Day 1: Portfolio Foundation
Even without clients, you need samples. Create three pieces:1. The Problem/Solution Post (800 words) - Choose a common problem in your niche - Provide actionable solutions - Include data and examples
2. The How-To Guide (1000 words) - Step-by-step process for achieving something - Include screenshots or simple graphics - Make it immediately actionable
3. The Comparison Post (1200 words) - Compare 3-5 solutions to a problem - Include pros, cons, and recommendations - Add a comparison table
Publish these on Medium or LinkedIn to create live links.
Day 2-3: The Client Hunt
Strategy 1: The LinkedIn Method 1. Search for "[your niche] marketing manager" 2. Send 20 connection requests with this note: "Hi [Name], I help [niche] companies create content that [specific result]. I'd love to connect and share insights about [relevant topic]." 3. After connecting, share valuable content for 3 days 4. Then send: "I noticed [specific thing about their company]. I have some ideas for content that could help with [problem]. Would you be open to a brief chat?"
Strategy 2: The Job Board Arbitrage - Check ProBlogger, Contently, and Indeed - Apply to 5 jobs daily with customized pitches - Include your three portfolio pieces - Offer a paid test article (builds trust)
Strategy 3: The Facebook Group Gold Mine - Join 5 groups where your ideal clients hang out - Provide value for one week (answer questions, share insights) - Post weekly in approved promo threads - DM people who engage with your helpful content
Day 4-5: The Irresistible Pitch
Stop sending "I'm a freelance writer" messages. Use this proven template:
Subject: [Specific result] for [Company name]
Hi [Name],
I noticed [specific observation about their content/business].
While researching your company, I found 3 opportunities to [specific benefit]:
1. [Specific content gap or opportunity] 2. [Another specific opportunity] 3. [Third specific opportunity]
I specialize in helping [niche] companies create content that [specific result]. Recent example: [brief case study with numbers].
Would you be interested in a brief call to discuss how I could help [Company] achieve similar results?
Best, [Your name]
P.S. Here's a sample of my work in your industry: [link]
Day 6-7: Systems and Scaling Prep
Create templates for everything: - Email pitches (3 variations) - Project proposals - Invoice template - Client onboarding questionnaire - Content brief template
This preparation means you can respond to opportunities in minutes, not hours.