How to Get Your First Clients—and Keep Them Coming Back

Breaking into freelancing in media can feel overwhelming. You’ve got skills, maybe some shiny gear, and a big dream—but where do the steady projects come from?

The truth is, long-term success isn’t about luck or the latest equipment. It’s about becoming the person clients trust to get the job done—every single time.

Step 1: Make Yourself Reliable

When deadlines are tight and budgets are fixed, clients want to know one thing: Can you handle it?

That means:

• Staying calm when things get hectic.

• Solving problems before they derail the project.

• Delivering exactly what was promised—on time, without excuses.

If you become that person, you’ll stand out immediately.

Step 2: Focus on Good Judgement, Not Just Good Gear

Almost anyone can buy decent equipment. What clients really pay for is judgement—knowing which creative choices will work best, how to prioritise under pressure, and when to stick to budget without cutting corners.

Good judgement builds trust. And trust keeps clients coming back.

Step 3: Don’t Wait for Work to Find You

Happy clients are great—but even your best ones might keep you as their “secret weapon” rather than recommend you. That’s why you can’t just sit back and hope for referrals.

Be proactive:

• Reach out directly to potential clients.

• Network with people in your industry.

• Ask for introductions from people who’ve worked with you and loved the result.

Step 4: Be Easy to Work With

Your skills might get you in the door, but your attitude will keep you there.

Clients choose freelancers who:

• Reply quickly.

• Communicate clearly.

• Keep projects stress-free.

In short—they pick the person who makes their life easier.

Step 5: Understand the Pressure in Audio Work

If you’re in sound—voice-over, mixing, mastering, or sound design—remember: audio is often the last piece of the puzzle. By the time it’s your turn, deadlines are brutal and clients are tired.

If you can slot in smoothly, deliver without drama, and maybe even lift the mood, you’ll be the person they call again.

The Bottom Line

Talent gets noticed. Reliability gets remembered.

The freelancers who thrive aren’t just the most skilled—they’re the ones clients trust to deliver, even on the toughest days.

Build that trust, and you won’t just get more work—you’ll build a career that lasts.

New to audio production? Grab your free copy of Sound in Media Production and start creating better sound today!