Re: How to find your first paying client

[sliver37]

My friend and I started a little freelancing web design company while in TAFE (A colledge-like thing in Australia) getting our Web Dev/Design diploma’s.

Our first paying client project was a gigantic 60-something page monster which we only charged $1500 due to just starting out. I say “only charged” because most other people here would charge 3x that for the project size, $1500 is huge and very exciting when your a student, trust me :)

Now everyday I read articles saying you absolutely must have online portfolio ect before anyone will hire you. Not true.

We had no website / portfolio at all, we set up a meeting with a client who’s website was very outdated and arrived on time and prepared. After introducing ourselves we told him we were a new start-up and would be able to charge much less than most other people to help get us off the ground, he was very supportive and enthusiastic about the whole thing.

As another example, 2 of my friendly competitors who are currently attending the same class also don’t have a portfolio, one has a splash page, the other just has a placeholder-design they are both actively getting work as well.

As long as you are technically able, and can show you know what you are talking about you can get clients. NEVER over-promise something if you aren’t sure you can deliver on it.

From that one project we have had 3 other paying clients just from word of mouth, and it keeps spreading.

Just look at the local business websites, almost all the sites around here are still ancient table-based sites made years ago and give them a call, or go drop by in person. Emails won’t be as effective until you have something to show, as they are more easily dismissed.

Best of luck!