- Offer Free or Low-Cost Campaigns to Local Businesses (cont.)
How to approach:
“Hi! I’m a traffic manager specializing in Facebook and Google Ads. I’m currently building my portfolio and would love to offer you a free campaign setup to help generate leads or sales. You only need to pay for the ad spend — I’ll handle the strategy, targeting, and optimization at no cost.”
This reduces risk for the business and gives you a chance to prove your value.
- Use Freelance Platforms
Websites like:
Upwork
Fiverr
Workana
Freelancer.com
…have hundreds of daily listings for digital advertising help.
Tips:
Create a profile with a professional photo and description
Highlight any experience, even if it’s from personal or test campaigns
Offer lower initial prices in exchange for reviews
Apply to recent job posts with custom, value-focused proposals
- Promote Yourself on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a goldmine for beginner service providers.
What to do:
Post content sharing your learning journey
Share results from practice campaigns
Connect with small business owners, marketers, and startup founders
Use DMs (ethically) to offer help or ask for a quick call
LinkedIn is more professional than Instagram or TikTok, and people are there to network and do business.
- Run Ads for Yourself
If you manage traffic — prove it.
Run a Meta or Google Ads campaign promoting your own services. Send traffic to:
A landing page offering a free consultation
A form to collect email leads
A WhatsApp or Instagram DM
This strategy builds trust fast. Business owners will see that you’re serious enough to invest in your own growth.
- Work With Friends or Family Who Own Businesses
You may know someone who owns:
A salon
A bakery
A clothing store
An e-commerce site
A local service (plumber, pet care, etc.)
Offer to help them run simple campaigns to generate leads or drive traffic. Focus on delivering value, then ask for testimonials and permission to use results in your portfolio.
- Create a Simple Portfolio Website
Use platforms like:
WordPress
Notion
Wix
Carrd
Your portfolio should include:
Who you help and how
Sample campaigns or mockups
Testimonials or case studies
A contact form or booking button
A portfolio gives you credibility and somewhere to direct leads from LinkedIn, Instagram, or cold outreach.
- Be Active in Facebook Groups or Online Communities
Join groups related to:
Digital marketing
Freelancing
Business and entrepreneurship
Engage with posts, offer value, answer questions — then gently mention your service when appropriate. Avoid spammy tactics.
- Get a Mentor or Join a Community
Sometimes, your first client might come from someone already established in the field.
Join paid or free communities of traffic managers
Offer to assist on campaigns in exchange for learning
Ask experienced pros if they need help with reporting, copy, or creatives
This builds experience and opens doors.
Final Thoughts: The First Clients Are the Hardest
Once you land your first 1–3 clients, everything gets easier. You’ll have:
Portfolio material
Testimonials
Confidence
Proof that you can deliver results
Focus on delivering value, and your reputation will grow. Be persistent, professional, and honest — clients will come.