Being good at your craft isn’t enough to land consistent freelance work. Whether you’re a designer, writer, developer, or digital marketer, you also need to know how to position yourself, attract clients, and stand out in a busy freelance marketplace.
Today’s digital business environment is about marketing yourself effectively, and this often means the difference between getting occasional gigs and a steady flow of high-quality projects.
This guide will walk you through how to position your freelance services, build visibility, and win more clients right on the platforms you already use.
Build a Strong Freelancer Profile
Your profile is your storefront. It’s the first impression clients get, and it directly affects whether you’re shortlisted for jobs.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Use a clear, professional photo.
- Write a concise headline that includes your service and value (e.g. UI/UX Designer | Helping Brands Build Seamless Interfaces).
- Craft a results-driven bio that focuses on what you do and how it helps clients.
- Add work samples or links to past projects.
- Request reviews from clients you’ve worked with social proof builds trust fast.
On TERAWORK for example, a well-optimized profile makes you easier to discover and more likely to be trusted.
Make Your Services Discoverable using SEO
Search Engine Optimization isn’t just for websites. It’s also key to helping clients find you on freelance platforms.
Start by identifying the phrases your ideal clients are likely to search for. For example:
- “Logo designer for fashion brands”.
- “Social media manager for SMEs”.
- “WordPress developer Nigeria”.
Use those keywords naturally in your profile headline, bio, and service listings so that both search engines and platform algorithms pick up your relevance.
Write Strong Proposals
A proposal is often your first direct conversation with a potential client. Don’t waste it.
A compelling proposal should:
- Show that you understand the brief.
- Explain how your experience matches the project.
- Outline your understanding of the task
- Close with a confident, actionable question.
Improve Your Platform Visibility
To stay top-of-mind for potential clients:
- Add new work samples or client feedback regularly
- Request reviews after every completed project
- Use multiple service listings for different skills or packages
- Keep your pricing transparent and competitive
- Respond to job postings early
Market Yourself Beyond the Platform
Even if you’re focused on one marketplace, your marketing shouldn’t stop there.
- Sharing work samples and success stories on LinkedIn or Instagram
- Joining industry-specific groups or communities
- Adding your TERAWORK profile link to your email signature or digital CV
- Asking satisfied clients for referrals
These channels expand your presence, build your reputation, and increase your chances of getting hired.
Choose a Marketplace That Supports You
Not every platform works for everyone. For freelancers in Nigeria and across Africa, TERAWORK offers unique benefits:
- A local-first focus that connects you with clients in your region
- Escrow-secured payments to ensure you’re paid for completed work
- Client review systems that help you build credibility
- Access to both short-term gigs and long-term remote roles
TERAWORK is built for African freelancers, giving you access to clients who understand your market, with secure payments and support every step of the way.
You’re Not Just Working You’re Building a Business
You may work solo, but you shouldn’t think small; Freelancing is a business, and marketing is part of the job. When you treat your profile, proposals, communication, and delivery as part of your brand, clients will take notice.
And with the right strategy, tools, and mindset, you can attract better opportunities, more consistent work, and long-term success as a freelancer.
Ready to grow your freelance brand? Start building your presence and attracting the right clients on TERAWORK
