Create a demo that will show a lot of instant proof in no time. It takes time, but if you can land a gig, why not? I made one demo and got the offer without any questions at all.
Some clients will pay just to build things for the sake of building. I’ve run into this multiple times now, and I get paid every single time.
If you’re getting paid, and you know why and how you got paid, you’re on the right path.