I remember my first freelance client. With no freelancing experience, no portfolio, and no work history. I lacked a key skill required for that project, but the client wasn’t looking for an expert, as it was a very small task.
The same task would take me only a few minutes now. Back then, it took me an entire day to figure out and complete. I got paid less than what I would make hourly now, but it was still more than what I was making from my full-time job in a day.
I was happy to be paid for my first freelance work 12 years ago. It was my first review, and I became a freelancer when it wasn’t as cool or well-known. This marked a turning point in my career, as I realized I could make a living working on my own terms, which ultimately changed the trajectory of my career.
Is Freelancing Easy?
You may be tempted to get into freelancing, but let me warn you, it’s not easy at all. Finding freelance projects is a full-time job in itself, so when you don’t have a project, doing an 8-hour shift to get freelance work becomes your main project.
You’ll need to manage everything: writing proposals, client meetings, executing projects, following up, maintaining client relationships, marketing, and much more.
In short, it’s no less than running a business. But if you’ve decided to make this your career, these tasks will become part of your routine, and it won’t feel like you’re doing so much.
This article is intended for people who have a skill they can sell. If you’re someone who hasn’t decided on the skill you want to work on, then this article is not for you.
Let’s dive into how you can land your first client in less than a week.
5 Steps to Land Your First Project, Fast!
1. Getting started
The first step in starting your freelancing journey is to enroll in a freelance platform. You don’t have to sign up for multiple platforms; just one is enough to begin with.
Write a clear description about yourself that highlights your skills, hobbies, and interests. Update this information across all your social media profiles, along with a professional-looking photo, or use AI tools to generate a headshot from your existing pictures.
This will let everyone in your network know that you are open to freelance opportunities.
2. Leverage Social Media
Take full advantage of your social media, especially LinkedIn. It’s one of the most powerful platforms for professionals and businesses. LinkedIn can bring you inbound leads and is often considered the best alternative to Upwork.
Start by posting about your entry into freelancing and gain initial traction. Talk about how you’ve helped clients with your skills. Share snippets, pictures, or videos of your work. Do this every day without fail, or you risk losing momentum.
Be active in community forums like Quora, Reddit, Facebook groups, etc. If possible, create and publish short videos on YouTube and Instagram.
3. Network with Potential Clients
Attend events and meetups. Introduce yourself as a freelancer and let people know you’re available for projects. If possible share business card, ask them for their email or number to be in touch.
Look for local businesses on Google Business. Get their email address or phone number and reach out to them.
For example, to a cafe owner: “I noticed your Instagram page has been inactive for a while. I have creative ideas to boost your followers and sales. I’m a digital marketing expert and helped a similar cafe, [cafe name], grow 5x in just three months. Here’s a link to their Instagram page. Let’s talk about how I can help your business too.”
End with a strong call to action.
4. Only Send Personalized Proposals
When sending proposals to clients, make sure not to use automated ones, as they almost never work. Clients can easily see through them, just like we do with spam in our inboxes.
There are two things you must include in your proposal:
- Mention what they want done: E.g., “I see that you want [their requirement] completed within 7 days.”
- Ask a question: This works like magic. When you ask something specific related to the project, they’ll know you’ve read it carefully and thought about it.
Additionally, mention how you’ve helped past clients with similar projects, and include 1-3 portfolio examples.
5. Don’t Get Distracted
Before a client says yes, you’ll likely encounter many who say no, don’t respond, or even ask you to build the next OpenAI for less than $100.
Don’t get demotivated by rejection. Ignore those clients and focus on landing your first one. Keep putting in honest effort and stay persistent, and you will start landing clients for sure.
Final Thoughts
Starting your freelancing journey can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you build momentum. By staying persistent, personalizing your proposals, and leveraging your network and social media, you can land your first client quickly.
Keep in mind that success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and the right approach, freelancing can offer you the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms. Stay focused, and your first client will be just the beginning!