Starting as a freelancer in Belgium: How to find your first clients

Making the leap to freelancing is exciting. You have the skills, you have the ambition, and perhaps you’ve already sorted out your administration via Tentoo. But then comes the most daunting question for every starter: “Where do I find my clients?”

Without clients, there is no business. But don’t panic. Belgium has a thriving freelance economy, and finding your first assignment is a matter of strategy, not luck.

Here is your roadmap to securing your first freelance gigs in Belgium.

1. Start with your “warm network”

It sounds cliché because it works. Your first client is rarely a stranger; it’s usually someone who already trusts you or knows someone who does.

• Friends and family: You don’t need to sell to them, but you must sell through them. Make sure they know exactly what you do. “I work with computers” is too vague. “I build websites for small businesses” is a lead magnet.
• Ex-colleagues and employers: Leave on good terms. They know your work ethic and are often willing to hire you as a freelancer for peak periods or specific projects.
• Participate in local communities: Go to events, seminars or co-working spaces. Become a member of online communities, e.g. Freelancers in Belgium.

2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile

In Belgium, LinkedIn is not optional; it is your digital business card. Recruiters and project managers search here first.

• The headline: Don’t just put “Freelancer.” Be specific. Use “Freelance Graphic Designer | Branding Expert available for projects.”
• The ‘Open to Work’ badge: Use the green photo frame setting visible only to recruiters if you are still employed, or the public one if you are fully available.
• Engage: Don’t just post. Comment on posts from target companies. Add value to discussions. Visibility leads to inquiries.

3. What are the best platforms and channels to find assignments?

In addition to networking and visibility, there are plenty of practical channels to actively look for assignments yourself.

The most popular acquisition channels for Belgian freelancers

• Via agencies or consultancy firms: Work as a subcontractor for clients of an agency.
• Other freelancers: Collaborations often yield new projects or referrals.
• Job boards: Dare to respond to vacancies or temporary projects as a freelancer. Sectoral organizations such as Podiumkunsten and Mediarte also collect vacancies on their websites.
• Freelance matching platforms: Register on online platforms where companies actively look for freelancers.

Overview of popular freelance matching platforms in Belgium

To facilitate your search, we have listed a number of well-known Belgian platforms. Choosing a local platform often results in better rates and communication than global giants like Upwork.

4. Attend offline networking events

Belgium is small. Face-to-face connections still hold massive value. Look for events from Voka, Unizo, or specific industry meetups on Meetup.com.

Pro-tip: Don’t go to sell. Go to listen. Ask business owners about their challenges. When they mention a problem you can solve, that is your opening.

5. Cold outreach (but make it warm)

Sending generic emails to 100 companies doesn’t work. Pick 10 dream clients. Research them. Find the marketing manager or IT lead on LinkedIn. Send a personalized message: “I saw you launched project X. I specialize in Y and could help you optimize that process.”

6. Focus on the work, not the admin

Finding clients takes time and energy. The last thing you want to do is waste that energy on complex administration, VAT returns, and social security headaches.

This is where Tentoo comes in. You find the clients; we handle the invoicing and legal employment status.

You keep: The social protection of an employee (unemployment rights, pension accrual).

You get: The freedom of a freelancer.

FAQ about finding clients

• Do I need a VAT number to accept a freelance assignment?
  Not necessarily. Through payrolling with organizations like Tentoo, you can execute freelance assignments and invoice clients without setting up a sole proprietorship or requesting a VAT number.
• How do I price myself as a starting freelancer?
  Don’t just look at your former hourly wage. As a freelancer, you must cover your own holidays, sickness, and equipment. A general rule of thumb is to take your desired net income and multiply it by roughly 2.5 to cover taxes and overhead, or use the Tentoo wage simulator to get an exact figure.
• How long does it take to get paid via Tentoo?
  Once your performance is approved by your client, your salary is deposited quickly (within 7 days), regardless of the client’s payment term.
• Am I legally protected when working via payrolling in Belgium?
  Yes. You are on the payroll of the payrolling company, which means you accrue rights for, among other things, income loss due to illness, incapacity for work, and pension. This safety net is a crucial security that you lack as a self-employed person.