Oh heyyy I've been a freelancer since 2008. During the pandemic lockdowns, lots of people pulled back their marketing budgets, so I lost enough clients at once that I had to drive Uber Eats, and I was able to stop that and go back to FT freelancing (and no, AI isn't a threat, even as a freelance SEO writer and brand strategist lol).

I got my first client when I was a homeless teenager because I was desperate to just survive another day, so I literally walked into businesses in downtown Tampa, FL and asked if they had a website and if they'd pay $20 for me to write a blog post. Honestly, if I could figure it out and make something from a library computer, you absolutely can too.

I've helped literally hundreds of people (1:1; thousands in groups) become a freelancer. I'm more than happy to jump on a Zoom call with you to help you narrow down your niche + service(s), then position them to get clients if you want.

It's really hard to do much until you know these two things AND know enough about your target audience to know where to look and how to pitch your services as essential to them.

As for getting clients, I'd 100% recommend tapping into your existing network. Ideally people who you actually know and have conversations with.

Be honest and say something like:

Hey, I'm starting a freelance business and offering [service(s)] to build up my portfolio, and I'd like to work with [these types of people/businesses]. Do you know anyone who needs [service]?

The WORST thing I see people do is pretend like they have more experience than they actually have. Make yourself professional and look good, but just don't oversell it. People can sniff out dishonesty so quickly, and people are (rightfully) more skeptical than even 5 years ago.

Anyway, yeah, people you already know are more likely to give you a chance to prove yourself or know someone in their circle and that person will be more likely to trust you. This goes for online communities too (including this one!).

So, I'm in Caveday (online coworking), and I've gotten tons of clients from both the members and from members recommending me to people they know. Join similar work-related communities (Focus Mate is another good one, but that's 1:1, not a group, so it's harder to build relationships at scale) and build relationships. I can invite you to a coworking Discord I'm in. People seem really friendly there too. (And bonus, you'd know a friendly face already.)

Anyway, LMK if you want to jump on a call. I'm happy to give you one of my normal 90-minute sessions for free to help you out and create a game plan for you.

It's hard to give really specific advice on where to find clients without the basic brand work figured out. It'd be generalized bullshit you could find on Google at best.

(Sorry for rambling. Haven't had coffee or started the day yet 🤣)

Highly recommend getting Contract Client Mastery. He goes through everything - action plan, common mistakes, your skill set, prep work, how to do cold outreach (plus examples of bad outreach), how to scout for clients, how to sell.

Upwork or finding an idea guy with money