How to Attract Your First Clients, Opportunities, and Get Published
In this episode, I shared strategies to help you elevate your personal branding, attract clients, and get published. Whether you’re just starting or have been freelancing for a while but feel stuck, these tips will guide you towards more opportunities and success.
1. Define Your Ideal Client
Understanding who you want to work with is crucial to attracting the right clients. Think about the specifics:
What type of person do you want to work with?
What is their demographic, income level, and can they afford your services?
Are you targeting private clients (e.g. families, couples), small businesses, large corporate clients or other?
It’s fantastic to have support from friends and family, but they may not be your ideal clients. Even if you’re creating content to build your portfolio (more on that below) consider how you can work/align with people who will move the creative needle in the right direction.
Building a sustainable business means understanding who your real target audience is, and marketing directly to them.
2. Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio is your creative resume. It should showcase your aesthetics, style, and skills.
If you’re just starting out, start out with content shoots or doing a few projects for free to build a solid body of work. This doesn’t mean undervaluing your skills; it’s about gaining experience and creating a portfolio that attracts paying clients.
Leverage your network to find these opportunities. Offer your services to friends, family, or local businesses that align with where you want your business to be, in exchange for exposure or testimonials.
This will help you build a professional image and credibility in your industry.
3. Establish a Business Social Media Presence
Separate your personal life from your professional brand.
Create dedicated business accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Treat these accounts as the shopfront of your business, to showcase your work, engage with potential clients, and demonstrate your commitment to your business.
Your social media strategy should include:
Consistent branding and visuals (brand photos of you, logos, brand colours, and tone through your copy & content)
A clear description of your services (note: your BIO is key here – does it convey your business, have a CTA etc.)
Regular posts showcasing your portfolio and client testimonials (set schedule – even if it’s one post per week!)
4. Invest in a Professional Website and Email
Investing in a professional website and email domain is essential for building your credibility.
Free websites or generic email addresses like "yourname@gmail.com" don’t convey professionalism.
Here’s what you need to do:
Buy a Custom Web Domain: Platforms like Squarespace or WordPress offer affordable options for custom websites ($10–$20 AUD per month)
Professional Email Address: Use a branded email like "hello@yourdomain.com" to enhance your communication professionalism. Google Workspace is accessible for as little as $11 AUD per month! If you’re serious about your business being taken seriously … it’s worth the investment.
These small investments will set you apart from the competition and build trust with potential clients.
5. Get Professional Branding Photos
High-quality branding photos can make a significant difference in how your business is perceived.
If you can’t afford a top-tier photographer, consider working with someone just starting out or doing a skill trade to get a few professional images for your brand.
Your branding photos should represent your style and personality while maintaining a professional and cohesive look across all your platforms.
6. Pitch to Get Published
Getting published is more about strategy than luck.
Once you have your portfolio, website, and social presence set up, start pitching to publications that align with your niche. Start small, and leverage those into bigger opportunities.
Tailor your pitches to match the style and target audience of the publication.
Don’t be discouraged by rejections; each pitch helps refine your approach and improve your chances.
7. Manifest Opportunities
Believe in your ability to attract work.
The more effort you put into building your personal brand and pursuing opportunities, the more work will come your way. Have confidence in yourself and your process, and keep going even when the journey gets tough.
Final Thoughts
Building your freelance career is about more than just luck; it’s about strategy, consistency, and confidence. Focus on creating a professional presence that reflects not only where you are now but also where you want to be.
If you found these tips helpful, let’s continue the conversation! Reach out on Instagram at @courageouscreativespodcast.
about Courageous Creatives Podcast
Courageous Creatives Podcast is for creatives, small business owners, and side-hustlers ready to build successful, modern careers on their own terms. Hosted by Georgina Morrison, a multi-creative business owner who has forged her own successful path, this podcast is on a mission to bust the ‘starving artist’ myth and empower you to thrive in your creative business — no matter your postcode. Tune in for actionable tips on small business growth, breaking through industry gatekeeping, and overcoming obstacles. Let’s transform your creative career! Welcome to the Courageous Creatives Podcast.
