Hey Reader
How are you?
I've been exploring local waterfalls with my kids over the weekend, and somehow no one ended up getting wet!! It's nice getting out for the day and exploring your home town.
If you haven't been following along with our journey, we're currently in our Adelaide house for a while, catching up on boring things like doc appts and home ed stuff. We plan to travel again shortly, thinking Tasmania?? If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear!
Let's get into the good stuff:
A question I get all the time is, "How on earth do you land that first client?" I remember the feeling well. When I first started on Upwork, it took me about two or three weeks to get my first paid gig.
Was it my dream job? Not even close! It was a bit boring, and definitely not glamorous. But it got my foot in the door.
The biggest mistake new freelancers make is holding out for the "perfect" job. Your initial goal is to get the ball rolling and build momentum.
Here are a couple of "quick win" gigs I always recommend:
- AI Voiceovers & Training: This is a brilliant, low-pressure way to start. Companies need real voices to train their systems. You just read a few short scripts, and you can pocket a quick $20-$30. It's an easy way to get that first 5-star review.
- User-Generated Content (UGC): Don't let the name fool you! Heaps of brands will send you free products (from wine glasses to camping gear) and pay you for a simple, authentic video of you using them. It's fun, and you get great portfolio content!
The magic of these jobs is that they build your profile and tell the platform's algorithm that you're a reliable freelancer.
So, here’s my challenge to you: spend 30 minutes this week searching for a simple, no-stress gig and send a proposal. Take that first small step!
Have a wonderful week
Margie
PS If you would like to get started right now with step-by-step guidance on starting freelancing - and how to get your first paid client, check out my mini course Freelancer Launchpad (only $37au)
PPS If you want step-by-step guidance on all the steps to go all-in freelancing, from setting up your ABN to getting repeat clients, and a private mastermind group, check out Freelancing Fundamentals for Travellers. ​
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