While I confess to have done pro bono work as a way of gaining exposure/clients, I don't generally advocate for this method of building a following. Free work tends to bring in more free work. If you're doing freelance work, I'm assuming you would like to get paid for it.
If you must do free work, don't make it entirely free. Put your name in the footer as in "site designed by XXX" with a link to your website or contact page. If they have a newletter or similar medium, ask them to place an ad for you. It doesn't cost them anything and it gets you exposure.
But I've found networking, networking, networking. You need to get yourself out there and let people know who you are and what you do. Join your chamber, and if you can other area chambers. Go to area business expos. "Where ever there are business owner, so too shall you be."
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrTandem1
Word of mouth is the best. If you do a good job, before you know it, you'll be too busy to have time to place ads. Just a little patience in the beginning.
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Well said.