How to Get Clients to Trust You Without a Portfolio

Author

Andy at Growth Catalyst Club
December 31, 2024

In partnership with

You’re not alone.

Every copywriter hits the wall. For some, it's once, others, it’s as many as you can.

You’re ready to work, eager to prove yourself… but there’s just one problem. No clients.

And every tip you’ve heard feels useless:

“Just start pitching!”

“Work for free!”

“Build a fancy website!”

You’ve tried some of it. And still, nothing.

And now, you’re left wondering: “How can I make anyone trust me when I don’t have a portfolio?”

It’s frustrating, right? Feeling invisible. Overlooked.

But what if I told you that landing clients without a portfolio isn’t just possible, it’s simpler than you think?

You don’t need flashy testimonials or years of experience. You just need to think differently about how to build trust.

Here’s how to do it. 

But before that, check out Premium ghostwriting,

Struggling to make more than $5k/month as a writer?

Stop “freelance writing.”

Here’s the truth about why you aren’t consistently landing high-paying clients:

❌ You’re writing “anything” for “anyone,” not focusing on 1 offer.
❌ You’re wasting hours on freelancer sites, not “creating” your own clients.
❌ You’re doing low-paying work (like blog posts), not delivering outcomes.

Want to escape the freelancer hamster wheel?

✅ Become a Premium Ghostwriter

Get a FREE, 5-step crash course below.

1. Offer Micro Wins Instead of Full Samples

Most new copywriters waste hours creating massive portfolio pieces. But clients don’t want to see your entire sales page rewrite, they just want to know you “get it.”

Here’s what to do instead:

  • Find a business with clunky copy.

  • Rewrite just one headline or email subject line.

  • Share it with them in your pitch.

Example pitch:

Hey {Name},

I noticed your {website/email} and thought this headline could connect better with your audience.

Here’s a quick idea: {Insert your rewrite}.

Let me know if you’d like more help!”

It’s quick, it’s simple, and it grabs their attention immediately.

2. Use “Reverse Proof”

Don’t have results? Lean into it. Tell clients you’re new, but make it a strength.

For example:

I’m new to copywriting, which means I’ll give your project my full attention. You won’t be one of 10 clients on my plate, you’ll be the client I’m focused on.

Clients love working with someone who’s eager to prove themselves.

3. Leverage What You Already Know

You might not have a portfolio, but you do have experience. Use it.

If you’ve ever worked in sales, customer service, or marketing, highlight that.

For example:

My background in customer service taught me how to understand people’s needs, and that’s what I bring to my copywriting. I write with the customer in mind, always.

Even unrelated skills can show clients you have a unique perspective.

Before moving on to 4, quickly check out this

Struggling to make more than $5k/month as a writer?

  • Stop positioning yourself as a “freelancer”—instead, be a Premium Ghostwriter

  • Stop writing “anything” for “anyone”—instead, create a Premium Offer

  • Stop trawling Fiverr or newsletters for clients—instead, use Premium Outreach

4. Ask for the “Practice Gig”

This one’s bold, but it works.

Find a client whose copy needs work. Reach out and say; 

I noticed {concern} about your {website/emails} and saw that it could use some tweaks to connect better with your audience.

I’d love to help, and since I’m new to freelancing, I’ll charge a reduced rate for this project as a way to prove my skills.

If you’re happy, we can discuss more work in the future!

Did you notice anything about this?

You’re not working for free, you’re giving them a low-risk way to test your skills.

Also, you never can tell, what you wrote on could be a problem they’re currently trying to look for solutions to, that means, you’re just right in time! 

Remember, this is bold. So you need to be bold.

5. Turn Social Media Into a Portfolio

If you’re an extrovert, then try this.

You don’t need a website to show off your writing. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to share quick tips, mini case studies, or even rewritten ads.

Clients will notice.

For example:

“Here’s how I’d rewrite this email to make it 2x more engaging: {Include before-and-after examples}.”

You’re showcasing your skills without waiting for permission.

You don’t need to wait until you have a polished portfolio or years of experience. You just need to think differently about how to build trust.

Start small. Be bold. Show them what you can do in unconventional ways.

One more thing to remember; 

Clients don’t hire portfolios, they hire problem solvers.

The last time, I asked if you’re interested in client acquisition. If you found this valuable, then you will find the next mail even more valuable. But we need the majority vote to make it happen. 

If you want me to keep sharing my experience as regards getting clients, click on I want to know more, If not, the newsletter about client acquisition will stop.

Here’s the poll:

Want to Learn How to Get High Paying Clients?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Until next time,

Chao! 

Would you like to see more content like this?

Help us curate better content for you

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.