How To Get My First Client On A Freelance Job Portal

Freelancing offers the freedom and flexibility to work on your terms, but it can be quite challenging to secure your first client.

Freelance job portals provide a valuable platform for connecting with potential clients and kickstarting your freelancing career. Nonetheless, navigating these portals and standing out among the competition requires strategic planning and execution.

In this article, I will explore the essential steps to help you land your first client on a freelance job portal, from understanding the landscape of freelance platforms to crafting compelling proposals and managing client relationships.

I will provide practical insights and tips to increase your chances of success. Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of freelance job portals to launch your freelancing journey.

Why is The First Job Difficult

Yes, reeling in the first job in your freelance career can be challenging. But why? Well, there are two fundamental reasons for this.

A Lot of Freelancers Are Fighting For The Job

I remember when I started as a freelancer, one of the hardest things was landing my very first client. There are often tons of other freelancers applying for the same jobs.

Many of them have more experience than you, which makes it very difficult to stand out from the crowd and convince a client to take a chance on you as a freelance business owner.

You Don’t Have a Track Record

With no previous client work or reviews yet on your profile, prospective clients have no way to judge the quality of your work. They are hesitant to spend money on an unknown entity.

Building positive metrics on your profile over time helps ease this uncertainty. But when just starting, you have the extra challenge of convincing potential clients of your abilities without a proven track record.

So, how do you land your first job? Well, before you start, you will need to take some baby steps and first understand the freelance job portal landscape.

Understanding the Freelance Job Portal Landscape

Once you understand the freelance job portal, it will help you to get your first client as a freelancer.

Different Types of Freelance Job Portals

Regarding freelance job portals, there’s a wide selection of platforms that cater to creatives, developers, writers, designers, and everything in between.

I recommend taking some time to explore the different options and find the one that aligns best with your skills and interests.

Pros and Cons of Using Freelance Job Portals

Freelance job portals have their fair share of pros and cons. On the upside, they’re a convenient way to find clients.

You get access to a wide range of job opportunities and clients. Yet, competition can be fierce as everyone is applying for the same job.

And let’s remember those fees that some portals charge.

Market Trends And Popular Platforms

Like fashion trends, freelance job portals have their cycles of popularity. Keep an eye on the latest market trends to ensure you are in the right place regarding your skills.

Some popular platforms include Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Guru. But feel free to try out some lesser-known options, too; you never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem.

7 Tips For Getting Your First Client On A Freelance Job Portal

Great, now that you understand more about the freelance job portal, here are some tips for you to land your first job.

1. Create An Outstanding Profile

Your freelance profile is your first impression to potential clients, so make sure it looks polished and professional.

And as for the profile picture, remember to dress to impress. Include an engaging photo and headline. Your bio and headline are like the tagline of a movie poster – it needs to grab attention and make people want to know more.

Showcase your skills, experience, and personality concisely and engagingly. You want to make a great first impression. A well-crafted profile conveys credibility even without previous platform-specific metrics.

2. Personalize Each Application You Send

When applying to a job posting, take some time to research the client and understand their needs.

Check out their previous freelance projects and read their reviews. The more you know about the client, the better you can tailor your proposal to their needs. Most importantly, avoid copying and pasting a generic cover letter.

Carefully read over each job description and tailor your application to show how your skills and experience directly match the client’s needs. Start with a captivating introduction that grabs the client’s attention to display your digital skills.

Clearly outline how your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for the project. And always end with a solid call to action. This extra effort makes you stand out from competing freelancers using a template pitch.

Demonstrate that you listened to their unique requirements.

3. Include Experience in Your Application

Even though you need to get a track record on the freelance platform, you likely have some relevant experience.

Having a well-crafted portfolio is essential for freelancers. It gives potential clients a glimpse into your abilities and the kind of work you can deliver. When creating your portfolio, include your best and most relevant job.

Showcasing a diverse range of projects of your special skills can demonstrate your versatility and expertise. And remember, it’s better to have a few great pieces than a large quantity of mediocre ones.

Include examples of personal projects, academic work, or professional experience at previous jobs. Anything demonstrating skills applicable to the role, even if not direct paid freelance work, can strengthen your application.

4. Apply a Lower Hourly Rate and Increase Over Time

Consider applying with a very competitive hourly rate at first, undercutting more established freelancers.

Once you build up your first positive reviews, you can gradually raise your rates. The lower initial rate helps offset the risk clients take on untested freelancers.

As you build metrics, you gain the credibility to command higher pay. Check my article on How to Set My Hourly Rate as a Freelancer.

5. Get Testimonials From Previous Work/Clients To Include

Do you have any feedback, references, or testimonials from previous work outside the freelance portal to provide client services?

If you do not have any testimonials, ask managers, colleagues, academics, or personal contacts who’ve seen your work for brief recommendations; you can include them in your profile.

Even one or two positive testimonials help convey others’ belief in your abilities. Once you get your first job, ask satisfied clients for reviews and testimonials. Most clients are happy to share their positive experiences if you ask nicely.

You can include a polite request in your final project. Or follow up with a kind email expressing gratitude for their feedback. The more positive reviews you have, the more trustworthy you appear to potential clients.

6. Have a Great website

While freelance job portals are a great way to start building your client base, it’s essential to explore other avenues for future growth.

Networking and word-of-mouth referrals can be valuable for freelancers. Attend industry networking events, join online communities, and connect with professionals in your field on Social Media Platforms.

Ensure to hand out your business card to relevant people. Be bold and proactively pitch your services to potential clients beyond the freelance job portals. It helps to research companies or individuals who may benefit from your skills.

Then, send them a thoughtful and personalized pitch in a cold email. Presenting your value proposition directly to potential clients can open doors to exciting freelance opportunities.

Having a personal website or blog can help you establish your brand and showcase your expertise beyond the limitations of a freelance job portal profile. Regularly update your website or blog with valuable content related to your niche.

It will position you as an authority in your field and can attract clients who find your insights valuable. Include a portfolio showing your past projects and experience. Prominently display any testimonials.

It will give potential clients another place to learn about your services.

7. Keep trying every single day

Consistency and persistence are key. Apply to multiple suitable jobs every day. Follow up with clients after applying. Continue strengthening your profile to create an impressive portfolio.

The more you put yourself out there, the greater your chance of landing that first freelance gig. Maintain motivation until you secure your first client.

Wrap-Up: So, How do You Get Your First Client On A Freelance Job Portal

Getting your first freelance client through an online job portal can be challenging but achievable with the right strategy. Build a polished profile highlighting your skills and any relevant experience.

Apply frequently and follow up with clients. Offer competitive rates to offset your lack of metrics. Ask contacts for testimonials to include. Keep trying until you land that initial client and can start establishing your reputation on the platform.

With persistence and continually improving your profile, you will be on your way to freelance success in no time.