If you’re struggling as a freelance designer, you may want to consider taking a moment to wonder why. It may lead you down one road and that is - your reputation. How do others view you? More importantly, how do potential clients view you?

When thinking about your reputation, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I always been on time with a project?
• Do I treat my fellow colleagues with respect?
• Does my portfolio receive any traffic?
• Am I considered an expert at what I do?
• Will my previous clients refer me to potential ones?
• Am I actively involved in my market/community?
• And the easiest one of them all: Is my work any good? (Don’t just listen to your momma)

If you answered no or weren’t sure how to answer them, then your reputation may be the reason why you aren’t getting projects or clients. If you look at all of the top designers at the moment, you’ll realize that they all have one thing in common: they are idolized within the industry.

STRENGTHEN YOUR PORTFOLIO this seems like a no brainer, but the first step to getting any client is to have a portfolio of previous work to show. A sufficient portfolio will have about 5-8 pieces of work. This will show any potential clients that you’re serious about your work and you have the past experience to prove it. Anything fewer and clients may think you don’t have the experience, or that people aren’t hiring you for a reason. Furthermore, you’re able to develop a distinct style that will inevitably separate you from the rest of the field. No two designers are alike and you should always aim to be original.

Ask yourself what distinguishes you from other designers. Why do you think your clients should choose you over the other million freelancers? After you’ve answered that question, take the solution and build on that. Is it because you can offer quick turn around time? Is it because you are experienced? How about because of your affordable prices? These answers should be the main focus of your portfolio. Support your strengths, and if you have to, use your weaknesses to your benefit.

Do This:

• Enter Sitepoint Contests to learn how to handle feedback and make revisions (make sure that your end pieces are allowed to be displayed in your portfolio)
• Create a self identity (if your name is easy to remember, go with it. If not, create an identity)
• Have an actual portfolio (with an actual domain), even if its a temporary one

Don’t Do This:

• Show your bad work - instead, display only selected works (what you think your clients want to see)
• Don’t display your work using folder views

WATCH HOW YOU CARRY YOURSELF you need to be active in the community. Join forums such as Talkfreelance, Digital Point, Sitepoint, etc. and make sure that you get yourself noticed. Be helpful, courteous, and know what you’re talking about before you say something. Everyone is watching, and it’s very important to remember that it only takes one negative comment to make yourself look bad. Your potential clients will also be on these forums and its important to make yourself look likable and easy to work with. Network with other designers.. There have been countless times where I’ve referred my potential clients to other designers that I know can handle the project because I was either booked, or busy.

Looking like a charismatic and likable guy, you’ll definitely be held in high regards. The more people talk to you or talk about you (in a positive way) the better chances you have to expose your skills and portfolio to the right people. The more you can get your name mentioned and your portfolio viewed, the higher odds you have for yourself to get hired.

Do This:

• Display your work and ask for feedback to improve your designs
• Critique other people’s work and give them feedback (this helps you improve your sense of design as well)
• Do what your momma taught you: if you haven’t nothing nice to say, don’t say it.
• Register as your real name (or an easy to remember and professional identity) - this builds trust and personality

Don’t Do This:

• Name yourself something ridiculous
• Continuously post advertisements for your services
• Act stuck up or seem like a know-it-all

TREAT EVERY CLIENT LIKE GOLD because in essence, they are. Every client has the potential to multiply exponentially. However, it only takes one disaster project to ruin your hard earned reputation. But remember, the exact opposite can be true. At any time during your career, you may come across an opportunity to define your future. If you are able to complete one of these you’re good for life. Clients like to talk to each other, and often times, the will name your services to colleagues in passing. However, everyone is always looking for a designer and the more you can make your name present in conversations, the more you’ll get project leads - it’s as simple as that. Furthermore, if your clients are willing, you can even give them a few extra of your business cards and let encourage them to hand out your cards to interested parties. If the project you had with them was completely successful and fun, they will have absolutely no problem in recommending your services to a friend.

Do This:

• Send your clients (both current and previous) small presents on relevant holidays (New Years, Christmas, etc.)
• Give your clients extra business cards at the end of a project
• Ask for testimonials and feedback so that you can improve your own services

Don’t Do This:

• Take your clients for granted
• Make up excuses and delay the project
• Basically anything where you can piss your client off

In the end, you control your own faith.  The internet is a global stage for your taking and whether or not you decide to make a leap of faith to improve yourself, that decision is up to you.  The great thing about being a freelancer is that you have control over your own destiny.  If you work, you’ll receive work.  If you slack off, you won’t get anything.  Create your own motivation and let that fuel you.

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