The Simple Method to Finding Your Perfect Freelance Client (and Why Most Get It Wrong)
Ideal client avatar.
Customer profile.
Dream client.
We hear about this all the time when thinking about marketing our freelance business (or any business).
But, I think...I think the whole ideal client thing is overrated. Hear me out.
Many coaches, mentors and gurus tell you to focus HARD on your ideal client. For me, when I started freelancing, I really wanted to work with yoga instructors, acupuncturists, naturopaths and the like.
The reasoning was that I love that sector so those were the people I wanted to work with. I believe in their mission, I love the alternative wellness space.
But I’m gonna let you in on a secret - living in Massachusetts is no joke. Standard of living is high here and stuff is expensive.
So for 6 months, I spent my time chasing these clients that could not afford my rates. The most they could afford was around $700/month.
Oh, and another problem? They didn't really need my services. At this point, I had narrowed down from the myriad of random freelance services and was focusing on being the freelance Executive Assistant, but the alternative wellness space focused more on needing VAs who could do social media, newsletters, accounting, etc.
It was a constant battle.
BUT IT WAS MY "IDEAL CLIENT"!
I kept targeting these folks and over time, I realized that advice was hogwash. It wasn’t working for me, so I threw it out the window.
So, I shifted the way I was finding clients to,
👉"What industry can afford my rates and value my services?"
Everything changed. I started researching and found that startups in cities were my sweet spot. They were in desperate need of support and had the money, but not enough money for someone full-time.
From there, I began to realize that I could find an “ideal client” based on someone who I really gelled with and wanted to work with.
I created a list of questions when jumping on that first call that depending on how they answered would be a "red flag" or "green flag" answer.
I was able to narrow down those I loved to work with and every. single. client was ideal.
Ideal clients to me are those that:
-are understanding of a mom with young kids
-let me do my job and don't micromanage
-like organization and punctuality
-don't mind my quirkiness
-thank me for my work
-buy me nice gifts
-pay on time
And guess what?
I can find those ideal clients anywhere, not just in health and wellness.
The only times I’ve run into trouble, it’s been when I ignored obvious red flags in a client’s answers because the fee was just too tempting. (don't recommend)
Stop chasing this "ideal client" in terms of their niche. That is antiquated advice.
Chase the industry that has a need for your services and can pay higher fees.
If they don't have the money right now, find a different industry. (hint - we talked about this in my FF group the other day and video games and food/beverage industry are killing it)
And then, get crystal clear on what kind of working relationship you want - that "ideal client" - they can be found anywhere, I promise.
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If you’re looking for a freelance business coach or a coach for growing your online service based business, I can help you. Contact me here. We can accelerate your business together so you’re working less than 25 hours a week and making an income that matches your corporate salary.
