How to get clients without social media
The short answer: you don't need to post every day to get clients. Designers and creatives get consistent work from past clients and referrals they actively ask for, warm outreach to people who already follow businesses like theirs, partners with complementary services, platforms like Upwork used properly, and a website that answers buyers' questions. Pick the one or two that fit how you like to work and do them every week.
1. Referrals you actually cause
Most referrals happen by accident. Make them happen on purpose: ask every happy client, at the moment they're happiest, who else they know who needs the same thing. Make it easy with a short message they can forward.
2. Warm outreach to people already interested
The people who follow, comment on or work with businesses like your best clients are already warm. Start real conversations with them, about them, rather than sending a pitch. A handful a day adds up quickly.
3. Partners with complementary services
Brand designers, web developers, copywriters, marketers and ad agencies all meet clients who need what you do. Agree to pass work to each other. One good partner can be worth more than a year of posting.
4. Platforms like Upwork, used properly
Marketplaces get a bad name because people compete on price. Filter for clients with real spend history, send short proposals about their problem rather than your background, and price on the result.
5. A website that answers buyers' questions
Write pages that answer what your clients search for, like what a project costs or how long it takes. Show results in your clients' words. A site like this keeps working while you're busy.
6. Past clients
The easiest work to win is from people who've already paid you. Check in every few months with something useful, and offer the next logical project.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really get clients without social media?
Yes. Plenty of designers get most of their work from referrals, outreach, partners and platforms. Social media is one route, not the only one.
Isn't outreach just spam?
Not if it's warm and specific. Messaging people who already show interest in businesses like yours, about something relevant to them, is a conversation, not spam.
Is there a programme that helps with this?
Doju builds your client funnel around your strengths, so if you'd rather not post every day, it focuses on the routes that suit you.
What Doju members have achieved
- Martin Lostak, creative strategist: "$20k in July, $30k in August, about 80% of work is coming through inbound."
- Ed Foster, website design: "6 months ago I was working full time at 5-7k a month, now I'm on track for $75k in a 3 month period."
- Mikey Stillwell, website design: "First full year $100k overall, new $33k project too."
About Doju's founder
Doju was built by Oliver Johns (@remoteoliver), who started as a freelance designer and now runs an agency doing around $75k a month. He's worked with over 2,300 creatives on getting clients, and he takes every Doju call himself.
Find the route that fits you
Book 15 minutes with Oliver himself, the person who built Doju and runs the agency. There's no sales team.
Book a 15 minute call