How To Become A Freelancer — Beginners Guide (2024) (2024)

Whether you want to make money in your free time by starting a side hustle orbreaking free from the confines of a 9-to-5 job, this free guide onhow to become a freelanceris going to be easy to understand and highly informative.
If you’re only here for fun and are not taking this seriously, I suggest finding something else to read. Pay close attention until the end, and don’t skip anything.
Believe me, as a freelance writer, developer, anddigital marketing expertfor the past five+ years, I am well-equipped to help youmake money as a freelancer.
I’ve come across several online posts written by authors who have never made a single dollar fromfreelancing or working online, yet they try to teach you.
Here ismy Freelancer profile. If you want to look for it, that’s just one way to make money as a freelancer.
Let’s delve into ‘how to become a freelancer’ in detail in this 5-step beginner’s guide.
Freelancer Earning Proof. Image Source: Freelancer.comWhy Freelancing?Before delving into ‘how to become a freelancerwith your heart and soul,’ it’s necessary to understand how lucrative freelancing can be for you.
Yes, I don’t want you to give up so soon.
5 Best Reasons to Start Freelancing:

  1. Flexibility of time and job— work for desired clients on your own terms.
  2. Higher Pay ($10 to $800/hr)— set your own project fee or hourly rate, often higher than office jobs.
  3. Faster growth— exponentially increase earnings as your reputation grows, unlike traditional jobs.
  4. Referral income— satisfied clients offer new jobs and refer you to others.
  5. Be your own boss, set your own rules.

How To Become A Freelancer?Freelancing isn’t as hard as believed.My first clientwas a Filipino book writer in 2017 who needed a website before her book launch. You don’t have to be a web developer to become a freelancer.

  1. Learn an In-Demand Skill for Freelancing
  2. List Your Services on Freelancing Websites
  3. Promote Your Freelancing Services in Different Ways
  4. Get Hired and Build Your Portfolio of Work
  5. Engage, Build a Community, and Make Money
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  7. The Bottom Line

We will discuss all of the above7 steps to become a freelancerin detail. Don’t miss any part of this post.
Are you ready? Here we go !!
1. Learn an In-Demand Skill for FreelancingWhether you want to sell online or offline, you will need products.
Similarly, for a freelancer, their differentskills based services they offer, are the products that help them make money.
Any beginner with basic computer skillscan be a virtual assistant, data entry expert, or freelance customer support executive.
However, to excel andmake up to $1000 per hour, you need high-demand andhigh-paying skills.
Freelancing sites likeFiverr, Upwork, and otherscan help you find the right skills you may need.
Here are a few high-paying skills you can learn in the next 30 days and bring in good money (No coding skills required):

  1. WordPress web designing
  2. Content writing
  3. Video editing
  4. Facebook And Google Ads
  5. Graphics designing

Though it will take some time to master, with the supervision of an expert like (choose someone you prefer), you will never have a problem learning and making money.
Great! I will save this post for future reference andsubscribe to never miss an updateabout tips and tricks on freelancing.
If you want to learn any skills of your choice or if you already have certain skills that are in demand or want to sell, let’s jump to the next step.
2. List Your Services on Freelancing WebsitesNow, you know what kind of freelancing services you wish to sell to potential employers who are happy to pay for them.
Freelancing sites are the quickest ways to build a portfolio and acquire clients if you don’t want to spend money on PPC search ads.
But what if you don’t know how much to charge?
Honestly, I would suggest that as a beginner, you shouldcharge 40 to 50% of what your peers chargefor the same kind of services on any freelancing platform.
So basically, I would suggest registering on freelancing websites likeUpwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and several others that I have shared in my list of 21 secret websites.
The process tends to be quite easy and almost free on every platform.

  1. Register on any Freelancing platform.
  2. Complete your profile details and skills as requested.
  3. List your services.
  4. Start bidding on projects or promote yourself outside the platform.
  5. Get hired.

Here is a complete guide onhow to create a freelancing profileon a top-rated freelancing network calledUpwork.
In a similar way, I would suggest creating a profile and listing your freelancing services on a few very popularfreelancing sites like Fiverr.
3. Promote Your Freelancing Services in Different WaysUnlike 9 to 5 jobs, it’s easy to make big unlimited money as a freelancer. However, it can be hard tofind your first clientand consistently make money to run a profitable side hustle.
Yes, freelancing can be your side hustle, but creating a profile on a freelancing site and listing services alone won’t guarantee good money.
You need to have a better marketing plan. The more people (businesses) you reach out to and the more bids employers read, the higher your chances of consistently getting projects.
But the hard and fast reality is that you need better marketing for this.
You can follow the following quick guide to get your first freelancing client, or you can availmy paid consulting services here:
1. Bid on more and more projects (send proposals) on freelancing sites.
2. Find businesses with needs and send them an email offering your help.
3. Run ads on Facebook and Google to generate leads.
4. Try influencer marketing.
5. Send cold direct messages on different social media accounts to individuals or businesses that may need your services.
Remember, not everyone will have the same needs. If someone has a business, they may need a website or a professional email address.
On freelancing platforms, it’s easy to find projects that you can deliver, but on Google or social media, you need to find the right prospects for yourself.
4. Get Hired and Build Your Portfolio of WorkEarlier, I have shared several secret tips and powerful ways to start and get your first freelancing project.
But for anyone who wants to learn “how to become a freelancer,” it’s important to focus on building a portfolio (online reputation) that tells potential employers how good you are in your skills and assures them that they will get satisfactory work.
Trust is really important in the freelancing business, and the more 5-star ratings you collect on your freelancing profile on any platform, the better you can grow and make money.
It’s like having a certificate that proves you are qualified and have good grades.
To build a good reputation, simply follow this process:

  • Get hired and deliver the work as expected.
  • Never over-charge or ask for extra money.
  • After completing the work, encourage the employer to leave a good review.
  • If they forget to do so, you can politely ask them to leave a review on the project.
  • Complete more and more projects and aim tomaintain a rating of 4 and above out of 5 on your freelancer profile.

If you have not been hired through any freelancing platform, make sure to ask for a video review (testimonial), and you can showcase the project on your own website (if you don’t have one, you should create one).
5. Engage, Build a Community, and Make MoneyRemember, there are many posts on the internet filled with generic advice abouthow to become a freelancerthat don’t work, but I have years of experience as a freelancer and don’t want you to fail.
I can be your personal coach to help you earn $2000 to $10000 a month. You cancontact me here, but as long as you are reading this article, you should already have the clarity.
More than getting hired and making money, it’s important to make your clients feel extremely delighted and honoured to work with you.
The more professionally you addressand reply to the project requests, and the more you reach out to your clients with different offers and best wishes, the stronger bond you will be able to build.
Clients will love to pay you higher and hire you again and again instead of looking for other freelancers.
Keep in mind that if you want to become a successful freelancer, focus on a few related niches and build a community that loves you, believes in you, and works with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)It’s time to answer a few commonly asked questions, which will make it a lot easier for you to decide whether you should become a freelancer, earn online, or remain happy in your 9 to 5 job.
👉 What is freelancing and how does it work?
Freelancing is the newest and most popular way to make money from the comfort of your home or anywhere you like, with an internet connection and a PC to work on different projects on your terms for clients across the globe.
In this exclusive guide “How to Become a Freelancer,” we have already covered in detail how freelancing works and how you can make good money as a freelancer.
Just read the entire free guide (Above)!
👉How to start freelancing with no skills?
Anyone can become a freelancer with basic computer skills and the right coach to guide you. There are different kinds of work that you can do as a beginner with any kind of specialized skills, such as data entry, link building, social media management, virtual assistant, and similar small tasks that take less than a week to master.
👉 Types of freelancing jobs?
By 2023, the global freelance market economy is likely toreach $455 billion USD, and that’s why there are endless opportunities for you.
As a freelancer, you can provide a wide range of services such as:

  1. Web designing
  2. Digital marketing
  3. Content writing
  4. Virtual assistant
  5. Data entry
  6. CAD/CAM designing
  7. UI/UX programming

There are over 200 types of jobs that you can find on various freelancing platforms or work on as a freelancer.
👉 Best freelancing websites?
Some of the best freelancing websites are:

  1. Upwork (www.upwork.com)
  2. Freelancer (www.freelancer.com)
  3. Fiverr (www.fiverr.com)
  4. Guru (www.guru.com)
  5. Toptal (www.toptal.com)
  6. PeoplePerHour (www.peopleperhour.com)
  7. 99designs (www.99designs.com)
  8. Remote.co (www.remote.co)
  9. Simply Hired (www.simplyhired.com)
  10. FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com)

Please note that the popularity and quality of freelancing platforms can change over time, soI recommend checking recent reviews and rankings to find the best platforms currently available.

How To Become A Freelancer — Beginners Guide (2024) (2024)

FAQs

How To Become A Freelancer — Beginners Guide (2024)? ›

You're in control of your Income

According to Upwork industry research, 60% of freelancers who left a full-time job to become a freelancer make more money than they did in their previous jobs. If you're looking to be more in control over your income, you may want to consider freelancing.

How to start freelancing in 2024? ›

Regardless of your approach, the seven steps listed below will guide you past many of the common hurdles that new freelancers face.
  1. 1) Define your service & offering. ...
  2. 2) Find your target audience. ...
  3. 3) Develop a pricing structure. ...
  4. 4) Create your portfolio with past jobs. ...
  5. 5) Write a great proposal.

How to start freelancing as a beginner? ›

How to Start Freelancing (Even When Working Full-Time)
  1. Choose what you're passionate about.
  2. Consider some best second jobs you can take on without experience.
  3. Don't work for exposure.
  4. Work on your freelance skills.
  5. Work on additional skills.

How do I start myself as a freelancer? ›

How to start a freelance business: 8 steps
  1. Define your area of expertise. It's time to pick an idea. ...
  2. Determine what you want from your business. ...
  3. Define your target audience. ...
  4. Set realistic and measurable goals. ...
  5. Determine your prices. ...
  6. Build a fantastic web portfolio. ...
  7. Market your services. ...
  8. Strategically choose your first client.
May 1, 2023

Is it good to start freelancing in 2024? ›

You're in control of your Income

According to Upwork industry research, 60% of freelancers who left a full-time job to become a freelancer make more money than they did in their previous jobs. If you're looking to be more in control over your income, you may want to consider freelancing.

Which skill is in demand in freelancing? ›

18 Most In-Demand Freelance Skills in 2024
  • 1) Data Science.
  • 2) Data Analytics.
  • 3) Cyber Security.
  • 4) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • 5) Online Tutoring.
  • 6) Social Media Marketing.
  • 7) Graphic Designing.
  • 8) Application Development.

Is freelancing tough for beginners? ›

Freelancing can be a tough job in many ways. Freelancing is not a ticket to an easy life. It comes with perks, but it also has pitfalls. Some people can handle these well, while some can not.

Which work is best for beginner freelancer? ›

Freelance Jobs for Beginners
  1. Freelance Writer. With the expansion of the World Wide Web, opportunities for freelance writers have also grown exponentially. ...
  2. Blogger. ...
  3. Editor/Proofreader. ...
  4. Transcriptionist. ...
  5. Online Teacher. ...
  6. Graphic Designer. ...
  7. Virtual Assistant (VA) ...
  8. Photographer.
Dec 16, 2023

How to become a freelancer in 30 days with no experience? ›

Here are some tips on how to become a successful freelancer in 30 days:
  1. Define your niche and target market. The first step is to define your niche or area of expertise. ...
  2. Build your personal brand. ...
  3. Find clients. ...
  4. Manage your time and finances. ...
  5. Improve your skills.
Sep 21, 2023

How do freelancers do taxes? ›

Step 1: Know filing basics

With most freelance income, you report it on Form 1040 Schedule C, as part of your personal tax return. Starting with the 2023 tax season, payment platforms and marketplaces such as Venmo, PayPal and Etsy must now report to the IRS every user who earned more than $600 through the site or app.

What is a niche in freelancing? ›

What Is a Niche? In freelance writing, a niche is an area you choose to specialize in. This could be a particular subject matter, such as travel or medicine, or a certain format, like blog posts or journal articles.

Which is the best website for freelancing? ›

Here are our top 16 freelance websites to choose from:
  • Fiverr.
  • Toptal.
  • Jooble.
  • Freelancer.com.
  • Upwork.
  • Flexjobs.
  • SimplyHired.
  • Guru.
Mar 1, 2024

Can you live off being a freelancer? ›

One of the best ways to work that gig hustle is to network like a pro. The truth is that it is possible to earn a good living as a freelancer if you're willing to put in the time and energy to make it happen.

Is there a future in freelancing? ›

Freelancing continues to grow as a professional career, with millions of professionals providing value to clients in professions ranging from calligraphy to quantum physics. But it's time for resourcing leaders – both freelance and traditional - to recognize that the future beckons a closer relationship.

What is the best age to start freelancing? ›

There is no specific age limit for freelancing, but you must be at least 18 years old to enter into a legally binding contract. If you are under 18, you may still be able to work as a freelancer as long as you have a parent or guardian's permission and supervision.

Is it possible to make a living freelancing? ›

Thirty-six percent of Americans earn their living by freelancing, and that number is steadily increasing, making it more important than ever to make sure you are doing the things you need to do to get your fair share of all the lucrative freelance work out there.

What is the average age of freelancers? ›

Currently, 60% of Indian freelancers are under the age of 30 years, and the average income of freelancers across India is INR 20 lakh per annum and 23% of them make over INR 40 lakh per annum.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6475

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.