How to Get Your First 10 Clients as a New Practitioner
You're staring at your empty calendar, wondering if you've made a huge mistake. All those years of training, all that money spent, and now... crickets.
I get it. I've been there myself.
Here's the truth: Getting your first clients doesn't require sleazy sales tactics or compromising your values. It requires a simple, strategic approach that honors who you are as a healer while building the sustainable practice you deserve.
What you'll learn: Ten proven strategies that have helped hundreds of practitioners go from zero to fully booked—without the hustle, without the burnout, and without feeling like you're selling your soul.
Start With Who Already Knows You (Your Circle of Trust)
Your first clients aren't strangers on the internet. They're already in your life—or one connection away.
Think about it. You don't need fancy marketing when you have people who already trust you.
Here's what works:
Map out three circles:
Inner circle: Family, close friends, former colleagues
Middle circle: Acquaintances, classmates, community connections
Outer circle: Social media contacts, alumni networks
Now, send a simple message. Not a sales pitch—just an update:
"Hey! Wanted to share that I've officially opened my [type of practice] here in [location]. I'm working with [specific people] who struggle with [specific challenge]. If you know anyone who might benefit, I'd be grateful if you'd pass along my info."
That's it. No pressure. No weirdness.
One therapist sent this to 50 people. Got 7 consultations. Booked 4 clients.
Simple math: Your first 10 clients are probably just 2-3 messages away.
Beta Offers: Win-Win for Everyone
Let's be honest—your first clients are taking a chance on you. So why not acknowledge that and make it worth their while?
Beta offers aren't about devaluing your work. They're about building confidence, testimonials, and momentum.
The framework:
30-50% off your regular rate
3-4 month commitment
Clear request for feedback and testimonials
Same quality care (this is non-negotiable)
Sample offer: "I'm accepting 5 beta clients at $75/session (regularly $120) for the next 3 months. In exchange for this special rate, I'd love your feedback and—if you're comfortable—a testimonial about your experience."
Beta clients often become your biggest champions. They get to say they were there from the beginning.
Your Training Cohort: Built-In Referral Network
Remember those people you trained with? They're not competition. They're collaborators.
Everyone's building different specialties. When they get clients they can't help, they need someone to refer to.
Make it easy for them:
Email your cohort: "Hey everyone! I'm building my practice focused on [specialty]. Happy to take referrals for [specific issues]. What are you all specializing in?"
Create a simple spreadsheet: Name, specialty, contact info
Stay connected: Monthly check-ins keep you top of mind
Your supervisors? Even better. They have established practices and overflowing caseloads. Let them know you're available for referrals. Be specific about what you offer.
Borrow Authority (The Expert Interview Strategy)
You don't need 20 years of experience to share valuable insights. You just need to be curious.
Start an interview series—blog, podcast, or even Instagram Live. Interview established practitioners about topics your ideal clients care about.
Why this works:
Associates you with expertise
Provides valuable content
Builds relationships with potential referral sources
Positions you as someone "in the know"
One nutritionist interviewed 5 experts. Gained 200 followers. Booked 3 clients who said they were impressed by her connections.
You don't need fancy equipment. Just genuine curiosity and a smartphone.
Speaking: Your Fastest Path to Visibility
Most people fear public speaking. That's exactly why it works.
Organizations need speakers. Parents groups, libraries, workplaces—they're all looking for someone to talk about stress, anxiety, relationships, wellness.
Start small:
20-minute talks at local libraries
Lunch-and-learns at companies
Parent groups at schools
Community centers
Pick one topic you could talk about without notes:
"5 Signs Your Stress Is More Than Stress"
"Why Your Child's Anxiety Might Look Like Anger"
"Simple Tools for Better Sleep"
One speech therapist gave a 30-minute talk at a preschool. 15 parents attended. 4 became clients.
That's better ROI than any ad campaign.
Strategic Pro Bono Work
Working for free when you need to pay rent? Sounds crazy. But done strategically, it's brilliant.
Key word: Strategic.
Don't give away endless free sessions. Instead:
Offer 2-4 hours monthly at a respected nonprofit
Run free workshops that showcase your expertise
Provide time-limited support for specific causes
Set boundaries:
"I offer 2 pro bono spots for 3-month periods"
"I volunteer 4 hours monthly at [organization]"
Clear start and end dates
One therapist volunteered at a women's shelter one morning weekly. Within 6 months, she had 12 referrals from staff who saw her work.
Pro bono builds visibility, credibility, and connections. Just don't let it drain you.
Online Communities: Give First, Receive Later
Facebook groups. Reddit forums. LinkedIn communities. They're full of your ideal clients.
But here's what most people do wrong: They join and immediately start promoting.
Do this instead:
Spend 80% of your time helping:
Answer questions thoughtfully
Share resources (not just yours)
Celebrate others' wins
Be genuinely supportive
The other 20%? Mention your practice when it's actually relevant.
One health coach spent 15 minutes daily in a mom's group, answering nutrition questions. Never promoted. After 3 months, had 5 clients from the group.
People hire those they know, like, and trust. Be known for being helpful first.
The Power of Getting Specific
"I help everyone with everything" attracts no one.
"I help new moms overcome postpartum anxiety" attracts exactly who needs you.
It feels scary to narrow down. But specificity is magnetic.
Find your sweet spot:
Who lights you up to work with?
What problems do you understand deeply?
Where's the actual demand?
What's not oversaturated?
Start with a "test niche" for 3 months. Not married to it forever—just testing.
One therapist went from "anxiety treatment" to "social anxiety for introverts" to "social anxiety for tech professionals." Filled her practice in 4 months.
The narrower you go, the easier everything becomes.
Creating Urgency Without Being Pushy
You need clients now. But desperation repels people.
Create natural urgency:
"I have 3 morning slots available"
"Group starts next month—5 spots left"
"Intake special through the end of the month"
Not: "You must decide today!" Instead: "I'll hold this spot until Friday, then open to my waitlist"
Always have a next step:
Not ready? Book a free consultation
Can't afford full price? Join the waitlist for sliding scale spots
Wrong fit? Here's a trusted colleague who might help
Professional boundaries create attraction. Desperation creates resistance.
Turn 10 Into 100
Your first 10 clients are more than income. They're your future marketing department.
Treat them like gold:
Over-deliver on value
Remember personal details
Follow up on specific concerns
Celebrate their wins
Ask for feedback regularly: "How's our work together feeling?" "Anything that would make this more helpful?"
Plant referral seeds (gently): "So glad this is helping! Feel free to share my info if you know anyone else struggling with [issue]."
Each happy client typically refers 2-3 others over time. Your first 10 can become your next 40.
The Bottom Line
Right now, someone needs exactly what you offer. They're struggling with something you know how to help with. They're hoping someone like you exists.
The question isn't whether you'll succeed. It's whether you'll start.
