Finding Work as an Independent Professional

Finding work or landing new clients can feel like one of the most challenging parts of becoming an independent professional. Maintaining a pipeline of work and forming strong client relationships are both critical components to building a successful business. A steady stream of projects keeps income flowing and client relationships can help you develop a good reputation within your industry.

Luckily, there are many different ways to go about finding work. You just need to know when and where to look. Here are a few places and methods modern independents are going and using to grow their businesses.

Go Online to Find Work

While word of mouth is the most frequently cited method of finding work (53% of independents) the rest are finding jobs through social media or online marketplaces. Social media is a great place to start when it comes to building a network you can rely on for steady work. Sites like LinkedIn can help you establish a presence and showcase a resume that highlights your experience. Following contacts and connecting with new people can help you find projects, keep a finger on the pulse of needs within your industry, or garner referrals.

Online marketplaces are a bit of a different strategy. Marketplaces are a space where you can connect with potential clients by building a profile that shows your skills, experience, and availability. Depending on the type of marketplace you are using, you can either apply directly to opportunities or a company may reach out to you if they think you might be a good fit.

Marketplaces are becoming an increasingly popular way for independents to find work. In 2024, 47% of independents said they used an online marketplace to find work in the last 12 months and 51% said they plan on doing so in the next year. Independents tend to be technologically savvy—using social media to market their businesses, networking online, and working remotely from across the globe—so it comes as no surprise that they are relying more on technology to help them find new work as well.

How to Create a Professional Profile for a Job Marketplace

Try a Side Gig

About one-third of people who hold a traditional job also say they have an independent side gig. For many, side gigs serve as a supplement to income, but side gigs can also be helpful way to test out what it is like to be an independent. Use a side gig to grow your network or establish a base of reliable work before taking the leap into full independence.

A side gig may also be something to fall back on in case of a job loss. More than 40% of side giggers say they are worried about losing their primary job. Security in traditional jobs has eroded over the past few years, making independent work more attractive to many.

4 Tips for Starting a Consulting Business on the Side

Become an Independent Creator

Independent creators are independent workers who earn money by creating and distributing digital content. This group of independents includes writers, artists, entertainers, influencers, educators, and more. Independent creators rely heavily on their own content production for work, which can be particularly difficult and result in burnout. Most independents report being creators on a part-time basis or being a creator as their side hustle.

Independent creators skew younger than other independent workers, with the majority being millennials or Gen Z. In 2024, 8.9 million people reported being independent creators, an increase of almost 10% from 2023.

5 Things to Know About Independent Digital Content Creators

Finding work as an independent contractor can take many forms depending on your industry and personal disposition. Exploring social media, trying out a marketplace, starting a side gig, or creating content are common paths modern independents are using to find work and might be worth exploring if they speak to you. A strategic mix of networking, creativity, and persistence will go far in building a successful business.