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Finding your first freelance gig can be tricky – and it can sometimes feel like there are no opportunities out there when work is quiet.
I’ve been freelancing full-time for a year now, and I know how difficult the freelance world can be. I’ve experienced times when I’m super busy – and times when I can’t seem to find anyone who wants to work with me!
However, there are so many ways to find work these days – and it might just be a case of trying something new to get your next gig.
From online forums to freelance job sites, your first freelance gig could come from anywhere – and there are a couple of ways to make the process a little easier.
Whether you’re trying to find freelance work for the first time or you’re experiencing a bit of a lull, I hope these tips can give you something new to think about.
In this blog post, I’ve put together my top tips to find your first freelance gig!
Keep your options open
Your first freelance gig could come from anywhere. I’ve had freelance jobs on Twitter, LinkedIn, Upwork, word-of-mouth and more.
Make sure to keep your options open. Don’t stick to just one freelance or social media platform.
Although I don’t think you need to be on every single social media channel, keeping your options open is a great way to find clients in different places – and you won’t limit yourself.
Grow your network
I know we hear it all the time, but don’t under-estimate the power of growing your network!
You never know when a connection might need your services. You might connect with a fellow freelancer who wants to outsource their work, or someone you follow online might suddenly need your help with a job.
They say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While that’s not always true, growing your network is a beneficial way to reach out to new clients.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get
I spoke about this in my post about growing your Twitter following as a freelancer, but I think it’s really important to remember.
You need to put yourself out there. Constantly.
If someone says they want to hire a content writer, for example, I’ll send them a message straight away.
If someone suggests they might need your translation services or they’re looking for an expert graphic designer, drop them a message to put your name in their head.
Remember to be polite and never spam people. However, being proactive about finding work and putting yourself out there is so important.
Use what you already have
I think sometimes we can focus on building up new things and starting new platforms, instead of using what we already have.
Do you have a social media following? Do you know someone who might need your services? Think about the resources you already have and how you can leverage them to find your first gig.
You could collaborate with other freelancers to get your work out there or ask for supportive members of the community to share your social media posts.
Just because you don’t get an instant lead, it doesn’t mean you’ve not been successful in growing your profile and getting your name in someone’s head.
Practice your skills
If you’re currently looking for your first freelance gig, it’s a good idea to practice and hone your skills, ready for when you land that first client.
If you’re a writer, practice writing about the topics you’d love to write for clients. This can help you use your skills and build your portfolio – and it also gives you something to do while you find your first freelance opportunity.
I like to write on my blog, as it allows me to feel productive and busy – and it can also help me improve my writing skills.
Just because you’re not working for a client doesn’t mean you’re not doing something valuable with your time.
Do you have any tips to find your first freelance gig? What is your favourite way to find work as a freelancer? Where do you find your freelance jobs?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
Good thoughts! Like most things, freelancing is a slow burner, unless you’re in a sector where your skills are massively in demand. I joined a business networking group, which was hard work but worth it. I also placed some little Google ads, which paid for themselves. I got a few jobs from these, most small but one fairly large.
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That’s great Jessica! Those are fantastic ideas to find your first freelance gig. Thank you for your suggestions 🙂 I think it can be up and down for sure x
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Thanks. While I remember, because ANYONE can see your google ads you need to make sure they are an honest person and you know who they actually are before they engage you in work. I got ripped off by one untraceable guy.
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That’s such a shame Jessica, I’m sorry! Yes I think when you’re conducting business online it can be tough – it always pays to be cautious x
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Fab tips. I’ve always wanted to try freelancing (like writing for other people, not blogging related) but I’ve never really known where to start. I’ve even had some freelance gigs (one REALLY good one last year that paid me a lot!) but they’ve always just come about really randomly and it’s never been a consistent thing.
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I know what you mean, it can definitely be very random sometimes – I’ve found that too. I think putting out feelers (especially as you’re already in the writing world) is a great idea. Thank you for reading and commenting Jenny x
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I totally agree with you. Always be courageous to ask because that’s how you will get it.
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Yes, you need to make that first move – especially when you first start out x
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Great tips! I’d love to try freelancing some day and these are great tips for getting your first freelance gig! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Thank you! I hope you find them helpful 🙂
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Great advice! I feel like these would help anyone increase the opportunities for freelancing. I will be trying some of these in the summer.
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Thank you! I hope you find something that works for you x
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These are great ideas! I’ve been a freelance translator for over 5 years and use translation forums to find projects. I also use LinkedIn frequently and contact companies/agencies about my translation services. I completely agree with you about experiencing a super busy time or when the project is slowing down.
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That’s great! I think using LinkedIn is a great idea, and I really enjoy connecting with other freelancers on there too. Thank you for reading and sharing 🙂
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I’ve always wanted to try freelancing, but I’ve never really known where to begin. Even though I’ve had some freelancing jobs, they have never been a regular occurrence and have always happened randomly.
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I get that, it can be a strange one – and sometimes you’ll be busier than others. Thank you for reading and commenting Harry 🙂
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I’ve been thinking about dabbling in freelancing work so these are some really great tips – thank you 🙂 x
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That’s great Caroline, I really hope you enjoy it! Thank you x
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