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Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start earning online, especially when you need clients now and you don’t have years of experience to flex.
The tricky part isn’t your skill—it’s getting someone to trust you, pay you, and reply to your message without ghosting.
That’s why beginners win by being clear, specific, and easy to hire, not by trying to sound “professional” and saying nothing.
When you know how to position a simple offer, show proof quickly, and message the right people, clients can come faster than you think.
You don’t need a massive portfolio to start, but you do need a plan that works in the real world (not just motivational tweets).
In this post, discover 13 freelancing tips that will help you get clients fast, even if you’re new, introverted, or starting with zero testimonials.
We’ll cover what to say, where to look, and how to avoid the classic beginner traps that waste weeks.
If you want a quick way to build your online presence while you pitch, using a simple website builder like Wix to create a clean portfolio site can make you look legit in one afternoon.
Also, if you’re pairing freelancing with other income ideas, this guide on easy side hustles you can start from home can help you stack options without burning out.
Now let’s get you paid.
1.PICK ONE SERVICE AND ONE TYPE OF CLIENT
Beginners lose time by offering “anything.”
Clients don’t hire “anything.” They hire one clear solution to one annoying problem.
So pick a lane for the next 30 days:
- Service: writing, design, video editing, social media, VA work, web updates, ads setup, etc.
- Client type: coaches, dentists, local restaurants, Shopify stores, realtors, gyms, YouTubers
Key takeaway: Specific beats talented when you’re new.
2.MAKE A “STARTER OFFER” THAT’S EASY TO SAY YES TO
Your first offer should feel low-risk.
Not cheap forever, just simple and contained.
Examples:
- “I’ll write 3 product descriptions for your top sellers.”
- “I’ll edit one TikTok-style video so you can test my style.”
- “I’ll redesign your homepage headline and CTA.”
The goal: get a quick win and a testimonial.
3.BUILD A 1-PAGE PORTFOLIO FAST (NO, YOU DON’T NEED 20 PROJECTS)
You need proof, not perfection.
A one-page portfolio can be:
- 3 sample pieces
- a short bio
- what you offer
- how to contact you
If you want a clean look without technical headaches, Squarespace for a polished portfolio site makes it simple.
And if you’re allergic to websites, a well-organized Google Doc works too. Just make it skimmable.
4.CREATE 2–3 SAMPLES THAT MATCH REAL CLIENT NEEDS
Random samples don’t convert.
Make samples that look like what clients actually buy:
- A landing page rewrite for a coach
- A logo + brand kit for a local business
- A short-form video edit for a creator
- A bookkeeping cleanup spreadsheet for a freelancer
Then label them like a case study: “Before → After → Why it works.”
5.USE THE “PROBLEM FIRST” PITCH (IT GETS REPLIES)
Most cold messages sound like: “Hi, I’m a freelancer…”
Cool. Nobody cares. :/
Try this instead:
- Point out a real problem
- Suggest a small fix
- Offer to do it quickly
Mini script:
- “Hey [Name], I noticed your [website/IG/listing] doesn’t mention [key benefit]. Want me to rewrite a 2-line version that boosts clicks?”
Key takeaway: People respond to help, not resumes.
6.PITCH 10 PEOPLE A DAY FOR 10 DAYS
This is boring. It works anyway.
Clients come from volume + decent targeting.
Where to pitch:
- Instagram DMs (for creators and small brands)
- Local business websites (contact forms)
- Facebook groups (value-first, no spam)
- Job boards
Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Ready is a trap.
7.GO WHERE BUYERS ALREADY ARE: FREELANCE MARKETPLACES
Marketplaces get hate because of competition.
But they also have something magical: people already shopping.
Start with one platform and commit for 2 weeks.
If you want a straightforward place to start applying, Upwork’s marketplace homepage is built for exactly this.
And if you prefer quick gigs and fast turnaround work, Fiverr’s homepage for freelance services can help you test offers fast.
8.WRITE PROPOSALS THAT SOUND HUMAN
Stop writing essays.
Clients skim.
Use this format:
- 1 sentence: you understand the goal
- 2 bullets: how you’ll solve it
- 1 line: your relevant sample
- 1 question: to move the conversation forward
Example:
- “I can help you increase bookings by rewriting your service page.
- I’ll tighten your headline and offer
- I’ll add a clearer CTA and remove fluff
Here’s a similar sample: [link].
Quick question: are you targeting locals or tourists?”
9.FOLLOW UP LIKE A NORMAL PERSON
Most beginners quit after one message.
Meanwhile, your future client just… missed it.
Follow up 2 times:
- 48 hours later: “Just bumping this in case it got buried.”
- 5–7 days later: “Want me to send a quick mockup so you can see what I mean?”
Polite persistence prints money.
10.ASK FOR SMALL REFERRALS EARLY
Referrals aren’t only for “established” freelancers.
After a client win, ask this:
- “If you know one other [type of business] who’d want this, feel free to connect us.”
That’s it. No weird pressure.
11.PRICE FOR MOMENTUM, NOT MAX PROFIT
When you’re new, your biggest enemy is time without feedback.
So price to get projects rolling.
Simple approach:
- Starter project at a fair “learning” rate
- Raise after 2–3 wins
- Raise again after 5–10 wins
Key takeaway: Early work buys testimonials, confidence, and leverage.
12.DELIVER FAST AND OVER-COMMUNICATE (JUST A LITTLE)
Speed builds trust.
Clients love freelancers who:
- confirm the plan
- hit deadlines
- communicate clearly
- don’t disappear for 6 days
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be reliable.
13.TURN EVERY PROJECT INTO A CASE STUDY
Even tiny projects can become proof.
After completion, write:
- What the client wanted
- What you did
- The result (qualitative is fine—don’t invent numbers)
- A quote from the client
If you want a simple structure to model, this guide on how to make money online as a beginner pairs really well with freelancing and gives you more “proof-building” ideas.
Freelancing clients don’t show up because you’re “new” or “not new.” They show up because you make hiring you feel easy.
Pick one service, create a tiny starter offer, and build proof with focused samples.
Pitch daily with a problem-first message, follow up twice, and keep your proposals short and human.
Use marketplaces when you need buyers now, and turn every win into a case study that attracts the next client.
If you do one thing today, send 10 pitches and keep it moving—momentum beats overthinking every single time.
And if you want a fast way to look professional while you pitch, Wix to create a clean portfolio site is a solid shortcut.