Freelancing is a popular and flexible career option for many professionals seeking independence and diversity in their work–who doesn’t want to set their own hours, choose their clients, and decide where they work?  

The hard part is finding high-paying and consistent freelance clients. You’ve probably heard all the usual ways to find freelance clients, so I’ve pulled together some unique and unconventional strategies for finding high-paying, high-quality clients. 

1. Crunchbase: Unlocking opportunities with data

Crunchbase is a powerful platform that provides comprehensive information about companies, including their funding details, staff counts, and key executives.

By strategically using Crunchbase, you can identify potential clients with high staff counts and recent funding, indicating growth and potential project opportunities.

How to use Crunchbase to find freelance clients

Filter companies by staff count

One effective strategy is to filter companies based on their staff counts. This helps you target larger organisations that may have a greater need for specialised services. By focusing on companies with large teams, you can tap into a pool of potential clients who are actively looking for external expertise. 

Identify recently funded companies

Companies that have recently secured funding are often in a position to invest in new projects and services. Crunchbase lets you filter companies based on their funding rounds so you can pinpoint potential clients with financial resources to spare. These companies are more likely to explore freelance collaborations to fuel their growth.

Analyse key executives and decision-makers

Understanding the key decision-makers within a company is critical for knowing who to reach out to and who to make connections with. 

Crunchbase provides valuable insights into executive teams, helping you identify the individuals responsible for making hiring decisions. By tailoring outreach efforts to these key figures, you can increase your chances of securing bigger, better projects.

2. Wellfound: Navigating the SaaS landscape for freelance opportunities

Wellfound is a platform that focuses on connecting freelancers with Software as a Service (SaaS) companies that have recently received investment. This specialised approach helps you tap into a niche market with high demand for skilled professionals.

How to use Wellfound to find freelance clients

Explore recent investments in SaaS

SaaS companies are often at the forefront of technological innovation, and they frequently require specialised freelance expertise—I know this because I predominantly work with companies in this industry. 

Wellfound’s unique feature of highlighting companies that have recently received investment helps you target organisations actively looking to expand and enhance their software offerings.

Showcase relevant skills and expertise 

Wellfound lets you create a profile that showcases your skills and expertise. By aligning your profile with the specific needs of SaaS companies, you can attract the attention of businesses that are on the hunt for your unique skill set. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of securing projects that align with your strengths and interests.

Use matchmaking algorithms

Wellfound employs advanced matchmaking algorithms to connect freelancers with SaaS companies that match their skills and preferences. This streamlines the client-freelancer matching process, saving time and effort for both parties. You can benefit from Wellfound’s technology-driven approach to discover tailored opportunities that align with their expertise.

3. Slack Channels: Navigating project callouts and content networks

Slack isn’t just for internal communications within organisations. It has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of industry-specific communities and channels. You can leverage Slack channels to actively seek out project callouts and connect with content leads in your niche. I’ve found some great clients in Slack channels, but they’re also great for connecting with other freelancers and sharing the wins and woes of freelancing in general. 

How to use Slack channels to find freelance clients

Identify relevant Slack communities

Joining Slack communities related to your industry or niche can open up a treasure trove of opportunities. Many communities have dedicated channels for project announcements or job postings where companies and individuals share their requirements. By actively participating in these channels, you can stay informed about potential projects and spark connections with content leads.

Here are some Slack channels that might be a good fit: 

• Peak Freelance
• Superpath Community
• Marketer’s Chat
• Online Geniuses
  

Network with content leads

Many content creators and managers use Slack as a professional networking tool. By engaging in conversations, sharing insights, and providing value within relevant channels, you can naturally build relationships with content leads. 

Then, when these leads need external expertise, the freelancers who have created a presence within the community are more likely to be top-of-mind. 

Participate in freelancer-specific channels

Some Slack communities are specifically dedicated to freelancers in various industries. These channels often host discussions, share job opportunities, and provide a supportive environment for freelancers. Actively participating in these communities allows you to exchange insights, collaborate on projects, and discover potential clients who are looking for freelancers with your skillset.

4. LinkedIn outreach to brands hiring for full-time roles: Tapping into interim freelance opportunities

LinkedIn is a goldmine for freelancers seeking opportunities beyond traditional job postings. One unique approach is to proactively reach out to brands that are advertising full-time roles and inquire about potential freelance opportunities, especially if they have immediate needs or are undergoing transitional phases.

How to use LinkedIn job search to find freelance clients

Identify brands in hiring phases

Keep an eye on LinkedIn job postings from brands within your industry. Brands advertising full-time roles may be undergoing expansion, launching new projects, or experiencing increased workloads. Initiating a conversation with the hiring manager or relevant decision-makers will help you position yourself as a valuable resource during the interim or for specific project-based needs.

Use the job search feature on LinkedIn to search for full-time roles similar to yours. Here, I searched for “content writer” to find companies hiring full-time content writers. 

Showcase flexibility and expertise

When reaching out to brands, highlight your flexibility and ability to contribute on a project basis. Emphasising how your freelance services can complement and enhance the team’s capabilities during busy periods or transitions can be a huge bonus for companies navigating staffing changes.

Building long-term relationships

Even if a brand is primarily looking for full-time hires, you can still position yourself for future opportunities. By demonstrating your expertise, delivering high-quality work on smaller projects, and maintaining a professional relationship, you can quickly become a brand’s preferred collaborator for ongoing freelance needs, even after the immediate hiring phase.

Combining strategies for maximum impact

While Crunchbase, Wellfound, Slack, and LinkedIn offer distinct advantages, combining these strategies can amplify freelancers’ success in finding diverse and lucrative opportunities.

• Targeting growing SaaS companies: Identify SaaS companies on Crunchbase that are not only well-funded but also experiencing rapid staff growth. Cross-referencing this information with Wellfound’s database can pinpoint SaaS organizations actively seeking freelance talent. This two-pronged approach helps you target companies at the intersection of financial stability and expansion.
• Crafting personalized outreach: Armed with insights from Crunchbase and Wellfound, you can craft personalised outreach messages on LinkedIn or via Slack. Highlighting your understanding of a company’s recent funding, growth trajectory, and specific needs demonstrates your dedication and suitability for the project. Plus, personalised communication increases the likelihood of capturing the attention of potential clients.

Building a robust client acquisition strategy as a freelancer

In the Wild West of freelancing, diversifying strategies for finding freelance clients is crucial. Making the most of platforms like Slack to tap into project callouts and content networks, and proactively reaching out to brands on LinkedIn advertising full-time roles, gives you additional avenues to discover unique and lucrative opportunities. 

By combining these approaches with the data-driven insights from Crunchbase and Wellfound, you can build a robust client acquisition strategy that aligns with your skills and expertise. Hello, high-quality, high-paying clients! 

Want more strategies for finding freelance clients this year? Download this guide to finding your next client.