Finding international clients is not as difficult as people perceive it to be. In fact, the process is pretty similar to how you find Indian or local clients.
But of course, finding international clients, applying for the job as an Indian freelancer, and getting them to choose and pay you can be a little tricky. However, it is worth learning, exploring, and experimenting with because, let’s be honest, we all know international clients can pay you way more than your average Indian clients. Moreover, they are comparatively easy to work with, considerate, and open to your creativity.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to find international clients as a freelancer, especially when you are just starting out.
I am your Raj and I am here to guide you through this tricky (it’s not that tricky, trust me) process of finding international clients.
How to Find International Clients for Freelancing?
It’s not really difficult to approach an international client. Where we all mostly fail is finding these clients who would be looking for our services.
How do I know who is out there looking for a freelancer or who might need a freelancer to whom I should send my pitch? This question is more common than you can imagine.
Most of the freelance-related coaches available online don’t tell you who your potential clients are. They just leave you to explore and pitch to everyone “you think” can be your client. I mean, come on! I don’t know anything about freelancing, I just have a passion that I can market as my service but I have no idea who I should market it to, help me out here!
I believe you are in a similar position as I was a few years ago. But see, here I am today, sharing helpful tips on finding international clients.
Okay, without further ado let’s dive right into my first point, shall we?
Target an Industry
I am assuming that you have no idea who your potential international clients are. So, to get an idea of who to target, I will suggest you pick a few very specific industries that are currently growing in the international market. Like, if you are working as a freelance content writer, you can easily target the healthcare industry and then niche it down to the cannabis and CBD market. It’s trending, growing, and offers decent opportunities to freelancers. Similarly, industries like side hustles, entrepreneurship, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Fintech have good potential.
Considering the services you offer, pick up around 2-3 industries and make your portfolio around those niches.
What you can also do is, include the niche in your service name. That will make you look even more experienced when you will be pitching your services to your potential clients. For instance, instead of saying I am a freelance writer, writing that I am a freelance cannabis writer will get me comparatively more clients.
Google Top Websites In Your Niche
Now that you have one niche that you will be targeting, google top websites under that niche.
Now here’s the deal.
When you google top websites, you will probably come across websites that probably won’t even respond to your emails. And if they do, they may not consider taking your service. So, what I want you to do here is, select the top websites that have good authority and a decent audience. Reach out to them and offer your services for free. Ask them to simply put your name and your portfolio or website link with the work you offer.
Yes, you won’t be getting paid but increasing your authority and reach as a freelancer is as important as reaching out to potential clients.
When you work with these websites, ask them to give you feedback so that you can improve and grow as a freelancer. Use this feedback in your favour and if you can, publish it on your website as well.
Reach Out to People Who Offer the Same Services as You
Usually, people who have been working for years in the same area as you won’t mind delegating their work to you. Show them your work and tell them that you would love to help them with their projects and extra work.
When people have a lot of work and clients, they don’t mind delegating tasks and when you will be working with international service providers, you will be making far more than what you might be getting from Indian clients even if they offer you something lower than the market price.
Use LinkedIn to Find International Clients
Linkedin is probably the best platform to find international clients. You can easily make your profile attractive by simply being active. Use your LinkedIn profile in your favour and apply for freelancing opportunities through the job portal the platform has.
Don’t stop there. Send connection requests to people within your niche and ask them if they would like to give your services a chance.
Getting clients on LinkedIn is very easy because everyone is there for making professional connections and HRs are constantly looking for professionals. International entrepreneurs are equally active on LinkedIn.
Find Clients on Websites Like Upwork and Fiverr
Now, this may be a little confusing or misleading but read this carefully. I am not asking you to apply for freelancing work on these websites. That’s the last thing you should be doing. What I am asking you to do is “find” clients on these websites. A lot of people on these websites share their original website and contact details. Explore the job portals, find such clients and directly pitch to them your services. This way you can build a relationship with them and then offer your services in bulk with a considerable discount on it.
Most international clients have a higher budget than what they show on these websites. They won’t mind paying you, provided they like your work and are interested in working with you. Moreover, you won’t be getting less than what you deserve because some website deducted their own fee from your earnings.
Parting Words
When you have the right set of skills and knowledge, impressing clients, be it local or international, isn’t a lot difficult. Build your own brand and potential clients will reach out to you. Augmenting your skills and having a blueprint of the freelance journey can help you a lot in starting your freelancing career on the right foot. Here is a program that can offer you everything you need as an aspiring freelancer.
How to start and grow your side hustle by the Hustlepost Academy is a course that covers everything from the beginning to finding clients, building relationships, and growing your business to six figures within a few months. All you have to do is watch the course, take notes, and do as suggested by the founder Saloni. If you ever feel stuck somewhere, you can reach out to her and she will hold your hand to get you out of the situation and gently push you towards success.
