5 ways to find potential clients outside of job boards

This is where I look for potential freelance clients

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
October 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

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The freelancing space can be a crowded one and while I still recommend freelancers have a presence on LinkedIn (say hi over there👋) and look for potential clients there, it’s important to diversify your marketing efforts to find freelance work.

Here are some places I like to look for potential freelance clients, particularly brands that could use newsletters, website copy, articles and blogs, or thought leadership writing help.

1. Examine your daily life
Think about the products, apps, and services you already use. When I was pregnant, I noticed potential clients in everything from baby gear brands to the apps I downloaded. Make a list of the companies in your current season of life, then research if they have a blog or newsletter, and then find a contact on the marketing team you can pitch.

2. Look at recent purchases
Every product or service has a brand behind it. Did you just buy insurance, a car, or home services? Those companies often publish consumer blogs, magazines, or newsletters. Jot down names, find contacts, and reach out with an article pitch or intro pitch.

3. Review your statements
Scan your credit card or bank statement for frequent charges. Gyms, grocery chains, clothing brands, and utilities all need content. Even local shops could be part of industry associations and make you think about trade publications that hire freelancers.

4. Check your inbox
Open your promotional emails. If you’re on a retailer or service provider’s mailing list, they already invest in content marketing. Review who’s sending regular newsletters and see if they need freelance support.

5. Browse your shelves
Look at the brands in your pantry, bathroom, or closet. Food and beverage companies, beauty products, and apparel brands often run lifestyle blogs or seasonal campaigns. If you use their products, you’re in a great position to pitch fresh content ideas and remind the marketing team that you’re a happy customer who understands their product.

Diana

P.S. Missed last week’s newsletter or a recent post? Check them out here.

Screen potential clients with this form

If you’ve ever jumped on a client call only to realize they have a small budget, their work isn’t a fit for your skills, or they don’t know what they want and when they want it, this PDF is for you.

I try to have clients fill out this Client Intake Questionnaire form before we get on a call.

Why?

It makes me look professional, allows me to screen for a budget, and helps me determine if we’d be a good fit to potentially work together on the project.

Snag it now for $6.97. You’ll access it as a PDF and Word doc that you can customize right away.

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