Publication Date

November 14, 2025

Summary

Let’s break down what actually matters when it comes to getting freelance clients — and what doesn’t — so you can get into motion with clarity and confidence.

What You Actually Need to Be “Ready” for Clients

You’re ready to get clients if:

You know your niche + offer

What do you do? Who do you do it for? That’s your niche. Even a simple version of a niche — like “blog writing for wellness brands” or “social content for coaches” — is enough to start.

You have any work samples

One to three pieces is plenty. Truly. Your samples don’t need to be perfect or extensive. They just need to show what you can do. Ideally, you’ll have them on a website (even a simple, one-page Notion Site can work). But a Google Doc will do if you keep getting stuck!

You can talk about the problem(s) you solve + who you help

Clients want clarity more than anything. If you can explain:

who you help
what you help them do
why it matters

…you’re ahead of most beginners.

You’re willing to test, learn, and adapt as you go

Freelancing is iterative. You won’t know everything at the start — and you don’t need to. That’s it.

No ceremony. No certification. No “one day.” You’re allowed to start right now.

Only you can give yourself the job title of “Freelancer.” The more you take action instead of overthinking, the more comfy you’ll feel with all of it!

What You Don’t Need to Start Getting Clients

You do not need:

A perfect portfolio

Clients care more about whether your writing solves their problems than whether your Squarespace website has perfect vibe. A super simple Notion portfolio page or a free 1-page Canva site can do wonders.

An LLC

Unless you have dependents, own property, or have specific legal needs, you don’t need an LLC to get your first freelance clients. A sole proprietorship is enough for most beginners.

To be “the best” at your services

As long as you’re clear about what you can offer and you’re honest about your services, you’re goo. You’re not applying for an award — you’re helping someone do something they don’t have the time, skill, or desire to do. That’s valuable.

To have it all figured out

Freelancing is always changing. The people who succeed aren’t the ones who waited until they felt ready — they’re the ones who took imperfect action and figured it out along the way.

You can change everything later. Your website, your services, your LinkedIn profile… literally anything you do now can be changed later! So don’t get attached to “perfection,” before you even get a client.

What Clients Actually Care About

Here’s the part new freelancers misunderstand: Most clients care about how you show up — not how polished your backend is.

They can't even see it!! Only you can.

Clients want to know:

Can you help me solve this specific problem?
Do you communicate clearly?
Do you follow through?
Do you feel reliable?
Do you make my life easier?

You can deliver all of that without a perfect portfolio, a fancy website, or a hyper-optimized offer suite.

What matters most is that you show up with clarity, confidence, and consistency.

What Matters Most? Momentum.

Momentum is the real key to freelancing. The sooner you take action and get in motion, the easier it is to learn and grow.

Tiny actions — sending one LOI, turning a portfolio piece into a case study, reaching out to one warm contact — compound fast.

Progress comes from:

Testing
Learning
Adjusting
Trying again

You get feedback by doing — not by waiting.

Every freelancer you admire didn’t feel ready when they got started. But they started anyway. And they built readiness through repetition, not perfection. You can, too.

“Feeling Ready” Is a Myth (and a Mindset Block)

Most people wait to feel ready because they think readiness equals confidence. It doesn’t. Action creates clarity. Clarity creates confidence. And confidence creates readiness.

Waiting to feel ready keeps you stuck.

Action — even messy action — moves you forward.

And clients respond to motion, visibility, consistency, and clarity… not perfection.

FAQ: Getting Freelance Clients Before You Feel Ready

How many samples do I need before pitching clients?

One to three solid samples are enough to start pitching potential freelance clients. You can even create portfolio pieces from scratch if you don’t have client work yet.

Do I need an LLC to start freelancing?

Not for most beginners. Unless you have dependents, property, or unique legal needs, a sole proprietorship is typically fine to start. But I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advice!!