How I’d get freelance clients (starting from 0)

If I were starting out as a freelancer with zero clients and zero experience, here’s what I would do.

First, I would specify my offering by listing out my skills. Based on these skills, I would then list the services I could offer. For each service, I would write down a list of deliverables. Let me give you an example: if I had skills in UI/UX design, my services might include responsive web design, mobile app design, and Webflow development. For each of these services, I would then list the deliverables. For responsive web design, the deliverables could include competitive research, sitemaps, user flows, wireframes, Figma prototypes, high-fidelity UI designs, and a responsive design system. There’s no right or wrong answer here — it’s just an example to speed things up. You can Google the deliverables for services and see what fits your offering.

Next, I would research how other freelancers position themselves. I would Google “freelance web designer” and analyze what comes up. By studying their websites, services, and brand identity, I can learn how successful freelancers price their services. Based on this, I can position myself to stand out from those on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, ensuring I don’t undervalue my work. Once I have a clear understanding of what I’m offering, I will start to package my services.

If I had no real-world projects to showcase, I would still build a portfolio. Potential clients want to know what to expect before they hire you. Even offering work for free might not convince someone to take a chance on you if you don’t have a portfolio. I would create my portfolio by picking a product, identifying a problem, and coming up with a solution. For example, I might redesign a local dentist’s website to solve design issues and improve their appointment system. I could also work on improving an app’s landing page to increase conversions or look at smaller apps and find ways to enhance their user experience based on reviews.

Once I have these solutions, I would email the companies, sharing a link to my designs and pointing out areas for improvement. I would let them know I’m available to discuss further if they are interested. This process would give me at least two projects for my portfolio, which I could then showcase online. I wouldn’t spend months perfecting the portfolio. I would launch it quickly and improve it over time. The key is to start with what I know—be it a simple website, a Figma link, a Notion page, or even a Behance profile.

The next step is writing a one-minute pitch about myself, which would include things like who I am, the services I offer, a link to my portfolio, what sets me apart, and my experience. I would keep it concise and honest, explaining that I’m new and offering lower rates to build relationships with new clients. Afterward, I would review my pitch from the perspective of a potential client, asking myself if I would hire someone like me.

To find clients, I would consider where my prospects hang out and make myself discoverable in those places. Freelance platforms like PeoplePerHour or Freelancer.com are great starting points. I could also reach out to friends, family, past coworkers, or even cold email agencies, offering commissions for successful referrals. Additionally, I would build profiles on platforms like Dribbble, Behance, or Webflow to showcase my work.

Attending events or conferences where potential clients might be is another option. I could even consider paid advertising, such as placing ads in newsletters that my target audience reads. Improving SEO on my website would also help me get discovered.

Creating value is another essential strategy for building trust and growing my network. Offering free advice, sharing my work on social media like LinkedIn or Twitter, or becoming involved in the Figma community by sharing templates or plugins are ways to contribute to the community. Over time, these actions build credibility and make closing deals easier.

Building a side project is another way to provide value. For instance, I could start a blog or create a digital product that solves a common problem. When managing multiple freelance projects, I found it challenging to stay organized, so I created a Notion workspace to manage clients, track invoices, and keep all the project information in one place. This product has helped me, and I offer it with lifetime updates to others facing similar challenges.

Ultimately, getting clients is about becoming skilled at what you do and making yourself discoverable. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding clients, growing your freelance business, and building your portfolio.

Once you’ve laid the groundwork for getting clients, the next phase is about constantly refining your workflow and expanding your income streams. You need to ensure that the quality of your work remains high, but equally important is managing your projects efficiently and keeping clients satisfied. When managing multiple clients as a freelancer, organization becomes critical.

To do this, I recommend having systems in place for tracking projects, deadlines, and invoices. It could be as simple as using tools like Notion or Trello to manage your workflow, but the key is to keep everything streamlined. If you have multiple projects going on at once, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so keeping track of progress, communication, and deliverables is essential. I personally built an all-in-one Notion workspace to handle my freelance projects, which helps me manage client information, track project milestones, and even send out invoices on time. Having this centralized space means I can quickly check the status of any project, know what’s due when, and keep the client informed. It also helps avoid missed deadlines, which can negatively affect client relationships.

Additionally, I’ve included resources in this workspace like client onboarding checklists, questionnaires for discovery calls, and email templates for common communications (like project updates or contract terms). Having these at hand allows me to move quickly through the administrative side of freelancing, giving me more time to focus on the actual work.

Now, as you build up your freelance business, you might think about expanding your income streams. One great way to do this is by creating products that generate passive income. These could be digital products like design templates, eBooks, or even a course on something you specialize in. You don’t have to stop at freelancing; creating these side projects can help bring in revenue while also showcasing your expertise. If you’ve found a solution to a common problem (like staying organized or creating better designs), packaging that into a product can be incredibly valuable.

For example, in my own experience, managing multiple freelance projects was a challenge. So, I turned that challenge into a product by creating an all-in-one solution on Notion, where freelancers like me can track their projects, invoices, and client communication. This kind of product not only helps me but can also serve as a tool for others, creating another revenue stream.

Remember, success as a freelancer doesn’t just come from delivering high-quality work. It also comes from being visible, making meaningful connections, and adding consistent value to your clients and community. Over time, as you build up your portfolio and reputation, you’ll have the opportunity to attract higher-paying clients and projects that excite you. By balancing both short-term and long-term strategies, you’ll ensure steady growth in your freelance career.

Lastly, always be adaptable. Freelancing is a constantly evolving space, so staying ahead means continuously learning, whether through online courses, communities, or even just keeping an eye on industry trends. Keep your skills sharp, network with others, and don’t be afraid to pivot when you need to. The most successful freelancers are those who evolve with the industry, offering services that meet the needs of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.

And now that you know how to attract clients and manage your freelance business effectively, the next step is about scaling and perhaps even transitioning into other areas, such as consulting, teaching, or creating more products. If you’re thinking about transitioning out of a full-time job to pursue freelancing full-time, or if you’re looking to diversify your income, remember that building a strong foundation is key. It takes time, but with patience, determination, and continuous learning, freelancing can become a fulfilling and profitable career.