Where to find clients?

I want to do freelance web design

[someone]

Now that I think I've known a little more to maybe do freelancing for some money in my spare times, I was wondering where people like me find their clients. From reading posts in WW and other forums, I realize that people just have a way to find their clients so easily.

When I approach a client, do I need to have my profolio ready? If yes, then the problem is I haven't done this before, then where do I get the first client to build up my portfolio?

[abbeyvet]

the problem is I haven't done this before

This is an issue. It is hardly fair to expect a paying client to fund the first site in your portfolio. Build a few sites for yourself first, or for a non-profit on a voluntary basis.

You can build a portfolio reasonably quickly like this and have something to show prosepctive clients.

As for getting work. At first I did just what I suggest above - a few for myself, a couple of non-profits. Then word of mouth came into effect and although I now have a site with a pretty decent portfolio, word of mouth is still the primary way that I get work of any kind, web design or otherwise. I suspect that is the case for a lot of people.

I have never actually pitched for work as in been in a situation where several people have looked for the same job, nor have I ever cold-called anyone for work or anything like that. Keep your clients very, very happy and they tell people. Word of mouth is very powerful, it brings me more than I can cope with so I get to pick and choose.

[someone]

thank you for your suggestions abbeyvet!