General Discussions

**hollisterbay** · 05-22-2007, 06:00 AM

Hi guys, I have a question -

How do you guys get your clients? - Like you go around your area, see local businesses and if they do not have a site, you approach them?

I see so many agencies, and obviously these guys get the big contracts with big companies like nike.com or something - how can someone like us, freelancers, get our nose infront of the agents and offer something to people?

What do you guys think?

Obviously, if your confident and you think you can do a site as good as nike.com then why not? Why should we have to go to agents who then take a cut and sometimes even remove our names from the site and put their name there.

Finding new businesses is a key - but how do you find these new ones? I'm interested in the fashion industry for example - when someone releases a new fashion brand or something, how do I find that out and then approach them for a site because these guys go straight to agents

**PadraigCurran** · 05-22-2007, 06:34 PM

If you are going to approach something like fashion design company I suggest building up a good portfolio first with some good sites!

**DRP** · 05-22-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollisterbay

Hi guys, I have a question -

How do you guys get your clients? - Like you go around your area, see local businesses and if they do not have a site, you approach them?

Yes exactly, or just pick up the phone book and try and get people to meet with you to discuss what you can offer them (if you get to this stage it's obvious they are interested, and there is a way you can help them)

Quote:

I see so many agencies, and obviously these guys get the big contracts with big companies like nike.com or something - how can someone like us, freelancers, get our nose infront of the agents and offer something to people?

What do you guys think?

Well i've never had a client as big as Nike, but i've had some largish companys wanting me to design for them

Quote:

Obviously, if your confident and you think you can do a site as good as nike.com then why not? Why should we have to go to agents who then take a cut and sometimes even remove our names from the site and put their name there.

Finding new businesses is a key - but how do you find these new ones? I'm interested in the fashion industry for example - when someone releases a new fashion brand or something, how do I find that out and then approach them for a site because these guys go straight to agents

I think being a freelance designer also requires some basic sales skills, if you want to get by, if you can get your foot in the door and sell yourself well then your chances are much better.