Today, I am going to take you to a place where I myself have been wandering for 3 months, “The Jungle of Getting Your First Freelancing Client”. Should I tell you the truth? To get my first client, I prayed so much, created so many websites, filled so many applications, that sometimes I felt that maybe I am not capable of it. One day I even thought that let’s try some other field.
But then, on one such idle evening, when I was writing my 127th application, my phone rang. “Hello, are you the writer I’ve been meaning to meet?” My breath stopped at that moment. He was my first freelancing client! That $50 project gave me confidence that I haven’t lost to this day.
Today, I’ll share seven tips I’ve used myself. It’s like you’re sipping coffee from an experienced freelancer and hearing his secrets. So, let’s get started.
Build Your Identity, Not Just a Portfolio:
Everyone says, “Brother, build a portfolio.” I did too. A useless website, where I uploaded 2-3 samples, but nothing made a difference. Then a senior freelancer explained to me, “You need to build your identity, not just sell PDF samples.”
- Learned From My Mistake: Initially, I just posted photos or links of my work. There was no question of “Why am I right?” or “What’s special about me?”
What’s the Right Way?
- Write Your Story: Write on the homepage why you do this work. For example: “I am a content writer who explains complex things in simple words, as if you were explaining it to a friend.”
- Upload Your Photo: A face shows confidence. Use a professional, smiling photo.
- Clear Your Services: Write “I provide services for blog writing, website content, and social media posts,” not “I am a writer.” Be specific.
- Make Contact Information Easy: Add a simple “Hire Me” button.
When I redesigned my website with this approach, I received three emails within a week. One of them said, “Looking at your ‘About Me’ section, I know you truly love your work.” This was my first personal branding failure.
Tell Your Family, Friends, and Social Circle:
I was embarrassed to tell my friends I was starting freelancing. I thought I’d be a laughingstock if I failed. This was my biggest mistake.
My experience: Once, at a cousin’s wedding, a relative asked, “Son, what do you do?” I replied bluntly, “I’m not doing anything right now.” The guy turned out to be the owner of a startup! If I’d told him I write website content, he might have been my first client.
How to Do It?
- Write a simple post on Facebook or Instagram. Like: “Good news! I’ve officially launched my content writing services. If you or anyone you know needs my help, let me know. Thank you!”
- Put the same message on your WhatsApp status.
- Especially personally message friends who are in business or marketing.
My first project was given by a school friend. He had me write five blogs for his new company. He said, “I gained trust after seeing you, because I already know you.” No one can inspire that kind of trust in a warm market.
Cold Pitching. Let Go of Fear and Move Forward:
This is the point where 90% of new freelancers give up. Cold pitching means emailing or messaging businesses you don’t even know. I was afraid too.
- Why did my first 50 pitches go waste? Because I used to copy and paste. “Dear Sir/Madam, I am a writer. Please give me work.” People delete such emails straight away.
- What is the right formula? (This is where the magic of cold pitching lies.)
- Research: First, look at the company’s website. Read their blog. Check out their social media.
- Start personalized: “Dear [Owner’s Name], I looked at your [Company Name] website and especially liked your [Mention a specific blog/article] blog. You explained [Specific Point] very well.”
- Explain the Problem and Offer a Solution: “I felt your ‘Services’ page could use a little more detailed content. I could write something for you that would answer your customers’ questions.”
- Give a Clear Call-to-Action: “Can you set up a quick call for 10 minutes next week? I can let you know how I can help.”
I saw the Instagram profile of a small coffee shop. Their photos were nice, but the captions were too simple. I DM them and sent them three sample captions, written for free. The owner replied, “Wow! I needed captions like that.” That very day, he ordered me to write captions for his next 10 posts. He was my second freelancing client.
Be Ready for Your Break:
Often, an opportunity presents itself, but you’re not ready for it. This happened to me too.
- What happens? Someone asks you for a sudden job, but you don’t have samples, the rates aren’t clear, and your portfolio isn’t complete. You say, “I’ll send it tomorrow,” and the client finds someone else.
How to Prepare?
- Have 3-5 Good Samples Ready: These should be samples that showcase your best writing.
- Clear Your Rates: Think about how much it takes to write a 500-word blog post or a social media post.
- Create a Basic ‘Portfolio’ PDF: This includes your samples, your speech, and contact details.
I had a friend of a friend message me on WhatsApp, “Brother, I need an urgent brochure design. Can you do it?” I’m a writer, not a designer. But I had the number of a graphic designer friend. I immediately connected with him. The designer, in gratitude, offered me the opportunity to write two blogs for his company. Sometimes, helping out can even land you a client.
Become a Professional on Freelancing Platforms:
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, etc., are very competitive. However, if you work strategically, you can find work.
- My Fiverr Profile was Dormant for 2 Months: Why? Because I wrote a copy-pasted description, didn’t upload any good photos, and my gig video was boring.
How to Improve?
- Create Your Profile: professional photos, a detailed bio, and highlight your specialties.
- Portfolio Include Your Best Work: 10 good samples are better than 100 bad ones.
- Proposals Should be Personal: Just like in cold pitching, do the same here. Understand the client’s project and explain why you are the solution to their problem.
I sent a proposal on Upwork in which I went through the client’s project description line by line and explained how I would tackle each point. The client replied, “You’re the first person who’s read my project description so carefully.” He gave me the project. That was my successful freelance proposal.
Find Your Niche, My Biggest Mistake:
Initially, I was ready to write about everything, technology, health, fashion, anything. But this confused clients. “What is this person, after all?”
- Why is a niche important? When you become an expert in a field, people remember you. Like, “Oh, that writer who writes health blogs?”
How to Choose a Niche?
- Interests and Experience: Do you love technology? Or are you passionate about health and fitness?
- Look at Market Demand: Which industries need more content writers?
- Mix the two: For example, “I write blogs for technology” or “I write website content for real estate businesses.”
I finally chose my niche as “Content Writing for Tech Startups.” Because I enjoy understanding technology and explaining it in simple terms. After choosing this niche, my chances of getting proposals accepted increased threefold! Because now clients believe I’m the only one who can explain their complex products correctly.
Patience and Persistence, The Ultimate Key:
No one tells you this, but freelancing is 50% skill and 50% courage. You have to work hard, even if you don’t get any response for a few days.
- My 3-month Period of Happiness: I didn’t get a major project for 3 months. I was working odd jobs. I was sending 5 applications every day.
How Do You Stay on Track?
- Create a Routine: Spend 2 hours a day finding new clients, 2 hours improving my skills.
- Celebrate Small Achievements: Did someone put a “Viewed” tag on your proposal for the first time? Celebrate! Did someone shortlist you? Celebrate!
- Ask Yourself: “Am I better today than I was yesterday? Did I learn anything new?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
My first client, who gave me $50, is still my client. Now he gives me work every month. He’s even referred me to three new clients. If I had given up after that 127th application, I wouldn’t be here today.
Conclusion:
Follow these seven steps, but most importantly, start. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Check your portfolio today. Message two friends today. Write a cold email today. Your first freelancing client isn’t far away. He’s waiting for you, you just need to find him.
FAQs:
1. What’s the first step to getting your first freelancing client?
Build your identity and personal brand, not just a portfolio.
2. Why should I tell my friends and family about my freelancing work?
Because your first client often comes from your existing social circle.
3. What is cold pitching in freelancing?
It means reaching out to businesses directly with personalized offers.
4. How can I be ready when a client opportunity appears suddenly?
Keep 3–5 samples, clear rates, and a portfolio PDF ready.
5. Why is choosing a niche important for freelancers?
It helps clients see you as an expert in a specific field.
6. What’s the key to long-term success in freelancing?
Patience, persistence, and continuous skill improvement.