Let’s face it—social media can feel like a full-time job. Between creating content, engaging with followers, and battling algorithms, it’s exhausting! But guess what? You don’t need social media to grow your freelance business or get clients. As I launched my freelance business, my first 10 clients didn’t come from social media. Heck! I wasn’t even on social media at the time.
Yep, you can attract high-paying clients without spending hours on Instagram or TikTok. Let me show you three powerful strategies that will help you grow your income off social media as an introvert business owner!
1. Leverage Word-of-Mouth & Referrals
Referrals are gold for freelancers because people trust recommendations from friends and colleagues more than any Instagram post. More than 90% of my business projects have come from referrals simply because clients are happy with the work that I put out. When you deliver excellent service, happy clients would rave about you! This is the best marketing strategy in my opinion although it might take some time to build.
How do You Get More Referrals?
✔ Do amazing work—clients will naturally spread the word when they are happy and satisfied.
✔ Ask for referrals—after a project, say: “Do you know anyone who could use my services? I’d love an introduction!”
✔ Create a referral incentive—offer a discount or bonus for clients who send new business your way.
2. Optimize Your Website & SEO
Your website should be more than just a pretty online space—it should work like a 24/7 sales machine that brings in potential clients without you having to constantly chase them. The secret? SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and a strategic website setup!
Here’s how to make your website do the heavy lifting for you:
💡 Use the Right Keywords (So You Show Up in Google Search!)
Think about what your ideal clients are searching for on Google. Are they typing “affordable virtual assistant for coaches” or “brand designer for small businesses”? Those exact phrases are the keywords you should be using on your site.
💡 Where to place your keywords:
✔ In your website title & tagline (e.g., “Helping Coaches & Creators with Stunning Brand Design”)
✔ In your service descriptions (e.g., “I offer web design for wellness entrepreneurs & coaches”)
✔ In your blog posts (Google loves blogs with valuable information!)
✔ In your image file names & alt text (e.g., name an image “freelance-brand-designer.jpg” instead of “IMG1234.jpg”)
If you don’t have a website yet, start with a simple one-page site that highlights your services and makes it easy for clients to contact you. Need a budget-friendly option? Check out this template HERE!
Network Like a Pro (Without Feeling Sleazy!)
Forget awkward small talk—networking is just building relationships. When you connect with the right people, you’ll get clients without ever needing to post on social media. For introverts like myself I find that simply posting on my WhatsApp status more frequently is a great conversation starter. This way, people in my network can , message me. Just thought to throw that in there for those who don’t like starting conversations.
💡 Where to Find Clients Without Social Media:
✔ Freelance job boards (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, Toptal).
✔ Local networking events & coworking spaces—yes, offline still works even at church!
✔ Industry forums & online communities (think Slack groups, Facebook communities or LinkedIn groups).
✔ Cold email outreach—pitch your services directly to businesses that need you. (This right here is my secret sauce)
When networking, focus on helping, not selling. Ask, “How can I support you?” before pitching your services. I talk about the power of building client relationships to boost your freelance business on one of my Instagram posts. You can check them out below!
4. Build an Email List (So You Own Your Audience!)
Now, I know that the title of this blog says 3 strategies, but I feel like I should include this fourth one because you deserve it. Social media platforms can change overnight, but your email list? That’s an audience you own. Imagine what would have happened to countless businesses if TikTok were shut down. Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to nurture leads and turn them into paying clients—without relying on algorithms!
💡 How to Start Building Your Email List:
✔ Offer a free resource—a checklist, mini-course, or guide in exchange for an email signup.
✔ Use an opt-in form on your website—place it on your homepage, blog posts, and services page.
✔ Send valuable content weekly—client tips, behind-the-scenes, or exclusive offers.
Platforms like Kit, MailerLite, or Flodesk make it super easy to automate emails and keep in touch with potential clients. You can learn the basics of email marketing for your business—or even turn it into a service for clients—through our 1:1 mentoring program. Meet our mentors and sign up HERE!
You can grow your business without social media – It’s Possible!
Social media is just one way to grow your freelance business—it’s not the only way. By focusing on referrals, SEO, and strategic networking, you can attract high-paying clients without spending hours online.
Which of these strategies will you try first?
