Create free spec work for trending brands to ride conversation waves and demonstrate expertise publicly
Identify brands that are already trending in your niche and create high-quality spec work (redesigns, analyses, strategies) for them. Post publicly to ride the existing conversation wave - people are already talking about these brands, so your work gets more organic reach. The brand may not respond, but their audience will notice your expertise and book calls.
When to use
When you have expertise but no reputation, portfolio, or clients. Especially effective for design, marketing, and consulting services where demonstrating skill matters more than credentials.
Don't do this
Creating spec work for unknown brands (no conversation to ride), or brands you don't want as clients. Doing one piece and expecting immediate results instead of making it a repeatable campaign.
2 Founders Who Did This
Created free redesigns for trending brands Atlantic, Boat, and Acquisition.com (Alex Hormozi) and posted them publicly on X where target clients spend time
Created 3 free videos for All-In Podcast persistently - first woke them up, second got them curious, third led to hiring