Nobody tells you how hard it is to get your first freelance client.
The advice is always the same: update your LinkedIn, reach out to your network, post on Twitter. Fine advice if you have a network and are comfortable cold pitching. Less useful if you are starting from scratch.
Here is what actually works.
The fastest route: warm leads from a previous job
If you have worked somewhere, you have contacts. Former colleagues, managers, clients. These people know your work. They are not a cold pitch.
The message is simple: "I have gone freelance. I am taking on [X type of work]. Thought of you — is there anything you need, or do you know anyone who might?"
Most people will say no. Some will forward it. One or two will have something. That is enough to start.
Second fastest: productise one thing
Do not offer "general consulting". Offer one specific thing with a clear deliverable and a fixed price.
"I build Notion client portals for service businesses. Fixed scope, £X, delivered in 5 days."
Specific offers convert. Vague offers get filed and forgotten.
The platforms worth your time (and the ones that are not)
Worth it:
- Contra — lower fees, growing, good for digital work
- Toptal — hard to get in, but premium rates once you are
- PeoplePerHour — competitive but volume is there for UK-based work
- LinkedIn — slow burn but high intent when it converts
Not worth it for most people:
- Upwork — a race to the bottom unless you have reviews
- Fiverr — same problem, worse
- Generic job boards — full of spec work and tyre-kickers
Pricing your first project
Do not undercharge to get in the door. You will attract the wrong clients and set an anchor you cannot raise.
Charge close to what you want to charge long-term. If they say no, you have learned the market. If they say yes, you have started right.
Use this to check your numbers are sensible: landolio.com/tools/day-rate-calculator
The document that protects you from day one
Before you start any paid work, send a contract. Even a simple one. It sets expectations and gives you legal standing if something goes wrong.
One-page template included in the Freelance Starter Pack (£9) — covers scope, payment terms, IP, and kill fees.
How did you get your first freelance client? What would you do differently?
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