1. 7 simple ways to find freelance clients in 2021

1. 7 simple ways to find freelance clients in 2021

Author: Louise Shanahan January 18, 2021 Duration: 21:09

The very first episode of 15 Minute Freelancer is here! Your host is freelance health copywriter Louise Shanahan. After 10 years in a 'proper' job, Louise started her own freelance business 5 years ago and hasn't looked back since. She's on a mission to help others build a business that works for them – in weekly snack-sized bites.

In today's episode, we're looking at how to find the number one thing every freelancer needs: CLIENTS! Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned freelancer having a wee bit of a dry spell, listen up as Louise shares her 7 most effective ways to find clients and keep your project pipeline flowing.

"Clients aren’t going to know why or how to hire you unless you tell them, so if you feel awkward about selling or putting yourself out there, you really need to get over that. The best bit about being your own boss is you get to decide how you generate leads – but you have to find some way to attract people to your business. These are strategies I've used successfully myself." -- Louise Shanahan

Say hi to Louise!

Twitter: @LouiseShanahan_
LinkedIn: Louise Shanahan
Instagram: @Louise_Shanahan_
Website: thecopyprescription.com

Resources mentioned
Tom Albrighton - The Freelance Introvert
Louise Shanahan's thank you video on Biteable
Bree Weber's Cold Pitch Masterclass

Music credit: Just Smile by LiQWYD
Cover art: Hello I'm Nik

[May include affiliate links]


Ever feel like building a business for yourself is a full-time job in itself, before you’ve even landed a client? 15 Minute Freelancer cuts through the overwhelm with manageable, actionable advice designed to fit around a busy schedule. Hosted by freelance health copywriter Louise Shanahan, each episode draws directly from her own journey and the real, sometimes messy, realities of working for yourself. You’ll hear honest behind-the-scenes stories about pricing, difficult clients, and finding focus, alongside straightforward strategies for the nuts and bolts of running a sustainable operation. The aim is to move beyond generic hustle-culture advice and focus on what actually works, helping you shape a freelance career that supports the life you want, not one that consumes it. This isn't about theory; it's about practical steps you can implement almost immediately. Tune in for a candid, snack-sized conversation that feels more like a chat with a knowledgeable friend than a business lecture. Whether you're just considering the leap or are years into your freelance path, this podcast offers a refreshingly realistic perspective on entrepreneurship.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 93

15 Minute Freelancer
Podcast Episodes
73. Struggling to stay motivated? Try this [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:53
Let’s be honest, running a freelance business is hard work! It’s normal for motivation to ebb and flow. This week Louise shares her 7 top tips for riding out those dips in motivation and pushing through to the other side…
72. The dos and don'ts of freelancer websites (with Gill Andrews) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:15
Two firsts for the podcast this week, a quick-fire question round and a GIVEAWAY!My guest is the queen of website copywriting herself, Gill Andrews. In just 15 mins, Gill answers all your burning questions about the dos…
71. Freelancing for introverts (with Carmel Finnan) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:12
One for the quiet freelancers.We're often told that creating a successful business requires us to "just keep putting yourself out there". But what does that mean if you're more introvert than extrovert? Self-promotion ca…
70. Unleash your inner rebel (with Advita Patel) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:18
"You can't be everyone's cup of tea, or you'd be a mug!"Advita Patel is the founder of Comms Rebel, which aims to revolutionise workplace and business culture by encouraging us all to be a bit more rebellious. She's also…
69. Do freelancers need a CV? (with Jenny Stallard) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
Do freelancers ever need a CV? Before this conversation, I'd have said no – after all, I can just send potential clients to my website, can't I?But Jenny Stallard has a different take. Jenny is a freelance writer, busine…
68. When (and how) to trust your intuition (with Helen Pamely) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:58
Do you follow your gut instincts when making business decisions? Or do you prefer poring over logical lists of pros and cons?Intuition and logic might not be as far apart as you think. On today's episode, Helen Pamely, a…
67. Make business fun! (with Kirsty Waite) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:56
"Stop building boring businesses!"Kirsty Waite is a business coach who firmly believes that running a business shouldn't be serious all the time. Being yourself in business takes a bit of practice, but giving ourselves p…
66. My 6-month review: what worked and what didn't? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:18
Are you on track to meet your freelancing goals this year? We're now halfway through the year, which means it's time for a 6-month check-in. In this episode, I dig into what's worked and what's been a bit sticky in my bu…
65. Building a community around your content (with Charles Commins) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:02
Podcasting is a great way to connect with people, but it's also a bit of a one-sided conversation. How do we cultivate a community vibe?This week, 15 Minute Freelancer's very own editor Charles Commins gets on the other…
64. A day in the life of a freelance copywriter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:39
Follow me for a day! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a typical day as a freelance copywriter, including:Revisiting theme days as a way to structure your weekDo I really work just five hours a day?Reducin…