How to Find Your First 5 Clients

Getting your first few freelance clients is often the hardest part. You’re building trust without much of a track record, trying to stand out without a huge audience, and learning how to pitch your value while still figuring out your own process.

The good news is that every experienced freelancer started here too. This guide walks you through landing those first five clients using direct outreach, smart positioning, and genuine conversations, not algorithms or overnight hacks.

1. Start With People You Already Know

Your first clients probably won’t come from a job board. They’ll come from people who already trust you, former coworkers, classmates, neighbors, or friends of friends.

Write a short message that explains:

• What you’re offering

• Who it helps

• That you’re taking on freelance work

Example: “Hey, I just started offering freelance design services for small businesses. If you know anyone who’s working on a website or branding project, I’d really appreciate the referral.”

You’re not begging for work. You’re letting people know how they can support you.

2. Offer a Limited-Time Service or Package

Sometimes people don’t hire because they’re unsure what they’re buying. Make it simple. Create a clear offer:

“Homepage copy audit – $200 flat rate. You’ll get a rewritten homepage, SEO pass, and a feedback call.”

Having a defined package makes it easier for someone to say yes. It gives structure, sets a price, and builds confidence.

3. Pitch Local or Niche Businesses Directly

Pick a small group, like realtors in your city or independent therapists, and reach out directly. Research them, visit their site or social media, and send a brief, respectful pitch.

Structure it like this:

• Start with a compliment or specific observation

• Explain the problem you can help with

• Show you understand their audience or goals

• Offer a clear next step (call, audit, sample work)

Tip: Keep it short. Two to three sentences is usually enough to start a conversation.

4. Use Freelance-Friendly Platforms (Selectively)

While referrals are powerful, platforms can still help. Just be selective. Focus on ones with real client demand and fair terms.

Recommended for early-stage freelancers:

• Upwork: Filter for entry-level jobs with clear scopes

• Contra: Portfolio-based, no platform fees

• PeoplePerHour: Lower competition in some niches

• Fiverr: Great for testing offers and building client feedback

Create strong profiles with real descriptions of what you offer and how you work.

5. Share Your Process Publicly (Even If It’s Simple)

Clients hire freelancers whom they feel they can trust. Sharing your process helps build that trust. Post:

• Before-and-after examples

• What tools do you use and why

• Step-by-step of a recent client win (even a small one)

• Lessons learned from mock or unpaid projects

Post it on your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, or wherever your ideal clients might find you.

Bonus: If you don’t have real client work yet, create a sample or case study for a hypothetical project.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big following or a polished brand to land your first clients. You need clarity on what you offer, the confidence to share it with others, and the persistence to keep showing up.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember…you only need one yes to get going.