Starting as an SEO freelancer can feel tough. You might wonder, “How do I get my first client?” No experience, no case studies, no testimonials—it can feel like an uphill battle. But once you land that first client, everything changes! You build confidence, gain credibility, and attract more clients.
I got my first SEO client by showcasing my expertise on YouTube and LinkedIn. In this blog, I’ll break down exactly what I did and how you can do the same.
Step 1: Build Your Online Presence (YouTube & LinkedIn)
The first step in getting clients is showing that you know SEO. Clients won’t hire you if they don’t see proof of your skills. That’s why I started sharing my knowledge on YouTube and LinkedIn.
What I Did:
- Created SEO-related content on YouTube (tutorials, audits, strategies).
- Posted case studies and past work to show real results.
- Engaged with comments and answered SEO-related questions.
- Used SEO keywords in my video titles and descriptions.
- On LinkedIn, I searched for posts where people needed SEO experts.
- Sent connection requests to potential clients with a short introduction.
What You Can Do:
✅ Start a YouTube channel and share SEO tips.
✅ Post SEO insights on LinkedIn to show your expertise.
✅ Engage with people who ask SEO-related questions.
✅ Optimize your social media profiles with “SEO Expert” in your title.
✅ Search for people needing SEO help and message them.
By doing this, I started getting noticed by business owners and potential clients who reached out to me.
Step 2: Find Clients Using LinkedIn Search
Instead of waiting for clients to come to me, I actively searched for them on LinkedIn. Many business owners post that they need an SEO expert, and I used LinkedIn’s search tool to find these opportunities.
How I Found Clients:
- Went to LinkedIn Search and typed “Need SEO expert”.
- Used filters to find posts from the last 1 week.
- Found business owners looking for SEO services.
- Commented on their posts with useful insights.
- Sent them a connection request with a message like:”Hey [Name], I saw your post about needing an SEO expert. I’d love to help! Let’s connect.”
- Once connected, I discussed their problems and offered solutions.
What You Can Do:
- Search for “Need SEO expert” or “Looking for SEO help” on LinkedIn.
- Filter posts from the last 1 week to find fresh leads.
- Engage in comments and offer free advice.
- Send connection requests and follow up with messages.
This method helped me connect with genuine leads who were already looking for SEO services.
Step 3: Show Proof (Your Portfolio & Past Work)
Once potential clients found me through YouTube or LinkedIn, they wanted to see proof of my SEO skills. This is where having a portfolio helped me.
How I Built My Portfolio:
- Collected before-and-after screenshots of SEO results.
- Created case studies explaining my SEO strategies.
- Showed website traffic growth from my past work.
- Shared testimonials from satisfied clients.
What You Can Do:
- Create a portfolio with SEO success stories.
- Show data: Before-and-after traffic growth, keyword rankings.
- Ask past clients (or people you helped for free) for testimonials.
- Write case studies about your SEO process.
Even if you don’t have clients yet, you can:
- Do a free SEO audit for a small business and use that as a case study.
- Optimize your own website and show ranking improvements.
- Work on a personal project and document the process.
When clients see real results, they feel more confident in hiring you.
Step 4: Closing the Deal & Getting Paid
Once a client showed interest, I made sure everything was clear about the project, pricing, and payment. Having a proper system in place made me look professional.
How I Handled Payments:
- Sent a simple proposal outlining the SEO services I would provide.
- Used contracts to protect both myself and the client.
- Asked for a 50% upfront payment to start the project.
- Used PayPal for easy invoicing.
What You Can Do:
- Use Google Docs or Canva to create a professional proposal.
- Get a simple contract from platforms like Bonsai or And.co.
- Ask for a small deposit before starting work.
- Use PayPal, Stripe, or Wise to accept payments easily.
Having a clear agreement helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you get paid on time.
Final Thoughts: Start Now & Get Your First SEO Client!
Getting your first SEO client is not about luck—it’s about taking action. If you: ✅ Share your SEO knowledge on YouTube and LinkedIn
✅ Actively search for clients on LinkedIn
✅ Build a strong portfolio to show your skills
✅ Approach clients professionally and offer value
Then getting your first client is just a matter of time! 🚀
Don’t wait—start today! Let me know in the comments: What’s stopping you from getting your first SEO client? Let’s grow together. 💪