Freelancing: Here are 7 reasons Why You Aren’t Getting any Clients

You started freelancing with great enthusiasm and big hope. You are applying for jobs all day and night, but still are not getting any clients. You look on your phone screen all day for client messages but still do not get any.  And Now day by day you are getting tired and thinking of leaving freelancing. 
I think it must have happened to you. Is this something you can relate to?  

I am not sure about everyone but I can definitely relate to this. Finding clients or projects as a beginner can suck at times. As a newbie, you may be facing these problems and are getting tired. When I started freelancing, about 3-4 months I didn't get any project. Or if I got any message from a client, the project was not related to my field or was not really for me. But still, I didn't lose my hope. I tried every way to find where I was going wrong and undo all my mistakes which I had been doing for a long time. And after some months I got my first project. That time I was over the moon. And as time went on, I began to receive more projects.  

Throughout this time, I have found out what mistakes can make you no client and what steps can correct them. That is why I have written 5 mistakes which many beginners do and it is the reason why you are not getting any clients. Some of these I've done myself, while others I learned from other freelancers' experiences. Maybe some of you are also making these mistakes. So, let's figure out where you're making a mistake. Make sure you read this blog at the end to know what mistakes can be and how to fix them. 

1. You do not have any niche: 

Want to do everything but end up nowhere. Didn’t get it? Let me spell it for you. 

You want to work in every field because you believe that working from home is easy and that you can handle any job, which is why you don't obtain even one.  If you are in this mindset that you can do everything then I am sorry you are going wrong. 

In simple words, you do not have any niche. Good for those who understand but still do not get it. Let me help you to understand this. You set up a profile for content writing projects, but you apply for every job that comes your way. This approach may work in the short term, but it is ineffective in the long run. 

How to fix- 

We cannot deny that freelancers perform multi-skilled jobs but this is not for everyone. Instead of chasing all types of work, I recommend that you focus on one. Clients typically seek freelancers with specific skills, knowledge, and specialization in that niche. You won't be able to enhance your skills if you go for every niche. Choose one skill that interests you the most and master it. If you are half skilled or unskilled in that niche, try to learn it. There are numerous online courses and YouTube videos accessible on the internet that can help in a variety of ways.

Know the right ways on "how to start Freelancing as a beginner in an effective way".

2. Your pricing doesn’t make any sense. 

As a beginner data entry freelancer, you charge $5 for 4 hours and $50 for 1 hour. Is it reasonable pricing? 

In my opinion, this pricing sucks me. Wondering why? I've remarked before that if you're a newbie, you should start with lower prices. But I didn't intend to go this low.  $5 for 4 hours. Are you serious? It is too bad and does not make sense. The low price doesn't mean you low your values and efforts you are going to put into the work. Never neglect your value and efforts. 

Now talking about $50 for 1 hour. Why is it wrong? As a beginner, it will not be appropriate to charge this high price. There are no reviews or ratings for you. How can someone have faith in you? It does not seem logical as a beginner.

Best 5 freelancing websites in 2022 to find work for beginners and experts

How to fix- 

Go into the market place aka freelancing platform and see what other people in the same niche with similar experience are charging. And then set your pricing depending on it. 

Always make sure you consider your values, efforts, skills, and expertise. If you are not sure about hourly rates. 

Try to Work on a project-based pricing method, where you set the price depending on the amount of work and time required. It is also a great way to set your price. Don't stick to one price. Try changing your pricing after a particular period of time to see whether it works.

P.S. - The prices I mentioned above are for a beginner data entry freelancer. It is not relevant to other niches. 

If you are a beginner, read this "Ultimate Guide to start freelancing on Fiverr"

3. Competition is everywhere-

Due to the very competitive nature of freelancing, freelancers do not get clients. You are delivering services in a highly competitive niche. And, as a result of the high level of competition, the pay is typically not very good. There are some niches of freelancing where there are a lot of competitors. Because of those experienced or well-known freelancers, your chances of getting clients have become low.  And therefore, some of the freelancing sites are filled up with these competitors which have not left any space for beginners.

How to fix-

To get over this challenge, attempt to pick a niche that has less competition than others. Try to become a master in the skills that are expected to be in high demand in the near future. You can also try those sites which have less competition. It can be a great way.  After you've established a reputation on those platforms, move on to other sites. Try to be on multiple sites rather than relying on just one.

4. You write awful proposals and pitches

It doesn't matter how many pitches you write each day; what counts is the quality. Wondering why you are getting rejected even after writing hundreds of proposals every day. 

Well, the answer lies in your proposals. Do you proofread them, write appropriate points? A terrible proposal might be a major roadblock in your freelance career. Imagine how unpleasant it must seem to a client, who reads your proposals and then finds your grammatical errors. Instead of writing about your services and skills, you write only about yourself. You have no idea how to communicate and offer your services in a clear and concise manner. This can be a big hurdle.

"50 Freelancing FAQs" you should know before starting Freelancing in any field.

How to fix- 

Always proofread your proposals before sending them. Make sure you are not making any mistakes. Even minor grammatical errors might result in a negative impression.  For this purpose, use online grammatical mistakes checking tools. Also, make sure that your offerings are well communicated. Go online and look up how to make strong proposals before you start drafting them. Note down everything you must include and avoid.  Write good proposals based on the job's demands and requirements.

5. You do not have any proof

You promise to provide those skills and services but you have no prior client work or a portfolio to show off your skills and abilities. There are some niches that necessitate showcasing your skills and experience. Also, Some clients prefer to engage with freelancers who can showcase their skills and expertise. The chances of getting work for those freelancers are higher than others as they have proof that they can provide the promised skills and expertise. 

How to fix- 

Create a freelance portfolio website or Add a portfolio to your profile. If you've written any blogs, put them on display. Obtain permission from other clients to display work on which you have previously worked. Improve your social presence, connect your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.

Confuse? which freelancing niche you should provide to your clients. Read "14 Types of Freelance Jobs you can do in 2022"

6. Your profile is not complete

Another possibility is that your freelancing profile is incomplete. Perhaps you haven't included all of the relevant information, skills, and expertise. It's possible that you haven't added a portfolio or that your profile description isn't very nice.

How to fix-

With each step, double-check that your profile is complete. A completed profile might increase your chances of being hired. Make sure there are no grammatical errors, add your portfolio, create a great bio that gets clients' attention, and include a photo of yourself to build trust with clients.

I bet no one has told you the truth behind these 6 myths. Well, these half-truths can be good or bad to your freelancing. Hence, know the real truth or lie behind these "6 Myths about Freelancing."

7. You do not engage in marketing your services

You've created a strong profile, and everything appears to be in order. But you've still got one more step to go? Well, developing a solid profile and writing effective proposals are necessary, but promoting your services is also important. Freelancing is similar to running a business. Because many clients are unaware of freelancing sites, it is your role to market your services to them.

How to fix- 

Make an active social media presence. Your profile links should be included on your LinkedIn pages. Start blogging and provide links to your freelance profiles. Connect your social accounts with each other.

These might be mistakes that you're making. Small corrections may make a big difference. You must have faith in yourself and your work. I hope you find these points informative and that they assist you in attracting clients and obtaining work. Let me know in the comment section, what you've learned from your mistakes in your freelancing journey and how you overcame them. It will surely inspire newbie freelancers.