If you want to get your first 3 clients this year, here’s the playbook that still works, and always will.

1. Pick a Specific Problem to Solve

Don’t say “I do marketing” — say “I help early-stage SaaS startups write cold email sequences that convert.”

Specific problems attract specific clients. General offers get ignored.

2. Write Your 1-Sentence Offer

“I help [who] do/achieve [what] by [how].”

Example: “I help personal trainers turn Instagram followers into paying clients using email automation.”

This is your outreach script, your DM opener, your website copy, and your pitch.

3. Reach Out to 20 People You Already Know

Don’t start with strangers. Start with your circle.

Send a message like: “Hey! I just launched a freelance offer helping [X]. If you know anyone who might need this, I’d appreciate a referral.”

It feels small — but this step alone has landed thousands of freelancers their first clients.

4. Find 5 Places Your Clients Already Hang Out

Are they in Facebook groups? Slack communities? LinkedIn posts? Twitter/X threads?

Don’t pitch. Just add value. Comment on posts, answer questions, be visible.

People will click your profile and ask what you do — and that’s your opening.

5. Offer a Starter Project, Not a Big Ask

No one wants to commit to a full retainer with someone new.

Offer a low-risk trial or one-time package.

It could be a “cold email teardown,” a “30-minute brand audit,” or a “1-page landing page review.”

Prove your value fast.

6. Ask for the Testimonial

Once you deliver, ask:

“Would you be open to writing 2–3 sentences I can use as a testimonial?”

Early testimonials make future clients say yes faster.

7. Stay Consistent

The difference between a freelancer with 0 clients and one with 3 is usually just 30 days of consistent outreach and follow-through.

Don’t wait. Don’t overthink. Start today.

Entrepreneur Toolkit: Tools to Power Your Business

1. Canva – Create clean, on-brand proposals and client deliverables

You can design everything from client one-pagers to IG carousels to pitch decks without needing a designer.

2. Loom – Send personalized video pitches that stand out

Instead of a cold message, send a 2-minute video breaking down how you can help a prospect. It builds trust instantly.

3. HelloBonsai – Contracts, invoicing, and client CRM in one place

Once you get your first few clients, you’ll want clean systems for getting paid and staying organized. Bonsai does it all.

Built Not Hired is built for the modern creator, freelancers, solopreneurs, and builders who want freedom and ownership. If that’s you, pick one idea and run with it.