Starting out on your own as a developer can feel overwhelming. You know you’re capable, but how do you prove that to someone who doesn’t know you? Finding your first client might seem impossible, but it’s not. With some clear steps, a bit of confidence, and a touch of persistence, you can land that first gig and set yourself on the path to success. Let’s break it down.
Start with What You’ve Got
Before you dive into pitching, take stock. What skills do you have right now? You don’t need to know everything. In fact, you probably already have enough to help someone solve a problem. Whether it’s building websites, automating workflows, or cleaning up messy code, focus on what you’re good at.
Next, think about your experience. Have you built anything for yourself? Helped a friend or worked on a project in school? Those count. If you have nothing to show yet, create a small project that demonstrates what you can do. This might sound like a chore, but it’s also a chance to explore something you’re excited about.
A survey by Upwork found that 60% of freelancers began by working on small projects to showcase their skills.1 These initial steps often lead to larger, more lucrative opportunities as you gain confidence and credibility.
Make Yourself Easy to Find
Imagine someone Googling your name. What do they find? If it’s nothing, you’ve got some work to do. Start by creating a simple portfolio website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A clean design, a short bio, and a few examples of your work are enough. Tools like GitHub, LinkedIn, or even a well-organized Notion page can also do the trick.
Don’t forget social media. Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are great for connecting with people in the tech world. Share your thoughts, post about projects you’re working on, or comment on industry trends. You don’t have to be an influencer—just present yourself as someone who knows their stuff.
Look for Opportunities in Your Network
Your first client might be closer than you think. Start with the people you already know. Friends, family, former coworkers—anyone who might need help or knows someone who does.
When you talk to people, don’t oversell yourself. Just let them know you’re available and share a few examples of what you can do. Be specific. Saying, “I build websites” is fine, but “I help small businesses create fast, mobile-friendly websites” is much better.
If no one in your immediate circle needs your help, ask for referrals. People love helping if you make it easy. Something as simple as, “If you know anyone looking for a developer, I’d love an introduction,” can go a long way.
A study by LinkedIn found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking.2 While this might not directly apply to freelance or contract work, it highlights the importance of relationships in finding opportunities.
| Approach | What It Involves | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Networking | Reaching out to friends, family, and former colleagues for potential leads. | Leverages trust and existing relationships. |
| Small Projects | Offering to tackle small, specific tasks like fixing bugs or building simple features. | Quick to complete, builds portfolio. |
| Creating a Portfolio | Setting up a simple website or GitHub profile to showcase your work. | Increases credibility and discoverability. |
| Social Media Engagement | Sharing insights and projects on LinkedIn or Twitter. | Builds authority and attracts opportunities. |
| Cold Outreach | Sending personalized pitches to small businesses or startups. | Reaches clients outside your immediate circle. |
Start Small
Your first client doesn’t need to be a huge corporation. In fact, it’s better if they’re not. Small businesses, startups, or even solo entrepreneurs are often more open to working with someone just starting out. They need help, and they’re usually happy to take a chance if you seem capable and reliable.
One-off projects are a great place to start. Think a quick website redesign, a bug fix, or a simple app feature. These are manageable and give you a chance to prove yourself without overcommitting.
If you’re worried about pricing, don’t overthink it. Start with something fair for both sides. Your first project is as much about gaining experience as it is about making money. Once you’ve got a few under your belt, you can raise your rates.
Craft a Strong Pitch
When you find a potential client, your pitch matters. Keep it short and focused on how you can help.
Start by identifying their problem. For example, if their website is slow, mention that you noticed it and how a faster site could boost their business. Then explain what you’d do to fix it.
Avoid technical jargon unless you know they’ll understand it. Most clients don’t care about the details—they care about results. Show them you understand their needs, and they’ll be much more likely to trust you.
End your pitch with a clear next step. “Let me know if you’d like to chat more about this” works well. Don’t push too hard. If they’re interested, they’ll respond.
Build Relationships, Not Just a Client List
Your first client is just the beginning. How you treat them matters even more. Be professional, communicate clearly, and deliver what you promise. These basics can set you apart from a lot of people.
When the project is done, ask for feedback and, if it went well, a testimonial. Positive reviews can help you land your next client.
Stay in touch, too. Even if they don’t need more work right away, they might in the future—or they could refer you to someone else. Relationships are often more valuable than the immediate paycheck.
Overcome the Fear of Rejection
Here’s the truth: not everyone will say yes. That’s okay. Rejection is part of the process, especially when you’re starting out. It’s not personal. Sometimes it’s about timing, budget, or factors you can’t control.
The key is to keep going. Each pitch you send, each conversation you have, is practice. You’ll get better at explaining your value and understanding what clients are looking for.
If you’re feeling stuck, step back and adjust your approach. Are you targeting the wrong clients? Is your pitch clear? Use every rejection as a chance to improve.
Learn as You Go
Your first project probably won’t be perfect. That’s fine. Every client you work with teaches you something new—how to manage timelines, handle feedback, or solve unexpected problems.
Take notes on what works and what doesn’t. Over time, you’ll refine your process and feel more confident in your abilities.
Don’t forget to invest in yourself, too. Read books, take courses, or join developer communities. The more you grow, the more valuable you’ll be to future clients.
Celebrate the Wins
When you land your first client, take a moment to celebrate. It’s a big deal. You’ve taken the hardest step, and that’s something to be proud of.
From there, it’s about building momentum. Each project adds to your portfolio and your confidence. Before long, you’ll look back and wonder why you were so nervous to start.
Getting your first client isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Focus on what you can offer, put yourself out there, and keep going even when it’s tough. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to start.
Every successful developer started where you are now. The difference is they kept moving forward. So can you.
Now, go find that first client. You’ve got this.
Footnotes
1 “Freelance Forward 2022,” Upwork – link
2 “The Strength of a Professional Network Can Influence Economic Outcomes,” LinkedIn Economic Graph – link