Refresh Your New Business Pitch—5 Ways
Is your freelance business slowing down? Here are 5 ways to refresh your new business pitch. Let’s get to it.
Revise Your Portfolio For Greater Impact
This is one of those jobs many freelancers keep putting off, like spring cleaning.
A revised portfolio gives you the perfect excuse to send links to prospects, existing clients, and colleagues with whom you might collaborate.
At the same time, let them know you have availabilities coming up.
Big Tip: Take the time to customize each communication. Do not blast out the same generic message. Personalize every one. Double-check the names.
Add Case Studies to Your Website
Case studies tell a bigger story. If you have results, awards, or interesting stories to tell, a case study takes it further than just a portfolio piece.
Case studies are especially practical if you’re working in a particular niche.
Send links to prospects in that niche to show them you understand the industry. It’s a great way to start a conversation.
Reach Out to Old Clients for New Work and Testimonials
We’re all busy, and sometimes relationships slip away. Take the initiative to say hello and rekindle relationships with old clients.
That may be all it takes to prompt them to give you a project.
While you’re at it, if you did some exceptional work together in the past, ask them for a testimonial. Then, add it to your website.
Tip: You can’t have too many testimonials. Read the section on the easiest way to get testimonials here.
Reach Out to Colleagues to Work Together
If you’re a freelancer, you should have compatible freelancers you could work with. For example, if you’re a writer, you should have a freelance designer and developer you can call to work on projects together.
That way, if you get a suitable project, like building a website, your group can take on the whole project. Clients love it. Rather than just handle the writing, you take everything off the client’s hands. So much easier for them.
More info on creating a virtual agency where you get together for specific projects.
Put it Out on Social Media
It sounds so obvious, but sometimes we forget to let others know we have available time coming up.
Suggestions: Rather than say “open for work”, let your network know exactly what you’d like. It doesn’t have to be just one thing. For example, you could say you’re looking for writing projects related to organic food or locally-made fashions.
You could specify your media, such as web, email campaigns, or social media.
The point is to add some specifics. Yes, it narrows your market, but it also catches the eyes of the right prospects.
Free 1-Hour Consultation if You Bought One of My Books
I’ve been doing this but haven’t publicized it yet. If you bought one of my books, I’m happy to chat on Zoom, Google, or whatever platform works.
I’ve done it for quite a few people and have enjoyed it. For some, it helps their business or solves immediate problems.
No proof of purchase is necessary. I’ll take your word for it (but I might ask you what you liked most about the book).
So, buy a book and get in touch. If you already own one of the books and want to talk, let me know.
On Bluesky, DM me at @strotebook.bsky.social.
On Twitter, I’m @StroteBook.
On LinkedIn, I’m Andy Strote.
New Book For Freelancers
I’ve just published How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. It’s the essential business guide for freelance writers, designers, developers, filmmakers, and photographers.
Whether you’re just starting as a freelancer or have years of experience, you’ll learn a lot from this book.
It’s broken down into easy-to-understand chapters with strategies and tips you can use today. Not just “what to do”, but also “how to do it”.
It’s available now in Paperback and Kindle ebook on Amazon.
Want to Grow An Agency? The Agency Book is For You
If you’re looking for tips on how to build and grow your agency, you’ll want to read How to Start a Successful Creative Agency.
Available at Amazon (Paperback & Kindle ebook), Kobo (ebook), Apple Books (ebook), and Gumroad (PDF).
The book is packed with useful information to help creatives start and grow their business.
Testimonial: You Can Charge More
“I took a lot from your book around proposals. Show them everything that is involved in delivering a quality product, all the steps you take.
You can charge more, and they will understand the value you put into it.”
Sean Hogue, Twitter
Want a Free Taste First?
Sure! Sign up in the footer below for a free PDF of Chapter 14 of the Agency book Working With Clients.
This chapter covers essential areas such as Clients vs. Projects, Corporate Clients vs. Small Business Clients, How to Create an Opportunity Document, the Benefits of Finding a Niche… and much more.
Questions?
If you’re on Bluesky, I’m @strotebook.bsky.social. Ask me anything.
On Twitter, I’m @StroteBook. D.M.s are always open.
On LinkedIn, I’m Andy Strote. Ask away.