BY PRAGYA MEHROTRA

A large number of translators work as freelancers and therefore a need to land new clients is always present. When one is new freelancer and has no experience in the matter, finding actual paying clients is a tough task. But doing so is the only way to make a mark in the freelancing translator community and to land even bigger clients. For obvious reasons, finding the first client is very difficult. You have no reputation or credibility.
Therefore, the first and foremost thing to do is creating a portfolio regarding you and your work which will be the biggest reflection of your competency in the beginning stages. Listing down your strengths and unique problem-solving skills is a must. This will help any potential clients to judge your abilities. However, only creating an impeccable portfolio is not what it takes to rise as a freelancer. Spreading word about yourself and your portfolio through proper networking and marketing is important to attract clients. Only then, potential clients will be able to know about the services you are offering and judge whether they like what they saw or not, and whether they want to hire you to do their work. Online networking and marketing is the most popular way to spread the word about anything these days. There are many websites available which allow you to upload your resume or portfolio and the clients contact you through the website. You should be easy to find on the web. Only then potential clients will be able to find you. Blogging is also a good option in order to attract clients. But the blog needs to be relevant to the translation business since you are trying to find clients related to that. Irrelevant matter will only bore clients and push them away. Although internet and online marketing is a huge part of any business these days, it is still important to network and talk to potential clients in person. Attending seminars and workshops and meeting people would help build your network and you might end up with work and clients.
Once you land clients, it will be extremely essential to retain them. Maintaining a durable relationship with your client is of extreme importance. The client should be able to trust you. You should never give your client reason to doubt or distrust you or your work. This will sever your relationship beyond repair which will not be good for your reputation in the freelance business. But this relationship works both ways. Like you should not lose the trust of your client, similarly you should also be able to trust your client. If you do not trust your client, you will not be able to do quality work for them which will in turn affect your reputation. Moreover, an untrustworthy client might not respect your hard work and make unreasonable demands. The key to maintaining an amicable relationship with your client is good communication. Managing your client’s expectations and informing them about your working style is important. It is your job to ensure that the client does not have unrealistic expectations regarding your work. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings between you and your client. Other things aside, the most important way to retain and also get new clients is doing quality work. Nothing speaks more than your work. If you do quality work, the client will surely like it and might refer you to some other clients. This will help you increase your network of clients.
Taking professional help is another way you can learn new and innovative ways to land new clients. This can be done by taking freelance courses where you will learn all the tricks of the trade. Also, you mind find some potential clients or referrals while taking these types of courses. You will be able to make connections which will help you immensely. After taking all these measures, if you have some other innovative way to market yourself or improve your networking skills, you should not be afraid to utilize it. You should believe in yourself and believe that whatever innovative measures you try out will take you a step forward. You should contribute towards the betterment of your of work in any way possible while keeping an open mind so that you can as many clients as possible.

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