5 Effective Opening Messages to Send a Client
How to make that initial connection using clever messages
The first step
Initial networking as a freelancer can be tricky. First impressions matter! They are a way to show customers you are the right person to work with. A cold open message with a kind presentation can sweeten the deal to have you as their freelancer. Here are some opening cold messages to send to your potential clients.
1. Congratulations are in order
“Hi Jamie, excellent work on securing your recent investment fund…”
Keeping up to date with the company is a must. Milestones and achievements are a great way to subtly get your foot in the door. It could be a number of users or followers, a new feature, an investment, a new partner – anything worth celebrating is an opportunity.
This plants the seed for clients to keep you in mind. Sending an email or a portfolio then seems less like a stranger’s application and more like a developing connection.
2. Sharing is caring
“Hi Sarah, I just wanted to share some recent work I would love your opinion on, as your experience in….”
Let your work speak for itself! The shorter the message, the better. The work should take the focus.
Create a collage or poster of your best work to send – clients don’t often click links to a portfolio or other platforms. Ask for advice – is this catchy? Does this capture the brand to you? People love to feel like they’re helping. Ask for investment and you’ll get advice. But ask for advice and you’ll get investment.
3. Connection is key
“Hi Joe, I noticed we both studied at the same university, when I saw your recent request on Revolancer…”
Did you know everyone is 6 mutual friends away from every person in the world? Connections are everywhere; find commonalities with your client to give an email or a message that personal touch.
The connection could be school or subject related, a Facebook or Linkedin group, interests and hobbies, or job history. With cold messages clients want to feel like they’re having a conversation, not an interview.
4. Got a question?
“Hi Ahmed, Your company’s journey looks exciting! What direction do you see the company going in?”
Clients want to talk about the business they’re proud of making. Not having constant ‘hire me’ messages. By allowing them to describe the company, not only can you learn if it’s right for you, but you can also tailor your proposition to their information.
You could ask about the company’s vision or history. Inquire about the role it plays in their industry. Question what the next focus is for the company. Invest the time to learn about them, and they will do the same for you.
5. Flatter away
“Hi Charlotte, Loved your recent instagram post on tips for business growth!”
People like having their hard work appreciated; make them feel their value. This shows that you’re interested, not just wanting business.
Keep up to date with their social media, recent projects and campaigns as a company, and direction. This gives you plenty of flattery content to capture their interest. Here’s a guide on How to Actively Listen to Your Customers to help you learn how to connect with them. From here, you could approach the idea of them checking out your work.
The recipe to first impressions
If you make them interested, chatty and happy, you can’t go wrong! Using these opening cold strategies do just that. Remember to keep it short, talk about them, and compliment. You aren’t just pitching your business, you’re pitching yourself.
Before you go
If you found these tips useful, you might want to learn How to Spot a Good Client to get the best out of your freelancing. Also, find out How to Secure more Freelance Work with our recent article.
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer
