The first client is often the hardest to win. You have no reviews yet, your profile is new and you are competing with Freelancers who already have a track record. The good news is that Employers do hire new Freelancers, especially those who make it easy to see what they can do and how they will work.
This guide sets out a practical plan for getting your first freelance client on Tasksyy.
Choose one clear offer to start with
When you are new, it is tempting to list every skill you have. That usually makes it harder for an Employer to decide. Instead, pick one type of work to lead with, ideally something that:
- You can do well today, without learning as you go.
- You can deliver in a predictable amount of time.
- You can show examples of, even if they are personal or practice pieces.
For example, “short-form video editing for social media” is easier to hire for than “video, design, writing and marketing”. You can add more offers once you have a few completed orders.
Make your profile ready before you apply
Employers almost always look at your profile before hiring. With no reviews, the rest of your profile has to do more work. Make sure it has:
- A clear, recent photo.
- A specific headline that matches your chosen offer.
- A short description focused on what you do for Employers.
- Accurate skills, languages and location.
- Identity verification completed, if Tasksyy asks for it.
Our guide on building a Freelancer profile that earns trust goes through each part.
Show evidence, even without clients
A new Freelancer’s biggest challenge is proof. If you have not worked for clients yet, you can still show what you can do:
- Personal projects. Design a brand for an imaginary business, build a demo website or edit a sample video.
- Work you did in a job. Only if you have permission to share it.
- Volunteer work. Help a local club, charity or friend’s business and ask if you can include it.
- Before-and-after examples. Show how you improved an existing piece of work.
Be honest about what each piece is. Labelling a piece as personal work is perfectly acceptable. Our guide on how to build a freelance portfolio explains how to present it.
Create your first Service
A Service lets Employers hire you directly, without you having to send a Proposal. For a new Freelancer, a good first Service is small, clearly defined and quick to deliver. For example:
- “I will design three social media post templates for your brand.”
- “I will edit one short video of up to 60 seconds for social media.”
- “I will write one 800-word blog article on your topic.”
A small, clear Service is easier for an Employer to try, because the risk feels low. Our guide on creating a Service Employers want to buy explains titles, packages and cover images.
Apply to Projects that suit a newcomer
Alongside your Service, look for Projects you can realistically win. On the Find Projects page, filter by your category and skills. Good Projects to target when you are new are often:
- Smaller in scope.
- Clearly described, so you can show you understood the brief.
- A close match for the examples you already have.
Our guide on finding freelance Projects online explains how to search and choose efficiently.
Write Proposals that reduce the Employer’s risk
Hiring someone new feels risky to an Employer. Your Proposal can reduce that risk by being specific and practical.
- Show you read the brief. Refer to details from the Project in your first two lines.
- Explain your plan. A short, numbered list of steps shows you know how to deliver.
- Offer an early check-in. For example, “I will share a first draft after two days so you can confirm the direction.”
- Be clear about price and timeline. Vague Proposals are harder to accept.
- Point to one relevant example. One close match is better than several loosely related pieces.
Our guide on how to write a Proposal that answers the brief includes a full example.
Respond quickly and professionally
When an Employer messages you about a Service or a Proposal, a prompt, clear reply makes a strong first impression. You do not need to reply within minutes, but try to answer the same day where you can.
Keep replies short and useful. Answer the question asked, confirm any details you need and suggest the next step. For example: “Thanks for your message. I can deliver this by Friday. Could you share your logo and brand colours so I can get started?”
Avoid long introductions or copied text. Employers are usually talking to several Freelancers, and a clear, specific reply helps you stand out.
Price to win, but do not undersell
It is reasonable to price slightly lower while you build your reviews. But pricing far below the value of the work can attract difficult Projects and make it harder to raise your prices later.
A better approach is to keep your price fair and make your first offer smaller. Our guide on how to price your freelance services explains how to set a minimum rate.
Make the first order go well
When you win your first client, the aim is a smooth order and a good review. A few habits help:
- Confirm the details before you start, and ask any questions early.
- Share progress at the points you promised.
- Deliver on time, or tell the Employer as early as possible if something changes.
- Handle revision requests calmly and within what was agreed.
- Keep communication and payment on Tasksyy, so both sides have a clear record of the order.
After delivery, it is fine to thank the Employer and say that you would appreciate a review if they were happy with the work.
Keep going if the first attempts are quiet
It is normal for early Proposals to go unanswered. Use each one as a chance to improve. After every few Proposals, look again at:
- Your opening lines. Do they refer clearly to the Employer’s Project?
- Your examples. Are they close enough to the work requested?
- Your price. Is it in line with the scope and the Employer’s budget?
- Your profile. Does it match the work you are applying for?
Small, steady improvements are what turn the first client into the second and third.
