7 Email Templates for Freelancers

7 Email Templates for Freelancers

by | Oct 19, 2022 | Blog, Resources

If client communication is a struggle for you, you’re not alone. It’s hard for most freelancers. And that’s especially true when it comes to writing emails. If you’re like me, you get stuck in a perfectionist spiral trying to get the wording just right, and 10 times out of 10, it ends up taking 10x longer than you expected.

Am I oversharing?
Do I sound friendly?
Will they take me seriously?

Luckily, after plenty of trial and error, we’ve come up with some foolproof freelance email templates to help you cut through the noise. I crowdsourced some of these from our freelance community and came up with a few myself.

Ready to stop stressing, send the email, and get back to running your business?

Cool. Let’s do it.

These freelance email templates will get your point across quickly — and make you look professional.

Template 1: How to Break Up With a Client

Coming up with what to say and how to say it when you’re facing an impending breakup can be daunting. This is one of the toughest emails to send, even if you’re certain that it’s time to say goodbye. You want to come across as professional and cordial, yet firm when needed. Use this template to end a client relationship gracefully while holding your boundaries.

Hi [CLIENT],

As we’ve discussed in the past few weeks, [REFERENCE ISSUES]. It’s become difficult to [INCLUDE YOUR CHALLENGE]. While I wish you the best of luck on this, I no longer feel I’m the right partner for you and I’ll need to transition off of the project.

In accordance with our contract, I will provide support for this project for the next two weeks and help you transition as best I can. At the end of the two-week period, I will send over a final invoice so we can close out the project.

In the next two weeks, I will be completing:

– TASK 1
– TASK 2
– TASK 3

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. I’m happy to hop on a call to discuss further.

I appreciate your understanding and hope to stay connected. 

Thank you,
[NAME]

P.S. Check out our blog post, How to Break Up With a Bad Client, to find out why it’s important to include all these details in your email.

Template 2: How to Tell a Client You’re Not a Good Fit

You had a great discovery call. You like what they’re up to. But the work is just not the right fit. Maybe it doesn’t align with your current workload or calendar, or you just don’t want to take on the project. It can be hard to tell a potential client you don’t want to work together, and yet that email needs to be sent. Use this template to break the news.

Hi [POTENTIAL CLIENT],

Thank you so much for taking the time to share about your business and project. It was great to connect and learn more about what you’re doing!

At this time, this project is not going to be the right fit for me. Let me know if I can support you in any other way and let’s make sure to stay in touch!

All the best,
[NAME]

Template 3: How to Screen Clients Before the First Meeting

Your time is valuable so screening potential clients via email, before setting a meeting, is a smart way to make sure there’s actual potential there. I love the ideas Ashley Cummings shared on Twitter about what she includes in an email like this, so I combined her template and mine into this perfect pre-call email.

Hey [POTENTIAL CLIENT],

Thanks so much for reaching out. I’d love to see if I can support you on this project. Before scheduling a call, I want to share a little about me and my process to make sure it sounds like a fit for you.

I’ve been in this space for X years and have been lucky enough to work with a variety of companies, including [INSERT PAST CLIENTS].

My prices [START AT X OR RANGE FROM X TO Y] and my process is as follows:

[BRIEF BREAKDOWN OF YOUR PROCESSES — A FEW BULLETS OR SENTENCES MAX]

If this sounds like a fit, I’d love to get a call scheduled. Does [DATE/TIME] work for you?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
[NAME]

Template 4: How to Tell a Client You’re Going on Parental Leave

Welcoming a new child is so exciting, but it can be a weird topic to broach with clients. As awkward as it can feel, telling them ahead of time can help everyone plan for what’s to come, yourself included. I recommend using the template Kat Boogard shared, which she used to tell her clients she was going to take maternity leave.

Hey [CLIENT NAME],

I hope you’re having a great week! Sharing this sort of news is always kind of awkward — and that’s especially true in a remote and freelance environment. But, I figure if we worked side-by-side in the same office, this is the sort of thing that would come up naturally. So, I didn’t want to skip out on sharing with you.

I’m so excited to let you know that my partner and I are expecting our first baby in the middle of May!

As a freelancer without any sort of [maternity/paternity] leave, I don’t intend to unplug from my work for an extended period of time. However, I will be taking a short break to welcome this nugget into the world.

I’m told that babies (and deliveries!) are notoriously difficult to plan for. So, rest assured that I’ll definitely be in touch as that time gets closer to coordinate any necessary timelines, workload, etc. I fully intend to continue working after the baby arrives, and would love to keep collaborating with you on a regular basis (provided that feeling is mutual, of course!).

But, for now, I just wanted to loop you in on the happy news with an advanced heads up. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks,
[NAME]

Template 5: How to Tell a Client You’re Taking Vacation

It can be nerve-wracking telling clients that you’re taking time off for vacation. What if they want to stop working together? What if it disrupts their needs? What if they think you’re not committed?

Anxiety aside, remember: Your need for a vacation (or even a mental health break) is both valid and crucial. Here’s a short and sweet template you can use to reassure your clients so you can enjoy some well-deserved time off.

Hey [CLIENT NAME],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I will be taking some much-needed time away from work. I plan to be offline from [INSERT DATES].

I want to make sure nothing slips through the cracks and that we can jump right back in when I get back, so here’s a list of things I plan to take care of before signing off:
– Task
– Task
– Task

Is there anything else you want me to get done or prep for?

Let me know,
[NAME]

Template 6: How to Pitch a Client Cold

Cold outreach is a powerful tool for getting in front of new clients, but writing a pitch email doesn’t come naturally to those of us who are not sales experts (*raises hand*)! I’ve learned that you have to be short and sweet while still sharing all the important details of how you can add value to this potential client’s business. It ain’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. Here’s a template I recommend customizing for your next round of outreach.

Hey [POTENTIAL CLIENT],

My name is [NAME], and [INSERT PERSONAL REFERENCE OR CONNECTION].

I’m reaching out because I am [INSERT OUTCOME-BASED ELEVATOR PITCH]. I’d love to work with your company.

Do you have time to talk about how I could support you in [INSERT HOW YOU CAN HELP] on either [INSERT TWO SPECIFIC TIMES IN NEXT 48 HOURS]?

I look forward to your response!

Thank you,
[NAME]

To better understand this template and the format, make sure you read our blog post The Art of Cold Pitching to Grow Your Freelance Business.

Template 7: How to Ask for a Testimonial

Testimonials are critical for your business. They speak to the value you offer clients and can spell the difference between landing a new client or losing them. The challenge is asking for it. It can feel vulnerable. But I promise, it doesn’t have to be scary or awkward. I really like the template Alyssa Towns shared, so I put our Harlow spin on it to create a short and sweet template for you to get the testimonials you need.

Hey [CLIENT NAME],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I’d love to update my testimonials page to include some words from you. It’s been such a pleasure working together and it would be great to highlight our work together!

If you’re willing to share a testimonial, will you please share 1-2 paragraphs explaining what you enjoyed about working together and the results you experienced?

I’m happy to send specific questions to answer if that’s easier for you as well.

Thanks in advance!
[NAME]

Take Our Templates!

Good communication is foundational to managing your freelance business. But sometimes the words are hard to find. So take our words and run with them! Customize these templates as much as you’d like, then make sure to use them. When you save all that time spent stressing over drafts, you can get back to the work that actually inspires you. And better yet — take more vacations. 😉

    Freelance Interview Series – Getting Into a Business Owner Mindset with Ashley Cummings

    Freelance Interview Series – Getting Into a Business Owner Mindset with Ashley Cummings

    by | Oct 14, 2022 | Blog, Resources

    Ashley Cummings is a freelance writer and content marketer with experience in DTC, SaaS, and more. She recently shared 11 lessons learned over her decade of freelancing in her newsletter, and we wanted to dive deeper and share her knowledge with you!

    Thinking Big as a Small Business Owner

    1. What are 1 or 2 of your top methods that helped you get into a true business owner mindset?

    Thinking big is primarily what helped me get into a business owner mindset. We often limit ourselves sometimes by thinking small.

    For example, we may think $250 for a long-form article is a lot of money, because we can buy a lot with $250, and it may be a lot of money to us personally. But, it’s not a big expense for your client. Instead of thinking what $250 means to you, think about what it means to a big company (nothing), and consider how much expertise and value you’re providing. That one article you write could bring your client several new customers worth thousands and thousands of dollars each. Charge accordingly.

    Also, thinking big isn’t limited to how much you charge. It can also mean thinking about growing your business. What are other ways you can scale and diversify your income? Can you start and monetize a newsletter? Build a community? Create software? Partner with other professionals on cool projects?

    When you think big, you create and earn big, too.

    2. How have you leaned on your network to grow your freelance business?

    Networking with other freelancers and content marketing professionals has been the single most important thing I’ve done to grow my business. When I started freelancing, the first place I went to get new clients was to my network. I did some work for previous companies, marketing friends, and even some of my dad’s advertising friends.

    As I’ve grown as a freelancer, I’ve made it a priority to make friends with freelancers who have similar clients and who work in the same niche as me. It’s also essential to meet up in person and develop real friendships. These are the people who I refer work to and who refer work to me. Not only do I refer work to these other freelancers, but I’ve partnered with several of them for new business initiatives.

    I always say people can’t hire you or refer you if they don’t know who you are. Carve out time to introduce yourself and build relationships.

      3. Talk to us about some important boundaries you’ve set with clients over the past 11 years.

      One of the adjustments I had to make moving from a 9-5 job to freelancing is to realize I’m the boss of a business and not an employee of my client’s business. This significantly changes how you interact with clients.

      Before I start any project, I take the lead and set expectations of how my processes work, how/when I respond to emails, what my turn around times are, what project management processes work/don’t work for me, and what my payment terms are. I also reinforce this by making sure my clients sign my contract.

      I think the most important boundary I’ve set is defining my payment terms before I start a project. If I’m working with a large organization that has an accounting team, I am flexible with their processes. For example, I like to get paid Net-0, but sometimes it’s not possible if you’re working with a huge SaaS company. The important thing is to communicate your expectations, what is realistic for them, come to a mutually beneficial agreement, and write it into your contract.

      Another boundary I set is when I need assignments and turn around times. I juggle 10+ clients every month, so it’s rare that I can take on a last minute assignment (sometimes, I can, but it’s rare). I ask my clients to send all the assignments they need in a month by the last week of the previous month. Then, we schedule due dates throughout the month that work for me, them, and my other clients. By planning a month in advance, it gives me and my clients enough time to realistically meet deadlines.

      4. Logistically, what were the most valuable things you did when first setting up your freelance business?

      The most valuable thing I did was set up a website and consult an accountant and a lawyer. It’s really difficult to stand out as a freelancer if you don’t have a website where you showcase your work. It adds credibility and shows clients you know how to write. In terms of setting up a business, there are a lot of things I do know how to do, but writing a contract and accounting aren’t part of my skill set. It was invaluable to hire professionals to handle my taxes and write my contract.

      5. What advice do you have for those at the beginning of their freelance journey?

      I would say make networking a priority. Join Twitter, LinkedIn, communities, and go to events IRL. The more friends you have, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn and grow. I also advise new freelancers to establish systems and processes to keep their business organized.

      Freelance Interview Series – Growing Your Freelance Business with Alexandra Frost

      Freelance Interview Series – Growing Your Freelance Business with Alexandra Frost

      by | Sep 13, 2022 | Blog, Resources

      Alexandra Frost is a journalist, freelance writer, and mother who has a passion for teaching and training young journalists. Her self-motivation and ability to achieve work-life harmony are just a couple of ways that she inspires us. She’s also grown her freelance business from $300/mo to $25,000/mo in just three years!

      We asked her to share her experience growing her freelance business and building her dream career.

      Building a Dream Career and Business

      1. What were your goals when you first started freelancing?

      My first article was published in my local paper at age 18 for $15, and it was a news brief about a local American Idol competition. Through college and my 20s, while I pursued a career in education, I used freelance writing as a side hustle, a passion project, and something to do for fun.

      While I loved teaching, especially teaching journalism, I still had a hunger to write more. When a news event would flash across the TV, I’d feel out of the loop that I wasn’t covering it. So I started freelancing with our city’s news station and newspaper, taking a story per week.

      My goals expanded and I started my own business doing freelance journalism and eventually content marketing. I wanted to cover the news and feature stories/trends, but I also wanted to get involved with the company’s missions, help them achieve their content goals, and feel like part of their direction and success.

      During the pandemic, when I switched to virtual teaching, I had much more time and greatly expanded my business- helping other businesses pivot their content to be pandemic-relevant. Shortly after, I had my fourth son and quit teaching, going full-time freelance, thriving in the flexibility of my new schedule and the creativity it allowed.

      2. Did your freelance goals shift over time?

      Yes. As my sons grew, and joined sports and needed cool shoes, and as I save for their colleges and prioritize date nights and short trips with my husband, money became a much larger factor. I went from making $300 per month freelancing a few months ago to my first $20,000 month this August while working part-time hours.

      I continue to be shocked and excited about how my business can support my growing family and the security it provides, in spite of the bad rap writers and other small business owners have for not having financial success (a myth!). Making more money than I could as a teacher was always a goal, and is now a reality.

      Many people think money is not an indicator of success, and while that is true, it’s wildly helpful in supporting my family and doing things I want to do in my life. Additional indicators I pay attention to, and prioritize as goals alongside that, include:

      • Working with companies and publications I believe in, who I think are making a difference or have strong ethics
      • Working with editors and project managers I find pleasant, challenging, and excellent to collaborate with
      • Finding a variety of interesting work that keeps me looking forward to sitting in the chair each morning and opening my computer
      • Proposing stories that matter personally to me

      3. You work part-time and have seen your business grow exponentially, do you have any scheduling tricks and tips to share?

      I set my schedule around the amount of time I prefer to work and parent, which for me is 50/50. I work Monday through Thursday, after spending time with my kids for breakfast, from 9 AM-12 or 1 PM. Then I have lunch with my kids and put them down for nap time.

      Having that time to run my business without them at home is essential to being able to Zoom and interview in peace. From 2-4 PM I do tasks that don’t require phone calls, such as writing articles, responding to publicists and sources, pitching, and research. Sometimes on busy days, I work until 5 PM.

      I reserve Fridays for fun outings with my family or professional development for my business that I don’t consider work, such as learning through reading my favorite writers’ articles, listening to a podcast while on a walk, or following interesting leads on social media. This results in approximately 20-25 ish hours of work, depending on the week.

      My biggest tip is to combine your availability for calls into a narrow window to give the rest of the day more flexibility. I also have a pretty hard rule against working weekends, evenings, or during vacations, though if I decided to go to the pool all afternoon with my kids, sometimes I’ll fit an hour in later in the evening instead.

      4. Were there any pricing and packaging shifts you made as your business grew?

      I have raised my rates throughout my career, as I am able to offer more prestigious clips and work experiences to new clients. I went from that original $15 story to recently a branded content piece for $3 per word. I believe in constantly reassessing rates (we have to pay our bills, after all).

      A mentee in my earliest years taught me to always negotiate, and that’s a rule that has served me incredibly well over the years. There have been a handful of times I didn’t negotiate rates, but overall it’s a process for me that ensures there’s no money left on the table for the work I’m providing.

      I also expanded to offer media consulting to publicists, helping bridge the gap between publicists and journalists. I realized they often feel they are shooting out pitches without much information on what would most benefit journalists, so I decided to work with them.

      I also provide freelance and business coaching to new and mid-level writers, helping them pursue this career path, and I mentor young journalists. This is one of my favorite parts of my job, as I still love teaching.

      5. What advice would you give freelancers just starting out who can’t clearly see a path to more money and a sustainable career?

      First I would identify what barriers you perceive to be in the way. Here are a couple of challenges the writers I coach and mentor talk about and some I’ve been through myself.

      “There aren’t any clients/publications interested…”

      This is very tough. I’d look at this as a five-year goal rather than something that will be solved next month. And every year within that five years, you will be surprised to have more clients coming to you than the previous year. Make pitching a hobby, a way of life, and a go-to activity that you do when you need a break from your other tasks.

      I truly believe my business’s success is because I love the chase, I love reaching out to new clients or publications and learning what they want and how to pitch that, or provide that to them. Constantly pursuing new opportunities (daily, weekly) will result in many no’s, but eventually many yes’s.

      “I don’t know how to do XYZ…”

      Fake it til you make it has never been more true. If you know how to communicate, research, and write, you can figure out a lot more than you think. I didn’t know the first thing about medical devices, and now I contribute copywriting to a major health tech company. I didn’t know much about fashion, but then I was writing blogs for a top NYC stylist and a well-known fashion line.

      If you are confident you can do the work, do a ton of research to educate yourself, and make it happen. I’ve also built a community along the way, from freelancing friends I text with regularly to online communities, chat boards, and coaches I’ve paid to learn from. All of these help along your journey of self-education and collaboration.

      “I don’t know my niche.”

      Well, neither do I. I highly disagree with people who say you have to have a single niche, because I don’t, nor do I want to. I definitely have areas I focus on and am passionate about, such as health and wellness, parenting and kids, and education. But I’ve also written about dog food, medical claim denials, camping, and sustainability this month. While it helps to narrow down your passions, don’t count yourself out for projects that aren’t your typical path. This also helps keep every day fresh and exciting – ultimately preventing burnout.

      “I’m not sure where to find opportunities.”

      Sign up for newsletters where people post jobs, such as Sonia Weiser’s and Write Jobs Plus, along with following editors and marketing leads on Twitter and LinkedIn. Every piece of junk mail you receive via mail or email came from a marketing team. Reach out to them and introduce yourself, and share a few relevant links to projects you’ve worked on.

      Finally, consider the connections sources themselves have. They might have a friend at a similar company looking for a blogger, copywriter, etc. Ask editors and marketing professionals you love if they’ll pass your name along to others in their network. Gather testimonials as you go to display them on your website/portfolio. Finally, speak confidently about yourself, your business, and your services, and others will be attracted to that confidence.

      The Art of Cold Pitching to Grow Your Freelance Business

      The Art of Cold Pitching to Grow Your Freelance Business

      by | Sep 12, 2022 | Blog, Resources

      Cold pitching—just hearing the phrase can make you feel queasy. Putting yourself out there. Crafting a message that resonates. Waiting for a response. It can all feel like too much to even try. But here’s the thing: it can actually be a useful tool for building your business.

      When done correctly, cold pitching is a great way to connect with companies you love and want to work with rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you.

      If you’re ready to give cold pitching a try but are still feeling unsure, use these strategies to confidently, and more effectively, connect with potential clients.

      When done correctly, cold pitching is a great way to connect with companies you love!

      Do Your Homework

      The first step to a great pitch is knowing who you’re pitching. In other words, do your homework. Knowing their name and what they do isn’t enough if you want to cut through the clutter of an overflowing inbox or DM.

      And we agree. Not only is doing your homework key for personalizing the pitch (see the next section), but it helps you stand out because so few freelancers take the time to truly understand who they’re reaching out to. Some details you want to look for before personalizing and sending your next pitch:

      • Recent launches, campaigns or content
      • Their mission and values
      • Who they work with and speak to
      • Where they’re based
      • Where online they’ve been mentioned
      • Any personal tidbits they share openly (books they love, trips they’ve taken, etc.)

      Personalize the Pitch and Connect

      Personalization is powerful. And while it requires more time and effort, it can and will pay off.

      The key is to personalize the email based on the homework you did and use that information to connect to the person you’re reaching out to. This personal connection can be the difference between “a random email” and “a thoughtful message from someone who just gets me!”

      Here are a few examples of how you might position this:

      • “I love how your app helps people find mental health professionals. It’s been so challenging for me to find someone who feels like the right fit, so I know how hard that is.”
      • “I see you’re based in Chicago! I was born and raised here as well and have spent so much time in that park right next to your office!”
      • “I always love working with female founders but when I saw you graduated from the University of Vermont, I was even more excited! I’m an alum as well—Go Cats!”

      Share The Overall Value You Bring to the Table

      You’re amped up about what the company does and how you can work with them. You want to share all the ways in which you know you can help—but don’t overdo it in that first email. Instead, pull back and think high-level about the value you can add.

      In your initial cold pitch, the goal is to make an impact quickly and simply. The best way to do this is to concisely articulate the value of your work. In a blog post my co-founder, Andrea, wrote, she explains what I mean:

      “You don’t simply complete tasks, you help push businesses forward. For example, you’re not selling 3 blog posts for $1,000. You’re selling an outcome: content that’s going to increase traffic to your client’s site and ultimately lead to more revenue.”

      Use your short elevator pitch as your hook in your initial message. If you’re not sure what your elevator pitch is, Andrea suggests looking back on the results and value you’ve created for your last five clients and using that to build your one.

      An example of this might be, “I help you generate more leads from Facebook and build a more powerful brand presence with social media management and strategy. I’ve helped dozens of early-stage startups increase their customer number and brand awareness through social media.”

      Be Specific, Short, and Clear on Your Ask

      I know what you’re thinking: that feels like a lot to fit into a single email or message while being concise! When you boil it all down, though, you don’t actually need to include much in your initial message. The key pieces include:

      • 1 to 2 sentences for personalization and connection
      • 1 to 2 sentences for your outcome-based pitch
      • 1 sentence with a clear and simple ask
      • 2 specific time options for a call

      Use this template for your next round of cold pitching so you keep it crisp but don’t miss any important details.

      Hey [name],

      My name is [name], and [personalized reference and connection].

      I’m reaching out because I am [insert outcome-based elevate pitch]. I’d love to work with your company.

      Do you have time to talk about how I could support you in [insert how you help] [insert two specific days/times in next 48 hours].

      I look forward to your response!

      Thank you,
      [name]

      Here’s an example of how you can use this template.

      Hey Brian,

      My name is Jessica and I love what you do at Finance Literacy Co. As someone who’s been personally affected by student loans and debt, I truly understand the value of learning about how to manage your finances!

      I’m reaching out because I help financial services companies increase organic traffic, and as a result, drive revenue, through SEO content strategy. I’d love to work with your company so you can reach more people who need what you offer.

      Do you have time to talk about how I could help increase organic traffic and revenue tomorrow at 1pm EST or Thursday at 3pm EST?

      I look forward to your response!

      Thank you,
      Jessica

      Master the Follow-Up

      There’s no shame in my follow-up game. While being personal and sending a value-based message is important, the follow-up can’t be overlooked, no matter how good that first email is. Just because something is a top priority for you, does not mean it’s top of the list for someone else.

      Here’s a short story to prove consistent follow-up works: We ended up working with a freelancer at Harlow who had been reaching out to us for more than six months! Here’s the thing though, she conducted her follow-up brilliantly. This freelancer didn’t just email us weekly asking to work together. She checked back in with us regularly and would reference the latest news, updates, and social posts she’d seen from us.

      She also sent along PDFs of her services and case studies for us to look at in the meantime. The timing wasn’t right for the first few months, but because of her persistence and personalized follow-ups, when the timing was right, she was top of our list!

      Follow Up Strategies to Stay Top of Mind

      If you’re ready to improve your follow-up game (we recommend it!), here are some strategies you can use.

      Show your value: Include case studies, writing samples, or other assets that tangibly show the value of what you offer.

      Stay up-to-date: Know what they’re up to (this is easy to find on social media) and check in about that. I.E. “I saw you recently launched a podcast and I loved episode three! How has it been going?”

      Master the right cadence: We recommend following up weekly for the first few weeks if you don’t get a response. After a month or so, If you still haven’t had a response, spread your messages out a bit more, maybe every 2 to 3 weeks. Still no response? Make a note to check back in every couple of months. Until someone gives you a firm no or asks you to stop emailing, don’t feel guilty or icky for continuing to press send.

      Get the right tools: If you’re a Harlow user, you can set reminders for yourself and track your outreach as a task. Simply keep a running list of what you’ve sent and when, so you can top on top of follow-up. The key here is to stay organized so your process feels calm and stress-free.

      Master the Art of Cold Pitching

      Cold pitching can be a valuable tool for building your freelance business when done right. Use these strategies and examples to craft a better message and increase your response rates. With a little personalization, a simple, yet impactful message, and plenty of follow-ups, you may find this becomes a key channel for connecting with new clients.

      8 Ways to Find Freelance Marketing Jobs

      8 Ways to Find Freelance Marketing Jobs

      by | Aug 10, 2022 | Blog, Resources

      So you’ve started your own freelance business (congrats!) and now you’re looking to land the freelance marketing jobs you need to make you feel cozy, comfy, and safe. Figuring out how to generate new clients, while building your business, and providing for the clients you already have can feel so overwhelming. I know, I’ve been there before.

      That’s why I’m putting together this handy list for you. Here’s a big, juicy list of all of the places where we’ve successfully picked up a gig or two, plus the ones we’re seeing our community lean into. Whether you want to look actively for freelance marketing jobs or let opportunities passively come your way (yup, that’s possible), I’ve got you covered!

      Whether you want to look actively or let opportunities passively come your way (yup, that’s possible), I’ve got you covered!

      Tap Into Your Current Network

      Your current network can be a powerful way to find new clients. It became the main source of leads for Andrea and me when we were freelancing. Think deeply through the people you’ve met along the way: previous colleagues, friends from school, and relationships that you’ve already built on social media or at networking events.

      Who do you know that would be happy to refer you out and sing your praises? Start here. Let these humans know what you do, and who you’re looking for in a new client.

      Build and Nurture New Connections

      Building your community and network past your current connections is all about relationship building and nurturing. You can’t expect someone to engage with you once and then recommend or support you. You have to put in a little work along the way and nurture those connections. The goal is to find and engage freelance friends that you want to stay in touch with, that you want to root for, and who will root for you in return.

      Here are a few ways to give, in order to receive:

      Be Their Cheerleaders

      How often do you celebrate the people in your network for their wins? This can be as easy as sharing their content on social media or commenting on their posts authentically and regularly. This is about truly building relationships—not staying connected to get referrals.

      Think of this as an opportunity to cultivate authentic connections that are both fulfilling (for you and them) and help keep you top of mind for any freelance marketing jobs they might come across.

      Be a Connector

      Are you recommending freelancers in your network when you see opportunities? If an opportunity comes across your screen, or you see someone posting on social media about a gig, and it’s not for you—recommend someone you know. You have to give in order to get!

      Search Online Job Boards and Marketplaces

      When you’re active on freelance job boards and marketplaces, like UpWork or ProBlogger, you can browse around for gigs that companies are currently hiring for. While these websites make it easy to find available gigs, they can also be competitive. Many of the jobs have a large pool of applicants, not to mention a lot of people price their services at a lower rate than average.

      If you’re someone who charges an above-average rate, it might be difficult to actually land a project that is a good fit. Does this make it impossible? Absolutely not! It just means it might be a little harder to land the freelance marketing jobs you’re really excited about.

      Because of the vast number of opportunities on these job boards, it’s definitely worth browsing and creating accounts on a few sites to see what’s available and put yourself out there. You can start by browsing our curated list of freelance marketplaces and job boards.

      Post Your Resume on Job Sites

      Job websites like Indeed allow you to post your resume for companies to find when searching for potential candidates. This allows companies to invite certain people to interview rather than waiting for applicants to roll in—and it allows you to get in front of those companies during the early stages of sourcing candidates. (#ideal)

      Check out this resume on Indeed. Notice how you can add skills and links to previous work. You can also specify certifications, languages, groups, and preferences for hours, pay, and location. You can also specify the type of work you’re looking for, like contract or part-time. The key is to set your resume to “public,” which you can do when uploading, so potential clients can find you.

      If you want to stay open to opportunities but don’t have time to actively search for new freelance marketing jobs, this is a great option. If nothing comes of it, no big deal. If something does, then that’s a bonus!

      Ask for Referrals From Past and Current Clients

      Past and current clients have always been amazing sources of referrals for Andrea and I. We’ve found that if we do great work (which we know you do!) and simply ask for the referral, the answer is often a quick yes.

      It can be nerve-wracking to ask for a referral, but a simple email can be all it takes to get connected to a new potential client. Here’s a template you can use:

      Hey Brian,

      It’s been great working with you these past few months. I so appreciate your prompt communication and openness to new ideas. I’m taking on some new clients in the next few months and I was wondering if you know of anyone who might be looking for support with their marketing.

      I would appreciate any ideas or leads you’re able to share.

      Thank you!
      Jessica

      Make Time for Cold Outreach

      Do you have specific clients you want to work with? Cold emailing is a great way to pitch yourself actively, rather than waiting for whatever comes to you. Social media and email are two great channels to use, but to be truly effective, keep these important tips in mind:

      • Use a tool like Clearbit Connect to find the right person to reach out to if you don’t already know who you should be touching base with.
      • Keep track of your outreach in a spreadsheet so you know who you reached out to and when.
      • Don’t forget about the follow-up! There ain’t no shame in the follow-up game. Feel free to send weekly follow-ups until someone gives you a direct no.

      Here are two templates you can use for your next cold email or DM:

      Social media:

      Hey, Non-Profit Digital!

      I love your mission and that you support non-profits through marketing. They have an important message that needs to be heard and so often lack the resources needed to get it out there.

      I’m a social media marketer and specialize in working with non-profits to amplify their message and generate donations through Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Here’s a link to some of my most recent work [insert portfolio link].

      Do you need any help with this?

      Thanks in advance!
      Jessica

      Email:

      Hey Julie!

      I love what Business Among Moms is doing! As a mompreneur myself, I have seen and experienced the power of community more than ever before in my life—and am so grateful for it. I love that you provide that community while also empowering mompreneurs to grow their businesses!

      I was hoping to connect with you or your marketing lead on your marketing efforts and where I may be able to support you (email marketing, organic traffic growth, social media, etc.). A little background on me: I’m an organic content marketing consultant and coach. I also host my own podcast (Mindset Reset Radio) and am a published author. I love combining my passion for mindset/personal development and expertise in organic marketing to support female-founded businesses like yours.

      Do you need any help with any of this?

      Looking forward to your response!
      Jess

      Join a Pre-Vetted Talent Network

      Get in front of potential clients by joining websites like Eighteen 4orty or MarketerHire. They work as a matchmaker between pre-vetted freelance talent and companies looking to hire. Once you apply and are accepted, you’re matched with organizations that are looking for someone with the skills and experience you have.

      In many cases, once you submit an application, you’ll go through an approval process, some more extensive than others. You’ll likely be asked for samples of previous work, references from past clients, and more. While this can take time to put together, it has the potential to simplify your lead generation process moving forward.

      Set a Notification on LinkedIn Jobs

      LinkedIn has become one of the most popular places to search for jobs online—50 million people use this network to search for jobs every week! Even if you don’t actively post on LinkedIn (Reels are so much more fun, right?) you can still use it to find freelance marketing jobs.

      It’s easy peasy to set up a LinkedIn job alert so relevant positions get delivered directly to your inbox. Go to LinkedIn.com/Jobs and click “Job Alerts” in the box on the top left of the page. This is where you can set your alert. Specify that you’re looking for contract, remote and part-time jobs—and then wait for those opportunities to come rolling in.

      Online and In-Person Networking

      Networking is the long game when it comes to looking for a job. While it may not result in immediate new work, it’s a smart way to build your funnel and make new connections. The idea: network now for opportunities in the future.

      To build these connections, you have to go into each event with an open mind and be willing to have authentic conversations. Instead of going in with the hard sell, which, let’s be honest, is awkward anyway, genuinely make an effort to get to know everyone you meet. It’s all about finding commonality to build a relationship on.

      After you’re done with the event, don’t let the connections made go to waste. Giving a quick follow on social or sending a DM to tell them you loved meeting them can go a long way. Bonus tip: ask if you can help them with anything; this offer goes a long way, even if their answer is no.

      For offline communities, you can use MeetUp to find local networking events or ask other freelancers in your area. If you want to stick to online communities, check these out:

      Now go on out there and find a new gig!

      There are so many ways to find freelance marketing jobs, you just have to know where to look. Building a freelance business isn’t easy but there are so many networks, marketplaces, and people out there to help you get that next gig! Use the resources available to you and put yourself out there!