14 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
14 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is PPC a good way to get freelance clients?

by karmadog
12 replies
  • PPC/SEM
    • |
A lot of people seem to struggle getting clients for the freelance business when they are starting out. Would it be too expensive/competitive using PPC to get your clients?

If you did use PPC for getting clients, you'd be building up a client base/repeat customers a lot quicker than you would be by browsing through classified ads, etc.
#clients #freelance #good #ppc
Avatar of Unregistered
  • Profile picture of the author ctrlaltdelete
    Unless you have a sizeable budget set aside, I don't think it would be a good idea if you're still starting out. Not a lot of people are willing to risk in a newcomer. You might end up losing more than you earn. It could do you good in terms of exposure though.

    Come to think of it, I have rarely, if ever, seen freelancers use PPC to get clients. Then again, I usually head straight to sites like Upwork and Onlinejobsph. You might be on to something here.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360235].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webhosting
    One of the most important questions to ask: If you get a new client, will you do a one-time job for him or is there a chance of a long-term cooperation?

    In the first case it may be difficult to beat the ROI. But in case of the long-term cooperation it may be profitable.
    Signature

    FREE course:
    ▶️ Discover how to create a profitable website or a blog

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360704].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    I think PPC is a bad idea for freelancers because the competition is freelance sites with million dollar budgets and a variety of freelancers to pick from while you're one person and doubtful have a fraction of the budget to compete.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360705].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author karmadog
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      I think PPC is a bad idea for freelancers because the competition is freelance sites with million dollar budgets and a variety of freelancers to pick from while you're one person and doubtful have a fraction of the budget to compete.
      Yes, but like me and others have said above, even if your spend is bigger than what you make out of the initial work, you'd still be building up a large client base, meaning lots of repeat customers at no further cost.

      Tell me, how is this a bad idea? You may not be profitable at first, but when you've built up a lot of contacts, you no longer have to spend anything on advertising.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360868].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yukon
        Banned
        Originally Posted by karmadog View Post

        Yes, but like me and others have said above, even if your spend is bigger than what you make out of the initial work, you'd still be building up a large client base, meaning lots of repeat customers at no further cost.

        Tell me, how is this a bad idea? You may not be profitable at first, but when you've built up a lot of contacts, you no longer have to spend anything on advertising.


        It's a gamble and to be honest I don't think the odds are in your favor but If you have the budget by all means test it.

        You're also assuming repeat business which would most likely be a small percentage of traffic unless you have some diehard followers which I don't think is common for freelance jobs. I mean, how many times does the same person need a website built, etc...? I suppose it mostly depends on what you're selling. So, what are you selling?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11360872].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author karmadog
          Originally Posted by yukon View Post

          It's a gamble and to be honest I don't think the odds are in your favor but If you have the budget by all means test it.

          You're also assuming repeat business which would most likely be a small percentage of traffic unless you have some diehard followers which I don't think is common for freelance jobs. I mean, how many times does the same person need a website built, etc...? I suppose it mostly depends on what you're selling. So, what are you selling?
          Yes, someone who wants a website designed is probably not going to want another one designed, but a lot of other freelance services would most likely have repeat customers, such as article writing, video production, transcribing etc..
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11361012].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author yukon
            Banned
            Originally Posted by karmadog View Post

            Yes, someone who wants a website designed is probably not going to want another one designed, but a lot of other freelance services would most likely have repeat customers, such as article writing, video production, transcribing etc..
            Which one are you selling?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11361287].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by karmadog View Post

            Yes, someone who wants a website designed is probably not going to want another one designed, but a lot of other freelance services would most likely have repeat customers, such as article writing, video production, transcribing etc..
            No not really, l knew someone who freelanced building sites for clients, which sounds like a solid business idea?

            He ended up working part time, because most of this clients, after a short time got sick of coughing up every month and figured out how to maintain it themselves, or found a kid on Fiverr who could.

            Not sure about the others.

            Signature
            Archimedes Forum, Sign up l won't bite
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11363098].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Maxxx333
    Originally Posted by karmadog View Post

    A lot of people seem to struggle getting clients for the freelance business when they are starting out. Would it be too expensive/competitive using PPC to get your clients?

    If you did use PPC for getting clients, you'd be building up a client base/repeat customers a lot quicker than you would be by browsing through classified ads, etc.
    If you want to work PPC, just earn some money, and run them properly, cause personally, i don't think it will work as freelancer.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11361852].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author solarwarrior
    Depend on the keywords you are targeting, most clients who we reached via PPC tends to be smaller in size. The bigger whales tends to reach out via organic and referral. Hence, most often than not, the cost invested in PPC doesn't justify the returns. (most just ask for pricing and hardly get back)
    Signature

    Offers 1-1 Coaching for Bing/CPA/Clickbank.
    1,248 students have benefited so far!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11363018].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nikhil1108
    It Depends on What kind of Audience you are looking at, what type of service you are providing. If you are providing digital marketing services then the competition is too high for that keyword. I would suggest, Find businesses that need PPC services reach out to them and work your way from there. If you are looking at providing training for PPC the model for getting customers is good.
    Hope it herlps
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11363666].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tinytimsmith
    PPC is a wonderful platform to attain freelance clients within any niche imvho...especially Adwords and Facebook (Bing/Yahoo not so much)

    You are really just limited by your own imagination and implementation on how effective and speedily you reach your goals.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11363680].message }}
Avatar of Unregistered

Trending Topics