How to Get First Freelance Client as a Beginner

Starting freelancing is exciting but also confusing. You might be asking, “How do I get my first freelance client?” Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Many freelancers struggle in the beginning, but the good news is that with the right steps, you can get your first freelance client even as a complete beginner. This is also a good way to start side hustle.
In this blog, you’ll learn simple, proven steps to help you start strong. You can find your perfect online job from here also you can try to doing simple writing jobs from here.
Understand What You Offer to get first freelance client
Before looking for clients, get clear on what service you will provide. Ask yourself:
- What am I good at?
- What can I help people with?
Whether it’s writing, graphic design, social media management, or web development, choose one clear skill. You don’t need to be an expert. Just be honest about your current level and ready to grow.
Create a Simple Portfolio
Clients want to see what you can do. A simple portfolio shows your work, even if it’s just 2 to 3 samples.
Here’s what you can do:
- Create sample projects by yourself
- Offer to do free work for a friend or local business
- Use Canva, Google Docs, or a free website builder to make your portfolio look clean
Keep it short and focused on the service you want to offer.
Set Up Your Freelance Profile
If you want to use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, your profile is your first impression.
Tips for setting up your profile:
- Use a real photo of yourself with a smile
- Write a short, honest bio (keep it client-focused)
- List your service clearly
- Add 1 or 2 samples to your gallery
Example:
“I help small businesses create modern websites that are fast and mobile-friendly. Let’s build your online presence together.”
Start With Your Personal Network
Your first client could be someone you already know. Reach out to:
- Friends and family
- Former classmates or teachers
- Small business owners in your area
Tell them what you do. Keep it short and polite. Example message:
“Hey, I’ve started freelancing as a graphic designer. If you or anyone you know needs help with logos or social media posts, I’d love to help.”
You’ll be surprised how often this works.
Use Freelance Platforms the Smart Way
Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer can help you find clients, but they are competitive.
Tips to stand out:
- Apply to small, low-budget jobs first to build reviews
- Write custom proposals for each job
- Be friendly, not desperate
- Always deliver on time
Even one 5-star review can build your profile fast.
Be Active in Online Communities to get first freelance client
Join Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Discord servers related to your skill. Don’t just promote. Help others, ask questions, and share tips.
Over time, people will notice and trust you. This can lead to your first freelance client through direct messages or referrals.
Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse
As a beginner, you can offer:
- A discount for your first 3 clients
- One small service free with a paid one
- Fast delivery for small projects
This gives potential clients a reason to choose you over others. But always make sure your work is high quality, even if it’s cheaper.
Ask for Testimonials
Once you complete a job, ask for feedback or a short testimonial. You can use this in your portfolio, profile, or social media.
Example:
“Maraj did a great job designing our event flyer. He was quick, professional, and understood our needs. Highly recommend!”
Keep Learning and Improving
Getting your first freelance client is just the beginning. To grow, you need to:
- Learn from feedback
- Improve your skills with online courses or YouTube tutorials
- Stay consistent even when it feels slow
Every expert was once a beginner. Stay patient and keep moving forward.
Exploring Other Ways to Earn While You Wait for Your First Client
When you’re just starting out, landing that very first freelance client can take some time. But the good news is, there are plenty of ways you can still make money from home while building your portfolio. For instance, many beginners look into how to make money from home for free, using platforms that require zero investment to get started. If you’re a student juggling classes, you’ll also find tons of flexible options around how to make money from home for students.
Even if you have no prior experience, don’t let that stop you. There are real opportunities available when you’re exploring how to make money from home no experience. Many people start by offering simple tasks, like data entry, virtual assistance, or basic design work. While these gigs may not be high paying, they can help you build confidence and credibility.
And if you’re someone who wants to ease into freelancing slowly, you can focus on making extra income from home through side gigs or passive income sources. Whether it’s selling digital products or tutoring online, it’s also possible to begin by simply making extra money from home while sharpening the skills you’ll need to impress your first big freelance client.
Conclusion of get first freelance client
To get your first freelance client, you don’t need to be perfect. You need to be ready, visible, and open to learning. Start small, talk to people, and keep showing up.
Remember, your first client is not the end goal it’s just the start of your freelancing journey.