So, you’ve decided to try freelancing. That’s awesome. No more boring part-time jobs (hopefully), no more waiting for someone else to approve your shift hours. But here’s the thing: now you’re sitting at your laptop like, “Cool, I’m a freelancer… but where the heck do I find someone who’ll actually pay me?”
Totally normal thought. Everyone who’s ever freelanced has had that same freak-out moment. But good news it’s actually way easier than it seems if you know where to start. I’m gonna walk you through some real steps to land your first freelance client, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Know What You’re Offering
Before anything else, figure out what you’re selling. That sounds obvious, but so many people jump into freelancing without really defining what they do.
Ask yourself:
- What am I actually good at?
- What do people ask me for help with?
- What’s something I could do for hours without hating my life?
It could be writing blog posts, editing videos, creating logos, coding websites, managing social media accounts, tutoring literally anything someone might need help with.
Don’t try to offer everything. Pick one skill to focus on. You can always expand later.
Step 2: Build a Basic Portfolio
No, you don’t need a super aesthetic website or 50 clients in your resume. You just need something to show people what you can do.
If you don’t have client work yet, make a few fake samples. Yep, totally made-up. Pretend you’re working for a brand and create something as if it were real.
Here’s what your portfolio could include:
- 2-3 examples of your work
- A short intro about who you are
- What service you offer and how to contact you
You can throw this on Google Drive, Notion, Canva, or even a free website builder like Carrd.
Step 3: Ask Your Friends & Family
Okay, this part feels awkward for some people, but trust me your first freelance client might already be someone you know (or someone they know).
Post something on your Instagram story, tweet it, drop it in your family group chat. Let people know what you’re offering and that you’re available.
Example:
“Hey guys! I’m starting out as a freelance video editor. If you or anyone you know needs help with reels, TikToks, or YouTube clips, I’d love to work with you!”
You never know who’s been thinking about hiring someone and now they know it can be you.
Step 4: Try Freelance Platforms
There are websites like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour that help freelancers find clients. These can be kinda competitive, but they’re solid starting points.
Pro tips:
- Make your profile super specific (not “I’m a writer” try “I write fun, Gen Z-style Instagram captions for beauty brands”)
- Use keywords clients would search for
- Add a friendly profile picture and write like a real human, not a robot
The first few gigs might pay less, but that’s okay they’ll help you build experience and reviews.
Step 5: DM Small Businesses
This one takes some confidence, but it can work really well. Find small brands or solo creators on Instagram, TikTok, or even Etsy who might need what you offer.
Example:
“Hey! I love your content. I’m starting out as a freelance designer and I’d love to create a few story templates or highlight covers for your page. Let me know if you’re interested!”
Make sure your message is personalized, short, and chill. Don’t be salesy or pushy. Just show that you like what they do and want to help.
Step 6: Offer a Free or Discounted Sample
I know, I know. “Work for free?!” But hear me out. Doing one small sample (like a quick design, short video clip, or intro blog post) can help you prove your skills fast especially when you have no track record yet.
The key is to make it clear that it’s a one-time sample, not a free ongoing thing. It’s like giving them a bite of your cooking before they order the full meal.
Bonus: if they like it, they’ll probably come back for paid work. Or at least give you a killer testimonial.
Step 7: Join Online Communities
There are so many Discord servers, Facebook groups, subreddits, and forums where people post freelance jobs or just vibe with other creators.
Look for groups related to your skill. Join communities for writers, designers, coders, editors whatever fits. Be active. Answer questions. Share tips. Don’t just promote yourself actually help people.
Over time, people will notice you and start reaching out.
Step 8: Stay Consistent and Patient
Here’s the truth: getting your first freelance client might take a few days… or a few weeks. That’s totally normal. The key is not to give up after sending five DMs or getting zero replies on your Fiverr gig.
Keep improving your work. Keep posting about your services. Keep showing up online. Every small step adds up.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first freelance job feels kinda like trying to catch a train that keeps zooming past you. But once you hop on, the ride starts to make sense.
You don’t need a degree, thousands of followers, or a fancy office to start freelancing. You just need the courage to put yourself out there and try.
So go ahead and just make that first post, send that first message, create that first sample. Your first freelance client is probably just one DM or post away.
