Getting Freelance Graphic Design Jobs

Generally the business comes from either newsgroup postings, online services, or your Website. With a little patience and Netiquette, you can find plenty of jobs through these means.

Directories and Job Banks

The Web is changing how people find jobs. You can list yourself with numerous websites, post a "job wanted" ad, or browse "job offered" ads, all from the comfort of your home — often for free.

Newsgroups

Newsgroups are good hunting grounds for jobs, as long as you use proper netiquette and are prepared for the results. It's helpful if you establish yourself as an expert: answer people's questions when you can, whether or not you think it will lead to a job. People will get to know you.

If someone has posted a job that sounds interesting to you, respond to them via email. Don't post "I'm a designer and here's my Website" to twenty newsgroups at once. This is considered spamming, and will probably create more ill-will than jobs. DO NOT WRITE POSTS IN ALL CAPS. This is considered shouting; besides, it's hard to read, isn't it?

It's inevitable: you post to newsgroups, and your email box fills up with spam. One way to avoid this is to alter your return email address, and include the correct one within your post. I don't do this personally; I want people to be able to reach me easily. You need to weigh for yourself whether or not you feel the benefits of posting to newsgroups outweighs the inevitable spam.

Banners

Web banners are a mini snapshot of your design capabilities. Joining one of the free banner exchange services, such as LinkExchange, costs you nothing other than your time and a Web banner on your own Website.

Sponsorship

Many ezines, mailing lists, and email newsletters accept sponsors. If you can find a list your target market participates in, this is one way to get the word out.

Pro Bono Work

It's very difficult to get jobs if you don't have any work to show. On the other hand, you won't have work to show if you can't get a job. It's the catch-22 of the freelance graphic design world.

Pro bono work, or working for free, may be the answer. Local organizations with limited budgets are often looking for pro bono work. If you decide to do some, make sure you can get a credit on the work.

Promote Your Freelance Web Design Business

Your Website

If you're a designer, whether you're into print or Web design, a Website is crucial. Your website will allow people to find out about your freelance graphic design services and contact you when your services meet their needs.

Signature Files

A signature file goes at the end of your email and your newsgroups posts. It includes your name, your company name, maybe a catchy phrase about what you do (known as a tagline), your Website URL, and maybe your address and phone number.

Your Website URL is an absolute must — and you want to make sure that it's clickable (just make sure to use the http://).

Some email software can be set up to automatically attach your signature file to all your email and newsgroup postings. Be sure to keep it short: normally three to four lines is acceptable.

Email

Some people use email as a sort of direct mail on the Web. This is different from bulk email, which is spam. One person recently told us in chat that he finds a company he'd like to work with then contacts them via email, and he's had good results this way.

Another email alternative is to use opt-in lists. These are mailing-lists that are basically nothing more than advertisements, but they're only sent to people who've requested them.

Use these tips to take off your freelance graphic design business.