3 Simple Ways to Find Your First Graphic Design Client

Three in five people worldwide are on social media, and more than half of those users follow a business or brand. Suppose you’re looking for your first client as a graphic designer. In that case, there’s no better place to start than establishing an online presence via social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. You can use these sites to reach out to potential clients, promote your design services and interact with passionate people about the same things you are.

Platforms like Behance, Dribble, and iStock are great places to network with other designers. They also have job boards where you can search for design opportunities based on your location or the type of project you want to work on (logos, packaging, etc.).

These platforms allow clients looking for graphic design services — like businesses in need of branding, product packaging, or promotional materials — to post requests for proposals. You can search the job boards on these platforms to find opportunities that match your skills and experience. You’ll also get exposure by putting work you’ve done in your portfolio on Behance’s Explore page, which gets over 15 million views per month.

A portfolio website is an online destination that showcases your best work in a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. You can also include testimonials from past clients and photos of projects you’ve done for them. It’s often the first place potential clients go when looking for design services, so make sure it looks professional. You should also be ready to meet the client’s expectations.

Fiverr is a great place to market your design services. There are thousands of clients on Fiverr looking for graphic designers so it’s worth signing up even if you aren’t ready to take on new work yet. Try offering free logo consultations or advice about the best way to get noticed online with offers like, “I’ll create a custom promotional offer for you that includes a full logo, business card design, and social media graphics.” You’ll get exposure to potential clients while honing your skills at the same time.

Many freelancers use Fiverr as an opportunity to build their portfolio because they can showcase work samples in customer reviews. Plus, it’s free to list your services on Fiverr, and you only pay a commission when someone hires you.

In addition to setting up shop online, it’s important that you market yourself offline as well. This means distributing business cards with an eye-catching design, putting flyers at local coffee shops or bookstores, and handing out cards to anyone you meet who might be interested in your services.