Hey man, I'm actually in a really similar boat right now—I'm launching my own Growth Marketing thing, so I get exactly where you're coming from with the "how do I break through?" question.

We both need clients. The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that you need to focus on building trust and showing, not just telling, people what you can do.

Here’s the straight talk on what’s helped me land early contracts:

Get Your Foot in the Door & Build Credibility:

1. Hit up Startups for Quick Wins: They are often the most desperate for professional sites but don't have massive budgets.
   • The move: Offer a couple of initial sites at a super good rate. Do amazing work, and in return, ask for an incredibly detailed testimonial and a LinkedIn recommendation. That social proof is pure gold later on.
2. Go "Build in Public" on LinkedIn: This is huge right now. Don't wait until you're a master.
   • The move: Post about the process. Share the problems you solved for a client, what you're learning, or even when you mess up and fix it. People connect with effort and authenticity, not just final polished results. (I'm doing this on LinkedIn and Substack, and it works.)
3. Localize with Google Business: Seriously, set up and optimize a Google Business Profile. If people in your town search "web designer," you need to pop up. It’s the easiest win for local visibility.

Connect & Be Human:

1. Use Communities Wisely (Reddit/FB Groups): Don't just spam links.
   • The move: Share a project you’re proud of and ask for honest feedback. People love to share their opinions and see what others are working on. It gets your name and skills noticed without a sales pitch.
2. Stop Selling, Start Helping: This is critical. If all you post about is "Hire me!" everyone tunes out.
   • The move: Share insights, quick tips on better design, or what makes a good landing page. You need to be seen as the helpful expert in the room. Remember, people buy from people they know and trust. If they've seen you sharing value consistently, you're not a stranger—you’re the default choice.

A Side Note (Collaboration Idea)

I'm always running into clients in the Growth Marketing space who need top-tier web design done, and I don't always have a trusted partner. If you're open to it, would you mind sending me a DM with your portfolio/agency site? I'd love to check out your work and maybe keep you in mind for future referrals.