In freelancing, recommendations are powerful endorsements from clients. They serve as social proof of your skills and reliability, directly influencing your ability to win new projects.
What is Recommendations?
A recommendation is a written testimonial from a past client or colleague. It publicly endorses your work quality, professionalism, and results. Think of it as a formal, positive review that validates your expertise.
Why is this important?
Recommendations are critical because they build trust with potential clients. They reduce perceived risk by providing evidence of your successful past work. This social proof can be the deciding factor when a client chooses between multiple freelancers.
How does it work?
You typically request a recommendation after successfully completing a project. Clients write a short, specific endorsement highlighting your strengths. These are then displayed on your professional profile via platforms or your personal website.
Pros and cons
The pros are clear: they build credibility, attract clients, and justify your rates. The main con is that they rely on client initiative; you must proactively ask for them. A lack of recent recommendations can also raise questions.
Conclusion
Recommendations are a cornerstone of a strong freelance reputation. Actively seeking them from satisfied clients should be a standard part of your workflow. They transform your past success into future opportunities.
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