The Freelance Market is Saturated (Here’s How to Stand Out)
Things are changing, right? When I started freelancing 10 years ago, there was definitely tough competition, but it feels like the last 2-5 years have seen a huge influx of freelancers enter the market.
We’re in a new era of freelancing. Everything you thought you knew even a few years ago…
*poof!* Gone!
It used to be that you had to just be a stellar service provider.
But now?
The market is a lot more saturated and it’s getting harder to stand out. So many people are getting laid off and they decide to try freelancing while looking for another job.
That means landing clients today requires more than just "being good" at what you do.
If you’re interested in standing out as a freelancer, here’s what works better in 2025 from a freelance coach:
1. Build a strong portfolio, the best one possible. Reach out to past job connections, people you’ve worked with. Create case studies, get examples of your work, offer to do some trial jobs for free or at a low pay so that you can build a portfolio that really highlights your expertise.
And
2. Use social media to build a personal brand. This means sharing content that builds trust by having personal and business content. Don’t just talk about what you do, share your human side. Engage with your ideal clients in comments. Connect with them, and if they accept it, send genuine DMs with no sleazy pitches (sleazy pitches are so 2010).
It used to be that skills and a portfolio were enough.
Today? Clients have endless options of freelancers trying to get their business.
If you:
✔ Have a clear message
✔ Share helpful, authentic content
✔ Know your “why”
You instantly stand out because clients don’t just want talent; they want someone they connect with and trust. And that’s the big difference between now and the yesteryears. Now, people want to connect with people.
We are so done with brands and faceless entities. It’s time to step up, put yourself out there, and be the person who others relate to, that they can see getting a beverage with, and relate to your quirkiness (heyooo, where my Star Wars fans at??).
The freelancers winning in 2025 aren’t necessarily the most talented; they’re the most visible and relatable.
So if you’ve been quietly waiting for clients to “just find you,” it’s time to switch things up. Start building your presence. Share your work. Tell your story. Connect like a real human.
That’s how you go from overlooked to fully booked.
Interested in working with me as your freelance business coach? Contact me here and let’s get the ball rolling.
For more weekly nuggets of freelance wisdom, sign up here:
