“In 2015, I used to send cold emails all night hoping someone would reply. In 2025, I get leads daily not by luck but by using the right systems and mindset.”
— Nilesh Kumar Mangnani, Founder of NKM Digital & Design IQ
Why Getting Clients Has Changed (But Not Really)
Getting clients today is not like it was 10 years ago. There are way more freelancers, agencies and even AI tools all trying to get attention. But the truth is simple. Clients still want one thing. Results from someone they can trust.
When I started freelancing, I had no brand or plan. I made many mistakes. I got ghosted, charged too little and even worked for free just to get some testimonials. But now I run two businesses namely NKM Digital and Design IQ. My clients come to me without me chasing them. That is because of referrals and a good online reputation.
This blog is not about quick hacks. It is a real, tested plan to get clients in 2025.
Let’s get started.
1. Use Your Personal Brand as a Magnet (Not a Megaphone)
In 2025 your personal brand is the best marketing you have. People want to work with real people not just profiles or logos.
If you want clients ask yourself this:
“Why should someone trust me to help their business?”
Here’s what happened to me.
Back in 2017 I posted one simple tip on LinkedIn about how colors affect website conversions. That post got shared. Then I got messages. Then clients followed.
Over time I used LinkedIn Instagram and YouTube to share:
- How I work on projects
- Tips for freelancers
- My mistakes and lessons learned
- Behind the scenes of my businesses
Clients told me “It feels like we already know you.” That is the power of being a magnet.
How you can start:
- Pick 1 or 2 platforms you like
- Share what you have learnt and your results
- Tell real stories about your work
- Don’t try to go viral. Just be real
Try this now. Google your name. What shows up? That is the first thing people see. Make sure it tells your story well.
2. Cold Outreach Should Provide Some Value
Cold outreach still delivers results as long as you warm up your approach.
This is important. Receiving cold messages is unlikely to make clients ignore you. They are unlikely to respond to content that is boring or that only describes what’s going on with you.
If in 2025 you offer real value and a personal touch, your message will become visible.
Here is how it could look:
Last year I decided to use Fiverr to get in touch with a therapist. I never said that I am a web designer. This is what I said:
Hi, your site is not made for mobile users and the pages are very slow. I support therapists in creating websites that obtain positive outcomes. Would an audit be useful for you?
Within 2 hours, I got a response from her. We talked on the following day. I got accepted to work on a $650 project. In addition, I am responsible for doing SEO and maintaining her site as well.
I follow a simple recipe when I practice outreach:
- Before going into details, mention something that exists on their page or profile.
- Share good advice in a simple way
- Identify yourself with a name or title and give the link to your portfolio.
- If your client wants, you may suggest a free audit or a call.
Tools that help you with finding emails and leads are Apollo.io and Hunter.io.
3. Leverage Freelancing Platforms (Are you still stuck on How to get clients, then this point is for you)
Freelance sites are crowded now but they still work if you stand out.
My Fiverr story:
I started with simple web design gigs for $75. Then I focused on one niche: “Modern websites for therapists.” I also made clean gig images and a video. I answered fast.
Within months, I became a Level 2 seller. Today Fiverr still brings me clients. I use those clients to sell SEO branding and maintenance services.
How you can stand out:
- Pick one niche and focus on it
- Make your gig look good using tools like Canva
- Give your best to your first 10 clients
- Ask for reviews to build trust
Pro tip: Use Upwork’s “Talent Marketplace” to send custom proposals when invited.
Freelance platforms are great for learning earning and growing your business.
4. Tap Into Niche Communities & Forums
One of the best ways to get clients is by joining places where they hang out online. Some good spots to check out are Reddit, especially subreddits like r/freelance and r/startups.
Facebook groups focused on coaches, small business owners and content creators are also great.
You can find active conversations on Discord servers, IndieHackers, and Slack groups too.
To do this the right way, start by helping others without trying to sell anything. Show up regularly and join the conversations.
The goal is to become known as a helpful expert in your niche. If you want to try this yourself, find about five communities where your ideal clients spend time.
Join those groups, participate and focus on adding value.
Don’t push your services. Just be helpful. The business will come naturally.
5. Build Long-Term Partnerships Not Just Clients
Everyone wants new clients. But real growth comes from keeping clients and getting referrals.
Here is a story:
One client has worked with us since 2021. We have done 4 projects for them. They sent us 2 new clients. We keep working together monthly.
Why? Because we treat clients like partners, not just sales.
How you can build good client relationships:
- Be reliable always deliver on time and answer messages
- Give more than promised to surprise them
- Check in every 30 to 60 days
- Ask for referrals when clients are happy
Bonus tip: Team up with other freelancers like designers or marketers. Together you can do bigger projects.
Long-term partnerships mean steady income and freedom.
Also Check: How to Start Freelancing as a Web Developer in 2025
Final Words: Be Patient Be Consistent Be You
Getting clients today is not about copying trends.
It is about:
- Being seen
- Being helpful
- Being real
You don’t need millions of followers or fancy funnels.
You need:
- One offer that solves a real problem
- Five to ten people who trust you to solve it
“Start messy. Keep going. Learn every week. That is how I built NKM Digital. You can build your business too.”