How I Doubled My Freelancing Income With A Single Email
Listen, I am fully aware that the title of this article is very sensationalized…
Which, in most cases, is not the route I like to take for my content,
(I find that clickbaity lines often read cheap and braggy, which is really not the vibe I am going for)
But, I chose to make an exception for this week’s email…
Because, well — it literally is the truth. And sometimes, you just have to lean into your wins.
Setting the scene for success
A few months ago, I was experiencing a bit of a lull in my freelance work,
(Something that happens to every and all freelancers, btw — it’s part of the ebb and flow of working for clients that change their needs over time)
And I really wasn’t feeling super jazzed about the idea of sending out a new series of cold pitches on LinkedIn and Upwork that particular day.
So, to soft launch myself back into client and work acquisition mode,
I sent a short and sweet email to my existing clients, checking in on their needs and asking if they had additional work for me outside of my already scheduled projects.
The email was short, sweet, and to the point
Subject Line: Increase In My Availability
Hey [client name],
Hope you are doing well!
I have had a recent change in my work schedule, and now have more availability for additional work.
Before I fill this time with other clients, I wanted to check in with you to see if you are in need of additional writing, or know of other people in your circle looking for a freelance writer!
I was not prepared for the response
I sent this as more of a check-in style casual email, just looking to get myself back into the mindset of pitching my services and outreach…
But then I heard back from one of my clients, and it literally blew my dang mind 🤯
Here is a snippet of the email that almost made me burst into uncontrollable happy tears:
“Hey Claire!
I’m actually putting together my strategy for the second half of the year, so this is good timing :) Would you be interested in potentially writing an [X new project] with us? TBC on dates, but it would be a chunky project, and if you’re keen, you’d be our first pick for it.
I really appreciate your courtesy in reaching out to us first. We are so lucky to have you!”
AHHHHHHHHHHHH OMG OMG OMG
So, as it turns out, that single email turned into a brand new, multi-thousand dollar project with one of my favourite long-term existing clients — all because I asked them if they had any additional work I could help with.
WHY HAVE I NOT BEEN DOING THIS SINCE DAY ONE?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
As freelancers, it is tempting to assume that the only source of growth comes from finding new clients…
But let this be a lesson that you can (and should) ask your existing clients for additional work when you have changes in your capacity…
Because that simple email can be the thing that helps you more double your monthly freelance income without gaining a single new client.
I highly encourage you to reach out to your existing clients (especially now, as we enter into the end-of-year crunch period) to see if they have any extra projects that you could help with.
I know that for myself and my business, I am now going to make this a twice-a-year annual practice,
So that I can ensure that I am keeping up with my clients and filling my schedule with work for people I love working with before I jump directly into full-blown outreach mode.
Do you currently reach out to your existing clients when you have an increase in your availability?
PLEASE let me know if you choose to reach out after reading this article— I want to hear about your wins!!