4 Things Freelancers are Looking for in a Client
I get asked a lot of questions about what entrepreneurs should look for in freelancers.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I was asked during a recent podcast interview:
“What are freelancers looking for in a client?”
What’s so great about this question is that it reminds entrepreneurs like you and me of the importance of creating an environment that supports the needs of freelancers.
With virtual workplaces, we can’t exactly have impromptu discussions in the hall or stock our break rooms with everyone’s favorites. But there are still plenty of ways we can create a supportive environment for freelancers — and become their client of choice.
These are the top 4 things freelancers look for in clients:
Long-term relationships.
When freelancers work with a client for an extended period of time, they are able to understand the client’s needs on a deeper level and anticipate how to best serve them on future projects.
But increased efficiency and productivity aren’t the only tangible results of long-term relationships.
Even though freelancers are independent contractors, and there are very specific ways in which they should not be treated as employees (while I am not an accountant or tax expert, you can see the IRS rules here), they do still want to feel like they’re a member of your team.
So, how can you show potential candidates that long-term working relationships are important to you?
For one, you can mention that you value long-term working relationships in the job posting in the section about you and your business.
Or, you can include a bullet in the list of preferred qualifications that you’re looking for someone who’s interested in a long-term working relationship.
Letting your preference for a long-term relationship be known at the outset will help attract like-minded freelancers — and dissuade those who are freelancing in the short term or prefer working on ad hoc projects.
Also, it’s important that we recognize freelancers are business owners, too — and that constantly having to search for and interview for jobs affects their profitability. So you might have better luck attracting high-performing freelancers by posting your long-term projects than frequently posting short-term ones.
Established, stable businesses.
Working with an established business means that they probably have proven systems in place, are fairly organized, and are a little less volatile than a start-up.
So there is probably less likelihood of wildly fluctuating hours, lack of (or confusing) direction, or uncertainty if the work will be around in a year.
Repeat after me: Credibility is QUEEN. And if you want to attract credible freelancers, you have to be a credible client.
There are too many horror stories out there of clients stiffing freelancers. So before putting in any effort to apply, you can bet that potential candidates are checking out your business — and you. And the good ones will run at the slightest hint of shadiness.
That’s why it’s a good idea to check out how you’re positioning yourself and your business online before you post your position. Make sure you and your business are represented in a professional and positive light.
Businesses that interest them.
Many freelancers decided to go out on their own because they found they enjoy sharing their specialized talent or skill. So they’re going to seek out the opportunities that best fit their needs and wants.
I’m also seeing that freelancers want to work with companies — and business owners — that they connect with. That inspire them. Or align with their personal values. Or they just enjoy on a personal level.
That’s exactly what drew my last writer, Audrey, to apply to work with me. More than the work itself, she identified with my mission to help others and wanted to be a part of a team that would support one another in growing our respective businesses. She even told me that her current selection process for new clients is based on her hiring experience with me!
If your business is focused on blogging or coaching or consulting, you might already have a competitive hiring advantage over other industries.
Just by the nature of your business, you’re likely going to be pretty attractive to potential candidates who are interested in food, health, crafting — and other lifestyle topics.
Another way to demonstrate that you’re likable and enjoyable to work with is to share a few personal details about yourself in the section about you and your business within the job posting.
You’ll stand out from the other more “corporate” job postings and catch the eyes of the freelancers who want to work with clients they connect with.
A consistent time commitment.
I once heard a podcast host say that you can hire a freelancer for as little as an hour a week.
While technically that’s true, I wouldn’t recommend it because you aren’t going to get the best freelancers to apply.
Besides, if a freelancer took on clients at only an hour each, it would take 20 clients to get to 20 hours a week of contract work. 20!
While freelancers are usually adept at working with multiple businesses, it’s not reasonable or realistic to expect them to keep track of that many.
And constantly context switching, or going back and forth between projects, just isn’t a sustainable way to work. It’s bound to result in lost productivity, stress, fatigue… and frustration for everyone involved.
That’s why I recommend starting with three to five hours a week or 10 to 12 hours per month. That doesn’t mean you have to guarantee your freelancer five hours every week. But you should be able to hit one of these ranges.
Find the best freelancers.
Are you ready to start building your team with high-performing freelancers who are searching for their dream client?
Get my free job posting template to learn how to create an attractive job posting that catches the attention of the best freelancers out there.
