Starting out so I don't have examples for clients - should I create samples?

Yes, of course you need to show examples of customers that you already have. But it is also necessary to fill up the database with new examples due to the implementation of free work, I would recommend to take with these customers and more video review of your work. It is better to begin your journey with honest practices.

There's nothing wrong with doing a few projects free of charge just to get some reviews and customer feedback. It will be a good learning curve for you as well, which will help to build up your confidence.

Yes! No one said an example of your work has to be from a paying client. When I started out as a freelance writer I wrote some content on topics I had an interest in, then I also volunteered to write stuff for some non-profits.

The hard part will be to get that first customer without showing that you can do what you are selling them. The first customer you may have to give a big discount or even free too so you can start building a rep for yourself.

I don't mean to be blunt but writing your own reviews is DECEPTIVE

Would you want the same done to you?

Instead, offer FREE review copies or discounted copies or just wait for your first few customers.

If what you're offering is any good, people would GLADLY post positive reviews.

A good portfolio is essential if you are starting to work as a Freelancer or something like that, is extremely important, because when you are starting, the portfolio will be the only thing you can use to pitch your clients, after you have get your firsts jobs, your reputation will start growing, and your new reviews will do all the work, but until then, you have to rely on your portfolio, you dont have a choice.

If you really dont have any past jobs to showcase, then invent a few, create some examples and stories about them, dont ever say to a client that you are doing your first jobs, the words "this will be my first job" will surely make sure you wont get your first job, keep that in mind.

Positioning yourself as an expert is a great way to build trust with prospective clients. I personally would start a blog and publish content on it related to the expertise I would be providing to my clients. Also, I would create a special contact form individuals could use to reach out to me for my services. Branding yourself on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin, and getting your knowledge out there by posting information consistently on these sites would be very effective as well.

Would definitely look into starting a blog to position yourself as someone who knows what they're talking about - as well as offering 4-5 free consults as a way to generate testimonials and feedback. Do your family or friends need this service at all? They could be a good source first

Create a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one already and take advantage of their publisher platform to show case your talents. It's one way for business owners and even digital marketing agencies to notice you and hire your freelance writing services.

Startfrom the small projects which dont quite require examples, lead your way up high gradually. Dont cheat!

Do them for your own projects and document everything.

Even when I was new, I never gave my services for free because I can't afford to. Check out freelance sites and check out jobs that require entry level skills and those looking for the lowest rates. It's better than giving away your work.

By the way in case you offer graphic design or social media graphics services, you can show those past work to your prospective client...just add a watermark or text "not for re-use. Copyright belongs to client."

Show some kind of sample, working for free? I used to think like that, never EVER think about working for free again, your time is valuable.

Just let them know your knowledge, skills and what you can do.

When I was first starting my online consulting business I was in the same position as you...I didn't know how I was going to prove to a business that I could do what I said I was going to do without them questioning whether I would be able to deliver, so this is what I did...

I contacted a few local businesses in my area and offered to provide them with a free service. This was always something small such as create a short 1 or 2 minute YouTube video around a particular product or service that they provide.

I did this for 5 small businesses and service providers in my area in exchange for testimonials and from there I used those testimonials on the sales page where I was providing my services.

Not only did I start being able to land clients easily after that but working with those initial 5 businesses taught me a lot about my process and allowed me to tweak it before I started reaching out to paying clients.

I hope this helps.

OP, one more thing: If I were you, I'd CULTIVATE one client and ask that person to be a CASE STUDY.

Achieve awesome results and that one case study will be your meal ticket.

How?

It leads to other clients which you can then turn to case studies.

The secret is to treat every project you get as a SHOWCASE project that you'll be proud of

If you can do this, you'll never have to worry about CHASING another project again.

If I were a new freelancer and just starting out, I would do guest post submissions to get my name out there and to attract clients. There are a lot of good websites out there asking for guest posts, just write one per week and before you know it, you'd have a long list of post that have been published in quality blogs. Good luck!

Well, it’s quite reasonable and fair for clients to ask for samples since they are going to pay you for your services. With this in mind, it is best that you create samples so you can eliminate doubts and hesitations.