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How do I find my first client on Shopify as a freelancer?

By: Clarissa on Apr 30, 2026 11:55 AM EST

Hi everyone! I'm a Shopify theme developer with three years of experience. I recently quit my full-time job to go freelance, but I'm having trouble finding clients.

I'm looking for advice on the following:

Where can I find Shopify store owners who need developer services (Upwork, cold outreach, Reddit, etc.)?

How do I position myself if I don't have a freelance portfolio yet?
By: Valerie Terry on May 03, 2026 06:37 AM EST
Upwork is a good option, but it's currently overloaded and underperforming. It's best not to rely solely on it. A simpler approach works: find Shopify stores, look for issues (speed, mobile version, product details), and contact the owner directly with a specific comment and suggestion, rather than just saying "I'm a developer." This approach converts much better.

You can also contact Reddit, Facebook groups, and Discord about eCommerce, but these are more of a long-term process, not quick requests.
By: Helen on May 04, 2026 02:19 AM EST
Regarding the lack of a portfolio, it's not as big a problem as it seems. It's not the number of cases that matters, but demonstrating results. However, it's better to turn to specialized platforms where you can find a Shopify expert on Zinn Hub specifically for these types of tasks. This is closer to real clients than a general freelance marketplace. Plus, it helps you understand how other developers position themselves and what services are actually selling.
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