7 Simple Ways to Land Your First Freelance Gig (On Freelance Websites)
These simple, actionable tips can help you land your first paid freelance project as a beginner.
As a beginner, landing your first freelance gig is essential if you want to start charging higher rates or eventually scale your services into a business.
And while most of us, if not all, focus on the basics like choosing the right niche, creating a solid profile, and building a portfolio, many stop here and assume that bidding for jobs or applying to gigs will automatically land them clients.
But that’s rarely how it works. Freelancing isn’t a passive side hustle, but a skill that requires active investment of your time and resources. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, practical ways you can start using today to land your first freelance gig.
David Adubiina
7 Tips to Land Your First Freelance Gig
1. Choose a freelance platform that highlights your skills
Many beginners get stuck on the wrong platforms. We assume that bigger platforms like Upwork or Fiverr mean more chances to land gigs. But with larger platforms comes heavier competition and stricter requirements, which, let’s face it, aren’t always beginner friendly.
Instead of going where everyone else is, choose a platform where your skills naturally stand out. For example, designers do better starting on niche platforms like Behance or Dribbble, where their work speaks directly to potential clients without the crazy competition.
For writers, niche platforms like Contently or ClearVoice create better luck on landing gigs for beginners. The goal is to showcase your strengths where they’re valued.
2. Keep updating your portfolio
Your portfolio is your first impression; it’s what potential clients see first. But building it once and leaving it there isn’t enough, as thousands of beginners are doing the same every day.
To stand out, keep yours fresh. Update it regularly. Add new projects. Tweak older ones. This not only shows you're active and keeping up with industry trends but also helps you better highlight your skills over time. Clients like to see growth, not just static work.
3. Optimize your profile on the right platforms
Once you’re on the right platform, don’t stop there. You need to make sure your profile works for you.
Start with keywords. Use relevant industry terms in your profile headline, description, and skills section. For example, if you're a designer, using words like "UI/UX design", "Figma", or "mobile app design" can help your profile show up in search.
Beyond keywords, keep your bio clear and direct. Talk about what you offer, who you help, and what makes your work different.
Think of your profile as your silent pitch; it should explain why someone should hire you without needing to speak to you first.
4. Network with potential clients (not just other freelancers)
One thing beginners often overlook is networking, and not just with fellow freelancers. The most valuable networking you can do is directly with potential clients.
If you ask experienced freelancers whether most of their work comes from cold applications or client referrals, chances are they’ll tell you referrals pay better and come more easily. But referrals don’t just happen by accident; you build them by building relationships first.
You can start by connecting with clients, following up for feedback, and even offering discounts to build trust. Every connection is a potential future gig. These small actions help you stay top of mind and eventually lead to referrals.
5. Cold pitch your services
A lot of beginners avoid cold pitching because of fear or impostor syndrome. We worry about what the client might say or that we’ll get ignored entirely.
But here’s the truth: if you’re not reaching out to potential clients, you’re limiting your chances to get your first pay, as this is one of the fastest ways to get them. Cold pitching is a skill, and like every skill, it takes practice.
Learn to introduce yourself and your services in a clear, professional way. Keep it short, focused, and client centered. Answer questions like, "What can you help them achieve?" Over time, cold pitching sharpens your communication skills and builds your confidence.
Is it uncomfortable? Yes. But it works.
6. Make use of social media platforms
LinkedIn, Twitter, and even platforms like Instagram are wonderful tools to showcase your work and attract clients, and not just for scrolling.
To gain the most out of them, you can start by posting your projects, sharing insights from your industry, and engaging with other freelancers and potential clients. It’s less about going viral and more about showing up consistently, so people know what you do.
Even if you’re just starting, sharing your learning process or small wins can get people interested.
7. Be patient and stay consistent
Building anything of value takes time, likewise with starting a freelance career
You might send dozens of proposals, messages, or cold emails before you get feedback, or even be ignored or rejected.
While this is to be expected, the trick is not to quit too early, but refining your approach, showing up consistently, and treating every small win as progress.
David Adubiina
Conclusion
Landing your first freelance gig as a freelancer is not a walk in the park, but a process of showing up consistently, dedication, and motivating yourself even when you don't have it in you.
It won’t happen overnight, but if you stay patient and put these simple steps into practice, that first gig will come sooner than you think.
