Table of Contents
- From zero to UX design freelancer
- 9 steps to win the first freelance client as UX designer
- 1. Start with a killer portfolio
- 5 tips to craft a killer portfolio:
- 2. Network like a pro
- 🔸 Online networking
- 🔸 In-person networking
- 3. Leverage freelancing platforms
- 🔸 Marketplaces
- 🔸 Job boards
- 4. Create content and share your knowledge
- Which platform should you choose?
- Effective content strategies for UX designers:
- 5. Ask for referrals and testimonials
- 🔸 Referrals
- 🔸Testimonials
- 6. Offer a free workshop or consultation
- 🔸 Workshops
- 🔸 Consultations
- 7. Stay organized and professional
- 🔸 Client management
- 🔸 Project management
- 8. Price your services wisely
- Three classic pricing mistakes:
- 9. Be persistent and patient
- Strategies for staying the course:
- Freelance success: Less fairytale, more hustle
- TL;DR
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From zero to UX design freelancer
Hey there!
So, you're a UX designer looking to dive into the freelance world, aren't you?
It's an exciting journey but it can be pretty daunting too. Finding clients is only sometimes a walk in the park (if it were, everyone would be doing it).
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about some tried-and-true strategies to land those freelance gigs.
9 steps to win the first freelance client as UX designer
Here’s your no-fluff, all-action roadmap to landing that glorious first freelance gig—without losing your mind or your morals.
Let’s get to it 👇
1. Start with a killer portfolio
First things first – you need a portfolio that knocks people’s socks off.
Think of your portfolio as your personal brand ambassador. It should showcase not only your skills but also your personality and the way you approach solving problems.
5 tips to craft a killer portfolio:
- Focus on quality over quantity: 3-5 stellar case studies beat 10 mediocre ones
- Tell the full story: Not just pretty screens, but your process, challenges, and results
- Include real metrics: “Increased conversion by 32%" sounds way better than "Users liked it"
- Show your personality: Inject some flavor that makes you memorable
- Make it scannable: Recruiters and clients spend an average of 76 seconds on your portfolio before deciding
Every case study should answer these questions:
- What did you learn?
- What problems did you solve?
- How did you approach them?
- What was the measurable result?
Client perspective hack: After creating a case study, read it pretending you're a potential client asking, "Can this person solve my problem?" If you're not convinced, neither will they be.
Transform your UX portfolio with proven case study framework ⤵️
2. Network like a pro
It’s not just what you know but who you know. Networking can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you're an introvert, but it’s an essential part of freelancing.
Two approaches that actually work:
🔸 Online networking
- Join UX communities: Slack groups, Discord servers, and Facebook groups where potential clients hang out
- Contribute before you ask: Answer questions, provide feedback, share resources
- Build relationships, not transactions: People hire people they know, like, and trust
- Be specific about what you do: "I help SaaS companies improve onboarding flows" beats "I'm a UX designer"
Pro tip: LinkedIn is a treasure trove of professional connections. Join UX design groups, participate in discussions, share your work, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people.
🔸 In-person networking
- Attend industry events: Design meetups, conferences, workshops
- Prepare your elevator pitch: Practice a 30-second introduction that focuses on the problems you solve
- Follow up within 48 hours: Send a personalized message referencing something you discussed
- Offer value first: Share an article relevant to their challenges or introduce them to someone helpful
Pro tip: Create a ‘networking tracker’ spreadsheet with names, contact info, where you met, what they do, and follow-up notes. This prevents embarrassing "wait, who are you again?" moments.
How to networking as a UX designer ⤵️
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3. Leverage freelancing platforms
Building a network takes time, but freelancing platforms are like client-acquisition training wheels.
Sure, they’re not sexy, but they’ll keep you from face-planting while you learn to ride the freelance bike without crashing into a dumpster fire.
🔸 Marketplaces
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are basically Tinder for freelancers—swipe right on gigs, match with clients, and instead of dinner and drinks, you get ghosted after a painfully awkward Zoom call.
The key to standing out in marketplaces:
- Niche down: Get specific about what you do and who you do it for.
- Start with competitive pricing: Build reviews first, then gradually raise rates like a frog in slowly boiling water.
- Craft a killer profile: Your platform profile needs to be so impressive that clients feel FOMO just from reading it.
- Apply selectively: Each proposal should feel like it was written specifically for that client.
- Respond quickly: Set up notifications and respond like you're trying to get front-row Taylor Swift tickets.
Pro tip: Create two Upwork profiles — one ultra-niched (“Fintech UX Expert”) and one general (“UX Designer”).
Use the niche one to stand out, the general one as backup. It tricks the algorithm and doubles your chances.
🔸 Job boards
Designer job boards are like high-end boutiques for remote gigs—exclusive, curated, and way more stylish than the Walmart of freelance platforms.
How to crush it on job boards:
- Be strategic: Only apply for roles that perfectly match your expertise.
- Use smart keywords: Set up alerts for phrases like “first UX hire” or “design help needed.”
- Respond first: Be the first to apply within 24 hours. Speed = higher chances.
- Customize your pitch: Tailor each message to the job. A quick, personalized note can make all the difference.
Pro tip: Rather than applying to everything, set up a “dream job” alert with specific filters (e.g., “remote UX lead” or “product design full-time”).
Get notified when it’s posted and pounce before the competition does.
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4. Create content and share your knowledge
Another powerful way to attract clients is by establishing yourself as an expert in your field. It's the difference between hunting for dinner and having DoorDash deliver it to your couch.
Which platform should you choose?
- LinkedIn – Great for professional networking and case studies.
- Medium – Ideal for long-form thought leadership.
- YouTube – Perfect for tutorials and case study videos.
- X – Best for quick tips and industry updates.
- Instagram – Showcase visual content and process.
- TikTok – Share bite-sized UX tips with a younger audience.
- Personal blog – Full control over content and case studies.
- Dribbble/Behance – Showcase design work and attract clients.
- Podcasts – Share insights and connect through conversation.
- Webinars – Live interaction and in-depth knowledge sharing.
Effective content strategies for UX designers:
- Case study breakdowns: Analyze successful products and explain what makes them work.
- UX teardowns: Identify issues in popular apps and suggest improvements.
- Tutorials and how-tos: Share your process and methodologies.
- Design trends and insights: Help clients understand industry directions.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses: Show your thinking and process. People love seeing how things are made.
Pro Tip: Create 1 super-specific piece of content each week.
Example: “5 UX changes that boosted E-commerce checkout by 37%.”
Specific content attracts the right leads. Consistency > perfection—post weekly for 6 months, and you’ll outperform sporadic perfect posts.
3 tips on how to get started on LinkedIn ⤵️
Join 10,253+ Designers for FREE weekly UX Insights
Every Wednesday, I send out 1 actionable framework to grow your UX career 🌱 — No fluff. Always 2 minutes or less.
5. Ask for referrals and testimonials
Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
If you've done great work for a client, don’t hesitate to ask them for a referral. Happy clients are usually more than willing to spread the word about your services. Also, ask for testimonials that you can display on your website and LinkedIn profile. Some effective approaches:
🔸 Referrals
- Ask at the right time: Request referrals after successful project milestones, not just at completion.
- Make it specific: "Do you know any fintech startups struggling with their onboarding flow?" works better than "Know anyone who needs a designer?"
- Make it easy: Provide email templates clients can forward or messaging they can copy/paste.
- Incentivize: Offer a discount on future work or a finder's fee for successful referrals.
- Stay top-of-mind: Regularly check in with past clients with value-adding messages.
Pro tip: Set up an auto-email for project milestones (e.g., launch or key metric achieved). Include:
- Congrats on the win!
- "Who else do you know facing similar challenges?"
- Pre-written referral intro they can forward.
Send it when they’re celebrating – that’s when referrals are most likely!
🔸Testimonials
- Ask for them proactively: Don’t wait for clients to offer – ask at the end of each successful project.
- Be specific: Ask for testimonials that highlight your strengths, like problem-solving or meeting deadlines.
- Use a template: Make it easier for clients by providing a format or sample testimonial they can personalize.
- Feature them prominently: Display testimonials on your website and LinkedIn, ideally alongside your work.
- Leverage video: Video testimonials can be more engaging and authentic.
Pro tip: When asking for testimonials, make it easy! Send clients a quick template with key points they can personalize:
- "What problem did I solve for you?"
- "How did I make an impact?"
- "Would you recommend my services?"
This takes the pressure off them and increases the chances of a glowing testimonial!
When (and how) to ask for testimonials for your design portfolio ⤵️
6. Offer a free workshop or consultation
Sometimes you need to demonstrate value before clients will pay for it. It's like those free trials of streaming services – Netflix knows once you've watched five straight hours of "Is It Cake?", you're probably going to subscribe. Some effective approaches:
🔸 Workshops
Host a free UX workshop for potential clients or teams you'd like to work with. Focus on solving a specific problem relevant to their industry.
- Mini-audit sessions: 30-minute group reviews of participants' products.
- Design sprints: Condensed problem-solving sessions for real challenges. Show them you can sprint before asking them to run a marathon with you.
- Skill-building workshops: Teaching specific UX techniques to teams. Make them just good enough to be dangerous.
Pro Tip: Create a one-page "Case Study Preview" showing how you'd tackle their challenge. Keep it visual and just enough to pique interest without overselling.
🔸 Consultations
Offer a free 30-60 minute consultation. Structure it as a genuine value-add, not a sales pitch disguised as help.
- Pre-consultation questionnaire: Gather information to make the session more valuable.
- Clear agenda: Outline exactly what you'll cover.
- Actionable takeaways: Ensure they leave with at least 2-3 specific next steps. Give them a taste of what it's like to work with you for real.
- Soft transition: End with options to continue working together, but don't pressure.
Pro Tip: End with the "Three Options Close" – offer a quick project, standard engagement, or DIY resource. Let them choose how to work with you.
Join 10,253+ Designers for FREE weekly UX Insights
Every Wednesday, I send out 1 actionable framework to grow your UX career 🌱 — No fluff. Always 2 minutes or less.
7. Stay organized and professional
Nothing kills client relationships faster than disorganization. Clients hire designers to bring order to chaos, not to add more chaos to the mix. Essential systems every freelance UX designer needs:
🔸 Client management
- CRM System: Use tools like Notion, Trello, or a dedicated CRM to track leads and follow-ups.
- Onboarding: Kickoff calls, welcome packets, and questionnaires.
- Communication: Set a clear check-in schedule. Silence is only golden if your client isn't wondering if you’ve run off to Bali with their deposit.
🔸 Project management
- Tracking: Use milestones, deliverables, and deadlines. “When it's done” isn’t a timeline—it’s a nightmare.
- Feedback: Have a clear process for revisions. Without it, get ready for chaos and 3AM emails with contradictory feedback.
- File Organization: Stick to naming conventions and folders. If “final_FINAL_v2” is part of your vocabulary, you’ve got a mess on your hands.
Pro tip: Send a "Welcome Kit" PDF to every new client. Include your hours, response time, feedback format, invoice schedule, and project roadmap.
It answers 80% of their questions and makes you look way more professional than those winging it.
How I run my online business with Notion:
8. Price your services wisely
Pricing is where most freelance UX designers sabotage themselves worse than a contestant on a reality show who announces, "I'm not here to make friends.”
Three classic pricing mistakes:
- Charging too little: Attracts clients who treat "budget" like a suggestion and think "scope" is something an eye doctor checks.
- Charging too much too soon: Results in an inbox emptier than a gym on December 26th.
- Using the wrong pricing model: Hourly pricing is like paying for a personal trainer by the minute – it creates weird incentives for everyone involved.
Consider offering different packages or pricing tiers. This gives clients options and can make your services accessible to a broader range of budgets. Here are 3 price options:
- Basic: Core deliverables only. For clients who just want the essentials without the fancy sauce.
- Standard: Core deliverables plus additional support. For clients who need a bit more hand-holding than they'd like to admit.
- Premium: Comprehensive solution with extras. For clients who want the design equivalent of flying first class while everyone else is fighting for the armrest in economy.
Pro tip: Create a "Price Anchoring Sheet" showing ROI for your services.
Example: “A 5% conversion boost = $X more revenue.”
When your $5,000 fee is compared to a $50,000 gain, you’ll seem like a steal, not a cost.
13 Lessons on Pricing and Client Acquisition:
9. Be persistent and patient
Success rarely happens overnight. Most freelancers quit too soon, right before the momentum would have started building. They interpret initial rejection as evidence of their inadequacy rather than recognizing it as part of the process.
Strategies for staying the course:
- Set realistic expectations: Your first client might take 2-3 months to land. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a freelance business.
- Track your efforts: Document outreach, applications, and networking to see patterns.
- Celebrate small wins: A response to a cold email is progress, even if it's not a yes. In freelancing, "not now" is just "yes" later.
- Build a support network: Connect with other freelancers for reality checks and encouragement.
- Create a financial runway: Have 3-6 months of expenses saved if possible.
Pro tip: Build a “Success Snowball Plan” with goals that stack up.
Start with action-based goals (e.g., 20 cold emails) to avoid early burnout. By Week 12, you'll land your first paying client.
Freelance success: Less fairytale, more hustle
That’s a wrap! Freelancing as a UX designer is a rollercoaster of challenges and rewards. I hope this blog helps you gain more confidence to land your first clients.
Price wisely, stay persistent, and remember: no one ever won by quitting after the first "no." Keep pushing, keep hustling, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly that first client turns into a steady stream of awesome projects.
Good luck, and happy freelancing! Now go out there and show the world what you’re made of.
Just remember to wear pants on Zoom calls 😉
TL;DR
9 steps to win the first freelance client as UX designer:
- Build a killer portfolio
- Network like a pro (online networking and In-person networking)
- Leverage freelancing platforms (marketplaces and job boards)
- Create content and share your knowledge
- Ask for referrals and testimonials
- Offer a free workshop or consultation
- Stay organized and professional (client management and project management)
- Price your services wisely
- Be persistent and patient
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