The thought of pitching yourself to get freelancing work can be quite overwhelming and intimidating.
Similar to when we first started running our online businesses, I’m sure your mind is racing with all the questions… How do I get client work? Who do I send pitches to? Do I have to send pitches? What do I write? What if I get rejected? Why aren’t my pitches getting results?
Seriously, chica. We’ve been exactly where you’re at right now.
But with over six years of pitching experience under our belts, we’ve worked out the kinks and are here to help you do the same.
So, grab a hot cup of coffee and settle in. Today, we’re sharing the one thing you’re not doing in your pitches (and likely the reason you aren’t landing those dream clients)!
But first, what is a pitch?
Pitches are basically any form of communication with a person or business you want to work with.
It can be:
- A cold email to someone you don’t know
- A warm email to someone you already know and want to work with
- Replying to job postings on sites such as Facebook, Upwork, and Fiverr
- Emailing past clients to get new work
- Sending messages on networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Do I really have to be pitching?
So, you’ve created your online business, built your website, and are ready to start taking on clients…
Surely they’ll find you, right? Totally wrong, chica!
Waiting around for clients to discover your killer website or stumble across your well-thought out Instagram feed is not the way to go!
If you want to be fully booked and making a steady income, it’s crucial that you build your network and your portfolio, especially when you’re just starting out! You have to be proactive in bringing potential clients into your network. Otherwise, they likely have no idea who you are and that your online business even exists.
Pitching is exactly how you get clients, make an income, add to your portfolio, and build your network to get referrals.
As intimidating as it can be, yes chica, you really need to be pitching!
But who do I even pitch to?
One of the main keys to successful pitching is pitching to the right person or business!
The first step to figuring out who to pitch to is by knowing your niche and crafting your ideal client. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What industry do I have expertise and past experience in?
- What work do I enjoy doing most?
- Where are they located? Do time zones conflict? Are there language barriers?
- What are my values and how do I want to incorporate them through my work?
Be sure to research the individual or business before pitching. Pitch to people who line up with your values, you’re passionate about their mission, and you can bring expertise and experience to!
What if I get rejected?
The fear of rejection is totally legit… No one likes to be told that they aren’t the right fit – I certainly don’t!
But don’t let this fear get in the way of reaching your dreams and running a successful online business. Because in all honesty, no matter your skill set, past experience, or level of expertise, you (just like every other freelancer) WILL get rejected! It’s just part of it, chica.
So, instead of worrying that you’re not good enough, focus on staying positive, improving your pitch, and learning along the way!
The one thing you’re not doing in your pitches…
So, you’ve dabbled in pitching and have had absolutely no luck so far…
Well, chica, I’ll let you in on a little secret…
You’re talking about yourself too much!
Yes, business owners care about who they hire, but more than anything, they want to know the value that you bring!
What can you take off of their plates? What results can you get them? Why do they need you?
For example, it’s not enough to just say, “Hi, I offer Pinterest Management services and these are my rates. I love Pinterest so much. I’d really like to work with you. My business allows me the freedom to work from home.”
Instead, you can say something like, “I offer Pinterest Management services and this is an untapped tool that you can use to drive sales. This is how I would accomplish X, Y, Z. These are the types of results I get for my clients and I can do the same for you too!”
Now, THAT is how you get your dream clients!
Leave behind the long stories that go on and on about YOUR life, YOUR business, YOUR dream. It’s not about you, girl! It’s all about what you can do for THEM!
Consistently pitching is one of the fastest routes to being fully booked and living a life of freedom of flexibility!
And although it can be completely terrifying to put yourself out there, crafting a quality pitch and sharing it with potential clients will be oh so rewarding!
Want all the juicy details on perfect pitching? Join thousands of our students launching successful online freelancing businesses inside our signature business course, the Work Online and Travel the World Course!
Inside the course, you’ll learn step-by-step everything you need to start your own thriving freelancing business online like…
- How and where to find clients online
- How to organize and keep track of your pitching
- What exactly to include in your pitches
- How often to pitch
- When to follow up after pitching
- Perfected and primed pitch templates
- Plus so much more!