably valuable when building your CV.
Direct contact.
Translations platforms like ProZ.com have directories of agencies that you can contact directly by email.
Make sure to prepare your CV and send it with the email, explaining the reasons why you’d like to become part of their team. You might get only two responses out of 20 emails, but that’s already a win.
Referrals from family, friends, and former colleagues.
Yes! Your closest circles of people can help you get your first clients. So, make sure that your family, friends, and former colleagues know that you are starting your own business and ask them for any referrals they might have. You’ll be surprised how effective this is.
Recommendations from other translators and former teachers.
Keeping in touch with your former translation teachers and classmates can pay out. They might end up recommending you to a client. Networking is always crucial. Make sure to do that!
Freelancers jobs websites.
You should register to different freelance jobs websites and platforms, like Upwork. And there are some made explicitly for translators like ProZ.com and Translators Café. Your profile should stand out from the rest, and always check them for new job postings or have them send you emails with new jobs information so that you can apply directly from your inbox.
Again, it might take some time before someone hires you, but eventually, people will start contacting you, and finally, they might become your brand-new clients.
Now, let’s talk about find new clients when you are in a slow period of work.
When we have work for months, we might forget about networking to find new clients. So, when that last project is done, or the workload has decreased, you should start looking for new clients. Here are some ideas:
Reply emails asap.
If a new agency or client reaches out to you for a possible collaboration, make sure to answer as soon as possible. Remember that the translators who reply the fastest to a request are more likely to be considered for the job in this business.
Reach out to former clients.
You can send emails to clients and agencies you have worked with before but haven’t heard from in a while. Make sure to send a warm hello and ask them if they have any projects you can help them with. Tell them how you liked your past collaborations and how you’ve helped other clients recently.
Networking.
I cannot emphasize how important it is to network! Building authentic business relationships is the best way to get more high-quality clients.
Use social media.
Social media is a great way not just to position your brand; it can also help you find new clients. Make sure to follow Facebook groups relative to your fields of expertise. Use the LinkedIn filters to find agencies and companies to whom you could offer your services. Post quality posts on Instagram, and make sure to use the right hashtags so new clients can find you.
Attend online translation events and conferences.
This is a great resource for learning new things and meeting new people. Here you can find colleagues and potential clients by just participating and offering your services. It is also a fun way to interact while waiting for face-to-face interactions to be safe again.
There you go! I hope these ideas/tips can help you find new clients, no matter what stage of working as a freelance translator you are in.
Do you have any other ideas to get new clients? Please, share them in the comments so everyone can read them, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog!
By the way, if you don’t yet have a website and have been thinking about starting one, or if you’d like to start a new one, here is a gift if you do so with WordPress. If you use this link to start your website, you’ll receive a USD 25.00 credit towards the plan you choose: https://wordpress.com/refer-a-friend/9YVyPkAtvbLBWjAwkPxx/
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
XX
Translation Expert 