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Lead Generation: What is the best marketing method to attain consistent work and high-paying clients as a freelance designer (UI & UX)?

Jon Evans, Coach to High Perfoming CEOs, Entrepreneurs answered:

If you consider yourself one of the best (which I assume you do, given that you're looking for high-paying clients), you should look into TopTal https://www.toptal.com/talent/apply

TopTal is a freelance site similar to UpWork, Freelancer, Odesk, etc...the difference is, TopTal ONLY hires the top 3% (so bring your A++ Game) and they only allow the top companies to hire their freelancers, so you don't have to worry about competing lowball bids to get work. Supply is low, demand is high, and you could literally pick up full time work immediately after being approved. The application process is pretty intense but if you get through it it's worth it. They are rabidly looking for UI & UX designers.

If you're not already using Upwork, I would get on there too. Some of the companies on there are looking for quality over price and willing to pay more for good work, but the demand is much lower.

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Question

After years of relying on referrals I have reached a stalemate to get more consistent design work. I have tried re-positioning, Facebook, strategic partnerships and have been told to do webinars, funnel offers and PPC. Design as a service alone is a commodity unless its positioned correctly - so I have come from the angle of art + science, that is Conversion and Aesthetics. However, I dont want to waste my marketing dollars to acquire news leads and potential clients - but so far, nothing has worked out and there is little resources to see how other freelancers acquire their customers online. Any help appreciated

Lead Generation

User Interface Design

Answer

Jon Evans answered

If you consider yourself one of the best (which I assume you do, given that you're looking for high-paying clients), you should look into TopTal https://www.toptal.com/talent/apply

TopTal is a freelance site similar to UpWork, Freelancer, Odesk, etc...the difference is, TopTal ONLY hires the top 3% (so bring your A++ Game) and they only allow the top companies to hire their freelancers, so you don't have to worry about competing lowball bids to get work. Supply is low, demand is high, and you could literally pick up full time work immediately after being approved. The application process is pretty intense but if you get through it it's worth it. They are rabidly looking for UI & UX designers.

If you're not already using Upwork, I would get on there too. Some of the companies on there are looking for quality over price and willing to pay more for good work, but the demand is much lower.