Instead of conjecture, here's how I got started as a freelance dev, starting 6 months ago.
You need a decent portfolio site
Design and build in in WordPress or something similar. Prove your design chops here by having a well-design, functional, and more importantly clear message to potential customers. You want to let your customers have confidence. It doesn't have to be amazing. Mine certainly isn't. http://andrewheins.ca/
Your first job might be among your social circle
Mine was the Tae Kwon Do dojo I attended. They were paying WAY too much for hosting, so they let me make a site and change their hosting. They now pay 1/10th the hosting costs. Demo that site on your portfolio.
Next, you start bidding for work
FreelanceSwitch.com was the place that landed me the most work, but Craigslist and the bevy of other sites work well too. The ability to communicate clearly with your potential clients and bid within a reasonable range are key here.
Build your portfolio on low-end jobs
You will low-ball at first. That's ok. Raise your rates after each job. Quote by project, not by hour.
Find other freelancers with complementary skills
Being a dev, I latched on to a few designers who didn't want to have to code all their work. They can offer full solutions, I get paid. It's a great relationship.
Other than FreelanceSwitch and Craigslist, which sites do you use? I'm genuinely curious, as when we launch matchist.com at the end of the summer, I'm hoping it's on the list of places you can find quality work.
You need a decent portfolio site
Design and build in in WordPress or something similar. Prove your design chops here by having a well-design, functional, and more importantly clear message to potential customers. You want to let your customers have confidence. It doesn't have to be amazing. Mine certainly isn't. http://andrewheins.ca/
Your first job might be among your social circle
Mine was the Tae Kwon Do dojo I attended. They were paying WAY too much for hosting, so they let me make a site and change their hosting. They now pay 1/10th the hosting costs. Demo that site on your portfolio.
Next, you start bidding for work
FreelanceSwitch.com was the place that landed me the most work, but Craigslist and the bevy of other sites work well too. The ability to communicate clearly with your potential clients and bid within a reasonable range are key here.
Build your portfolio on low-end jobs
You will low-ball at first. That's ok. Raise your rates after each job. Quote by project, not by hour.
Find other freelancers with complementary skills
Being a dev, I latched on to a few designers who didn't want to have to code all their work. They can offer full solutions, I get paid. It's a great relationship.