u/Brilliant-Degree-640 — reddlx

Hey everyone

I’m a Java developer looking to break into freelancing and would really appreciate your advice.

I have strong experience with Java (including Spring/Spring Boot), backend architectures, and I also work with React on the frontend. I’m comfortable designing scalable systems and building full-stack applications. I’m also Java SE 17 certified.

That said, I’m struggling with one thing: actually landing freelance clients.

For those of you already freelancing:

How did you get your first clients?
Which platforms worked best for you (Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, etc.)?
Do you rely more on platforms, networking, or personal branding?
Any tips for standing out in a competitive market?

I’d also appreciate any advice on how to present my skills better (portfolio, GitHub, niche positioning, etc.).

Thanks a lot in advance 🙏