If you’re struggling to land your first freelance client, this post might change everything for you. Because the truth is, I didn’t land my first paying gig through a job board, a fancy portfolio, or some polished website.
I got it by sending one simple cold DM on Instagram. That one message, crafted with intention and value, opened the door to my freelance career. And today, I’m sharing that exact cold DM template with you (and a whole lot more).
This isn’t theory. It’s not a “maybe this could work” idea.
It’s the real script I used—word for word.
But first, let me share with you how it happened.
A few years ago, I was exactly where you might be right now.
I had tried job boards, sent countless proposals, begged friends for referrals, and even applied for gigs that paid less than a fast-food shift. I did everything I thought I was supposed to.
Nothing worked.
Until one night, I did something different.
It was late. I was lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram like usual.
But instead of just liking pretty pictures and swiping through Stories, I had a thought:
“What if I looked at these pages like a freelancer?”
I landed on the page of a small business owner who sold handmade accessories. Her products were gorgeous, but her page? Crickets.
- No likes.
- No comments.
- No strategy.
That’s when I had my lightbulb moment.
The Problem Spotter Technique (My 10-Minute Hack)
I gave myself 10 minutes. I opened her Instagram profile and started scanning it like a detective. I now call this the Problem Spotter Technique—a simple way to spot what’s missing.
Here’s what I noticed:
- No clear call-to-action in her bio or captions
- Her branding was inconsistent—different colors, fonts, and vibes
- No real strategy to turn followers into buyers
She had amazing products, but zero online salesmanship.
The Cold DM That Changed My Life
I didn’t overthink it. I just typed this message:
“Good afternoon, ma, I love what you’re doing with your business! I noticed your Instagram could be converting 3X better with a few tweaks. I mocked up a quick fix for your bio and latest post—want to see? (No charge, just thought it might help!)”
That was it.
No long pitch. No “please hire me.” Just a small, thoughtful offer.
And guess what? She replied.
“Sure, I’d love to see it.”
I Delivered Value First—No Strings Attached
I quickly sent her:
- A revised version of her bio
- A better caption for her latest post
- One content idea to boost engagement
She was blown away.
Then I followed up with this:
“I’d love to help optimize your IG properly. Since I’m new, I’ll charge just ₦25k/month for 3 months (normally ₦50k). If you’re happy after, we can adjust to standard rates.”
And then… She Paid Me
₦75,000. Upfront.
That one message… turned into my first real gig.
Over the next 30 days, her engagement increased by 78%. More DMs, more comments, and best of all—more sales.
She kept me on at ₦50k/month, and even referred me to her friends. That one cold DM didn’t just make me money—it started my freelance career.
The 4-Step System You Can Steal
Want to copy what I did? Here’s the step-by-step system I still teach today:
Step 1: Find a Real Business That Needs Help
Don’t pitch influencers or celebrities. Look for small businesses—fashion, stylists, coaches—with poor engagement or branding issues.
Step 2: Use the “Problem Spotter” Technique
Spend just 10 minutes studying their Instagram. Look for:
- No call-to-action
- Bad bio
- Inconsistent branding
- Weak captions
- No content strategy
Step 3: Send a “Value-First” DM
Never lead with “Hire me.” Offer a small, free fix. This builds trust and opens the door.
Step 4: Make a Low-Barrier Offer
Don’t go asking for thousands. Offer a discounted trial—just enough to get your foot in the door and prove your worth.
What Most Beginners Get Wrong
Let me save you some pain.
Most new freelancers mess this up by:
- Sending copy-paste DMs
- Talking about themselves
- Pitching services that solve no real problem
Stop being a service seller and start being a problem solver. That’s what makes people hire you.
Want My Cold DM Templates and Checklist?
If you want to shortcut this process, I’ve bundled everything I used into one beginner-friendly ebook called:
Freelancing for Beginners: The Escape Plan
Inside, you’ll get:
- My Problem Spotter Checklist
- Proven Cold DM Templates that work across industries.
It’s the guide I wish I had when I started.
Grab your copy below and download it instantly.
I had no experience. No followers. No portfolio.
All I had was a phone, a little courage, and one thoughtful DM. That was enough.
So if you’re still waiting around, hoping someone magically hires you, stop. Take action.
Start with One Cold DM. Send it today. You’re not far. You’re just one message away from your first freelance gig.