If you're wondering how to find clients as a web designer, know it can be challenging. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your freelance business and attract more clients, adopting strategic approaches is essential.
By the end of this guide, you'll have actionable strategies to get web design clients without feeling overwhelmed. And if you’re looking for more in-depth guidance on how to build a steady flow of work, I’ve also created a resource called The Consistent Cash Flow Toolkit (more on that later!).
So, if you're ready to get web design clients, keep reading.
Here's how to find web design clients for your business:
#1. Define Your Ideal Client: Before trying to attract clients, it's important to get clear on who your ideal client even is.
#2. Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your work, case studies, and client testimonials.
#3. Leverage Networking & Referrals: Attend industry events, network with professionals, and encourage referrals.
#4 Optimize Your Online Presence: Create a professional website, use relevant keywords, and share valuable content.
#5. Cold Outreach & Pitching: Send personalized cold emails to prospective clients, offering tailored solutions.
#6. Use Freelance Platforms: Create niche-specific profiles on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find new web design clients.
#7. Collaborate with Other Professionals: Partner with developers, designers, and agencies to find new opportunities.
#8. Tap into Social Media & Online Communities: Be active on LinkedIn, Twitter, and relevant Facebook groups.
#9. Offer Free Workshops or Webinars: Host online events to showcase your expertise and generate leads.
#10. Focus on Client Retention: Deliver excellent results and maintain relationships with existing clients for repeat business and referrals.
Before you start looking for clients interested in your web design services, take some time to figure out who you actually want to work with. Think about the kinds of clients who will get the most out of your services and who you'd enjoy collaborating with. Your ideal client might include specific industries, business sizes, or types of projects such as mobile apps, SaaS platforms, or e-commerce websites. Understanding your ideal client helps you tailor your messaging and services to meet their needs, making attracting and working with the right people easier.
And here’s the important part—don’t be afraid to get specific. I know a lot of beginner designers are hesitant to niche down, but trust me, doing this is incredibly helpful. It allows you to create more targeted content, messaging, and services, which in turn attracts the clients you actually want to work with.
You want to start building a strong portfolio right away - even if you start with your own website as your first design project. Your portfolio is your most powerful tool for showcasing your work, skills, and experience. Make sure your portfolio highlights your design process and include detailed case studies that show measurable results. This will help you stand out among other designers and sell your web design services..
Note: If you’re just starting out and don’t have many web design clients YET, you can build your portfolio through passion projects or by collaborating with other professionals on pro-bono or lower-cost projects.
I get it—whether you’re a new or experienced designer, putting yourself out there and networking can be scary. However, networking is one of the most critical strategies for finding web design clients. Start by setting a goal to attend at least one industry event or conference related to UX each month—even if it’s virtual. Also, don’t overlook relevant communities on social media platforms. By building relationships with other freelancers and design agencies, you’ll open the door to more UX design opportunities—even if you start by offering white-labeling services.
A strong online presence is crucial for building credibility and attracting web design clients as a designer. Your website, social media profiles, and portfolio should all work together to clearly communicate your expertise, services, and why clients should choose you. Here’s how to tactically build a strong online presence:
Your website should be the central hub for your design services—essentially your digital storefront. Make sure it’s clear on:
Think of your website as your 24/7 marketing guru, so make sure it represents your skills and professionalism. If you don’t have a site yet, platforms like Squarespace and Wix make it easy to create a clean, professional website with minimal effort.
Your website needs to be discoverable. Optimize it with relevant search terms that your potential clients are looking for, such as:
Incorporate these keywords in your website’s headlines, page titles, and throughout your content. Make sure your site’s meta descriptions and alt texts also include relevant keywords so you can start attracting organic traffic. This makes it easier for people who need your services to find you on Google.
You’ve got expertise—share it! Start a blog post to give potential web design clients a glimpse of your skills and design thinking. Write about:
This doesn’t just show that you know your stuff; it positions you as a thought leader in the industry. Plus, it gives your site fresh content for search engines to crawl, which helps boost your SEO over time.
Your social media profiles are an extension of your online presence. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to:
The goal is to build relationships and consistently show up where your target audience and potential clients hang out.
I know, I know—cold outreach can be nerve-wracking. It’s not anyone’s favourite task, but when done correctly, it can be a highly effective strategy for landing new clients. In fact, I know several designers who have built successful freelance careers with consistent, well-executed cold outreach. The key is to be thoughtful, tactical and focused on providing value.
Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide a marketplace for freelancers to connect with potential clients. While these platforms can be competitive, having a strong profile and solid reviews can help you stand out.
Collaborating with other freelancers or agencies can open up more doors for new projects. For example, you might work with a web developer who needs a designer for one of their clients, or you could partner with a marketing agency that wants to include UX services in their offerings.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are not just for sharing your work but also for connecting with prospective clients. Being active in relevant communities, such as Facebook groups for freelancers or designers, can help you find clients.
Hosting online events is a great way to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. A free workshop on UX design or a webinar that dives into best practices for user experience can generate interest from business owners or startups who may need your services.
Landing a new client is exciting, but maintaining relationships with existing clients through effective client management can lead to long-term success. Managing client relationships with care ensures they feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood they’ll return for future projects or refer you to others.
Strong client management involves consistent communication, managing expectations, and being proactive about solving issues. If you're looking for more insights on building lasting client relationships, the Consistent Cash Flow Toolkit offers detailed steps to help freelancers like you create a steady pipeline of repeat business.
To get your first UX client, start by building out your portfolio that showcases your skills and relevant projects. If you’re just starting out, consider working on personal projects or pro bono work to demonstrate your design process and ability to deliver quality work. It’s important to attend industry events, be active on social media platforms, and participate in online forums where potential clients or businesses are actively seeking UX solutions. Additionally, using freelancing platforms and job boards can help you find early opportunities. Networking with other freelancers and asking for client referrals can also be an effective way to gain new projects and build relationships with potential clients.
To market yourself as a web designer, create a strong online presence by building a personal website or portfolio website where potential clients can easily see your work. Your online portfolio should include case studies, design solutions, and testimonials from past clients. Actively engage in relevant communities, attend industry events, and be visible on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Consistently sharing your knowledge, posting about industry trends, and providing insights into your design process can position you as a thought leader and help you attract clients. Cold outreach via cold emails or messages on social platforms can also be an effective client acquisition strategy when tailored to your target audience.
To sell your UX design services, start by identifying your target audience and tailoring your offerings to meet their specific needs. A professional website showcasing your portfolio is essential for presenting your skills and projects to potential clients. Offering effective communication and demonstrating your design thinking through case studies will help attract clients. Additionally, client acquisition through cold outreach, client referrals, and actively participating in industry events can expand your client base. Providing value through insights or blog posts about UX design can also help you position yourself as an expert and build trust with new clients.
The hourly rate for a web designer can vary depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the project. For freelance web designers, hourly rates typically range between $50 to $150 per hour. More experienced or specialized designers can charge up to $200 or more per hour. It’s important to research rates in your market and factor in your skill level, the type of clients you’re targeting, and the scope of relevant projects. A strong portfolio and effective networking can justify higher rates, especially if you’ve built a solid reputation with happy clients. However, once you've completed a few projects, I recommend charging on a project basis rather than hourly.
Design agencies, tech companies, and large corporations typically pay web designers the highest rates. Industries like SaaS, eCommerce, and finance are known to invest heavily in user experience and often seek out top-tier web designers for design projects. Additionally, freelance web designers who work with high-profile clients or offer specialized design services can command higher fees. Attending industry events, maintaining a strong online presence, and consistently delivering design solutions to satisfied clients can help you connect with the clients that pay the most.
I hope by now you are feeling excited and empowered to get web design clients. Becoming a successful web designer in a crowded market requires more than just strong technical skills. By actively seeking opportunities through networking, building a strong online presence, sending cold emails, and continuously delivering value to clients, you can expand your client base and build a thriving freelance business. Remember, every connection is a new opportunity to grow your business and take your UX career to the next level.
By applying these strategies and staying proactive, you can consistently find clients and grow your career as a designer.
If you're ready to stop stressing over where your next client is coming from, get web design clients, and build a more consistent, reliable income stream, check out The Consistent Cash Flow Toolkit. It’s the ultimate guide for freelancers looking to define their niche, attract long-term clients, and create a steady flow of work without the overwhelm.
Grab your copy of the Consistent Cash Flow Toolkit here.
