The first client is a distribution problem, not a skill problem. Here's the sequence that works when you're starting from nothing.
Pick one narrow service
"I do design" is unhireable. "I turn your existing blog posts into carousel posts" is a decision someone can make in ten seconds.
Build two proof pieces
- Choose two real businesses you'd like as clients.
- Do a small version of the work unprompted — one page, one post, one audit.
- Send it with no pitch attached. Ask only whether it's useful.