Why Most Freelancers Struggle—And How to Fix It
Freelancers Don’t Just Need Skills—They Need Positioning
Many freelancers aren’t struggling because they lack skills. They struggle because they don’t position themselves correctly.
If you’re not getting clients, chances are, you’re making one of these mistakes:
1️⃣ You’re Treating Freelancing Like a Side Hustle, Not a Business
A lot of freelancers think, “I’ll just post my work and wait for clients.” But that’s not how businesses grow.
✅ Fix: Treat freelancing like a real business:
- Have a marketing strategy
- Set work hours
- Create a system for finding and closing clients
2️⃣ You’re Not Making It Easy for Clients to Find You
If a client wanted to hire you right now, would they know what you do? If your profile isn’t clear, you’re making it harder to get hired.
✅ Fix:
- Update your bio so it clearly states what you offer.
- Optimize your LinkedIn to reflect your expertise.
- Post about your work consistently to stay visible.
3️⃣ You’re Afraid to Sell Yourself
You can be amazing at your craft, but if you don’t put yourself out there, no one will know. Clients don’t hire people they’ve never heard of.
✅ Fix:
- Pitch daily—reach out to potential clients.
- Send messages offering your services.
- Talk about your skills with confidence—if you don’t, who will?
4️⃣ You Sound Like Everyone Else
Saying “I do social media marketing” is too generic. There are thousands of social media marketers. Why should a client pick you?
✅ Fix:
- Be specific—What industry do you serve?
- Show results—What measurable impact have you delivered?
- Craft a clear message—Stand out by emphasizing your unique strengths.
5️⃣ You’re Not Building Relationships
Most freelancers focus too much on platforms and too little on people. Job boards are competitive. Relationships are gold.
✅ Fix:
- Engage in online communities where your ideal clients hang out.
- Connect with past clients and keep in touch.
- Let people know what you do—you never know who might need your service.
Freelancing is a Business—Market, Sell, and Network
If you’re not marketing, selling, and networking, you’ll always struggle to get clients. Freelancing is not just about skill—it’s about positioning.
Which mistake do you see freelancers making the most?
