If you wanted to get your first AI automation client fast, here’s one of the simplest playbooks that works right now:
- Go on Upwork – Search for projects where business owners are struggling with admin tasks, lead follow-up, appointment scheduling, or content creation. These are pain points AI agents solve perfectly.
- Forget generic proposals – Instead of copy-paste applications, stand out by sending a personalized Loom video. In 60–90 seconds, introduce yourself, walk through their problem, and explain (in plain language) how an AI workflow could save them time or money.
- Show, don’t just tell — Even a simple demo (like an AI chatbot responding to a FAQ, or an n8n workflow that schedules tasks) instantly builds trust. Business owners don’t care about buzzwords—they want to see how it helps them.
- Close with clarity — End your Loom with: “If you’d like, I can build a simple version of this for you this week so you can test it out.” That offer gets responses.
💡 Example: A client posts, “We need help following up with leads.”
→ In your Loom: show a demo of an AI agent that replies to a new lead within 60 seconds, books them to a calendar, and sends a reminder. That’s a win they’ll pay for.
I put together a Google Doc with a complete Loom script template you can use to start Upwork applications. All you have to do is swap in the client’s pain point and record a quick 60–90 second video.
This approach can land your first paying client within days not months.