HOW TO FIND REMOTE WORK CLIENTS WITHOUT USING UPWORK
Finding remote work clients without relying on platforms like Upwork can feel overwhelming, but it’s completely possible - and often more profitable. While freelance marketplaces provide an easy way to get started, they’re highly competitive and often drive prices down. If you want to build a sustainable freelance business with high-quality clients, you need to think beyond Upwork. Here’s how to do it.
1. Optimize Your Personal Brand
Clients want to work with experts, not just freelancers. Position yourself as a go-to person in your niche by:
Creating a strong online presence – Update your LinkedIn profile, build a personal website, and ensure your social media profiles reflect your skills and experience.
Showcasing your expertise – Publish blog posts, share case studies, and post content related to your industry.
Having a professional portfolio – Even if you’re just starting out, create sample work that demonstrates your skills.
2. Leverage Social Media to Attract Clients
Social media is one of the most powerful ways to land remote clients. Here’s where to focus:
LinkedIn: Optimize your profile for search, engage in industry discussions, and post valuable content related to your expertise. Use LinkedIn search to find decision-makers and connect with them.
Instagram & TikTok: If your work is visual (graphic design, photography, content creation), showcase your projects and share educational tips.
Twitter/X: Engage with industry leaders, share insights, and use Twitter threads to demonstrate expertise.
Facebook Groups & Reddit: Join communities where your potential clients hang out, provide helpful insights, and subtly promote your services.
3. Network in the Right Places
Building relationships is key to attracting high-quality remote work clients.
Attend virtual and in-person networking events – Look for industry-specific meetups, webinars, and co-working spaces.
Engage in online communities – Join Facebook groups, Slack communities, and forums related to your industry.
Offer free value first – Providing helpful insights in discussions can position you as an expert and lead to inbound opportunities.
4. Pitch Directly to Clients
Cold pitching works when done right. Here’s how to approach it:
Find businesses that need your service – Identify startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who could benefit from your skills.
Craft a compelling email – Personalize your message, highlight how you can solve their problem, and showcase past work.
Follow up strategically – Many clients won’t respond immediately, so follow up after a week with a friendly reminder.
5. Use Your Website as a Lead Magnet
If you don’t have a website, now is the time to create one. Optimize it for search engines (SEO) so potential clients can find you. Essential elements include:
A compelling about page – Highlight your experience, skills, and unique selling points.
Portfolio & case studies – Show real results and success stories from past projects.
Clear call-to-action (CTA) – Make it easy for clients to contact you with a booking link or contact form.
6. Build Relationships with Other Freelancers
Other freelancers can be your best source of referrals.
Partner with complementary freelancers – If you’re a copywriter, team up with web designers. If you’re a video editor, connect with content creators.
Join freelance communities – Many freelancers get more work than they can handle and will refer clients if they trust you.
7. Offer a Referral Program
Encourage past clients to refer you by offering incentives like discounts on future projects or small bonuses. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most powerful ways to get high-quality clients.
8. Create Content That Attracts Clients
Content marketing helps establish authority and attract inbound leads.
Write blog posts on your website – Optimize them for SEO with keywords your ideal clients search for.
Create LinkedIn articles – Share case studies and insights from your industry.
Start a newsletter – Build an audience of potential clients who trust your expertise.
9. Get Featured in Industry Publications
Being featured in relevant blogs, podcasts, or industry publications can boost credibility and attract inbound leads. Pitch yourself as a guest writer or podcast guest to share your expertise.
Final Thoughts
Finding remote work clients outside of Upwork requires a strategic approach, but it ultimately leads to better opportunities, higher pay, and more freedom. Focus on building your brand, networking, and using content marketing to attract high-quality clients. With consistency, you’ll create a thriving freelance business without ever needing to rely on a freelance marketplace.
Need help going freelance? Check out our resources at The Free Life for coaching, digital products, and events designed to help you live a balanced, location-independent life.
