Video and UGC
How to Get Clients as a Freelancer: 12 Ways That Work
After a big project things go quiet, and suddenly you have to do sales. How to get clients as a freelancer: 12 free and paid ways, with a message template.
Written by Genly's AI team, reviewed by Marlon Bonink
· 5 min read
You are great at what you do, but your calendar is not always full. After a big project things go quiet, and suddenly you have to "do sales". Cold calling feels awkward, LinkedIn posts mostly get likes, and a marketing agency is beyond your budget. How do you win clients as a freelancer in a way that suits you?
Short answer: The three fastest ways for most freelancers: tell your existing network and past clients exactly what you are looking for, actively ask for referrals, and run a small Facebook and Instagram campaign with a concrete offer. Start with the free options and only spend money once you know what a client is worth to you.
12 ways to get clients
| Method | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Targeted message to your network | Free | Fast | Everyone |
| 2. Reconnecting with past clients | Free | Fast | Anyone with a few projects behind them |
| 3. Asking for referrals | Maybe a thank-you gift | Medium | Services with happy clients |
| 4. LinkedIn | Free, costs time | Slow | B2B service providers |
| 5. Google Business Profile and reviews | Free | Medium | Local trades and services |
| 6. Partnering with other freelancers | Free | Medium | Anyone with complementary peers |
| 7. Job and freelance platforms | Commission or subscription | Fast | Trades, specialists |
| 8. Content that answers questions | Free, costs time | Slow | People who like writing or filming |
| 9. A free first step | Your own time | Medium | Consultants, coaches, specialists |
| 10. Facebook and Instagram ads | From $5 a day | Fast | Local services, consumer clients |
| 11. Google Ads on specific keywords | Often $10 a day or more | Fast | Services people search for |
| 12. Making ads with AI | Monthly subscription | Fast | Anyone advertising without a designer |
Free methods
1. A targeted message to your network. "I have availability again" gets little response. A concrete ask does. An example message for text or LinkedIn:
"Hi Sarah, from November I have room for two new clients. I help online stores rewrite their product descriptions so they sell better. Do you know anyone struggling with that? I would be happy to introduce myself."
It works because it is specific: who, what and when.
2. Reconnecting with past clients. A client who was already happy is your easiest next project. Send a short note with an idea for a follow-up.
3. Asking for referrals. Ask right after a successful project, when the client is happiest. Make it easy: "May I mention your name as a reference?"
4. LinkedIn. A clear profile (what you do, for whom, with what result) and two or three posts a week about your craft. Comment on posts from potential clients too: visibility works both ways.
5. Google Business Profile and reviews. For local trades and services, this is the most important free place to be found. Ask every happy client for a review.
6. Partnering with other freelancers. A web designer and a copywriter, a photographer and a stylist: refer work to each other.
7. Job and freelance platforms. Quick projects, but you often compete on price and pay commission. Good for starting out or filling gaps.
8. Content that answers questions. Write or film answers to the questions clients keep asking. Slow, but it keeps bringing in clients.
9. A free first step. A short audit, a 20 minute consultation or a checklist. It lowers the barrier to getting in touch.
Paid methods
10. Facebook and Instagram ads. For a few dollars a day you reach exactly the people in your area or audience. A lead form or a WhatsApp button makes responding easy. See the difference between boosting and real ads in boost post vs. Facebook ads.
11. Google Ads. Worth it when clients actively search for your service, like "wedding photographer Austin". Choose specific keywords, or you pay for clicks from people looking for something else.
12. Making ads with AI. The biggest hurdle in advertising is the ad itself: a strong visual, standout copy, a video. AI lets you create them without a designer. Paste your website into Genly and get ads in your own style, including videos with an AI presenter or your own face, see AI UGC. Read more in how to make ads with AI.
Cost example: what can a new client cost?
| Question | Example |
|---|---|
| What does an average client bring in the first year? | 3 projects of $1,500 = $4,500 |
| How much will you spend to win a client? | 10 percent = $450 |
| How many inquiries become clients? | 1 in 5 |
| So what can an inquiry cost? | $450 / 5 = $90 |
If an inquiry from your ad costs $30, you are well within budget. Do this math once and you know how much you can comfortably spend.
Frequently asked questions
How much budget do I need to find clients?
You can start free with your network, referrals and online profiles. For ads, $5 to $10 a day is enough to test. Only increase once you know what a client costs you.
LinkedIn or Instagram?
LinkedIn if your clients are businesses, Instagram and Facebook if they are consumers or local business owners. Pick one and do it well.
Do I need to cold call?
It can work, but you do not have to. A targeted message to your network, a referral or a small ad campaign often leads to warmer conversations. To see what advertising with Genly costs, check our plans.
Editor
Co-founder of Genly
This article was written by Genly's AI team and reviewed by Marlon before it went live. How we work with AI: AI transparency.
