10 Ways to Get Your First Freelance Client
Time for some real talk – how do you get your first freelance client?
For me, my first client nearly fell into my lap (figuratively speaking). I started applying to freelance writing job boards and within a week I had my first gig. Totally wasn’t expecting that, seeing as how I didn’t even have a portfolio. Guess they were desperate.
But I turned that one gig into another gig. And then a couple more. And more!
But I know it’s not that easy for everyone. That’s why I asked 10 freelancers for their best tips on landing that first illustrious client. Here’s what they shared.
TL;DR:
By the way, this blog article was created by me with the help of Terkel. Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.
Buzz Marketing
Buzz marketing gets your community so excited about your brand that your reputation grows. That's how I got my first freelance client. One of the online members of my community was impressed with my web content. This grew trust for my brand. He hired me to coach him to boost the success of his business. He even involved a friend in forming the improvement plan. In this way, my brand's reputation grew more. Members of my online community have often hired me to coach them. If you want to get freelance clients, nurture your bonds with your community members. Buzz marketing works.
Janice Wald, Mostly Blogging
Pitched a Company Whose Product I Had Used
I was preparing for the LSAT and used a test prep service to study. I didn't end up going to law school, but had pitched this company for marketing services. Being a past student of their prep course helped to get me a foot in the door and some of my experience with the LSAT helped me to think about the customer when updating pages on their website and the language used.
Kristine Thorndyke, Test Prep Nerds
Picked Up a Client at the Gym
Years ago, I was tired of my day job and wanted to make extra money. So, I learned web scripting and some basic design skills. I mentioned this to a guy who used to spot me at the gym. His mother owned a jewelry wholesale business and wanted to put her business online. So, they hired me to build a new website. It was entirely relationship based and didn't require a portfolio or an assessment of my skills. I was extremely grateful for that gig, which encouraged me to expand my knowledge and to eventually go full-time with a company of my own.
Dennis Consorte, Snackable Solutions
Wordpress Facebook Group
I answered a question from a user regarding a technical problem he was having with that theme and its builder. Then he DM’ed and I helped him with another issue he had. Finally, he asked me if I would like to build his website and I sent him a quote.
Marco Genaro Palma, Genaro Palma
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are one of the best places where I could find lots of problems to resolve and get more experience in my field in a short period of time. This is how I found my first freelance client. I was resolving people’s problems in the group and some of them started to notice that I have enough knowledge to be able to resolve their problems. I earned their trust and respect because I was helping them and I was doing it right. The funny thing is, I wasn’t even thinking about getting clients, I was just doing what brought me a lot of fun and clients were just a side effect.
Tomasz Bartczak, Passport Photo Online
Elance
I found my first ever freelance job on Elance, which merged with o-Desk to become Upwork. I didn't do anything special. I created a profile with some of my better work samples but didn't see too much traction right away. I later created an online portfolio to represent my work and my personal brand better. That really did the trick it seemed, because I started picking up work a few weeks after. That was probably my first experience with learning the power of branding. It was a good experience that set a lot of my mindset on marketing today.
Caleb Ulffers, Haven Athletic
A Random Decision
I started trying my luck with online work in Upwork, then known as oDesk, back in October 2012. Freelance work was not that popular yet. There were only a few who had been in the market seeking this unconventional type of work. I am a writer, and my niche is in tourism and travel. A friend of mine suggested that I try getting some jobs on the platform. She joined before me, having started less than a year ahead of me. She gave me the link and gave me instructions on how to proceed. The first batch of proposals that I’ve sent did not merit any response. It took me three more attempts before I finally received an offer. It was for a local resort here in my country. The pay was not that high, but it paved the way for many contracts to come. That was how I started building my profile. Many years have passed, and I am still writing happily. Looking back, I know that it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life.
Laura Martinez, PersonalityMax
An Unlikely but Effective Cold Email
I found my first web design client by sending out a cold email. I was browsing landscaping companies near me on Google and came across a website that was only half complete. I was curious to find out if the website owner had plans to finish it off, so I decided to send them a (cold) email. Usually, sending out cold emails doesn't work too well. This is largely due to the fact that most cold emails that freelancers send out are not personalized, and so the person receiving the email feels that there is little attempt to actually connect with them and solve a business-related problem they may have.
In my case, I took the time to do a bit of research on the company and identify the areas I could help them. From this, I drafted and sent my email and, as a result, they were impressed enough to give me a call and go on to become my first client.
Sam Robinson, Web Spider
Freelance Job Sites
Freelance employment sites like People Per Hour, Freelancer, and Upwork, in my opinion, frequently receive a terrible rap. However, they can be helpful if you're just starting out, don't have a large portfolio, or aren't used to dealing with clients.
Despite putting quite a bit of time and effort into bidding and developing my rating and reputation, Upwork is where I found my first client. But many of my visitors used these websites successfully at first before moving on to more significant and lucrative jobs. So, don't discount them before giving them a shot. The next step is to differentiate yourself from the competitors and negotiate a fair price. As your reputation grows, more work comes your way.
Steve Pogson, FirstPier
Searched for Writing Jobs on Google
I found my first freelance client in 2009 after searching for writing jobs (in German) on Google. I came across a freelancer forum where an agency was advertising for a job to create product descriptions. Turns out Google was a great tool to find jobs even back then. We worked together for about 4 years and I took over a few different projects, one of which was the blog of a deal website (with discounts, special offers, etc.) as well as a blog focusing on news about energy and electricity.
Deian Isac, Service Provider Pro
Marketing: The Key to Landing Your First Freelance Client
Bonus tip from Alli — marketing is the common ingredient in landing your first client. You need to know how to get in front of potential clients and make yourself look credible enough to hire. That’s why I created my first-ever freelancing course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer.
It’s on sale now for a limited time — go check it out!