01Job board
02Upwork
03Cold outreach
04Network
EcomTalent job board
Warmest leads
This is your highest priority channel. The brands posting here already trust the EcomTalent ecosystem — half the battle is already won. Apply to every relevant post the moment it goes up. Speed matters.
Lead temp
Hot
Start date
Mid May
Apply pace
Every post
Pitch format
Written + portfolio
How to approach each application
01
Read the brief properly before writing anything
Most applicants write a generic pitch. You write one that proves you read theirs. Mirror their language, reference their niche, mention something specific about their brand. Takes 10 minutes and separates you immediately.
02
Lead with your positioning line, then prove it fast
Open with your one-line pitch. Then immediately back it up — one concrete example from your work. Not a long paragraph. One sentence, one example, one link.
03
FunPunch as your anchor reference
Mention it early. "I've worked directly with FunPunch, a scaling e-com brand, and have a strong understanding of what actually converts." This is your credibility shortcut — use it on every application.
04
Portfolio link prominent, not buried
Don't make them scroll to find it. First or second paragraph, clean link, no excuses for not clicking. If your best work isn't immediately visible, you've lost them.
05
End with a specific, low-friction ask
Not "let me know if you're interested." Something like: "Happy to put together a sample concept for your brand before we talk — just let me know." Gives them a reason to reply that isn't a commitment.
Job board pitch template
Application pitch — job board
Adapt per brand
Hi [name if visible],
I combine 4+ years of high-attention visual editing with a strong understanding of social media psychology — I make ads built around why people stop scrolling, not just what looks good.
I've been working directly with [FunPunch / a scaling e-com brand in X niche] and have developed a sharp eye for what converts in [their niche]. My recent work covers [briefly mention relevant brands/niches from your bounty submissions].
Portfolio: [link]
I noticed [something specific about their brand / ad creative / offer] — I have a clear angle on how I'd approach your briefs and I'd love to show you rather than just tell you. Happy to put together a sample concept before we talk.
[Your name] Keep this under 200 words. Every word should earn its place. If you're going over, cut — don't explain more.
I combine 4+ years of high-attention visual editing with a strong understanding of social media psychology — I make ads built around why people stop scrolling, not just what looks good.
I've been working directly with [FunPunch / a scaling e-com brand in X niche] and have developed a sharp eye for what converts in [their niche]. My recent work covers [briefly mention relevant brands/niches from your bounty submissions].
Portfolio: [link]
I noticed [something specific about their brand / ad creative / offer] — I have a clear angle on how I'd approach your briefs and I'd love to show you rather than just tell you. Happy to put together a sample concept before we talk.
[Your name] Keep this under 200 words. Every word should earn its place. If you're going over, cut — don't explain more.
Do's and don'ts
Do
Apply within hours of a post going live
Reference something specific about their brand
Keep it short and confident
Offer a sample concept — low commitment ask
Refine your pitch after every non-response
Don't
Send the same pitch to every posting
Open with "I hope this finds you well"
List every skill you have — one strong angle wins
Apologise for being new or having a small portfolio
Follow up more than once if no reply
If you're applying and hearing nothing back after 2 weeks, the pitch isn't working — not the portfolio, not you. Rewrite the opening two lines and test again. The pitch is always the first variable to fix.
Upwork
Platform
Upwork is harder to break into without reviews but the volume of potential clients is enormous. Your first goal isn't the best rate — it's your first review. One strong review changes everything on this platform.
Lead temp
Cold
Start date
Mid May
Proposals/week
5–10
First goal
1 review
Setting up your profile
01
Title — be specific, not generic
Not "Video Editor" or "Social Media Marketer." Something like: "Performance Ad Creative | Video Editor & Creative Strategist for E-com Brands." Specific titles rank better and attract the right clients.
02
Overview — lead with results, not credentials
Open with the positioning line. Then explain what you do in plain terms. Then FunPunch. Then portfolio link. No fluff, no "passionate creative professional" language. Treat it like a pitch, not a CV.
03
Portfolio section — your best 4–6 pieces only
Don't upload everything. Pick the strongest work across the most different niches. Add a one-line description to each that explains the strategy behind the creative — not just what it looks like.
04
Rate — start slightly below where you want to be
You need that first review more than you need the extra money. Once you have 2–3 strong reviews you can raise your rate. Don't underprice yourself significantly — just enough to be competitive without reviews.
Upwork proposal template
Upwork proposal
Keep under 150 words
I noticed you're looking for [what they asked for — mirror their words].
I specialise in performance ad creative for e-com brands — combining high-attention visual editing with an understanding of social media psychology to make ads that actually stop the scroll.
I've worked directly with [FunPunch / scaling e-com brands] and have built a portfolio across [niches relevant to them].
Portfolio: [link]
I'd like to understand your current creative approach before I say too much — what's been working for you so far and where are you seeing drop-off? End with a question — it gets replies. People answer questions. They ignore pitches.
I specialise in performance ad creative for e-com brands — combining high-attention visual editing with an understanding of social media psychology to make ads that actually stop the scroll.
I've worked directly with [FunPunch / scaling e-com brands] and have built a portfolio across [niches relevant to them].
Portfolio: [link]
I'd like to understand your current creative approach before I say too much — what's been working for you so far and where are you seeing drop-off? End with a question — it gets replies. People answer questions. They ignore pitches.
Do's and don'ts
Do
Answer their question in the first line
End every proposal with a genuine question
Apply to jobs posted in last 24 hours only
Accept a lower first rate for a strong review
Over-deliver on the first job — reviews compound
Don't
Use Upwork's auto-generated proposals
Apply to jobs with 50+ proposals already
Mention you're new or building your profile
Write more than 150 words — they won't read it
Race to the bottom on price past a certain point
Upwork is a long game. Don't expect a response in the first week. Your first job might come in week 3 or week 4. What matters is consistent proposal volume and a profile that does its job when someone finally clicks it.
Cold outreach — direct to brands
Hardest — highest upside
Cold outreach has the lowest conversion rate and the highest reward. You pick the brands, you set the terms, you build the relationship from scratch. Requires the most research but gives you the most control.
Lead temp
Cold
Start date
Mid May
Brands/week
5+
Find brands via
Ads library
How to find the right brands
01
Facebook Ad Library — find brands actively spending
Search your niche. Filter for ads running 30+ days — that means the brand is actively investing in paid creative and has budget. A brand running one ad for a week is not your target. A brand with 10+ active ads is.
02
TikTok Creative Center — find what's performing
Use it to identify brands whose ads are trending. If they're spending on TikTok, they're serious. If their creative looks weak or repetitive, that's your in — you can see a gap before you even reach out.
03
Instagram and TikTok — find mid-size brands in your niche
Look for brands with 50k–500k followers, regular posting, and active ad creative. Too small and they have no budget. Too large and they have a full in-house team. The mid-size sweet spot is your target.
04
Find the decision maker — not the brand inbox
Email the brand's generic inbox and it goes nowhere. Find the founder, CMO or head of marketing on LinkedIn. DM them directly on Instagram or Twitter if they're active. A human connection beats a contact form every time.
Cold DM / email template
Cold outreach — DM or email
Personalise every single one
Hey [name],
I've been following [brand] for a while — [one specific genuine observation about their brand, product or current ads].
I'm a performance ad creative specialising in e-com — I combine visual editing with social media psychology to build ads around why people actually stop scrolling. I've worked with [FunPunch / brands in your niche].
I put together a quick concept for [their brand] based on what I'm seeing in your current creative — would it be useful if I sent it over?
[Your name] The "I put together a concept" line is the key. It's a low-friction ask and it shows you've already done work for them — before they've paid you a penny. Most people don't do this. That's why it works.
I've been following [brand] for a while — [one specific genuine observation about their brand, product or current ads].
I'm a performance ad creative specialising in e-com — I combine visual editing with social media psychology to build ads around why people actually stop scrolling. I've worked with [FunPunch / brands in your niche].
I put together a quick concept for [their brand] based on what I'm seeing in your current creative — would it be useful if I sent it over?
[Your name] The "I put together a concept" line is the key. It's a low-friction ask and it shows you've already done work for them — before they've paid you a penny. Most people don't do this. That's why it works.
Do's and don'ts
Do
Research every brand before reaching out
Lead with something specific — show you've looked
Offer a free concept — it removes risk for them
Target brands whose ads look weak or repetitive
Follow up once, 5–7 days later, then move on
Don't
Send mass identical messages
Pitch in the first message — ask, don't tell
Target brands with polished in-house teams
Follow up more than twice
Mention your rate before they ask
5 cold outreaches a week is 30 over 6 weeks. If your conversion is even 5% that's 1–2 serious conversations. One of those becomes a retainer. The math works if the volume is there and the message is good.
Network — FunPunch & cousin
Warmest of all
You have a genuine unfair advantage here. Most people starting out have nobody vouching for them. Your cousin has two years of real results in this exact space and has offered to back you. Use it properly — don't waste it.
How to use this properly
01
Have the formal conversation with your cousin in Phase 2
Sit down properly. Agree the exact title, dates, and scope of what you did for FunPunch. Get it confirmed in writing — even a WhatsApp message counts. You need to be able to reference it confidently without it feeling vague.
02
Ask him to introduce you directly to anyone he knows
He's been in this community for two years. He knows media buyers, brand owners, other creative strategists. One warm introduction from him is worth twenty cold DMs from you. Ask him explicitly — don't hint.
03
Use the EcomTalent community actively
You're paying for this community. The Discord, the weekly calls, the connections — use all of it. Introduce yourself properly. Engage on other people's work. Be visible. People hire people they recognise from the community first.
04
Set up LinkedIn in Phase 2 — one afternoon, no excuses
Creative Strategist / Performance Ad Creative. FunPunch listed under experience. EcomTalent noted. Portfolio link in the header. A clean LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake — when someone Googles you after a pitch, this is what they find.
05
Don't over-rely on this channel
The network gets you in the door. Your work keeps you there. Don't use your cousin's backing as a substitute for a strong portfolio — it's a multiplier, not a replacement. The worst outcome is getting a retainer through him and then underdelivering.
Do's and don'ts
Do
Ask your cousin directly for introductions
Be visible and engaged in the Discord
Get LinkedIn live before you start outreaching
Reference FunPunch confidently — it's legitimate
Over-deliver if you get work through this channel
Don't
Rely on your cousin to sell you for you
Be passive in the community — lurking doesn't build a reputation
Use the network as an excuse not to cold outreach
Underdeliver on a referral — it reflects on him too
Leave LinkedIn until after you start outreaching
The network is your head start, not your finish line. Every person in EcomTalent is a potential collaborator, referral, or client. The people who get the most out of these communities are the ones who give the most first — feedback, ideas, engagement. Start doing that now, not in May.