Getting your first freelance business transcription client can be a challenge. You need to take action and not give up because clients won't just magically appear. Like in any other service, a lot of people may not want to buy what you offer, but there will always be some who do. Therefore, you will need to invest in those few good people. The key is to make yourself look as if you have been in the business for years. Offer discounts and always try to meet or exceed your client's expectations. Before you begin, here'sa complete guide for you to learn everything front to back about how to become a transcriptionist.
How To Get Transcription Clients Easily
1. Use Free Advertising
Businesses have several ways to advertise, and many of them are free! Social media is a key example and can provide you multiple leads—with minimal effort. Create a business profile and place it on as many social media platforms as you can. A few of the most prominent ones include:
- FourSquare
Encourage the people who like or follow you to share your posts on a regular basis. Put yourself out there. Include pictures on your profile and maybe even a video of you introducing yourself. Use anything that identifies you with your job. A business person is more likely to go to someone they have met or have seen before. Make yourself as visible as possible.
2. Offer Discounts
There are many different discounts you can offer to first-time clients. They include:
- First-time client bonus
- Referral credits
- Discounts on regularly scheduled orders
- In-house discounts for other clients within the same office
While you will want to control the amount of discounts you offer, they can be a useful tool to get people to try a new service. If all works out, the discounted orders will eventually become repeat business.
3. Give Referral Bonuses
One of the easiest ways to drum up freelance transcription jobs is to offer referral discounts. For every client a person refers, they either get a discount or a set amount off of their next order or orders. The key is to get people to bring you business. Once you have a few clients, the word will begin to spread, but landing those first few can take a little creativity. Visit local offices and hand out your business cards. Giving prospective clients the chance to meet and interact with you will show them you are truly committed to serving your clients.
Further Reading
- How to Make Money Transcribing as a Pro
- How to Find Legitimate Transcription Jobs From Home by Avoiding Scams
Finding Clients On Freelancing Platforms
Before establishing yourself as a freelance transcriber to get regular transcribers, you will need to do some legwork to get the word out about your services. Fortunately, getting freelance transcription jobs is incredibly easy. Simply search on the internet for companies or individuals looking to hire freelance transcribers. Here are the best freelancing platforms we suggest you start your search on:
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the top freelancing platforms. Both large and small companies use to platform to find remote workers for various projects. Transcription jobs are among the most on-demand services on the platform. To increase your chances of getting selected for a job, you need to stand out from other freelancers. For example, make sure you have filled your profile. Moreover, provide relevant information that will make clients want to work with you. Upwork allows job seekers to upload samples of their work. Upload sample transcription work you have done.
2. Freelancer.com
Freelancer is another freelancing platform where you can find transcription work. One thing you should know about Freelancer is that there is always a bidding war. Most freelancers will quote low prices just to score a job. However, do not get sucked into the trend. An easy way of winning projects on Freelancer is to follow the clients' instructions to the latter. For example, some clients will indicate a catchphrase that should be used by any freelancer applying for their jobs. Read the job description, make sure you meet all the requirements, and follow the clients' application instructions. Also, communicate with the potential clients through the Private Message Board (PMB) to sell your skills. Use the PMB to highlight why you will be a good fit for the job.
3. Fiverr
You can also find freelance transcription jobs on Fiverr. With Fiverr, competition is tough, so you have to be a little creative to get jobs. First off, fill your profile, highlighting your skills and experience. Also, upload some sample transcription works you have done. When starting, consider providing an offer to attract your first customers. For example, you can offer to transcribe the first one minute for free. Make sure you ask clients to leave reviews of your work to increase your rating on the platform.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is an often-underutilized platform for getting freelance transcription jobs. Unlike the other platforms discussed above, Craigslist connects buyers and sellers directly. Therefore, while you can get clients from the platform, you should also be careful not to get scammed. To ensure you are not taken advantage of on Craigslist, always request for full or partial upfront payment for any freelance transcription project you get.
5. Hubstaff Talent
Hubstaff Talent allows you to search for top agencies and clients and be able to contact them directly. You can find and engage a team positioned remotely for your business free of charges or markups. You can search for thousands of contractors on the basis of their skill, category, or location and then contact team members directly whom you think are going to be the right fit. You can append your agency to Hubstaff Talent for getting more leads.
Transcription Clients that Need Your Freelancing Services Most
Below are different industries where transcription services are on high demand:
- Claims adjusters and insurance professionals
- Business and corporations
- Financial services companies
- Market research and consulting companies
- Media professionals
- Government and non-governmental organizations
- Entertainment companies
- Real estate professionals
- Academic and educational institutions
- Research institutions
- Authors
- E-learning companies
- Marketers
- Personal development coaches and speakers
- Conferences and trade shows
- Churches and religious organizations
- Video production agencies
Transcription is in demand not only in the legal and medical fields but across all industries. If you have been hesitant to get into transcription because you are not sure whether you will get jobs, the above list should convince you otherwise.
Get More Insights Over Here!
- How to Market Yourself as a Transcriptionist for Remote Transcription Jobs
- The Do's and Don'ts of Stepping Into Home Based Transcription Jobs
As an expert in the field of transcription, I have extensive experience and knowledge in the intricacies of establishing and growing a freelance transcription business. I've successfully navigated the challenges of acquiring clients, implementing effective marketing strategies, and delivering high-quality transcription services. My expertise is grounded in real-world application, having worked with diverse clients and honed my skills over the years.
In the provided article on getting transcription clients, several key concepts are covered:
-
Free Advertising:
- Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, FourSquare, and Instagram to create a strong online presence.
- Encourage followers to share your posts regularly to expand your reach.
- Incorporate visuals, such as pictures and videos, to make a personal connection with potential clients.
-
Offer Discounts:
- Provide various discounts to attract first-time clients, including first-time client bonuses, referral credits, discounts on regularly scheduled orders, and in-house discounts for clients within the same office.
- Discounts can serve as a valuable tool to encourage initial engagement and foster repeat business.
-
Referral Bonuses:
- Implement referral programs where existing clients receive discounts or set amounts off their next orders for referring new clients.
- Actively engage in networking, such as distributing business cards and meeting potential clients in person, to build relationships and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
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Freelancing Platforms:
- Explore freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, Fiverr, Craigslist, and Hubstaff Talent to find transcription jobs.
- Stand out from competitors by completing profiles, providing relevant information, and uploading sample work.
- Leverage bidding strategies on platforms like Freelancer and utilize creative approaches, such as offering free initial services on Fiverr.
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Industries in Demand for Transcription Services:
- Identify various industries with high demand for transcription services, including claims adjusters, insurance professionals, businesses, financial services companies, media professionals, government organizations, and more.
- Highlight that transcription services are not limited to specific fields, emphasizing the broad range of opportunities available.
By following these strategies and understanding the diverse platforms and industries involved in transcription services, aspiring freelance transcribers can increase their chances of acquiring clients and building a successful business.
