We already talked about how to get your first client, that scary first step where you’re just starting out. But now, let’s assume you’ve done your first projects. You have something real in your portfolio. Great. But now… how do you get more clients or projects worth your time?
Sure, you could create profiles on platforms like Fiverr, Workana, or Upwork. But here’s the truth: those platforms mostly work when you already have several projects and good reviews. Your first clients? They’re often the hardest. And don’t get me started on low prices due to high competition.
So what should you do while waiting for the stars to align?
Start by Showing Yourself
Your first projects are just the beginning. Now it’s time to build your portfolio (if you want tips on how to showcase it and close clients, check our portfolio post) and start putting yourself out there.
Offering web development or a digital product is basically offering visibility. You’re helping a client show themselves to the world. So why aren’t you showing yourself?
Think local: your city, your neighborhood. There are probably businesses that need your service, but:
- They don’t even know they need a website or product.
- They don’t know you exist.
Waiting for clients to come to you isn’t enough. As we explain in how to sell your web development proposal, leaving your house, talking to people, and generating word-of-mouth still works. Yes, we developers prefer to stay home coding, but getting clients often requires doing what needs to be done, not just what you enjoy.
Explore Every Possibility
Offline / local:
- Tell friends and family what you’re offering.
- Visit local businesses: someone might know someone who needs your services.
Online / digital:
I’ve tried many methods, some failed, but here’s a list of ideas you can experiment with:
- Google Maps: find local businesses, get emails or phone numbers, offer a small improvement without being pushy.
- Facebook groups: scams and low prices are common, but some posts can work.
- Instagram: identify businesses without a website and send a direct message. How you pitch your offer matters.
- Reddit and other platforms: work if you know how to communicate value differently on each.
Remember: it’s not the same to post on Reddit as on Instagram. And people on social media aren’t looking to buy. Your approach has to respect that.
The Key: Persistence Without Desperation
Years ago, when I was struggling to get clients, I tried all the above daily with almost zero results. Then I stumbled upon a method I didn’t expect to work:
On Twitter (now X), I searched for terms like:
- “hire developer”
- “looking for web developer”
- “web developer job”
I messaged every potential client. Most didn’t even open my message. Until one did: Oswaldo, who worked with an NFT artist riding the wave at the time.
I ended up building her website, and more importantly, I connected with amazing people who shared my interests: entrepreneurship, online work, community. That project is now part of the portfolio of my startup AltoValleIT.
The moral: I sent thousands of messages, got rejected 99% of the time… but I only needed ONE “yes”. That single project became the starting point for word-of-mouth, more clients, and a repeatable cycle.
Your Takeaway
Clients don’t appear randomly.
They’re triggered by visibility.
Waiting doesn’t work.
Platforms alone won’t save you.
Showing up consistently does.
Explore every channel.
Move offline and online.
Focus on getting one “yes” at a time.
Momentum isn’t loud.
It’s built quietly, project by project.
Related Notes
