How to Start Freelancing and Secure Your First Client
Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by mia
Starting a freelancing career can feel like a challenge, especially when you don’t know where to begin or how to find clients.
Many beginners struggle with creating a professional presence and understanding what businesses need from them.
The good news is that freelancing offers endless opportunities to provide valuable services, whether you’re skilled in writing, design, or coding.
Freelance platforms estimate over 1.57 billion people worldwide work freelance in some capacity.
New Startups can provide you with the necessary tools, guidance, and opportunities to advance your freelancing career.
It’s the perfect space for startup business owners to list their services, connect with other businesses, and find clients who value what they offer.
By starting your freelancing career with the right platform, you can eliminate guesswork and focus more on creating opportunities.
Register now on New Startups and list your business to build partnerships that matter!
How To Start Freelancing As A Beginner?
1. Choose Your Skill or Service
Start by identifying what you’re excelling at and how you can offer it as a service to clients.
Whatever it is, focus on one or two skills that businesses or individuals need. Make sure to refine your skill by taking courses or practicing your craft to stand out.
These activities will build your confidence and help you deliver better results once you land freelance work.
Researching what’s in demand can also give you an edge in finding clients.
Remember, clients hire you to solve their problems, so tailor your service to them. Starting simple is key when starting freelancing as a beginner.
2. Build a Portfolio
To attract clients, they need to see what you can do, so creating a portfolio is a must.
Even if you’re just starting and have no formal work experience, you can create samples that showcase your skills.
For instance, a graphic designer might create mock logos for pretend companies, or a writer can share blog posts they’ve written.
Use free tools or websites like Canva or a personal blog to display your work. A good portfolio makes it easier for potential clients to evaluate your capabilities.
Keep it organized and focus on quality rather than quantity. Don’t forget to update it as you complete actual projects.
Having a strong portfolio is crucial for persuading others to entrust you with their projects.
3. Sign Up on Freelance Platforms
One of the easiest ways to start freelancing is by joining platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
These platforms connect freelancers with clients seeking services, making it easier to find your first gig.
Set up a professional profile that clearly describes what you offer, highlights your skills, and includes your portfolio links.
Write an introduction that is friendly, confident, and explains why clients should work with you.
Start small by accepting smaller or easier projects to build reviews and ratings. Be patient while navigating these platforms, as landing your first job may take time but is worth the effort.
Consistently applying to jobs and responding promptly to clients will increase your chances of success.
4. Decide Your Rates
Knowing how much to charge is one of the trickiest parts of freelancing when you’re a beginner.
Start by researching how much other freelancers in your field are charging for similar services.
Remember, as a newbie, it’s okay to charge slightly less to attract your first few clients and gain experience.
However, don’t undervalue your work to the point where it becomes unsustainable. Be clear about whether you will charge by the hour or per project.
Try to calculate how much time and effort your work will take before setting your price.
Over time, as you build a reputation, raise your rates to reflect your growing value. Explaining your rates clearly to clients will also make them trust you.
5. Market Yourself
To get clients, people need to know you exist, which is why marketing is essential when you’re learning how to start freelancing.
Share your work on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter. Even a simple post about your services can catch someone’s attention.
Keep your bio updated with what you offer and how clients can contact you. You can also reach out directly to startups or small businesses that might need your help.
Networking in online communities or forums where your target clients hang out is another great way to get noticed.
Referrals from people you know can also lead to your first freelance gig. The better you market yourself, the faster you’ll get opportunities.
6. Learn How to Pitch
Pitching involves reaching out to potential clients and explaining what you can do for them.
A good pitch is short, clear, and focused on the client’s needs rather than your own. Instead of simply saying, “I’m a writer,” explain how your writing can help attract customers, save them time, or improve their brand.
Personalize each pitch by mentioning the client’s name or business and explaining why you’re the right fit for the job.
Be polite and professional in your tone to leave a good impression. If you don’t get a response, it’s okay to follow up after a few days with a friendly reminder.
Practicing your pitches will make you more confident and effective over time.
7. Manage Your Time and Workload
Freelancing gives you the freedom to work whenever, but this also means being disciplined with your time.
Create a schedule to plan when you’ll work and when you’ll take breaks to avoid burnout.
Start with smaller projects to make sure you can handle them well before taking on bigger commitments.
Say no to projects that seem too much to handle or don’t align with your skills. Always meet deadlines, as missing them can hurt your reputation.
Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or apps to keep your projects organized. Learning how to prioritize will help you balance your workload and avoid unnecessary stress.
Good time management makes freelancing more enjoyable and reliable for both you and your clients.
8. Communicate Clearly with Clients
When you’re new to freelancing, it’s important to keep your communication with clients clear and professional.
Make sure you understand their expectations and confirm the project details before starting.
If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask upfront instead of making assumptions.
Update your clients regularly on the progress of their work so they feel involved and reassured.
Always clarify payment terms, deadlines, and revisions to avoid misunderstandings. If something unexpected comes up, be honest and communicate it right away.
Clear communication builds trust and shows professionalism, which can lead to repeat business.
Clients appreciate freelancers who are easy to talk to and dependable.
9. Be Open to Learning and Feedback
Freelancing is a continuous learning process, especially when you’re just starting. Be open to feedback from your clients, whether it’s positive or constructive criticism.
Use their input to improve your work and grow as a professional. Stay informed about changes or trends in your industry to stay relevant.
You can take online courses, read blogs, or join groups to improve your skills.
Accept that you might make a few mistakes in the beginning, but treat every experience as a lesson.
Over time, you’ll become more confident and skilled. Being adaptable and willing to learn is crucial for success in freelancing.
10. Stay Patient and Consistent
Finally, remember that success in freelancing doesn’t happen overnight, so patience is key.
At first, it may seem like progress is slow, but consistency will pay off in the long run. Keep improving your skills, updating your portfolio, and applying to jobs.
Celebrate small wins, like landing a new client or completing a project, to stay motivated.
Freelancing can have ups and downs, but sticking with it will help you build a steady and fulfilling career over time.
Surround yourself with a support system of family, friends, or other freelancers for encouragement.
Staying patient and determined is one of the best ways to thrive as you figure out how to start freelancing.
Which Freelancing is Best for Beginners?
If you’re wondering which freelancing is best for beginners, the key is choosing something that matches your skills and interests while also being in demand.
Writing, graphic design, and social media management are popular options because they don’t require a lot of startup costs and are always needed by businesses.
Virtual assistance is another great choice, as many startups and entrepreneurs need help with tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry.
Web development and basic coding also offer great opportunities, especially if you take the time to learn beginner-friendly tools and platforms.
Freelancing in proofreading, customer service, or even transcription can be ideal if you enjoy detailed work or clear communication.
Make sure to choose a field you feel confident in, but don’t hesitate to pick up some free courses or tutorials to improve your skills.
Understanding how to start freelancing effectively in any of these fields will give you a great head start to landing clients and building your career.
How Do I Create A Portfolio When I Don’t Have Any Previous Work?
1. Create Mock Projects
If you don’t have real client work to showcase, you can create your own sample projects to highlight your skills.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you could design logos, websites, or branding materials for fictional businesses.
Writers might create blog posts, product descriptions, or social media captions for made-up products.
These mock examples allow potential clients to see what you’re capable of delivering.
Put effort into making your samples look realistic and professional, as this shows the quality you would provide on an actual project.
This approach is fantastic because it gives clients a direct idea of your skills even when you’re just starting freelancing.
Always focus on creating work that matches what your target clients might need.
2. Offer Free or Discounted Services
One way to create a portfolio is by offering your services for free or at a discounted rate to gain your first clients.
Start by reaching out to friends, family, or local businesses who might need the skill you’re trying to monetize.
This could be writing a blog post, designing a social media graphic, or creating a website.
Although you won’t make much money initially, these projects will give you real examples to include in your portfolio.
Additionally, having actual client feedback from these projects adds credibility to your work.
Make sure to ask for permission to showcase these projects in your portfolio before you start.
Once you’ve built some initial experience, you can gradually increase your rates and move away from unpaid gigs.
3. Highlight Volunteer Work
Volunteering is a great way to not only give back but also create a portfolio when you’re starting freelancing.
Look for non-profits, community groups, or small startups that could use your skills.
You could help with their social media, design needs, or website tasks while building real-world experience.
Volunteer projects often give you more creative freedom, allowing you to showcase your best work.
Take screenshots, create before-and-after visuals, or write case studies about what you achieved for the organization.
Adding details about the impact of your work can make your portfolio more engaging to potential clients.
Clients will also appreciate the initiative and effort you took early in your freelancing career.
4. Use Personal Projects
Personal projects are another smart way to build a portfolio and show off your expertise while experimenting with your creativity.
If you’re a photographer, for instance, create a photo series on a topic or theme you enjoy.
A web developer might code a fully functional demo website using their preferred tools.
Personal projects can also solve imaginary problems or explore trends in your industry.
These initiatives allow you to focus on the kind of work you want to get paid for in the future.
The flexibility in personal projects means you can produce high-quality content at your own pace.
Use these examples to attract clients with similar needs who align with your vision.
Sharing the process behind your projects also helps clients see your thought process, which can be a valuable selling point.
5. Use Online Tools to Showcase Work
Using websites like Canva, Behance, or Dribbble can help you display your sample work in a visually appealing way.
Even if you’re not ready to build a personal website yet, these platforms work as digital portfolios for beginners.
For writers, platforms like Medium or Contently allow you to publish samples and gain visibility.
Clients are more likely to trust freelancers who have professional, accessible portfolios, even if the work featured isn’t from paid gigs.
Make sure to label each sample clearly, so clients know whether it’s mock work, a personal project, or volunteer-based.
These platforms are highly searchable, making them a great option for getting discovered as you start freelancing.
The more organized and appealing your profile looks, the better your chances of landing work.
6. Create Before-and-After Examples
Clients love seeing results, so showcasing before-and-after examples is a great way to make your portfolio more persuasive.
Start by taking an existing product, website, or design and improving it with your skills.
Writers could rewrite a poorly written piece of text or edit existing content for clarity and impact.
This directly shows how your work adds value and solves problems for potential clients.
Including explanations of what you changed and why creates a strong impression.
Clients are more likely to trust someone who provides tangible evidence of their skills in action.
Even if it’s not for an actual client, this method proves you understand what businesses need. It’s a creative way to stand out while building your portfolio as a beginner.
7. Document Your Learning Process
If you’re taking courses or practicing tasks relevant to freelancing, you can share the process as part of your portfolio.
For example, someone learning graphic design could document their growth by showing sketches, drafts, and final designs.
Freelance writers might blog about how they’re improving their research or storytelling techniques.
This builds transparency and shows that you’re committed to mastering the craft you’re offering to clients.
You don’t have to be perfect from the start; clients often value effort, potential, and a willingness to learn.
The more clients see you actively working on self-improvement, the more confidence they’ll have in hiring you.
8. Ask for Testimonials
Even when starting freelancing, testimonials play a huge role in building trust with new clients.
If you’ve helped anyone informally with your services, ask them for a short testimonial about their experience.
For instance, if you helped a friend with their resume or created content for a small event, their feedback can bring your portfolio to life.
Real client quotes with specific details about what they appreciated make a big impact.
Highlighting successful outcomes in testimonials shows future clients how you can bring value to their needs.
Even a few kind words from acquaintances can make your portfolio more relatable. Remember to get permission to display these testimonials publicly.
Testimonials provide social proof, which is vital when you’re just starting your freelancing career.
9. Collaborate with Others
Collaboration is an excellent way to build a portfolio when you don’t have solo projects yet.
For example, reach out to other freelancers or creators in your field to work on a small project together.
A graphic designer could team up with a writer to create a marketing campaign, or a videographer could collaborate with a musician on a promo video.
These collaborations allow you to produce work that feels professional and gives both parties samples to share.
The bonus is that you get to network and learn from more experienced freelancers, which also helps as you start freelancing.
Always make sure to credit your collaborators and get permission to showcase the work.
Clients value teamwork skills, so this approach can double as evidence of your ability to work well with others.
10. Share Your Work Regularly
Lastly, don’t wait for a perfect moment to start showcasing your work; share what you’re doing regularly to keep potential clients engaged.
Even small updates or early drafts can help keep your name in front of people who might hire you.
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram to post about your progress or new skills you’re building.
Sharing consistently signals that you’re active, dedicated, and ready for opportunities.
This visibility is crucial as part of learning how to start freelancing and grow your client base.
Engaging regularly on social platforms also opens up networking opportunities.
The more people see your work, the more likely they are to reach out when they need someone with your skills.
How Do I Price My Freelance Services To Attract Clients And Stay Competitive?
Deciding how to price your freelance services can feel challenging, but getting it right is essential for attracting clients while staying competitive.
Start by researching what other freelancers in your field are charging and use this as a guideline to avoid overpricing or undervaluing your work.
Consider your skill level, the complexity of the project, and how much time it will take so you can set a rate that makes your work worth your effort.
If you’re targeting emerging businesses, understanding effective startup marketing strategies can also help position your services to appeal to these unique clients.
To appeal to clients, offer clear pricing options, like hourly rates or fixed project fees, and explain the value they will get for the price they pay.
If you’re wondering how to start freelancing, keep in mind that starting with lower rates to build a portfolio and gain reviews can help you stand out, but don’t sacrifice your worth in the long run.
Be transparent with clients about your pricing so there are no surprises, and always communicate what’s included in your fee, like revisions or additional work.
For professionals working with a digital marketing startup, competitive pricing and specialized skills can open doors to innovative collaborations.
Over time, as you grow your experience and reputation, regularly evaluate your rates and raise them to reflect your expertise while maintaining fairness to stay competitive in the market.
How Can New Startups Help My Business?
New Startups can bring fresh ideas and energy to your business, offering solutions that are often more creative and flexible than larger, more established companies.
They are usually hyper-focused on specific niches and can provide customized services or products that fit your exact needs.
Being involved in startup networking, for instance, can open doors to valuable partnerships and collaborations with like-minded entrepreneurs.
Working with startups often means faster communication, quicker results, and a willingness to adapt their approach based on your feedback.
Many startups are eager to prove their value, which often translates into a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceeding your expectations.
Additionally, New Startups frequently use modern techniques and tools, helping your business stay ahead in your industry.
They are known to adopt and experiment with the latest startup trends and innovation, ensuring your collaboration results in forward-thinking solutions.
You can also build long-term partnerships with startups, contributing to their growth while they help you achieve your goals.
Collaborating with New Startups is not just a business transaction; it’s an opportunity to grow together and discover new ways to succeed.
Conducting regular startup market research can help you identify the right startups to partner with, ensuring their offerings align with your business goals.
Conclusion
Freelancing can be a great way to take control of your career while offering your unique skills to businesses that need them.
By starting small, building a strong portfolio, and learning how to market yourself effectively, you can set the foundation for a successful freelance career.
t’s important to stay patient, stay consistent, and keep improving your skills to stand out in a competitive market.
Working with clients, managing your time well, and staying open to feedback will help you grow and achieve long-term success.
Remember, freelancing takes effort and dedication, but it also gives you the freedom to shape your own professional path.
If you’re ready to take the first step, platforms like New Startups make it easier to connect with skilled professionals and find tools to kickstart your freelancing career.
With resources, guidance, and connections, New Startups can help both freelancers and businesses build strong relationships and grow together.