Finding clients in Spain

Before you start looking for clients, it’s important to have a professional foundation in place. Think of this as preparing your shop before opening the doors. When potential clients find you, they should see a polished, trustworthy professional.

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‍Register as an autónomo

First, make sure you are legally set up to work. In Spain, this means registering as an autónomo (self-employed worker) with the tax office (Agencia Tributaria) and Social Security (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social). This step is non-negotiable. It proves you are a legitimate business, which gives clients confidence in hiring you. If the registration process seems complicated, some services can handle it for you.

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For instance, Facturaz One includes free autónomo registration within 24 hours as part of its package.

Define your services and ideal client

What exactly do you offer? Be specific. Instead of saying "I'm a writer," say "I write SEO blog posts for Spanish tech startups." Clarity helps you stand out.

Equally important is knowing who you want to work with. Think about your ideal client:

• What industry are they in?
• What is the size of their business?
• What problems do they have that you can solve?

Answering these questions helps you focus your marketing efforts where they will have the most impact.

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Build a professional online presence

Your online presence is often the first impression a potential client will have.

• Portfolio Website: Create a simple website that showcases your best work. Include case studies, testimonials from past clients and a clear description of your services.
• LinkedIn Profile: Optimize your LinkedIn profile for the Spanish market. Write your profile in both English and Spanish, use keywords related to your services and ask for recommendations from previous colleagues or clients.

Strategies for finding clients online

The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with clients, no matter where you are. Here are the most effective online channels for freelancers in Spain.

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Freelance platforms

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr and Malt.es are popular marketplaces for freelancers. While they can be competitive, they are a great way to get your first few clients and build a portfolio.

• Tip for success: Create a detailed profile that highlights your skills and experience. When applying for jobs, write a personalized proposal that directly addresses the client’s needs instead of sending a generic message.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than just an online resume; it's a powerful networking tool.

• Connect with purpose: Search for and connect with potential clients, decision-makers at companies you admire and other freelancers in your field in Spain.
• Engage with content: Share your own valuable content (like blog posts or project case studies) and interact with posts from others. This keeps you visible and establishes you as an expert.
• Join relevant groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups for your industry in Spain. It’s a great way to network and find out about new opportunities.

Niche job boards

General job boards can be overwhelming. Instead, look for job boards specific to your industry. For example, Domestika has a job board for creative professionals and Manfred offers curated tech jobs. These platforms often have higher-quality leads because they cater to a specific audience.

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Cold emailing

Directly contacting companies you want to work with can be highly effective if done correctly.

• Do your research: Identify a specific person to contact, like a marketing manager or department head.
• Personalize your message: Your email should show you understand their business and have a specific idea of how you can help. Reference a recent project of theirs or a challenge you know their industry is facing.
• Keep it brief: Respect their time. Get straight to the point, explain the value you offer and include a link to your portfolio.

Tapping into the power of in-person networking

While online methods are essential, don't underestimate the value of face-to-face connections in Spain. Personal relationships are highly valued in Spanish business culture.

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Attend industry events and meetups

Look for conferences, workshops and meetups related to your field in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite are great resources. These events are perfect for meeting potential clients and connecting with other freelancers who might refer work to you.

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Join co-working spaces

Working from a co-working space puts you in a community of professionals. It’s an organic way to network, find collaborators and even land clients who are working just a few desks away. Many co-working spaces also host their own networking events.

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Leverage your personal network

Let your friends, family and former colleagues know that you are freelancing. You never know who might need your services or know someone who does. A personal recommendation is one of the most powerful ways to get a new client.

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Simplify your admin, focus on growth

Finding clients is just one part of running a successful freelance business. The other is managing the administrative side: invoicing, tracking expenses and filing taxes. These tasks can take up valuable time that you could be spending on billable work.

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This is where a tool like Facturaz can make a significant difference. It’s designed specifically for freelancers in Spain and helps you handle your finances with ease. You can:

• Create and send professional, Verifactu-compliant invoices.
• Track your expenses and manage tax modelos (like Modelo 130 and Modelo 303).
• Use AI to get real-time insights into your business performance.

By automating these processes, you free up time to focus on what you do best: serving your clients and growing your business.

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