How to Start Earning from Freelancing in 2024 – A Guide for Beginners
Hello everyone, and welcome back! In my last video, I explained how you can make up to Rs. 50,000 per month through freelancing.
I shared five types of freelance work and the rates I pay my team for these services. Many viewers asked how to find that crucial first client as a beginner.
Today, I'll answer this question and walk you through the correct approach to cold emailing in three simple steps.
Step 1: Identifying the Right Client
Imagine you’re a graphic designer focused on creating thumbnails, and I’m a content creator who might need your services. When pitching, consider these four key factors:
- Reach: Look at the creator’s follower or subscriber count. Most creators start outsourcing work once they have around 30,000 to 40,000 subscribers.
- Growth: Analyze the creator’s growth on platforms like SocialBlade to check if their subscriber count and views are consistently rising. This indicates a growing channel that’s more likely to need your services.
- Paying Capacity: Check the creator's recent videos for any sponsorships or brand mentions. If they’re monetizing their content, they’re likely to have the budget to hire freelancers. Also, see if they’re full-time creators or have other jobs, as this impacts their budget for outsourcing.
- Need: Determine if they actually need your service. If their thumbnails lack polish while competitors’ thumbnails look professional, you’ve found a gap. Highlighting this need in your pitch can increase your chances of landing the job.
Step 2: Crafting Your Email
Now that you’ve identified potential clients, let’s find their contact details and send a compelling email.
To find their email address, look in the “About” section on YouTube (use the “Show email” option) or check their Instagram bio.
When you write your email, focus on crafting a subject line that grabs attention and sparks curiosity. Keep the email brief and include these four essential elements:
- Experience: Mention any past work or relevant clients you’ve worked with.
- Pricing: Provide an estimated price for your services to set clear expectations.
- Sample Work: Attach samples that are directly relevant to the client’s needs—if it’s thumbnails, include high-quality examples.
- Observation: Point out specific areas where your work could improve theirs. For example, mention how professionally designed thumbnails could help their channel stand out. This shows you’ve done your research.
Step 3: Converting the Client
To increase your chances of landing the job, try these tactics:
- Take Small Projects: Consider starting with a smaller, lower-paying project to build your portfolio and gain credibility. This can also help establish a working relationship with the client.
- Provide Free Samples: Offer to edit a portion of their content or enhance a past thumbnail as a sample. You could even offer to create their first thumbnail for free if they agree to a one-month contract. Showing your skills up front can greatly increase your chances.
- Follow Up Regularly: If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up every week. Consistent follow-ups keep you top of mind, making it more likely the client will consider you when they need help.
These steps should help you kickstart your freelancing journey and land your first client. Happy freelancing, and good luck!