🎯 The 5-Part Series: Freelance Basics That Actually Work
We created this short guide to help freelancers succeed with real-world, practical advice — especially in a market where competition is high and good clients are picky.
You are here:
👉 Part 1: Win More Projects and Clients as a Freelancer (Especially in a Competitive Market)
• Part 2: The Perfect Follow-Up Message (with Templates)
• Part 3: Handle Client Rejections and Turn Them Into Opportunities
• Part 4: Position Yourself as the Solution, Not Just Another Freelancer
• Part 5: Finding the Right Clients vs. Chasing Every Project
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At 9am.works, we see it every day: freelancers submit a good application… and stop there. That’s a mistake. The best freelancers go further. Here’s how you can do the same and land more gigs.
1. Polish Your Applications: Short, Sharp, and Targeted
Most freelancers send generic applications. Don’t be one of them.
Every application you send should:
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Be tailored to the specific project.
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Highlight similar past work.
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Show results (“I helped [Client] grow sales by 20% through [Action].”).
✅ Bonus: Include a short portfolio link with examples highly relevant to the role.
✨ AI-Tip: Use ChatGPT for your perfect application message
You can use ChatGPT to write a concise, tailored message based on your CV and the job ad you’re applying for.
Just paste the following prompt into ChatGPT:
I want to apply for the freelance job below.
Attached is my CV, and here is the job ad:
[Paste the full job ad text here]
Please write a short, clear, friendly, yet professional application message. The message should:
- Be tailored to the job ad
- Highlight relevant skills and past experience from my CV that match the job requirements
- Show concrete results or examples where possible
- Be no longer than 150–200 words
⚠️ Important: Only use information that is explicitly mentioned in my CV. Do not invent or assume any details that are not present. Stick to the facts.
Tone: professional, confident, human — not overly formal. End with a soft call to action.
2. Follow Up After You Apply
After you submit your application, don’t wait and hope. Hiring managers are busy and often overlook strong candidates simply because they didn’t follow up.
✅ Pro Tip:
At 9am.works, we provide direct contact details (like email, phone number, LinkedIn profile) for hiring managers whenever available.
Use them! Reach out within 1–3 days. A simple message like:
“Hi [Name], I recently applied for [Project Name]. I’m very excited about the opportunity and would love to hear if you had any questions or needed further information from me.”
can dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed.
3. Connect on LinkedIn
Building a direct line with the hiring manager makes you more than just a résumé — you become a real person.
✅ Concrete Step:
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Send a personalized connection request mentioning the job.
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After connecting, send a short, polite message expressing your enthusiasm.
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Tip: Keep it professional but human. No hard sells.
4. Ask for Feedback
If you don’t get a response, don’t just move on silently.
Follow up after 3–5 days, asking for feedback:
“Hi [Name], I’m following up on my application for [Project Name]. If you’ve already made a decision, I’d still love any feedback you can share — it would help me improve for future opportunities.”
This shows professionalism, resilience, and interest.
Even if you don’t get this job, you’re planting seeds for future roles.
5. Follow Up When a Job Ad Closes
If a project you applied for gets closed and you haven’t heard back, reach out again:
“Hi [Name], I noticed the [Project Name] opportunity has closed. I hope it went well! I’d love to stay connected for any future needs you might have.”
This keeps the door open for future opportunities — many freelance clients rehire candidates they already know.
6. Be Available and Communicative
Clients love freelancers who respond quickly and are easy to communicate with.
Set clear expectations — and respond fast, even if it’s just to acknowledge receipt and let them know when you’ll follow up in detail.
In Short:
✅ Apply smartly
✅ Follow up
✅ Connect personally
✅ Ask for feedback
✅ Stay professional and proactive
The freelancers who build relationships — not just send applications — are the ones who get the gigs, even when competition is fierce.
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.
