If your freelance marketing strategy is basically “hope someone emails me” — you’re not alone. But also: there’s a better way.
You don’t need a sales team or fancy CRM. You just need a simple pipeline that helps:
-
Attract potential clients
-
Capture their interest
-
Follow up automatically (so you’re not chasing leads at midnight)
Here’s how to build one in just a few hours — and let it run in the background while you focus on doing great work.
Step 1: Create a Clear, Searchable Landing Page
Think of this as your online business card — but better. It should include:
✅ Who you help
✅ What you help them do
✅ Proof (testimonials or examples)
✅ A clear next step (see below)
🔧 Tools: Carrd, Notion, Framer, Webflow, or a simple Squarespace page.
💡 Pro tip: Add 1–2 blog posts answering the biggest client questions you hear. They’ll find you via Google or LinkedIn.
Step 2: Add a Client Intake Form
You need a way to capture interest while you’re offline.
✅ Use a simple form that asks:
-
What’s your name and company?
-
What kind of help do you need?
-
When do you want to start?
-
What’s your budget?
-
How can I reach you?
🔧 Tools: 9am Sales Form, Tally, Typeform, Google Forms, Notion Forms
Connect the form to your email or database — or better, your CRM or inbox.
Step 3: Set Up Automated Responses
When someone fills in the form, reply instantly — even if it’s just to say “Thanks!”
📧 Example auto-response:
Hey [Name], thanks for reaching out! I’ll review your message and get back to you within 24 hours. Looking forward to learning more about your project.
— [Your Name]
🔧 Tools: Tally → Email via Zapier or Make
Or use built-in autoresponders in your form tool
Step 4: Automate Follow-Ups (Gently)
Let’s say you did reply and never heard back.
Don’t let that lead go cold.
You can schedule a gentle check-in 3–5 days later:
Just checking in on my last message — happy to jump on a quick call if you’d like to chat more.
🔧 Tools:
-
Gmail + Boomerang
-
Superhuman
-
HubSpot Free CRM
-
MailerLite (for larger campaigns)
Step 5: Keep Track of Leads (Without Getting Fancy)
You don’t need Salesforce. You just need to know:
> Who reached out
> When you last followed up
> What their project was about
> If they became a client or not
🔧 Tools:
-
Notion (simple board view)
-
Trello or ClickUp
-
Google Sheets + Reminders
Make it visible, simple, and easy to update.
Bonus: Where to Place Your Pipeline Entry Point
Now that your form + follow-up engine is live, drive traffic to it.
✅ Add the link to:
-
Your LinkedIn bio & posts
-
Your 9am.works profile
-
Your email signature
-
Your blog or portfolio site
-
Messages you send after networking events
In Summary:
You don’t need to hustle 24/7 to find new clients.
You need a quiet little system that works even when you’re not.
✅ Clear landing page
✅ Intake form
✅ Auto-responses
✅ Gentle follow-ups
✅ A basic CRM or tracker
Build it once. Let it run. Wake up to warmer leads. ☕
Want to go even further?
If you’re serious about turning freelance applications into consistent gigs, don’t stop here.
🎓 Check out our Freelancer Academy — your all-in-one course to launch and grow your freelance career.
With 40+ lessons, 100+ videos, templates, checklists, expert interviews, and a like-minded community, it’s everything you need to go from zero to clients — faster and smarter.
👉 Join the Freelancer Academy now
