Struggling to find freelance clients in the slow August season? Don’t worry – this month may feel like tumbleweed time, but opportunities are still out there! Discover practical tips to reconnect with past clients, tap into online communities, and boost your visibility with low commitment offers. Plus, learn how to plant seeds now for a thriving September. Ready to turn August into your most productive month yet? Let’s dive in!
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on Youtube, or scroll down for the summary!
5 Ways to Find Clients in August (Even When Everyone’s on Holiday)
August can feel like tumbleweed season for freelancers… but there are clients out there. Here are 5 quick ways to find them without spamming LinkedIn. Need help getting visible?
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Lost in the August slump? You’re not alone – but I promise, it’s not all doom and gloom.
August can be a weird time as a freelancer. Emails slow down, clients vanish for summer holidays, and it can start to feel like the tumbleweeds are rolling across your inbox. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities. In fact, August can be a brilliant time to sow the seeds for a thriving September.
Here are some practical, low-pressure ways to find (or re-find) freelance clients this month – and get ahead while everyone else is snoozing by the pool.
1. Reconnect with Past Clients
One of the easiest wins? Drop a quick message to past clients you enjoyed working with. You’ve already done the hard work of building trust – so why not check in?
Something as simple as:
“Hey, do you have any projects coming up in September that I can support with?”
can go a long way.
You could also position yourself as interim support if their usual team is away: admin, marketing, customer service – whatever fits your skill set.
2. Tap into Online Communities
Facebook groups, Discords, and even Reddit threads are surprisingly active in August. While LinkedIn groups haven’t quite hit their stride yet, there are plenty of spaces where people are still looking for holiday cover, short-term help, or just advice. Try searching keywords like “holiday cover” or “freelancer needed” and check back every couple of days – it’s a goldmine if you’re consistent.
- Promote a Mini Offer or Bundle
Got a small product or service that’s easy to deliver? Now’s a great time to give it a summer refresh, bundle it with something else, or add a bonus and re-promote.
You can:
- Collaborate with someone to offer a double bundle
- Add a limited-time discount
- Offer a last-chance deal before a price increase
These small, low commitment offers are perfect when people aren’t quite ready for big investments but still want value.
4. Review What’s Already Working
Take a moment to reflect – what brought you the most clients this year?
- Instagram posts?
- A well-placed blog?
- Newsletter replies?
- Networking events?
Now’s the time to double down on what actually works. Repurpose content, refresh your pitch, and get your marketing in shape before September hits.
- Plant Seeds for September
Even if you’re not landing work now, you can still build momentum. Reach out, start conversations, offer discovery calls, or book people in for September with a deposit.
Remind your audience:
“September’s a fresh start for many – let’s get your project booked in now.”
Bonus Tip: Make Client-Finding Feel Lighter
I know “find clients” can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to. Inside my Finding Clients Bundle, I walk you through how to slot client outreach into your week in manageable chunks:
- 15 minutes on Monday to write LinkedIn posts
- Attend one networking event midweek
- Update your SEO content on Friday
That’s it. Simple, doable, and actually effective.
August doesn’t have to be a dead zone. Whether you’re actively seeking work or just gently laying the groundwork for September, this is a great time to show up – consistently and strategically.
So, sip that cuppa, check in with old clients, update your offer, and remind yourself: slow doesn’t mean stuck.
Your Next Step
- Grab the Finding Clients Bundle – packed with outreach templates, marketing ideas, and client tracking tools.
- Sign up for the free Monday newsletter at freelancelifestyle.co.uk/newsletter to get weekly prompts and a to-do list that includes client tasks, admin, and self-care.
- Listen to the latest episode of the Freelancers Tea Break for more bite-sized tips to keep your business moving.
Here’s to a peaceful, productive August and a buzzing September ahead!
Need help getting visible? Check out my Finding Clients bundle: https://freelancelifestyle.co.uk/5-ways-to-find-your-next-client/
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