Its tricky but no impossible. :)

Good luck

And don’t forget, you also need to form relationships with people. Just bc you give someone your biz card doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to start calling you with work. They need to know who you are, that you’re good at what you do, that you’re there to help. After I started networking with one specific group, it took me about 6 months before I got my first gig from that group….it takes a while to get your name out there and remembered. But, once I got that first one, I got another and another, and now, they’re one of my biggest source of work and referrals.

I especially like the Chamber of Commerce suggestion, which I think that a lot web entrepreneurs don’t think about.

Another good thing has been clients leading to other clients.

You can also try to join the local chamber of commerce and find other people who need a website.

Well, they keep telling me the site will be restored soon. Tomorrow’s a new day and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

I added bidding sites, even though they are controversial, because I’ve heard that some folks still get projects through them. My own experience with bidding sites is somewhat dated since I’ve worked mainly with private clients in the last several years, but I did get a good project from a bidding site when I first started freelancing.

The key to finding clients is really to keep your eyes open and investigate all possibilities carefully. The previous list should give most folks a good start on finding some leads.

Good post, seriously, and I think you covered a good deal of viable places to find work. I’m also glad to see you’ve put up some places to look for work that many people shun. I agree that bidding sites and forums can give people plenty of access to a foot in the door, which is sometimes all they need.