But here’s the good news: many companies need your skills. They just don’t know you yet.
Whether you’re a web developer, an independent contractor, or a creative freelancer, there’s a way to land your next project and make it easier each time. You don’t need to run a company or hire a lawyer just to draft a contract. You need a clear plan, the right tools, and a smart way to get noticed.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to find your first (or next) independent contractor jobs and how to grow from there.
Understand your role as an independent contractor
Before you start looking for jobs, knowing what kind of work you’re doing and what it means to be an independent contractor is essential.
As an independent contractor, you work for yourself. You don’t have a boss. You’re not on a payroll. You offer services to clients, but you stay in control of how, when, and where you work. You decide: which projects to take, how much to charge, and how to do the job. You also determine your schedule, tools, and how you deliver results.
But there’s more. You’re also responsible for sending invoices, managing your time, and filing taxes.
You’re not an employee, so you don’t get benefits, vacation days, or equipment. You also don’t have to follow a company schedule. Clients pay you for results, not hours.
This setup gives you more freedom, but also more responsibility. That’s why many independent contractors treat their work like a business, even if they don’t run a formal company.
» Want to know how to invoice as a contractor? Check our full guide!
Where to find contracting jobs
Let’s get to the point: you want to work as an independent contractor. So, where do you start? There’s no correct answer – most contractors use different methods to find clients and get projects. Here are the most effective ways to start.
Online job platforms
Job platforms are one of the easiest ways to find independent contractor jobs. They help you connect with clients fast, even if you don’t have a big network yet. Try:
- LinkedIn – use “Open to work” and post your skills.
- Useme Jobs – offers free job listings for independent contractors in many industries.
- Remote work job boards – useful if you’re looking for location-independent projects.
Tip: Write a short pitch for your profile. Include your services, location, and a few results you’ve delivered. On Useme, you can build a freelancer profile with your portfolio, CV, and listed skills. A complete and well-written profile is often ranked high in Google search results, and that can bring you clients even outside the platform.
Use your network
Your next client might already know you, or know someone who does. Tell people what you do: former coworkers, friends, family, and past clients.
Most independent contractors get repeat business and referrals from happy clients. But they only happen if you ask. So after each project, follow up and say: “Do you know someone else who might need this service?”.
Check niche job boards and forums
Every industry has its own spaces, such as Reddit threads, design or dev job boards, Discord servers, or Slack groups.
You can find leads, job posts, or advice from other independent contractors. Many contractors share tips, post job leads, or ask for help in those communities.
The key is to be active, not passive. Jobs won’t come to you. But if you show up consistently and let people know what you offer, you’ll start to find clients and grow your business.
Look local – whether you work remotely or on-site
Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t get local clients. Many freelancers offer remote services, like design, writing, or marketing, for small businesses in their local area. Try:
- Offering small jobs to nearby shops or cafes.
- Joining local entrepreneur or business owner groups online.
- Creating a Google Business profile for your freelance services.
- Using keywords like “[your skill] + [your city]” on your website or profile.
These small, local projects often lead to repeat business and referrals. Clients like to work with someone they can meet or call directly – even if all the work is done online.
✓ One good project can lead to new customers in the same city or niche. Sometimes, staying local helps your freelance business grow faster than going global.
If you work on-site (e.g., in construction, landscaping, or repair)
Local outreach is even more critical. You’ll often find work in your area through: community boards (online and offline), local Facebook or WhatsApp groups, or talking directly to property managers or business owners.
Sometimes, one small repair leads to an ongoing construction project. Clients often need reliable help quickly, and being nearby gives you an edge.
Build a strong online presence
When someone hears your name or sees your offer, they’ll probably look you up. That’s why a basic online presence is necessary – even for small jobs.
You don’t need a fancy website or expensive branding. Just make it easy for people to: see what you do, trust your skills, and contact you fast.
Create a simple website or portfolio
You can use free tools like Canva, Wix, or Notion. On your site, show:
- What services do you offer?
- Who have you worked with?
- And what kind of results do you bring?
Add 2-3 short project descriptions. If possible, show a screenshot or examples. This builds trust quickly and proves your expertise.
No projects yet? Create one for yourself – and make it count. Here’s how to build a freelance portfolio from scratch.
Update your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers or people looking for full-time jobs. It’s where many clients check if you’re real. Make sure your profile:
- Has a clear title (e.g., “UX Designer for SaaS”).
- Shows your best skills and services.
- Includes keywords like contractor, independent contractor, freelancer, and available for hire.
You can even post short updates like: ” I just finished a landing page for a tech startup. I’m ready for the next challenge. DM me!”
Collect testimonials and referrals
After a project, ask the client to write 2–3 sentences about your work. Put it on your site or LinkedIn. Real reviews build credibility.
If the client was happy, ask: “Would you be open to referring me to someone who needs this service?”.
Most quality contractors build their business on referrals. But they don’t wait for them – they ask.
Your online presence is your business card. Keep it short, clear, and focused. Make it easy for clients to decide.
Use smart marketing to attract clients
You don’t need to run ads or hire a marketing agency to get noticed. Most contractors grow their business through simple, low-cost marketing. The key? Show your work, stay visible, and follow up.
Share what you’ve done
Finished a job? Show it! Take a before-and-after shot (if it’s visual). Write a short LinkedIn post about what problem you solved. Share a quick “project complete” update on your site or profile. This builds trust and shows potential clients what to expect.
Post consistently in one place
Choose one platform where your audience is – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or maybe TikTok, and post there regularly.
Ideas for simple posts:
– Just finished a design for a local brand – here’s how we improved it.
– Another website launched this week. Need help with yours? Message me.
– Availability update: I have 1-2 slots open for October. Happy to take small jobs too.
No fluff. Just real updates. This keeps demand warm and helps you generate leads over time.
Stay in touch with past clients
Don’t forget people who already know your work. Send a short message: “Hey [Name], I’ve got availability next month – just checking if you or someone you know needs help with [service].”
Staying in touch with existing customers is one of the easiest ways to get more work without extra marketing. This is a great way to get repeat business or referrals with almost no effort.
Use local visibility if it fits your industry
If you work in a local trade (e.g., general contractor, plumber, designer), visibility in your local area is key. Try:
- Leaving flyers or stickers.
- Partnering with a local business (e.g., coffee shop, co-working).
- Joining local networking groups.
Sometimes one small job leads to new customers in the same building, street, or network.
Join online communities in your niche
Many independent contractors find clients by being helpful, not by selling. Online groups are a great place to do that (Slack groups, Reddit threads, Facebook groups, or Discord servers).
Don’t just post “I’m looking for work”. Instead, share tips, answer questions, or show a quick project you’ve done. That way, you build trust and people remember you.
You don’t need a big marketing budget. You just need to show up, deliver good work, and remind people what you do. Many independent contractors land their next job this way – no ads, no cold calls, just consistency. And when you do great work in public, word of mouth spreads faster than you think.
Build your contractor career step by step
You don’t need to land a big contract right away. In fact, most successful contractors start with smaller jobs, build trust, and grow from there.
Take small jobs to build momentum
Your first job might not pay a lot, and that’s OK. What matters is:
- Showing that you can deliver.
- Getting a real client testimonial.
- Learning how to work with different people.
Smaller jobs are also faster to finish, so you can move on and book the next one. It’s how you build confidence and a portfolio.
Focus on quality, not quantity
Clients remember two things:
- Did you do what you promised?
- Was it easy to work with you?
Even a basic landing page or quick repair can lead to repeat business if the client likes the result. One good job can lead to two more. Many freelancers say: “My first real break came from someone who liked my attitude, not just my skills.”.
Ask for feedback after each job
After you finish, send a short message: “Thanks for working with me! If you’re satisfied with the result, would you mind writing 2-3 lines as a review?”. Over time, this builds trust, and trust brings more work.
Don’t try to scale too fast
It’s tempting to chase every lead, offer every service, or take on big projects too early. But too much too soon can lead to missed deadlines, stress, or unhappy clients. Grow step by step. Deliver great results. You don’t need a million dollars or a big team to build a solid business. Just repeat what works and keep improving.
Build strong client relationships. That’s how your contracting business grows – not overnight, but reliably.
Go to events and meet people
Not every job comes from the internet. Meeting people in person still works – sometimes, it works even better. Clients like to hire someone they trust. When they’ve seen your face, had a quick chat, or heard you speak, they remember you. And next time they need help, you’re the first person they think of.
Attend local networking events
Look for:
- Small business meetups.
- Coworking space events.
- Local industry conferences or talks.
You don’t need to pitch hard. Just say who you are and what you do. If someone seems interested, follow up later with a short message or portfolio.
» Example: “Hey, it was great chatting at the event yesterday. If you ever need a freelancer for [your service], I’d be happy to help!”.
Talk to property managers and project leads
If you’re in construction, renovation, or repair, property managers are gold. They need trusted contractors they can call quickly. Reach out, introduce yourself directly, offer to take on small jobs first, and leave a simple flyer or business card. Once you’re in their contact list, you might get regular calls for repeat business.
Join business networks and trade groups
Some cities have free business breakfasts or industry groups. Even if it feels old-school, it’s a great way to meet potential clients, especially small companies that need help but don’t know where to look.
» Tip: Practice your 10-second pitch. Say what you do, for whom, and what results you bring.
Follow up. Always!
Meeting people is just step one. Real work comes when you follow up:
- Send a thank-you message.
- Connect on LinkedIn.
- Share a link to your services or recent work.
This turns a chat into a lead. And leads turn into contracts. You don’t need to be loud or salesy. Just be visible, helpful, and professional. Many contractors get their best jobs through a conversation, not a job ad.
Make it easy for clients to hire you
Clients don’t like chaos. They don’t want to guess how to pay you, write their own contract, or worry about paperwork. If you simplify the process, you’ll close more deals faster. Do this to build trust from the start:
- Be clear about what you offer
Write down your services, how long projects usually take, and what results clients can expect. Use clear language. Don’t overpromise. Clients want to know what they’re paying for, and when they’ll get it.
- Share your availability and prices
Let people know when you’re available and what your services cost. A starting price or price range helps clients decide faster. It also makes you look more professional and saves time on back-and-forth messages.
- Always use a contract
Even for small jobs. A contract protects both sides. It should cover what you’ll do, when you’ll deliver it, and how you’ll get paid. Don’t rely on just emails or messages.
- Use tools that handle the paperwork
You don’t need to run a business or sign contracts with clients on your own. With Useme, you get a legal contract signed on your behalf and one clear payment. Your client gets one invoice, and everything stays fully legal.
- Follow up after the project
Send a thank-you message. Ask if the client is happy. Offer future help. It takes one minute and often results in more work.
Contracts, payments & taxes
Being an independent contractor means more freedom but also more responsibility. Even as a solo contractor, you need to handle the basics well to run a sustainable business.
- Always work with a clear contract. It should include the scope, deadlines, payment terms, and legal rights to the final result. This protects you and shows clients you’re serious. Some may even run a background check before hiring.
- Track your payments. Use a simple spreadsheet or a platform like Useme to issue invoices and keep everything in one place.
- File your taxes. Set aside part of your income, track expenses, and stay organized. A tax advisor can help, or you can use a platform that prepares the correct documents for you.
- Know your costs. You cover your own tools, insurance, and time off. Price your services to reflect the full value, not just your hours.
- Stay in control. Being professional means staying clear, reliable, and prepared. When you manage contracts, payments, and taxes well, you can focus on what matters: doing great work.
Final thoughts: How to find independent contractor jobs
Finding work as a contractor isn’t about luck. It’s about building small, repeatable steps:
- Show what you do.
- Talk to people.
- Deliver results.
- Ask for feedback.
- Make it easy for clients to hire you again.
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Start small. Focus on one offer. Use one place to showcase your work. Keep your process simple and professional. Clients care about time and money – if you make both easy to manage, they’ll want to work with you again.
And when it comes to contracts, payments, and paperwork? Use tools that save your time and protect your work. Useme helps you:
- Sign a legal contract for each job.
- Get paid securely – even without your own company.
- Handle paperwork and invoices in one place.
» You focus on the job. We take care of the admin. Sign up for free!
