How to Find Freelance Clients: Networking, Facebook Groups, LinkedIn & More
One of the questions I get asked most often by new freelancers is: "But Katherine, how do I actually FIND clients?"
It's the million-dollar question, isn't it? You might have amazing skills, a beautiful website, and the perfect service packages, but none of that matters if you don't have clients to serve. And let's be honest - finding those first few clients (or replacing ones who move on) can feel overwhelming.
When I first started my freelance journey after leaving my corporate job, I had absolutely no idea how to find clients. I spent way too much time creating the perfect portfolio and not nearly enough time on what actually matters - building relationships and connections that lead to paid work.
After years of trial and error (and plenty of “left on read” moments), I've discovered that the most reliable ways to find clients aren't mysterious at all. They're through intentional networking, strategic use of Facebook groups related to your industry or skillset, maximizing LinkedIn, and tapping into professional connections.
Today, I'm sharing exactly how I built my freelance business to a consistent client base using these methods. Let's dive in!
The Power of Networking: Building Real Connections
Networking gets a bad rap. Most people imagine awkward conversations feeling like they’re asking for money, and exchanging business cards that end up in the trash. But real networking for freelancers is so much more strategic and authentic.
For freelancers, networking means intentionally building relationships with people who either:
Might hire you directly
Know people who might hire you
Can offer valuable insights about your industry
I've found that almost 80% of my clients have come through some form of networking connection. Here's how to make networking work for you:
Attend Industry Events (Virtual & In-Person)
Industry-specific conferences, workshops, and meetups put you directly in front of potential clients and collaborators. Even in a virtual world, these connections matter! I met one of my longest-standing clients at a marketing workshop where we happened to sit at the same table and bond over our mutual love for analytics. I recently attended Female Founders Collective’s conference in NYC and made so many incredible connections with fellow marketers and entrepreneurs. It’s helpful for me to connect with potential clients AND strategic partners.
Follow Up and Nurture Relationships
The magic happens in the follow-up! After meeting someone, connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message. Then, nurture that relationship by occasionally sharing relevant articles, congratulating them on achievements, or checking in without asking for anything in return.
Have a Clear Value Proposition
When someone asks what you do, avoid generic answers like "I'm a freelance writer." Instead, frame your work in terms of the specific value you provide: "I help B2B tech companies create content that converts readers into customers." This instantly helps people mentally connect you with potential opportunities.
Focus on Building Genuine, Long-Term Connections
The best networking isn't transactional—it's relational. I've had coffee chats turn into client referrals months or even years later. Be genuinely interested in others, and don't just view everyone as a potential paycheck.
Remember, networking is a long game. So even if something doesn’t come from it right away, it’s important to prioritize. You’ll be surprised who comes knocking!
Leveraging Facebook Groups to Find Clients
Facebook groups have been absolute gold mines for my freelance business. I've found multiple five-figure clients through strategic participation in the right groups!
How to Find the Right Groups
Look for three main types of Facebook groups:
Industry-specific groups: Where your ideal clients hang out (e.g., "Restaurant Owners Collective" if you target restaurants)
Service-specific groups: Where people seek your services (e.g., "Small Business Social Media Support")
Local business groups: Where businesses in your area connect (e.g., "Orlando Small Business Owners")
To find these groups, search Facebook using relevant keywords for your industry and location. Join groups with active discussions and clear guidelines.
How to Engage and Stand Out
The key to success in Facebook groups isn't self-promotion—it's providing value consistently:
Answer questions thoughtfully with detailed, helpful responses
Share your expertise without expecting immediate returns
Engage regularly so your name becomes familiar
When appropriate, mention your services in context of helping, not selling
Some of my best clients came from a Facebook group where I answered a social media question so thoroughly that they messaged me directly to ask about my services. I never even pitched them!
Group Examples That Work Well
Some of my favorite groups for finding clients and networking include:
The Afternoon Brand (Great for all things marketing, PR, and communications)
The Rising Tide Society (Mainly PR, but great for marketing too!)
Female Social Media Managers & Agency Owners (Title speaks for itself)
Maximizing LinkedIn to Find Clients
LinkedIn is the professional networking platform, and it deserves a central place in your client acquisition strategy.
Why LinkedIn is Essential for Freelancers
LinkedIn is where decision-makers look for professionals when they have a need. It's also where people go to research you after getting your name from a referral. Having a strong LinkedIn presence lends credibility to your freelance business.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile needs to be client-focused, not a resume:
Use your headline to clearly state what you do and who you help
Write your "About" section to speak directly to potential clients
Include results and client outcomes in your experience section
Request recommendations from past clients
Regularly share portfolio pieces or case studies
Build Your Network Strategically
Instead of connecting with everyone, focus on:
Potential clients in your target industries
People one level above your target client (they often make hiring decisions)
Other freelancers who might refer overflow work
Past colleagues who know your work quality
When sending connection requests, always include a personalized note explaining why you'd like to connect.
Engage With Potential Clients
The LinkedIn algorithm rewards engagement. Comment thoughtfully on posts from potential clients, share valuable industry insights, and post your own content that showcases your expertise. This visibility keeps you top-of-mind when clients need your services.
I once commented regularly on a marketing director's posts for about two months. When her company needed freelance help, she reached out to me directly because she recognized my name from her comments section!
Engaging in Community Groups for Client Opportunities
Beyond online networking, local and community connections can be incredibly powerful for finding clients.
Finding the Right Community Groups
Look for opportunities to connect with potential clients through:
Local business associations and chambers of commerce
Industry-specific meetups (check Meetup.com)
Coworking spaces that host networking events
Professional organizations in your field
Alumni groups from your college or university
Building a Reputation in Your Community
Becoming known locally as the go-to person in your field takes time, but pays dividends:
Offer to speak at local events about your area of expertise
Volunteer your professional skills for causes you care about
Consider hosting workshops or informal coffee meetups
Collaborate with complementary businesses on local initiatives
Getting Current Clients to Refer You
The easiest way to get new clients is through referrals from happy current clients:
Provide exceptional service that makes clients want to refer you
Let clients know you're accepting new clients
Consider offering a referral incentive (discount on services or a small gift)
Make it easy for clients to refer you by providing clear information about your services
Some of my best client relationships have come from simple word-of-mouth. When you do great work consistently, people naturally want to help connect you with others who could benefit from your services.
Combining These Strategies for Maximum Impact
The most successful freelancers don't rely on just one method to find clients. Instead, they create a client acquisition ecosystem where multiple strategies work together:
Network in-person and build genuine connections
Follow up with those connections on LinkedIn
Engage consistently in Facebook groups where your ideal clients gather
Nurture community relationships that can lead to referrals
Create valuable content that showcases your expertise across platforms
The beauty of this approach is that it creates multiple pathways for clients to find you. Some might discover you through a Facebook group, check out your LinkedIn to verify your credibility, and then reach out after seeing you mentioned by a mutual connection.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Finding clients doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with these simple action steps:
Join 3-5 Facebook groups where your ideal clients might hang out
Update your LinkedIn profile to clearly communicate your services
Schedule one networking event (virtual or in-person) for the coming month
Reach out to 2-3 past clients or colleagues to let them know you're accepting referrals
Create a simple system to track your networking activities and results
Remember that client acquisition is rarely an overnight process. The seeds you plant today might not bloom for weeks or months, but consistent effort in building genuine relationships always pays off.
I'd love to know - which of these strategies feels most comfortable for you? Are you a natural networker, or do you prefer connecting online? Drop a comment below and let me know!
And if you're looking for more freelance guidance, check out my free resources:
Freelance Social Media: A Beginner's Guide - Perfect for social media specialists looking to build a freelance business.
A Beginner's Guide to Freelancing - Essential tips for freelance success, including building your personal brand and managing client relationships.
Happy client hunting! ✨
