Finding Clients in 2025: What’s Working (And What We’re Doing Together)
Let’s be real for a second: finding clients this year has felt… harder.
If your inbox has been quieter than usual, or your once-steady stream of referrals has slowed to a drip, I want you to hear this loud and clear:
You’re not alone – and it’s not just you.
Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with freelancers across industries – writers, designers, marketers, strategists, photographers – and they’ve all echoed the same thing: client work has been patchy, budgets are tighter, and it feels harder than ever to get noticed.
This isn’t because you’ve suddenly lost your edge. It’s a market-wide shift.
We’ve seen major layoffs across sectors, cautious spending from brands, and a general sense of hesitation in hiring. Businesses are taking longer to commit, asking for more in return, and in some cases… not hiring at all.
But we’re entering a new season. And while 2024 may have been shaky, 2025 gives us the opportunity to rebuild – smarter, together, and on our own terms.
Here’s what’s working for freelancers right now, and how our community can support each other through it.
Lean Into Your Network (Even If It’s Been a Minute)
There’s a reason referrals remain one of the most powerful ways to get work. When clients come through someone who already trusts you, you’re already halfway through the sales process.
If things have gone quiet, this is your permission slip to check back in with:
Past clients you enjoyed working with
Freelance friends who might pass on overflow
Coworking or online communities
People who owe you a favour (yes, those exist!)
Keep it simple and friendly:
“Hey! I’m opening up space for a couple of new projects this quarter. If you hear of anyone looking for [your service], I’d be super grateful for a connection.”
You’d be surprised how many people are happy to help – they just need the reminder.
Update How You Talk About What You Do
When things are slow, it’s easy to panic and try to offer everything. But that often backfires. If you’re trying to market yourself as a copywriter and strategist and social media manager and email designer… potential clients don’t know what to hire you for.
The freelancers who are still landing gigs right now are doing one key thing:
They’ve clarified their positioning.
Instead of listing everything they can do, they’ve zeroed in on what they do best – and made it easy for clients to understand the value.
Try this:
Rework your website or bio to focus on one core offer.
Make it crystal clear who it’s for and the outcome they can expect.
Swap “I offer design services” for “I help growing brands launch confident, conversion-first websites in 3 weeks.”
Specificity sells – especially in a cautious market.
Built By freelancers, for freelancers
Get Creative with Where You Look for Work
You don’t have to sit around waiting for jobs to be posted on traditional boards (though those can still work!).
We’re seeing freelancers find success in:
Slack groups and niche online communities
LinkedIn job postings that are open to contractors
Cold pitching brands they already follow and love
Subcontracting for agencies or studios who need extra hands
There’s a common theme here: proximity. The closer you can get to the spaces where your ideal clients hang out, the more likely you are to be top-of-mind when they need someone.
4. Share the Process, Not Just the Polished Results
One of the easiest ways to stand out right now? Show how you think.
Yes, portfolios are important. But many freelancers are overthinking it, waiting to finish the perfect case study or polish the right metrics. You don’t need to be that formal.
Instead, consider sharing:
A behind-the-scenes look at how you solved a recent challenge
A time-saving trick you love
A short video walking through your process
A simple "what I’m working on this week" post
Clients are craving transparency and trust. When you show the human side of how you work, you become relatable and hireable.
5. Ask the Community for Support (This One’s Big)
This is the part we sometimes forget when things feel quiet or discouraging:
You don’t have to do this alone.
Community is more than just a place to vent (though it’s that, too). It’s a strategy.
Inside Freelancing Females, we’ve seen:
Members co-pitch on projects
Job leads passed around in Slack
Portfolios given group feedback
Encouragement shared on tough weeks
Templates and tools shared openly to lift others up
In 2025, collaboration beats competition. If you’re struggling, ask for help. Share your services. Offer something in return. Be visible in the spaces where support flows both ways.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start here:
📢 Post in our Slack and let us know what kind of work you’re looking for
🛠 Drop your portfolio and ask for honest feedback
🤝 Look for a pitch buddy to help you stay accountable
📬 Reply to this blog with your best client-finding tip – we’ll feature the top ones next month!
Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Sustainable Client Work
It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle again. But what we’re building here?
It’s not just about landing more clients. It’s about doing it in a way that feels aligned, human, and sustainable.
So if this past year left you doubting your talent, your pricing, your pitch – I want you to know this:
🧡 You’re still incredibly capable.
🧡 Clients are still out there.
🧡 You have a whole community behind you.
2025 is about refining our approach, supporting each other, and not giving up on the dream. Whether you’re starting over or just starting out, there’s a path forward – and we’re walking it with you.
Let’s do this,
Sara
Freelancing Females
