7 tips for finding clients fast

Here's what I do when I need to secure some work within a few weeks

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
January 26, 2025

Hey Friend,

Can you believe this week is February?

I can.

It feels like it’s the 398th day of January as I’m writing this. But, that could be because it’s frigid in NY where I live, everything is covered in snow and ice, and my kids and dog have been stuck inside for waaay too long.

But you know what is a good thing to do when it’s cold out?

Put your butt in the chair and find freelance clients.

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Feeling a little light in the client department?

Been there many times over in my freelance career.

Now, I apply the strategies from this freelance marketing calendar so I’m never looking at a week without client work to do.

Here are 7 tried-and-true ways to land clients fast.

Go back to your old faves.
Think of this as the freelance version of texting an ex you’re still friends with. Reach out to your previous clients and see if they need extra help. They already know are likely to open your email and know your work. Chances are, if they have a freelance budget, they’ll line you up once you remind them you’re available.

Stalk your Toggl reports.
Ever tracked a project and thought, Wow, that client was a dream to work with!? Check your Toggl or other time-tracking client software history and see if any of those former fun clients need a follow-up nudge.

Peek at LinkedIn.
Who’s checking you out? That LinkedIn “viewed your profile” feature on Premium might just hold your next client. It’s also a smart marketing move to reach out to anyone who comments on your posts with a friendly DM—just say hi and ask how their year is going so far.

Hit the boards.
Freelance job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, or even niche platforms can be an option when you’re in a pinch. (I hear of more clients looking for freelancers there every day.) While some of the pay can be lower, it doesn’t hurt to have a presence there.

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Tap your freelance BFFs.

Freelance friends = untapped gold. Message a few and say, “Got any overflow work or editor intros? I have some availability next month.” Remind them of your niches, skills, and recent projects you completed.

Update your portfolio.
When was the last time you gave your online portfolio some TLC? Freshen it up with recent work, share it on LinkedIn and social platforms, and post a quick, “Now taking new clients!” on your socials. (I just had a call with a new client who found me via my website.)

Consider offering a referral bonus.

Recruiters and human resources departments do this, why shouldn’t you? Offer a small token of appreciation to anyone who sends you a referral that turns into a freelance client.

Thanks for being here!

Diana

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

P.P.S. Keep scrolling for jobs. ⤵️

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