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When I've taken on freelance projects on the side it's usually been because someone contacted me. People I know would recommend me, or clients would refer me to their friends. Sometimes clients come back again. Once you get some clients it seems to get easier.
Mentor
Thanks. Do you have an LLC or just do it as a DBA
I got started on Upwork and that's how I built my portfolio. I wouldn't necessarily suggest doing that now. Upwork has changed so much since the pandemic. It costs a lot to compete to get your first jobs and you are competing with thousands of people who are willing to work for basically free. Build an online portfolio instead and start reaching out to contacts. Word of mouth is everything.
Mentor
First client came through a former colleague who knew I had capacity — didn't even have a rate card ready. Honestly, the freelancing platforms feel like a race to the bottom on price, especially early on. Warm network moves faster and pays better. LinkedIn helped for visibility once I had a few projects to reference. The hardest part is just telling people you're available — most don't advertise it and miss the window. Are you trying to stay in your current discipline or branch out?