Why You're Not Getting Enough Clients (And How to Fix It)

You've got the skills, the ambition, and even the right coffee you asked your friend to get from Colombia.

Yet, despite all that, you're still not landing enough clients. Frustration is building up, and the gig economy feels more like a dead-end road.

Keep hope.

Take a deep breath, grab that cup of coffee, and let's dive into why you're not getting enough clients – and, more importantly, how to fix it.

1. Your Portfolio Lacks Focus

A diverse portfolio is cool, but without a clear focus, it can leave potential clients scratching their heads, wondering what exactly you specialize in.

Solution: Hone your niche and showcase your best work within that domain. Tailor your portfolio to attract clients you want to work with. Quality over quantity, always — your best clients know it too.

2. Your Pitching Game Needs Work

You may have a lot to say — have a fascinating story — but if your pitches aren't resonating with editors and clients, your emails will often be ghosted, or you get that short and sweet — rather cold in most cases — rejection email.

Solution: Research your target publications or clients thoroughly. Craft personalized pitches that address their needs and demonstrate your unique value. Consistency is key; keep pitching even when your inbox is choking with rejection emails.

3. You're Not Networking Enough

Freelancing is so much about the connections you build along the way. I've had several clients through referrals.

There's so much to miss out on if you are not putting yourself out there.

Solution: Find networking events you'd like to attend in your city or nearby cities — also a great way to go on a trip you deserve.

Join those Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and stay active for a while to see how's the response like. Take a genuine interest in what people are doing.

4. Your Rates Are Too Low (Or Too High)

Pricing is a delicate affair.

Charging too little makes you come across as inexperienced or low-quality. If your rates are too high, you might scare potential clients away.

Solution: Research competitive rates. Who Pays Writers is a great place to look for what many publications pay.

Based on that, decide on a rate that reflects your skills, experience, and the value you bring.

5. You're Not Adapting to Market Demands

The freelance landscape is ever-evolving, and you need to keep up with the trends and changes in your industry to stay relevant.

Solution: I’m not asking you to use ChatGPT, but stay informed about your niche — subscribing to Byline Blueprint is a great start.

Learn new skills. Invest the most important resource — time — in professional development.

If you are reading this, then you are on the road, I am with you, and you know how to contact me.

Cheers!