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<p><em>When you decide to become a freelancer or a self-employed worker, one of the most challenging things at the start is to convince potential customers to work with you. How do you gain their trust? How can you show that you are the one that can meet their needs? Here are six tips to help you convert prospects into clients.&nbsp;</em></p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Get a professional-looking brand image</strong></h3> <p>To start with, when you become a freelancer, it is recommended that you have a professional-looking brand image. It can be done in many ways: a logo, <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/why-do-you-need-professional-photos" target="_blank">professional photos</a>, a website, business cards, etc. A cohesive and professional brand image will increase your credibility as a consultant or expert, which can help you greatly at your start.</p> <p>Your brand image can also help you display your colors and values at one glance. Let us say that you are a financial advisor and want to work with a precise clientele. A brand image adapted to this target market will help you stand out. Do not hesitate to work with a brand expert if needed, and start the process by defining your ideal client.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Show testimonials and examples</strong></h3> <p>A way to transform a prospect into a client is to show you have already worked with other clients and they were satisfied with your services. Consider displaying testimonials on your website, social media pages, or Google My Business. If you do not have any testimonials yet, do not hesitate to contact past clients to ask them for their comments. Of course, please display only genuine testimonials.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the same vein, think about displaying examples of what you can do. It can be a portfolio with your best creations or examples of past projects. By seeing this, a client who does not know you could be convinced that you are the person they need.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Do not forget your online presence</strong></h3> <p>Nowadays, the internet can help you <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-find-your-first-customers" target="_blank">find your first clients</a>. First, there is the website. A site remains the basis of your online presence; it is a better source of information than a simple Facebook or LinkedIn page. You can present your services, answer different questions, and show examples of your work or testimonials. Then, with good SEO, potential customers could find you after searching on Google.</p> <p>An online presence is much more than having a website. We also recommend being active on social media. Take a moment to ask yourself what the social platforms used by your target audience are, and then create content. You can also be active in groups and show your knowledge by answering questions from the community.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Meet potential customers</strong></h3> <p>If someone looks interested, it does not mean they will automatically become your client. If you want to convince them, we suggest you contact them to learn more about their needs and budget. Do not hesitate to ask questions since it will show that you are interested. This will also be the perfect opportunity to see if you want to work with them or if the tasks interest you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regarding this, do not hesitate to add a contact form or contact information on your website or social media pages. You can also use tools like GoRendezVous or Calendly, so your potential customers can book an exploratory meeting with you themselves, according to your availability.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Sell your services and your personality</strong></h3> <p>There are hundreds of photographers, graphic designers, and translators. Consequently, what can you do to ensure a potential client chooses you? How can you stand out from the competition? During the exploratory meeting, remember not to only talk about your products or services; mention yourself, your values, and the benefits of working with you. When two professionals have a similar price, a potential client will often select the person who gave them the best first impression or has the same values.</p> <p>It is important to remember that one of the most important advantages of being a freelancer or a self-employed person is to choose your contracts and clients. You then have the opportunity of having long-term business relationships when you do it right.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h3><strong>Send a complete estimate</strong></h3> <p>Finally, the last step is sending a quote, an estimate. Take the time to analyze your potential client&#39;s needs, and create an estimate accordingly. At this step, you should already have an idea of their budget ad the time you need to achieve everything. You can also create different quotes for different offers if required.</p> <p>But how to come up with <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-come-up-with-a-winning-quote" target="_blank">a winning quote</a>? First, the document must be complete and professional-looking. You can use a tool like Momenteo to create a beautiful estimate in just a few clicks. Much information must appear on a quote to be valid, including your address, your potential client&rsquo;s address, the date, description of the tasks, prices, payment terms, and expiry. The last element is essential because when you add an expiry, you protect your capacity to increase your rate in the future while encouraging your potential clients to give you an answer as soon as possible.</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, use your professional credibility to convince potential clients to work with you. Get a representative and professional brand image, display testimonials of satisfied clients, show examples of your past work, ensure to have an online presence, and take the time to understand the needs of the people who contact you. And when the quote is won, consider the <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/the-importance-of-having-a-good-contract-of-services" target="_blank">contract of services</a> to protect yourself and avoid misunderstandings. Good luck!</p> <p></p>