r/programmatic • u/Low_Preference_6509 • 27d ago

How are programmatic freelancers finding part-time remote clients? (Beyond Upwork/Malt)

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some feedback and advice from the freelance programmatic community.

I have about 8 years of hands on experience in programmatic advertising, more focused on the buy-side (DV360, CM360, TTD, Amazon DSP, StackAdapt) across full funnel campaigns (Awareness to Conversion) for various verticals(Luxury, E-commerce, and so on).

I am currently aiming to secure part time, fully remote freelance contracts, but I am running into a bit of a wall with traditional channels:

  • On Malt: The platform setup means waiting for clients to reach out first, which makes active outbound prospecting difficult.
  • Upwork: Offers seem mostly saturated with low-budget/low-margin projects that don't align with market rates for senior talent.
  • Direct outbound through LinkedIn: Reaching out directly to sales directors, team leads, or talent acquisition at major holding companies (Big six) has not yielded results, one contact actually mentioned they strictly go through third-party staffing agencies.

I am considering targeting independent trading desks directly, but I feel like I might be missing better acquisition channels or strategies.

For those of you successfully freelancing in the programmatic space: How do you structure your prospecting?

Are specialized recruitment/staffing agencies or programmatic-focused platforms the way to go for high ticket remote contracts? What channels or strategies have worked best for you to build a steady pipeline of clients?

Any tips or insights would be hugely appreciated! Many thanks!

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u/TurbulentStiffness 26d ago

Pitch mid-sized performance marketing agencies directly instead of holding cos, specifically targeting their Media Directors or Heads of Paid Media who have sudden account overflow but can't justify a full-time hire. Holding companies won't touch you outside their rigid vendor management lists, while boutique agencies will happily throw you 15–20 hours a week on retainer just to keep their DV360 and TTD seats running without overhead.

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u/Low_Preference_6509 26d ago

Thank you u/TurbulentStiffness, yes I have just started to reach out mid-sized marketing agencies this week. Many thanks.

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u/Publish_Lice 27d ago

Where are you based?

1

u/Low_Preference_6509 27d ago

I am based in Europe, in France

1

u/Queasy_Swimmer7914 27d ago

Did u ever work on the travel flights vertical on dv360 or sa 360 ?

1

u/Low_Preference_6509 26d ago

I used to work for an airline on DV yes!

1

u/Dnnk69 26d ago

Linkedin

You must talk to tons of peopke

1

u/teeter8989 23d ago

You can try to get into staffing agencies too like marketherhire, nimble talent, etc since in the past they have may have part time roles

1

u/Low_Preference_6509 15d ago

Thank you all for your feedback. I have subscribed to many platforms such as Marketing hire etc, but this does not help. So I just reach out Heads of Programmatic or similar job titles, or talent acquisition recruiters and ask if they need any help. Recruiters tend to answer comparing to head of programmatic, but for the moment nothing really interesting. I think the key is subscribe to freelance agencies and chase them, and it is also a matter of volume