How to get my first freelance client with no portfolio or experience?

Classic problem, here's how I broke it. (1) Create your own portfolio without waiting for clients, do 3-5 self-initiated projects, redesign a local brand's bad flyer, write sample articles, mock up work for imaginary or real local businesses. Nobody checks if these were 'paid', they just want to see you can do the work. (2) Start with your network, tell friends, family, your kawan who runs a small biz (mamak, salon, online shop) that you'll do their poster/website copy cheap or free for testimonial and portfolio. Malaysian small businesses always need this. (3) Deliver amazing work for those first few, get a testimonial and permission to show it. (4) Then list on local FB freelance groups, and platforms, with actual samples to show. On the 'market prefer cheap' point, yes low-end is a race to the bottom, so aim slightly above the cheapest and compete on reliability and communication, that's what wins repeat clients here. First client is the hardest, after 2-3 happy clients referrals start flowing. Just start producing work now, don't wait for permission.