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Freelancing

Getting Your First AI Freelance Client

The hardest client is the first one. Here's exactly how to land it—no fluff, no waiting for clients to find you.

Week 1: Setup

Day 1-2: Pick Your Service

Don't be a generalist. Pick ONE thing:

  • • AI-assisted content writing
  • • ChatGPT prompt engineering
  • • AI chatbot setup
  • • AI workflow automation
  • • AI-enhanced copywriting

Pick what you're best at, not what pays most. You can expand later.

Day 3-4: Create Portfolio Pieces

You need proof. Create 2-3 samples:

  • • Content writer? Write 2 articles in your niche
  • • Chatbot builder? Build a demo chatbot
  • • Automation? Document a workflow you've built

These can be hypothetical. "Here's what I'd build for a business like yours."

Day 5-7: Set Up Your Presence

  • • LinkedIn profile optimized for your service
  • • Simple portfolio (Notion page, Carrd, or your own site)
  • • Clear pricing in your head (you don't need to publish it)

Week 2: Outreach

The Math

Expect a 5-10% response rate. To get 5 responses, send 50-100 messages. To get 1 client, you might need 100-200 outreaches.

Option A: Warm Network

Fastest path to first client:

  1. 1. List everyone you know who runs a business
  2. 2. Message them: "Hey, I'm offering [service]. Know anyone who might need this?"
  3. 3. Don't sell to them directly—ask for referrals

Option B: Cold Outreach

When you don't have a network:

  1. 1. Find businesses that need your service (search LinkedIn, Twitter, local directories)
  2. 2. Research each one for 2 minutes before reaching out
  3. 3. Send personalized message with a specific observation

Cold Outreach Template

Hey [Name], Noticed [specific thing about their business]. I help [type of business] with [your service] using AI— typically saves [benefit: time/money/effort]. Would a quick chat be useful? If not, no worries. [Your name]

Short. Specific. Low pressure. No pitch deck needed.

Option C: Platforms

Lower conversion but steady leads:

  • • Upwork: Competitive but volume is there
  • • Fiverr: Good for productized services
  • • LinkedIn Services: Underrated, less competition
  • • Twitter/X: Build in public, attract inbound

Week 3-4: Close & Deliver

The Discovery Call

When someone shows interest:

  1. 1. Ask about their problem (listen more than talk)
  2. 2. Explain how you'd solve it (briefly)
  3. 3. Give a price range
  4. 4. Handle objections
  5. 5. Close or follow up

Pricing Your First Project

For your first client:

  • • Charge 50-70% of market rate
  • • Make it easy to say yes
  • • Get the testimonial, raise prices after

Your first client is worth more in proof than in dollars.

Over-Deliver

First client = your best marketing:

  • • Finish early if possible
  • • Add a small bonus deliverable
  • • Ask for feedback and testimonial
  • • Ask for referrals ("Know anyone else who needs this?")

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Waiting to be "ready" — You'll never feel ready. Start now.
  • ✗Offering too many services — Confuses clients. Pick one.
  • ✗Generic outreach — "I do AI stuff" means nothing. Be specific.
  • ✗Giving up after 20 messages — This is a numbers game. Keep going.
  • ✓Asking for referrals — Every conversation is a chance. Ask.

Your 30-Day Challenge

• Week 1: Pick service, create samples, set up profile

• Week 2: Send 50 outreach messages

• Week 3: Send 50 more, do discovery calls

• Week 4: Close and deliver first project

If you actually do this, you'll have a client. Most people quit at week 2.

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