In this post, we’ll cover some of the common signs of a freelance scam and advice on how you can avoid them.

What Are the Signs of a Freelance Scam?

If you want to know how to avoid scams as a freelancer, you’re in the right place. While scammers use a variety of methods to catch freelancers out, there are some common warning signs you should look out for:

1. They won’t sign a written contract.
2. They offer higher-than-average rates.
3. They ask you to pay a fee before you start work.
4. They expect you to use an unfamiliar payment method.
5. They request free samples. 
6. They make off-platform communication requests.
7. They request access to your freelance marketplace accounts.

Keep reading to find out more about each of these freelance scam warning signs.

1. They Won’t Sign a Written Contract

A client that refuses to sign a written contract is a red flag for any freelancer.

Even though you may have to compromise on your terms sometimes, having a written work agreement (with the project’s deliverables, expected timeline, and payment information) can protect you from most freelance scams. You can use freelance contract templates to make your life easier (and stay on the safe side).

And if someone is completely unwilling to agree to your work terms in writing, you might want to reconsider working for them.

2. They Offer Higher than Average Rates

It is important for freelancers to know the value of their work and avoid taking on projects that offer a lower pay rate. But what should you do when the rate offered is way higher than average? Could a job be too good to be true?

Unfortunately, yes: it could mean that you won’t get paid at all. Do your research to know what the average rates are for the services you offer (and make sure to take into account your level of experience). If you come across an above-average rate, ask the client why the pay is so high.

Suspicious answers? Call their bluff and ask to be paid 50% in advance – if they agree, the offer might be real after all. But proceed carefully either way.

3. They Ask You to Pay a Fee

If a client asks you to pay a fee before the project starts, chances are they’re setting up a freelance scam. They might ask for a deposit, for example, or for you to pay to access a certain software.

To avoid falling for pay-to-work scams, never agree to work for clients that require you to pay for the privilege.

4. They Use an Unfamiliar Payment Method

Another red flag: a client that insists on using a payment method that you’ve never heard of.

To avoid falling for this, do your research! Although people often pay freelancers digitally (e.g., via Stripe or PayPal), checks, direct debits/bank transfers, and credit cards are also commonly accepted.

To prevent an unpleasant surprise after you’ve completed work, set out accepted payment methods before a job starts (e.g., with a freelance contract as above). And if the client disagrees with all of your proposed methods, consider politely turning them down.

5. They Request Free Samples

A free sample edit isn’t always a scam. It can be a great way to showcase the quality of your work and secure a job, especially when you’re starting out. So how can you tell if it’s a scam or not? Watch out for:

• Tasks that are overly complex or long
• More than one free sample request
• Free sample requests for projects you’ve already shown expertise in

Unfortunately, this isn’t the easiest freelance scam to avoid – and this means some prospective clients will take advantage of that to get work for free.

Working for agencies like Proofed can protect you from being exploited. But if you don’t work for an agency, make sure you clearly outline (and stick to) the number and length of free samples that you’re willing to offer.

6. They Make Off-Platform Communication Requests

Freelance marketplaces have terms and conditions for communication that aim to protect freelancers from exploitation.

Sometimes, though, people will request to move messages outside these platforms. This can make it easier for scammers to remove evidence of ill conduct. When asked to leave the official communication channels, the general advice is to say no.

If you do decide that someone appears trustworthy enough to communicate off-platform, however, make sure you do this on your terms. Use a work email address (rather than your personal one) and keep a record of all communications.

7. They Request Access to Your Freelance Marketplace Accounts

If someone pops up in your messages claiming they can help grow your freelance business, pay attention to how they say they will do it. If they request access to one of your freelance marketplace accounts (e.g., Fiverr or Upwork), they can then access:

• Your current earnings that are waiting to be transferred
• Your bank details
• Other personal information, such as your date of birth, national insurance number, and scans of your identification documents (e.g., passport or driver’s license)

In general, having to share any account information is a huge risk to your privacy and almost always a scam. Just say no!

How to Avoid Scams as a Freelancer

As a rule, you should consider new projects carefully and always do a quick search of your clients before accepting a job. If something seems too good to be true, it might just be! Remember to do these things: 

• Research the client.
• Get a contract signed.
• Check that you are being offered a reasonable rate.
• Don’t pay any deposits or upfront fees.
• Only accept standard payment methods.
• Communicate only through official platforms or a work email.
• Don’t share your freelance marketplace accounts with anyone else.
• Don’t give out personal information.
• Keep a record of all communications.

Becoming A Proofreader

If you are interested in becoming a freelance proofreader or editor but are worried about the possibility of getting scammed, our courses can help you get started. 

To help you feel safe while you’re getting started, we even offer guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed, when you pass the final assignments of Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor with a distinction score (80% or above). 

If you want to get a head start on this exciting career path, sign up for a free trial today!

The post What Are the Signs of a Freelance Scam? (And How to Avoid Them) appeared first on Knowadays.

We’ll outline the benefits of:

1. Cold emails
2. Freelance marketplaces
3. An online presence
4. Freelance societies
5. Your existing network
6. Professional development
7. Volunteer opportunities

Keep reading to learn more about each of these techniques and how Knowadays can help you achieve your goals.

How to Find New Clients

Below, we’ve compiled a list of seven of the best ways to source new clients to extend your reach. A combination of several (or all) of these strategies will help you diversify your client base and have the best chance of success.

1. Cold Emails

This is a time-honored method of finding new clients as a freelancer. Cold emails are emails sent to individuals or organizations who you think would benefit from your services. They’re cold emails because they’re sent to potential clients you have no prior relationship with, so they serve as an introduction as well as a sales pitch.

When sending a cold email, you increase your chance of a response if you personalize it as much as possible, use a conversational yet business-like tone, and keep it concise and to the point. You should also address the recipient by name (use LinkedIn or the company website to find the best point of contact).

2. Freelance Marketplaces

Freelance marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork can be a great way to get your foot in the door as a new freelancer. An online freelance marketplace is a platform for businesses or individuals to connect with freelancers. As a freelancer, you create a profile that includes reviews of your past work and a link to your portfolio. Then, potential clients can reach out to you, or you can bid on posted projects.

While some freelance marketplaces can be competitive (which can result in lower rates), they can also help you build relationships with businesses, and even lead to long-term work.

3. An Online Presence

Most freelance work is conducted virtually these days, so it’s important to develop your technical skills and build an online presence. You can start by creating social media pages for your freelance business (separate from your personal ones) and creating a professional website and online portfolio. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech wizard – website-building platforms can help you design a personalized, professional, and user-friendly site.

To broaden your reach and increase the chances of showing up in Google searches, keep your website content updated and publish a regular blog on issues related to your industry.

4. Freelance Societies

Freelance groups or societies are communities that bring together freelancers within the same industry, such as freelance editors or writers. They offer opportunities for networking and mentorship, and some organize professional development events, such as conferences or workshops, for their members.

In addition to these benefits, freelance societies can be a great way to find new clients. Most freelance societies maintain an updated internal job board and/or send a weekly newsletter to their members detailing freelance opportunities.

5. Your Existing Network

When you’re just starting out as a freelancer, try leveraging your existing network for warm leads. You may already know someone who’s looking for a freelancer with your expertise, so get the word out to friends and family about your business. Even if you don’t currently know anyone in need of your services, your network can be a great source of word-of-mouth recommendations.

6. Professional Development

Continuing professional development as a freelancer has a lot of benefits, such as the opportunity to network, upskill, and earn additional certification. But did you know it can also help you find new clients? Besides enhancing your skillset, professional development can be a valuable marketing tool. Clients are more likely to trust and hire professionals who invest the time and effort to stay competitive.

You can use your participation in workshops, certifications, or advanced training programs as a way to distinguish yourself from competitors and attract potential clients.

7. Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering your freelance services can be a great way to build your portfolio and help your community – and it can help you find new clients. For instance, if you volunteer to write or edit website content for a local nonprofit organization (and do well at it), it could lead to paid work with the same organization down the line.

Volunteering also provides invaluable networking opportunities, connecting you with other organizations looking to hire freelancers through positive recommendations.

Knowadays Courses

Whether you want to change careers entirely or brush up on your skills to attract new clients, check out one of our courses. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about launching your freelance business. And our work guarantee helps you gain experience minus the hassle of finding your own clients. Sign up for a free trial and get started today!

The post 7 Ways to Find New Clients as a Freelancer appeared first on Knowadays.

To help you narrow down your options, we’ll examine some common types of freelance writing work, including:

1. Blog writing
2. Ghostwriting
3. Technical writing
4. Content writing
5. Journalism

Keep reading to learn more about each kind of work and its average earnings (as of July 2023).

Types of Freelance Writing Jobs

A range of freelance writing job types are available, each requiring its own skill set and knowledge base.

1. Blog Writing

Blog writing is a great opportunity for new freelancers to get experience and break into the industry. These days, most companies maintain a blog on their website, and according to one report, over six million new blog posts are published daily. That’s a lot of potential freelance writing work!

Many companies use blogs to drive potential customers to their website and boost rankings on search engine results pages, so becoming familiar with basic SEO tactics is a good idea if you’re interested in writing blog posts. Since you can find blogs on almost anything, you don’t have to choose a niche right away. You can start by writing on a few different topics and see what specialization interests you the most.

Average Freelance Blog Writer Salary

According to Comparably, freelance blog writers in the United States earn approximately $43,038 a year on average. Glassdoor reports that in the UK, blog writers earn an average of about £34,584 per year.

2. Ghostwriting

Another type of freelance work is ghostwriting. Ghostwriters write on behalf of someone else, so you don’t receive a byline, and you may not be able to use your finished work in your portfolio (unless you have permission).

However, ghostwriting can pay highly, especially if you’re writing on behalf of a celebrity or a politician. One advantage to ghostwriting is that it allows you to write on a variety of interesting topics. It also gives you the chance to broaden your writing skills and practice writing in different voices.

Average Freelance Ghostwriter Salary

While earnings depend on many factors, including the individual client you’re ghostwriting for, the average salaries for a freelance ghostwriter are $40,750 (via Salary.com) in the United States and £31,612 (via Glassdoor) in the UK.

3. Technical Writing

Technical writers work closely with subject matter experts to create documentation and written materials that explain complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

They compose documents such as user manuals, product descriptions, training guides, and case studies for a variety of B2B and B2C audiences. Technical writing is a highly specialized skill and is in demand, especially in the medical, software development, and finance industries.

Average Freelance Technical Writer Salary

Technical writers can usually command higher fees due to the specialty experience required. According to Indeed, annual average earnings are over $60,000 in the United States and over £46,000 in the UK.

4. Content Writing

Content writers usually create content for brands and various online platforms. You can find their work in:

• Website copy
• Social media
• Marketing materials
• Press releases
• Company emails

Content writers compose for specific audiences, with the goal of persuading readers to take an action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. Like blog writers, content writers need some knowledge of basic SEO practices, including keyword use, to drive traffic to their clients’ websites. Employers will also expect you to closely follow a company style guide and standards for formatting, tone, and voice.

Average Freelance Content Writer Salary

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a freelance content writer in the United States is $53,228. In the UK, it’s £44,720.

5. Journalism

Freelance journalists are independent and work under contract or by the project rather than having regular employment with a specific news organization. The type of work varies based on specific expertise or interests, but it could include writing news features, lifestyle pieces, and entertainment articles.

Freelance journalism requires networking skills and high levels of self-motivation because building connections is essential. And since every article needs to be accurate and comprehensive, journalists also need solid fact-checking and research skills.

Average Freelance Journalist Salary

Glassdoor reports that in the United States, the average freelance journalist salary is $50,798, and in the UK, it’s around £30,812.

Becoming a Freelance Writer

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a freelance writer? Check out our new course – it teaches everything you need to know about launching a freelance writing business.

The post 5 Types of Freelance Writing Client appeared first on Knowadays.

Here are our tips for a successful follow-up email that will help you reach your objectives as a freelancer. We’ve even included some examples of follow-up emails to help you get started.

What Is a Follow-Up Email?

If you need to get in touch with a company or client you’ve recently contacted, you can send them a follow-up email.

This might be necessary when:

• You haven’t received a response to a previous message
• You’re checking in on a potential client after an introductory call
• You want to clarify the details of a project
• You need to remind the recipient of something, such as an upcoming deadline or an unpaid invoice

Follow-up emails prompt a reply from the recipient and help keep the momentum going with potential clients so that new leads don’t fizzle out before they have started.

Of course, if you’ve been communicating with a company or client using a different contact method (such as LinkedIn messages or video calls) then a follow-up email may not be the best way to reply.

But in most cases, a follow-up email that is polite, professional, and concise will help keep the conversation going.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email

When writing a follow-up email, you should:

1. Decide on a clear objective
2. Craft a strong subject line
3. Remember to provide context
4. End with a call to action

Here we’ll discuss each of these points in more detail.

1. Decide on a Clear Objective

What are your reasons for sending a follow-up email?

Whether you’re looking for an answer to a query or the payment of an invoice, you should always keep your objective in mind. Knowing what you want to achieve will help you plan and write your email to prompt the desired response.

2. Craft a Strong Subject Line

You don’t want your follow-up email to get lost in a busy inbox.

Coming up with an eye-catching subject line will make it more likely that the recipient will click through, read, and respond to your email. Make sure the subject line is relevant to the content of the email but brief enough that it doesn’t get cut off.

3. Remember to Provide Context

When you start writing your follow-up email, make sure you provide context for the recipient early on to jog their memory. This can be a line or two referencing any previous communication you have had and why you’re contacting them now.

For example, if you were following up on an introductory call with a new client, you might mention the date of that call and briefly summarize what was discussed.

4. End with a Call to Action

The purpose of writing a follow-up email is to prompt the recipient to do something.

So when bringing your email to a close, finish up with a call to action that makes it clear what you would like them to do next. This is also a good place to mention any deadlines that the recipient needs to respond to or take action by.

Follow-Up Email Examples

Not all follow-up emails will look the same. In fact, as we discussed above, it’s important to tailor a follow up email to the recipient and your own objectives.

We’ve provided some examples of common follow-up emails that you can use for inspiration when writing your own:

• Following up after an introductory call
• Following up on an unpaid invoice
• Following up after a networking event

Following Up After an Introductory Call

Introductory calls and other onboarding methods can help you and a client decide if you’re a good fit for the job at hand.

Send a follow-up email like the one below to help turn an introductory call into a successful client conversion.

Subject: [Your name/company] and [client’s name]

Hi [Client’s name],

It was a pleasure chatting with you during our call on [date of call]. It sounds like we’ll make a great team!

As we discussed, I have attached my new client questionnaire and terms of service below.

If you could, please complete the questionnaire and return it to me by [deadline]. Once I’ve received it, I can get started on putting together our contract.

Do let me know if you have any questions. And if you would like to schedule another call, you can do so using the link below.

Kind regards,

[Your name].

Following Up on an Unpaid Invoice

Sometimes freelance clients don’t pay on time. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to politely reach out to your client to find a resolution.

You can use the email template below to follow up on an unpaid invoice.

Subject: Invoice Payment Due [date]

Hello [client’s name],

I hope you’re keeping well.

I’m contacting you about an invoice I sent on [date] for [service]. I haven’t yet received your payment, so I wanted to make sure that you got the invoice. If not, I have reattached it here.

Please remember that this invoice needs to be paid by [deadline]. You can do so via [payment options].

If you’re having difficulty paying it, send me a message and we’ll work something out.

Thank you,

[Your name].

Following Up After a Networking Event

Networking events are great ways for freelancers to meet potential clients, contacts, and other professionals.

If you’ve met an individual or company at a networking event and would like to continue contact with them, a follow-up email like this one might do the trick.

Subject: Job Shadowing at [company name]

Hello [recipient’s name],

We met recently at [networking event] after your talk on [subject].

You mentioned then that your company was offering job shadowing opportunities for freelancers.

If possible, could you please send me more information about these shadowing opportunities? I’m extremely interested in taking part but would like to know more before I commit.

Many thanks,

[Your name].

Knowadays Courses

Here at Knowadays, our courses come with a guaranteed work offer. This takes some of the stress out of freelancing, as you don’t have to do the heavy lifting when it comes to finding and managing clients.

Check out our course pages for Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor for more information on what we can teach you, or try them out for yourself with a free trial.

The post How to Write a Follow Up Email as a Freelancer appeared first on Knowadays.

When freelancing, you have to be very good at managing your own time. Sometimes, this will involve prioritizing one thing over another. If you don’t have the time to do everything, outsourcing part of your work can save you from a lot of stress.

In this blog post, we’ll explain:

• What outsourcing means.
• When you should consider outsourcing work.
• How to outsource work.

Keep reading to learn more about outsourcing working as a freelancer.

What Is Outsourcing?

Put simply, outsourcing is the practice of hiring someone else to perform a service, do a task, or create something for you. This can free up time for you to focus on other things and can help you avoid a missed deadline.

Although people who outsource jobs may hire freelancers, outsourcing and freelancing aren’t the same thing. Freelancers are self-employed and work independently for their clients. Outsourcing means hiring someone else (a company, small business, another freelancer, etc.) to help you finish a part of the job you’ve been contracted to do.

When Should You Consider Outsourcing Work?

A major deciding factor when thinking about outsourcing is whether it will help you get the job done well and on time. Remember that you’ll need to pay the person you outsource to, so keep that in mind when considering if it’s a good option for you.

Outsourcing can be particularly beneficial when:

1. You’re missing a required skill.
2. You really want to secure a specific work contract.
3. There’s more work than you can handle on your own.
4. You really don’t like doing something.

1. You’re Missing a Required Skill

If the job you’ve accepted involves a task you’re not very good at, it can be very helpful to outsource that specific task to someone more qualified.

There’s nothing wrong with admitting your own limitations! Outsourcing to somebody more skilled should lead to an overall higher quality of work.

2. You Really Want to Secure a Specific Work Contract

Imagine that you’ve been offered a wonderful freelance job, but you simply don’t meet all the requirements. If you turn it down, the client likely won’t come back to you again. Outsourcing can solve this problem.

You can find someone who possesses the knowledge, experience, or equipment that you lack and outsource that part of the job to them. That way you don’t have to turn down the job, and you might get more work from that client in the future.

3. There’s More Work Than You Can Handle on Your Own

If the job you’ve accepted is a long one, and it seems like there’s no end in sight, it could be a great time to outsource and find an extra pair of hands.

If the deadline is fast approaching and you’re not confident you can finish on time, outsourcing can provide you with an assistant that you can delegate some of the work to.

4. You Really Don’t Like Doing Something

This may sound unprofessional, but it’s not! As a freelancer, you are your own boss and employee. That comes with certain freedoms and a lot of responsibilities.

When you’re working for someone else, you can’t usually refuse to do something that your boss requests. But as a freelancer, you are in charge. If there’s a part of the job you’ve accepted that you really don’t want to do, you can outsource this to someone else and give yourself the time to focus on the things you’re most passionate about.

How to Outsource Work

Outsourcing a part of your job and trusting someone else to complete it well can seem like a scary undertaking. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few steps you can follow that will make finding the right help easy and painless:

1. Decide which task you want to outsource.
2. Find a suitable candidate.
3. Organize and assess the applicants.
4. Pick the right person and hire them.

1. Decide Which Task You Want to Outsource

In the section above, we looked at four good reasons to consider outsourcing. Regardless of the reason you decide to outsource, it shouldn’t be too hard to determine which task(s) you need help with.

Decide what parts of the job you want to do yourself, and it will then become clear what you need to outsource.

2. Find a Suitable Candidate

Once you know what task you need help with, you need to find the right person. To do this, you should create a job posting.

Be as detailed as possible when creating your post. You don’t need to include any details about your job as a whole or the work you’re not outsourcing, but a few details can help you find the right person.

• What are the specifics of the job?
• When does it need to be completed?
• Who is the ideal candidate?
• How much will the job pay?

3. Organize and Assess the Applicants

You may get lots of replies to your job posting, but the whole point of outsourcing is to lessen your workload, not increase it. It helps to be organized when communicating with possible candidates – especially thinking through in advance exactly what information you want from them. Here are a few things you might want to check before you pick the right person.

• Make sure you have all their professional contact information.
• What is their relevant experience?
• Why are they applying for the job?
• How much do they usually charge?
• Can they provide a sample of their work?

Based on this information, you can find someone who communicates well with you, does good quality work, and fits within your budget.

4. Pick the Right Person and Hire Them

Once you know who you want to outsource to, offer them the job!

Remember that the person you outsource to is not your business partner or employee. They’ll do the task you assign them and will get paid whatever was agreed upon. They’re not part of your freelance business and shouldn’t have any communication with whoever hired you for the wider job.

To make these boundaries clear, it’s good to have the person you are outsourcing to sign a contract. If you have a lawyer, they can write one up. If not, there are a few places you can find online templates.

Becoming a Freelancer

Being a freelancer can be an incredibly rewarding career. You can accept outsourced work from others as well as outsource work to other people if you need help finishing a job.

Editing and proofreading are great freelance opportunities. If you want to take your first steps on that journey, our courses can help you, whether you’re a complete beginner or want to polish your existing skills.

Get started with a free trial today.

The post How to Outsource Work as a Freelancer appeared first on Knowadays.

When freelancing, apart from the quality of your work, your clients don’t always have many ways to assess you. Missing an important deadline can harm your reputation, but try not to panic if it happens. In this blog post, we’ll explain:

• How to handle a missed deadline as a freelancer
• How to avoid it happening again

How to Handle a Missed Deadline

While missing a deadline is less than ideal, it is not the end of the world. Here are five strategies you can implement if you’ve fallen behind:

1. Don’t panic
2. Communicate honestly (and as soon as possible)
3. Offer a sincere apology
4. Provide a new deadline
5. Offer compensation

1. Don’t Panic

Stressing about the situation will get you nowhere: It might distract you so much that you can fall even further behind. Try to stay calm and work to remedy the situation.

2. Communicate Honestly and as Soon as Possible

If you know in advance that you’ll miss a deadline, don’t keep it a secret. Let your client know as soon as possible what is going on, which you can easily do with a respectful email.

It will be more frustrating for them if you wait until the last minute to explain what happened. If you’ve been communicating frequently with your client anyway, they likely won’t be put off if you are running a little late.

Don’t make excuses, complain, or volunteer personal information. Just explain the delay and tell them how much extra time you need.

3. Apologize

Offering a sincere apology can go a long way. When you mention the delay, make sure you’re sorry. A few simple words can avoid bad feelings between you and your client.

4. Provide a New Deadline

To ensure your client is relaxed, tell them exactly how much extra time you need and set a new deadline. Explain how much work you’ve done and how long it will take you to complete the project.

5. Offer Compensation

In most situations, offering compensation isn’t necessary, but if you know your delay will be inconvenient, you may consider it. Along with an apology, you could offer a small discount on your rate or a discount on your next project for them.

How to Prevent Missed Deadlines

If you have missed a deadline and want to make sure it never happens again, here are three strategies to help you:

1. Set Realistic Deadlines

You need a realistic understanding of your abilities and how long it takes you to get work done. Figure out exactly how long the project will take, then add a little extra time as a buffer in case something unforeseeable happens.

2. Keep Track of Your Time

Make a daily schedule. Determine your most productive hours of the day so you know exactly when you should be focusing on work.

Daily checklists can also be effective. Organize the stages of your project into a checklist and mark each one off as you finish them. In that way, it will be easy to visualize how much more work you have to do on the project.

There are a number of other time management tools that can help you stay on track.

3. Analyze Your Past Mistakes

Missing a deadline and upsetting a client can haunt you. You need to shake off any feelings of guilt and critically analyze what went wrong. After you isolate your mistake, you can come up with a strategy to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Becoming a Freelancer

Freelancing can be an incredibly rewarding career. A great option is to become a freelance editor or proofreader. If you want to take your first steps on that journey, our courses can help you whether you’re a complete beginner or want to polish your existing skills. 

Get started with a free trial today. 

The post How to Handle a Missed Deadline as a Freelancer appeared first on Knowadays.

The answer is: customizing your LinkedIn connection messages!

Once you’ve perfected your LinkedIn profile, you’ll be ready to network with other freelancers, reach out to prospective clients, and approach recruiters. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to perfect your LinkedIn connection messages and provide you with three templates you can use to get started. 

What Is a LinkedIn Connection Message?

A LinkedIn connection message is the first step in contacting those you want to network with. When you visit someone’s LinkedIn profile and click Connect, two options appear: Send and Add a note. If you select Send, they’ll receive the following generic message: 

I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.

However, if you select Add a note, you can write a customized message. 

While it may be tempting to click “send” without customizing your message, this is the easiest way to be ignored. Recruiters get hundreds of requests every week, so taking the time to customize your message can really help you to stand out from the crowd. You get 300 characters, which may seem like a lot, but it’s worth the extra effort – those 300 characters could be the key to finding new opportunities and advancing your freelance career!

What to Include in Your LinkedIn Connection Message

Sending a message to someone you don’t know, or that you’ve only spoken to briefly, can be daunting. The following tips can help you build a solid first impression.

1. Include a greeting and introduction: Say hello to the person using their first name and, where appropriate, include their professional title. If it’s someone you don’t know, give them your name, title, and job role. If you’re a student, include your school, major, and grade, and tell them what professional or academic plans you’re hoping to pursue.

2. Explain how you found them: Was it through a networking event, job board, or LinkedIn search? Or maybe it was through a mutual connection?

3. Find common ground: Having a shared interest, school, or employer can help start a conversation and build a connection with someone new.

4. Explain why you want to connect: Before writing a LinkedIn connection message, reflect on why you’re sending it. Are you trying to make industry connections? Perhaps you’re looking for a new job? Or do you simply admire the person and want to show your appreciation and ask questions about how they got there? Whatever your reason, make it clear!

5. Include a complimentary closing: End your message with a simple “Thanks for reading” or “Look forward to hearing from you” (followed by your name). 

What to Avoid in Your LinkedIn Connection Message

1. Don’t be generic: As above, cookie-cutter messages don’t set a good first impression.

2. Connect now, pitch later: Try to connect with the person before making a pitch.

3. Editing is key: Maintain a professional tone and make sure your message is free of spelling and grammar mistakes.

4. Avoid wordiness: Keep your message concise – you only have 300 characters: make them count!

3 LinkedIn Connection Message Templates

1. How to reach out to someone you met through networking

Networking is all about making lasting impressions, even if you only have a short time to do so. The first step is to remind the person who you are and why you’re connecting with them. You could also include a call to action such as going for coffee or exchanging tips on the industry, relevant projects, or job openings.

Dear [Name],

It was great speaking to you at the [event] at [further details]. The [role] you do for [company] sounded fascinating! I’d love to stay in touch and [call to action].

Thank you,

[Name]

2. How to reach out to someone you want to work with

Whether you want someone to bounce ideas off, collaborate with, or hire for a particular task, make it clear why you want to connect. If they’re not interested, you’ll know where you stand and can keep going until you find someone who is.

Dear [Name],

I’m [Name]. I found your profile through [source], and I see you’re a [role] at [company]. I was really impressed by your [specific examples]. I’m currently looking for someone to [reason for connection], and I think you’d be a great fit! 

If you’re interested, it would be great to connect and discuss this in more detail. 

Thanks for your time.

[Name]

3. How to reach out to a recruiter

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to contact recruiters with whom you have something in common. You might both be part of the same professional organization, members of the same LinkedIn group, or simply have a mutual connection. Don’t be afraid to do some research before reaching out!

Dear [Name],

I’m [Name]. I found your profile through [organization] and wanted to discuss the possibility of working together. I’m a [role] with [x] years of experience and am seeking a new challenge. If you think my background may be a fit for any of your openings, I’d love to connect. I would also be happy to put you in touch with other professionals in my field.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

[Name]

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What is a Meeting Agenda?

A meeting agenda is a list of discussion points, topics, and objectives for a specific meeting. It’s intended to keep the attendees on track and increase productivity by providing a clear purpose and direction for the meeting.

Typically, participants receive a copy of the agenda beforehand so that they have a chance to prepare questions and ideas. A good meeting agenda has a logical flow that keeps the discussion moving. While there’s usually room for some deviation from the agenda, it provides an overall structure for the meeting and helps the participants stay organized.

Investing time to create a detailed meeting agenda saves you time in the long run. Without one, you risk getting distracted or losing focus, which may result in additional meetings later on.

When Is a Meeting a Good Use of Time?

If you’re a freelancer who charges on a per-project basis, you might be hesitant to schedule meetings – after all, any time spent in a meeting is time you could be working on the project. But while emails are a great way to communicate with clients, there are times when face-to-face communication may be necessary. For example, if you’ve just connected with a new client, it’s a good idea to meet (virtually or in person) to establish a relationship and ensure that you agree on project details, payment, and deadlines. Also, clients who you develop positive working relationships with are much more likely to recommend your services to others.

Mid-way through the project is another time you might want to have a face-to-face meeting with your client to address any concerns or ask any lingering questions. If the client hasn’t provided you with a detailed brief, this is a good time to clear up any issues and ensure the project is heading in the right direction.

Ultimately, you should ask yourself what you hope everyone will get out of a meeting before agreeing to attend one or scheduling one with a client.

What to Include in a Meeting Agenda

Once you’ve decided that a client meeting is the best course of action, what should you include in the agenda? First, determine what type of meeting it is. Is it an initial introduction meeting? Or is it a decision-making meeting before beginning a project revision? Knowing the meeting type is key to creating an efficient agenda.

After that, state the clear objective you hope to accomplish so that all participants come to the meeting knowing what to expect. For example, you may want to update the client on something related to the project or discuss your contract before signing.

Next, include the specific topics you want to cover during the meeting and estimate how long each one should take to discuss. This helps you stay focused and ensures that one topic isn’t using up too much time. 

Sample Agenda

Here’s a sample client meeting agenda that you can customize for specific clients and projects:

Date:

Time:

Participants:

Meeting Objective:

Topics For Discussion:

• In a bullet list, write the main topics you hope to address along with an estimate of how long each one will take.

Next Steps:

• Detail your next steps and when, or if, another meeting is needed.

You can also include a section for off-topic discussion items or questions, especially if your meeting includes multiple people. This ensures everyone has a chance to be heard and voice their concerns.

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Keep reading for seven customizable email templates to use as a freelancer.

1. How To Approach a Potential Client

Cold emailing individuals or businesses you’d like to work with can be a great way to source new clients and get work. But writing a pitch can be a little intimidating if you’re new to the freelance game, especially if you don’t have sales experience. Here’s a brief email template you can use and customize for each recipient:

Hi [Client Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I came across your website [personal connection]. I was particularly impressed by [specific detail]. I’m reaching out because I provide [your service], and I’d love to partner with [you/your company] because [one or two specific reasons]. Do you have any time this week to talk about ways I could support you in [relevant areas]?

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,
[Your Name]

2. How To Follow Up With a Client

Sometimes you may need to follow up with a client about a project, for example, if they haven’t responded to your request for clarification or paid an invoice. Here’s a template you can use for friendly first reminders:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re doing well! As you know, I sent over [a request/invoice/draft] on [date]. I’d really appreciate it if you could [provide information/fulfill the invoice/send feedback] by [specific date] so that we can move forward with the project. I’ve enjoyed working with you so far and am looking forward to continuing our partnership. Please let me know if you have any questions.

All the best,
[Your Name]

3. How To Respond to Scope Creep

While it’s not unusual to provide some revisions for clients based on feedback, it’s important to be mindful of scope creep (demands beyond the scope of the original brief) – you want to make sure you’re being paid fairly for your services. However, this can be an awkward topic to bring up with clients. If you find yourself in this situation, consider using this email template:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re having a good week. I wanted to reach out to discuss [the project]. I understand you’re hoping to receive [extra round of revisions/other work] by [specific date]. Of course, I’m happy to do that and keep moving forward. However, given that this goes beyond what was outlined in the original brief, I’d like to revise the terms of our existing contract to include this extra work. My rate for this work is [amount per hour]. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can take this forward.

All the best,
[Your Name]

4. How To Let a Client Know You’re Going on Vacation

Even though you’re a freelancer, you still need to take the occasional vacation! However, it’s a good idea to send your existing clients a quick email well in advance to let them know you’ll be going away. Try something like this:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I’ll be taking some time away from work and will be offline from [date to date]. I want to make sure everything is covered and we’re all set to continue when I’m back, so here’s what I plan to do before I leave: [outline tasks]. Is there anything else you’d like me to prepare?

All the best,
[Your Name]

5. How To Turn Down Work

When you’re just starting out as a freelancer, it may feel like you’ll never need to turn down work. But there could come a time when you can’t accept every project that comes your way. If you receive an offer from a client that you have to turn down, consider writing:

Hi [Client Name],

Thank you for the offer to [work on a specific project]. It sounds like a great opportunity. Unfortunately, my workload is a bit too heavy right now, so I’m unable to take it on at this time. I hope we can stay in touch and work together in the future.

All the best,
[Your Name]

6. How To End a Client Relationship

Sometimes it’s best to end a relationship with a client – especially when they’ve become too difficult or demanding. In these tough situations, try an email template like this:

Hi [Client Name],

As we’ve discussed recently, [outline challenges]. While I wish you the best of luck in the future, I no longer feel I’m the right person to complete this job and will be transitioning off the project. Over the next two weeks, I will be completing: [outline tasks].

I appreciate your understanding. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

All the best,
[Your Name]

7. How To Ask for a Testimonial

Testimonials are a great way to prove to potential clients that you can achieve the results they’re looking for. To ask a past client to write you a testimonial, try sending them something like this:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I’m collecting testimonials from past clients and would love to include some words from you. It was such a pleasure working together, and I’d love to highlight our partnership.

I’d be very grateful if you could write one or two paragraphs explaining what you enjoyed about working together and how it helped you/your specific results. I can send a few prompts to answer if you prefer. If you’d rather not do this, it would be good if you could let me know. I hope to hear from you soon.

All the best,
[Your Name]

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What Is a Target Market?

When it comes to freelancing, your target market is the type of clients you want to work with. Choosing which clients to target as a freelancer can help you to:

• Earn a good reputation within that market
• Establish a plan for promoting yourself and your business
• Find clients more easily
• Charge higher rates

As a proofreader or editor, you could define your target market by the type of writing it produces, its budget, or a combination of other factors. Read on to learn how to identify your target market and find your ideal clients.

1. Evaluate What You Can Offer 

The market you choose to target will depend on the specialist skills, experience, and qualifications you have to offer. Write a list of all the hard and soft skills, work experience, training, and other useful qualities you possess. Try to be specific here – for example, rather than making a note of your “computer skills,” jot down the actual programs or software that you’re familiar with using.

Your target market should be the people who will benefit most from the services and skills you can provide. If you’re having trouble identifying who these people might be, ask yourself the following questions:

• What problems can I solve with my skills?
• Where might these problems occur?
• Who might be experiencing these problems?

For example, if you have experience in editing for SEO, then you would be able to solve issues relating to website traffic. Those most likely to be experiencing such issues are web-based business owners, so they could make up your target market.

You should also reflect on whether there are any skills or training you lack and whether this makes you unsuited to a specific market. This can help narrow down your potential audience or help you identify areas to improve in.

2. Narrow Down Your Market Further 

By now, you should have a general idea of the type of clients you want to target. You can refine your target market further by considering factors like:

• Age
• Budget
• Interests and hobbies
• Location (e.g., local or international)
• Language proficiency (e.g., fluent speakers or ESL writers)
• Writing experience (e.g., established authors or new self-published authors)

If you’ve decided you want to target fantasy authors, for example, this is a reasonably broad category. To find your audience more effectively, you might consider targeting self-published, ESL fantasy authors.

You could even narrow down your market by getting more specific with niche writing formats and genres – though you’ll want to make sure there’s enough of a demand for your services within these parameters.

3. Do Your Research

Now that you’ve identified your target market, you need to understand it. You’ll want to consider factors such as:

• The demand for your services:

Aim for too niche a market, and you might find that there isn’t enough of a demand to sustain your business. Conversely, by targeting a larger audience, there may be more competition from other freelancers for clients.

• How your competitors target that market:

Find other freelancers who target your ideal market and make a note of how they attract those clients. For example, are there particular keywords they use on their website? 

• The average budget in that market:

Research average rates for your chosen niche services. Keep in mind that certain demographics, such as students, may have a lower budget than others.

• Where you can find and contact your target market:

Are your target clients likely to have their own website? Do they use professional platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork? Are there events your target market is likely to attend? If your target market is unlikely to use online platforms or visit in-person events at all, you may find it difficult to connect with potential clients.

With a clear understanding of your target market’s needs and behaviors, you’ll soon learn how to find your ideal clients.

4. Reach Out to Your Target Audience

You should now have a firm idea of who your target market is, what they need, and how you can find them. All that’s left to do is make contact. You can reach out to your intended market by:

• Setting up a professional account on the online platforms they’re most likely to use
• Advertising in relevant publications, such as genre-specific newsletters
• Creating a website that targets your audience, such as by using keywords or sharing related articles
• Cold emailing potential clients
• Requesting reviews and testimonials from previous clients within your target market

You can use a combination of these methods to find clients, but remember that the specific techniques you use will depend on what you know about your target market.

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With our course bundle, you’ll get access to modules on academic, business, and creative writing, plus tips on the different services you can provide – as well as a guaranteed work offer to help you find your first clients!

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