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

Summary

Starting as a freelancer with no clients or experience can be challenging, but it’s manageable with the right approach. Begin by defining your skills, listing services, and identifying deliverables. Create a simple portfolio with mock projects and position yourself by researching competitors. Craft a concise pitch and focus on getting discovered on platforms, through referrals, and by providing value through free advice and social media. Stay organized by using tools like Notion to manage projects. Transparency and consistency are key—offering lower rates while building your reputation will help you attract your first clients and grow your freelance career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Define your skills and services clearly before starting out as a freelancer, and make sure to list the deliverables for each service.
• 😀 Research your competitors to understand how successful freelancers position themselves, including pricing and branding.
• 😀 Create a portfolio even if you don't have real-world projects—use mock projects that solve common problems to showcase your skills.
• 😀 Build a simple, accessible portfolio that reflects your best work, and use platforms like Behance, Figma, or a personal website to display it.
• 😀 Write a concise pitch that includes your services, portfolio, and unique value proposition. Be honest about your experience level.
• 😀 Position yourself as a premium freelancer to stand out from undervalued platforms like Fiverr, and avoid undervaluing your work.
• 😀 Focus on getting discovered by being present where your potential clients are, whether that's on freelance platforms, social media, or through networking.
• 😀 Create value through free advice, content creation, or side projects to build trust with potential clients and establish yourself in the market.
• 😀 Use a variety of platforms like freelance websites, social media profiles, and private communities to showcase your work and attract clients.
• 😀 Stay organized and efficient by using tools like Notion to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and client communication.
• 😀 Constantly improve your portfolio and pitch as you gain more experience and feedback from clients to build long-term business success.

Q & A

What is the first step to starting as a freelancer with zero experience?

The first step is to specify your offering. You should list your skills and identify the services you can offer, then create a list of deliverables for each service to define exactly what you will provide to clients.

How can I determine the right deliverables for a service?

You can easily Google deliverables for the service you plan to offer, or analyze what other freelancers in your field provide. For example, for responsive web design, typical deliverables include wireframes, prototypes, and user flows.

How can I differentiate myself from other freelancers on platforms like Fiverr?

Study how successful freelancers position themselves, including their services, pricing, and branding. Avoid undervaluing your work and position yourself as a professional who offers high-quality design work.

What should I do if I have no real-world projects to show in my portfolio?

Even without real-world projects, you can create a portfolio by solving design problems on your own. Choose a problem, create a solution, and showcase it as if it were a client project. This demonstrates your skills and approach.

How can I quickly create and launch my portfolio?

You can launch your portfolio quickly by either building a simple website, using a template, or setting up a profile on platforms like Behance or Figma. Focus on showcasing your work with minimal setup to save time.

What should my pitch include when contacting potential clients?

Your pitch should include who you are, what services you offer, and how you differentiate from others. It's also important to be transparent about being new and offering lower rates for initial clients in exchange for long-term relationships.

How can I make myself discoverable to clients?

To get discovered, be where your potential clients are. Use freelance platforms, social media, networking events, and even paid ads. Also, don’t forget to ask for referrals from friends, family, and past co-workers.

What are some effective ways to create value for potential clients?

You can create value by offering free advice, sharing templates, building side projects that solve real problems, or engaging with communities relevant to your services. This builds trust and makes you more visible to clients.

How do I manage multiple freelance projects effectively?

Using tools like Notion, you can create a workspace to track project progress, manage invoices, and store client information. This helps keep everything organized and reduces the stress of managing multiple projects.

How can I scale my freelance career once I gain clients?

To scale, focus on improving your skills and continuously getting discovered. Building a strong reputation will lead to more opportunities, allowing you to expand your client base and increase your income streams.