How to attract your first clients, opportunities, and get published.
Attracting clients, landing opportunities, and getting published—these are the stepping stones to building a successful freelance career. But as many new freelancers quickly discover, the path isn’t always clear-cut. On Courageous Creatives Podcast, host Georgie Morrison shares her personal insights and strategies for overcoming these challenges.
"When I first started offering my writing, editing, and photography services, I felt overwhelmed. It wasn’t just about finding clients; it was about building a brand and reputation from scratch," says Georgie. "The good news is, with the right strategies, you can establish yourself and begin attracting the clients and opportunities you want."
If you’re ready to take your freelancing career to the next level, here are actionable steps based on Georgie’s experiences and insights.
1. Define Your Ideal Client
The foundation of any successful business is knowing who you want to work with. Georgie explains why this is essential:
"It’s not just about market research; it’s about genuinely understanding who your ideal client is. For example, if you’re a photographer, do you want to specialize in large weddings, intimate ceremonies, or even elopements? Each niche attracts different clients and requires different marketing strategies."
Georgie emphasizes the importance of narrowing down specifics, like:
Demographics and income levels: Are they individuals, businesses, or organizations, and can they afford your services?
Style and preferences: What type of projects or events excite you, and how can you position your offerings to appeal to those clients?
"Many freelancers start with friends and family as clients, which is great for building experience," she notes. "But you need to think beyond that and establish your brand to reach the clients who align with your long-term goals."
2. Build a Professional Portfolio
Building a strong portfolio is key to showcasing your skills and style. "Your portfolio should be a body of work that tells a story about what you offer," Georgie advises. However, she acknowledges that it can be challenging when you’re just starting out:
"I know what it’s like to have no portfolio and feel desperate to fill it. Early in my career, I took on a $15 job writing a blog post for a real estate website. I had no knowledge of the topic, and it was a disaster. I didn’t even get paid for it! It was a turning point—I realised I needed to build a portfolio that represented my skills and the type of work I wanted."
If you’re just beginning, consider offering your services at a reduced rate or even for free to build your portfolio. Look for opportunities within your network—friends, family, or small businesses—where you can gain experience while building credibility.
"Don’t be afraid to showcase your unpaid work," says Georgie. "Your audience doesn’t need to know if a job was unpaid. The appearance of having work is a powerful tool in building trust and credibility."
3. Separate Your Business and Personal Social Media
In an era where social media is often the first impression clients have of your business, Georgie stresses the importance of maintaining separate personal and business accounts:
"Your social media is essentially your shopfront. If you’re mixing personal posts—like pictures of your dog or weekend adventures—with your professional work, it can dilute your brand and confuse your audience. It’s vital to create a business account that showcases your services, portfolio, and client testimonials."
By focusing on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, you can craft a consistent and professional online presence that attracts your ideal clients. "It’s all about presenting a cohesive story of your work and skills," she adds. "If you want people to take you seriously, your social media should reflect the quality of work you offer."
4. Invest in a Professional Website and Email
"First impressions count, and a professional website can set you apart from the competition," Georgie says. "You need to invest in a custom domain and website—no one takes ‘myname.wixsite.com’ seriously. Your website should reflect the brand image you want to portray."
Georgie built her own website using a WordPress template, and while the initial investment was minimal, it paid off significantly in attracting paid work:
"For around $120 a year, I had a website that showcased my portfolio, made it easy for clients to contact me, and positioned me as a professional. When people land on your website, they should instantly see the value in your services."
In addition, having a professional email address tied to your domain is essential. "It’s about presenting yourself as an established business," Georgie says. "A branded email like ‘hello@yourdomain.com’ looks far more professional than a generic Gmail address and gives you confidence when reaching out to potential clients."
5. Invest in Professional Branding Photos
"Photos taken on an iPhone might be sufficient for social media, but when it comes to building a professional brand, quality matters," Georgie explains. "Investing in professional branding photos can make a significant difference."
If hiring a professional photographer is beyond your budget, Georgie recommends finding a local photographer or student who is building their portfolio and might be open to collaboration:
"I did some work for free when I was starting out, and it was invaluable for building my confidence and portfolio. Just make sure to treat any photographer you work with professionally and, if you’re able, compensate them properly once you can afford it."
6. Getting Published: Be Proactive and Pitch Strategically
When it comes to getting published, Georgie highlights the importance of proactive pitching:
"I used to send the same pitch to multiple publications and hope for the best. But that approach rarely works. You need to tailor your pitch to each publication, showing that you understand their audience and why your work fits."
She also advises freelancers not to wait for opportunities to come their way. "If you see a magazine or website that aligns with your style, send them an email or pitch straight away," she says. "And don’t be afraid of hearing ‘no.’ It’s about putting yourself out there consistently."
Having the right foundations—such as a custom email address, a professional website, and a strong portfolio—boosts your confidence and credibility when pitching.
"The more you pitch, the more confident you become. Even if you face rejections, keep refining your approach. It’s like a snowball effect: the more you try, the more likely you are to succeed."
7. Confidence and Manifestation: The Mindset Shift
"It’s not just about tactics; it’s about mindset," Georgie says. "I truly believe in the power of confidence and manifestation. When you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, you start attracting opportunities."
Georgie’s advice is to back yourself and the work you produce. "Believe that you’re worthy of the opportunities you’re seeking," she emphasizes. "If you’ve set up your business and brand professionally, have the confidence to pitch yourself. Be prepared, and the right opportunities will follow."
8. The Power of Referrals and Feedback
Finally, Georgie underscores the importance of referrals: "Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools. If a client gives you positive feedback, ask them to share it as a testimonial or refer you to others."
She candidly admits this is something she’s still working on:
"I often receive lovely feedback via email or DMs, but I haven’t integrated testimonials into my website yet. It’s something I know I need to work on because these endorsements are invaluable in building trust and attracting new clients."
The Bottom Line
Starting a freelance career is challenging, but by laying a strong foundation and staying consistent, you can attract clients, land opportunities, and get published. As Georgie concludes:
"Freelancing is about persistence and preparation. If you set yourself up correctly and keep at it, those first clients will come, and soon, you’ll see the results of your hard work."
For more insights and strategies, listen to the Courageous Creatives Podcast. If you have any questions or want to connect, reach out via Instagram.
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.
