How to Cold Approach Potential Clients (Without Freezing Up)

As a freelancer, one of the most important—and nerve-wracking—things you can do is reach out to potential clients. Whether you’re sending a cold email or making a cold call, the key to success is crafting the perfect pitch. Keep reading for some top tips on how to make sure your pitch leaves a lasting impression (for all the right reasons).

Do Your Research

Before you even think about reaching out to a potential client, it’s important to do your research. Have a solid understanding of their business, what they do, and most importantly, what they need. This will not only help you craft a more targeted pitch but also show the client that you’re already invested in their project. A great way to research potential clients is by following them on social media and signing up for their newsletter (if they have one). This way, you can stay up-to-date on any new developments or changes in their business without coming across as a stalker.

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

When you’re crafting your pitch, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one with skin in the game. The client also has something to lose (or gain) from working with you. So, before you start rattling off all the reasons why they should hire you, take a step back and think about what’s in it for them. How will working with you benefit their business? Answering this question will help you create a pitch that resonates with potential clients and makes them want to learn more about what you have to offer.

Know Your Stuff

When you’re pitching yourself as a freelancer, it’s important to be able to back up your claims. If you say that you’re an expert in social media marketing, make sure you can name at least two platforms and explain how you would use them to achieve the client’s goals. Potential clients will be much more likely to hire you if they know that you’re confident in your abilities and have the results to prove it. So before you make any grandiose statements, take some time to brush up on your skills and polish your portfolio.

Offer a Solution

A great way to stand out from other freelancers is by offering potential clients a solution before they even realize they have a problem. For example, let’s say you’re pitching yourself as an editor and the client is launching a new blog. Rather than simply offering your editing services, also offer to put together a style guide or suggest blog post topics that would be popular with their target audience. By thinking outside of the scope of just your services, you’ll increase the chances that the client sees value in working with you.

🍩 Just the Sprinkles

Whether you’re sending a cold email or making a cold call, remember these four tips: do your research, put yourself in their shoes, know your stuff, and offer solutions instead of just services. By following these simple tips,you’ll be on your way to impressing potential clients and landing that dream gig in no time!