Most agency owners and freelancers are still relying on cold DMs and hoping for referrals. Here's what's actually working right now:

1. Loom audits → booked calls

Pick 10 prospects. Record a 3-minute Loom showing exactly what you'd fix on their site/ads/funnel. Send it with zero pitch — just "thought this might help." Conversion rate on these is insane because you're leading with proof, not promises.

2. Build in public on X/LinkedIn

Document client results (with permission), share your process, and post your actual frameworks. You're not "creating content" — you're building a portfolio that sells for you 24/7. One viral post = months of inbound.

3. Strategic partnerships over cold outreach

Find someone who serves your exact ICP but isn't a competitor. Web designer? Partner with a copywriter. SEO agency? Partner with a dev shop. You trade referrals and both win.

The common thread: all three are about demonstrating value before asking for anything.

I break down plays like this every week inside The Growth Memo. It's free — come hang.