Hamza
Stepping into freelancing as a digital marketer can be both exciting and overwhelming; especially when you’re trying to figure out where your next client is coming from. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home creative, or someone simply looking to make a shift into remote work, knowing how to get freelance clients as a digital marketer is crucial.
Let’s cut this down to the essentials, including tried-and-true strategies, helpful tips, and answers to often asked questions by individuals, particularly novices.
1. First, Understand What Remote Work Really Means
Before we talk about the clients, let’s quickly discuss a very common question: What does remote work mean?
Remote work simply refers to jobs you can do from anywhere — usually from home, a café, or even while traveling. You’re not tied to a specific office location, and digital marketing is one of the most remote-friendly industries out there.
In fact, remote work for teens and remote work for college students has grown massively — with many earning decent side income by offering freelance services like social media marketing, email campaigns, or SEO audits.
2. Start with Who You Know (Even If You Think You Don’t Know Anyone)
A big mistake freelancers make early on is over-relying on platforms. Before you even head to Upwork or any alternatives, tap into your existing network.
Let friends, family, and classmates know you’re offering digital marketing services. Offer to help local businesses or college societies. Even a small gig helps you build a portfolio and word-of-mouth referrals — two things far more powerful than you might expect.
3. Use the Right Platforms to Find Freelance Clients
If you’re wondering how to find freelance clients online, here are some go-to platforms you should explore:
- Upwork – still one of the biggest players, but highly competitive.
- Fiverr – good for quick, specific services, especially if you’re just starting.
- Toptal – more advanced and harder to get into, but high-paying.
- Contra, SolidGigs, FlexJobs – excellent Upwork alternatives for digital marketing.
- LinkedIn – more on this below.
The key isn’t to spread yourself thin but to choose 1-2 platforms where you can consistently apply and show up with a good profile and samples.
4. Cold Emailing Still Works (If You Do It Right)
Yes, cold emails are still one of the best ways to get freelance clients. But no one responds to generic copy-paste spam. What you need are cold email templates for freelancers that actually get replies.
Here’s a simplified structure that works:
Subject: Quick help with [their business or issue]
Hi [First Name],
I came across your website/socials and noticed [something specific].
I’m a freelance digital marketer and I help businesses like yours grow [mention a key result, e.g., email open rates, Instagram engagement, etc.].
Would you be open to a short chat this week?Thanks,
[Your Name]
The trick is personalization — show them you did your homework.
5. LinkedIn Isn’t Just for Job Seekers
Many freelancers skip LinkedIn thinking it’s just for corporate roles. But if you’re wondering how to use LinkedIn for freelance work, the answer is: make yourself visible and relevant.
Here’s what helps:
- Write a headline that says exactly what you do: “Freelance Digital Marketer | SEO | Ads | Email Funnels”
- Post regularly — share small insights, case studies, or quick wins.
- Connect with business owners and agency leads — then send custom messages, not generic pitches.
LinkedIn works best when you’re active, not just when you’re job-hunting.
6. Use Online Communication Tools the Right Way
Whether you’re using Slack, Zoom, Trello, or email — strong communication builds client trust. This brings us to a common question:
What’s a benefit of using online communication tools for remote work?
The answer is simple — clarity and collaboration.
Clients need to know that you’re reachable, organized, and reliable. Clear updates, meeting reminders, and well-documented work go a long way in turning one-time gigs into long-term partnerships.
Final Thoughts: Getting Clients as a Digital Marketer Takes Strategy (and Patience)
Getting freelance clients isn’t just about being the best marketer in the room — it’s about showing up consistently, building trust, and knowing how to communicate your value.
Some weeks will be slow. Some leads won’t reply. But with the right tools, smart platforms, and a few customized outreach emails, you can absolutely build a client base — even while studying or working remotely.
Whether you’re trying to get your first client or scale your freelance career, stick with it. The digital marketing space still has room for smart, reliable freelancers who know how to deliver results.
