Does anyone in the #localisation and/or #freelancing bubble here have got any tips for how I would efficiently break out of the "single client" death loop into sustainable client acquisition?
I have been doing this job for several years now and it's been amazing. I'm just afraid of betting everything on one horse. If the agency that hires me most goes under for any reason I lose my livelihood.
My current ideas are in the replies:
#translationStudies #translation #localization #selfEmployment
- I pivoted from specialising in a single domain (video games) into others (e. g. logistics) for job security reasons
- I'm planning on attending more industry events and expanding my online presence to include at least a professional blog
- I might cold-call/apply to agencies (Is this a good idea?)
My issue with freelancer platforms (ProZ, TranslatorsCafe,...) is the very, very much worse rates and working conditions than I am used to and willing to accept. There seem to be tons of scams too.
@lianna Those are all good ideas, and I did them too starting out. But it’s a long process, and in my experience, it fluctuates. I had years where I had 25 different clients, and others when it’s been a third of that.
My best advice is to never, ever, skimp on quality. Always try to wow your clients (especially the good ones!). Your very best marketing tool (by a wide margin) is word of mouth.
Good luck! It’s not an easy field these days (says the guy who’s months away from retirement).
Lianna Begett
Peter Christensen