Finding & Managing Clients

This chapter explores the various avenues freelancers utilize to secure new clients and projects, delving into the evolving landscape of client acquisition strategies. The survey questions in this section have been refined over the years to capture a more comprehensive understanding of these sources, with significant updates introduced in the 2026 survey.

What are your primary sources of finding new clients/projects?

The 2026 survey introduced new options for freelancers to specify their primary sources of finding new clients, including 'Previous Clients' and 'Personal Network', providing a more granular view of client acquisition strategies.

How would you describe your typical client relationship?

This section illustrates the various forms of relationships that freelancers maintain with their clients, offering insights into engagement patterns.

Which percentage of your current clients are repeat clients?

This chart depicts the distribution of repeat business for freelancers, grouped by the percentage of their client base that returns for additional work.

Which industries have you worked in this year?

The diversity of industries engaging service design freelancers highlights the broad applicability of the practice. The chart below details the sectors where freelancers have been most active.