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How to Start Freelancing

Tired of searching “how to start freelancing for beginners”? Don’t know where to begin when thinking about starting a freelance career? Then you should read this guide. I wrote this as a comprehensive tutorial for new freelancers on how to get started. 

This guide will help you begin your freelance career, whether you wish to work as a writer, web designer, or developer. I need to make a few clarifications before you continue.

Contrary to what you would believe, freelancing is far more difficult. Some people think everyone with laptops and internet access can work from home. It’s untrue, though. 

To succeed as a freelancer, you must work hard, practice, learn, and enhance your talents. Only if you’re prepared to put in the necessary effort to fulfill your desire to work for yourself and enjoy financial independence should you continue reading.

Before getting into the main content, let’s understand what freelancing is first.

Enough searching “how to start freelancing for beginners” on google. Let’s get started now.

What Is Freelancing?

Working as a self-employed individual for various clients is known as freelancing. Most freelancers possess one or two particular skills they might employ to gain financial freedom.

For instance, a freelancer might blog and create guest posts for other websites. You have control over your career when you work for yourself. Work can be done either full- or part-time. 

You choose the prices. Moreover, you promote yourself to draw in potential clients. Although some may agree to hourly or daily pay with a client, freelancers frequently charge on a per-project basis. Learning how to be a freelancer and starting a successful freelance carrier can make you a good income.

Additionally, gig workers are liable for paying self-employment tax because they are engaged as self-employed freelancers.

The duration of freelancing is frequently brief. A contract for recurrent services, such as weekly blogging, may exist. 

However, unlike the 40-hour workweek typical of professions that pay wages, assignments are often handled by project. As long as jobs are finished on time, freelancers can work whenever they choose. Read below to find out how to become a freelancer.

How To Start Freelancing For Beginners With No Experience

Follow these 10 steps to become exceptional at freelancing. 

Step 1. Get The Right Tools

Getting yourself a laptop or an old computer would do the task before you decide to start working online.

Step 2. Choose A Valuable Skill

The second and most crucial stage is to identify a skill you can use to provide a service.

Step 3. Improve Your Skills

As soon as you identify a valuable skill, confirm that you can provide a service using it. In other words, if you want to be paid for what you do, you have to be exceptionally good at it.

Step 4. Develop Your Reputation

Showcase a portion of your work. If necessary, start off by working for free. Contact blogs that allow guest posting if you are a writer. Make a few concept designs. Work on improving your reputation no matter what it is.

Step 5. A Portfolio Is A Must

Create a portfolio as soon as you begin to establish your reputation to collect all of your published and active work in one place.

Step 6. Try Working Freelance Part-Time

Try freelancing part-time if you’re unsure of whether it’s the proper career route for you.

Step 7. Find The Best Platform For Freelancers

We have mentioned below the best freelancing sites to work in. Check them out.

Step 8. Set The Right Price

It can be difficult to determine how much to charge for your services. Since clients won’t even consider hiring you if you request the incorrect price, so choose the right price.

Step 9. Submit Your First Proposal

It’s not the same as writing a regular email or a social media post. You need to give it some serious thought and come up with a strategy for getting your client to hire you over all the other freelancers.

Step 10. Deliver More Than Expected

Discover a way to perform work that is beyond expectations. And become adept at standing out from the crowd. That is the only way to establish a successful freelance career.

What Are The Best Freelancing Sites?

Freelancing Sites to Start Freelancing for Beginners

1. Upwork

A website called Upwork brings together clients and freelancers from all around the world.

The platform offers various categories, from customer service and bookkeeping to web design and software development.

Clients can opt to post a job and employ talent or purchase a predefined service from the project catalog. There are several ways for clients and freelancers to interact. Similarly, freelancers can use the job board to post an available service.

Related: Top 10 Easy and Legit Jobs on Upwork for Beginners

2. Freelancer.com

Another freelance website where experts and businesses from across the world work together on different tasks is Freelancer.com. Clients can locate any type of expert with ease because of the large range of expertise available.

You can register as a freelancer or a company owner. You must submit a brief registration form to register as a freelancer. Give specific details about your qualifications, training, and employment history.

In addition to projects, numerous contests, such as design or visual work are also available. These competitions can help freelancers by giving them the chance to win cash and get positive feedback for their work.

3. Jooble

Jooble is a search engine for job openings that gathers information from more than 140,000 sources globally, including business websites, online job boards, platforms for independent contractors, social media, and classified ads.

Jooble centralizes the process of seeking freelance opportunities, which has the substantial benefit of saving you time from having to browse numerous online job boards and freelancing sites.

Jooble only allows you to search for employment in a specific area. You can choose from a list of cities on the homepage to find jobs only available in that area of your nation.

4. Toptal

Toptal is a website for an independent freelance that links businesses with highly skilled experts in their fields. There are many different types of freelancers on Toptal, including product managers, web designers, and finance consultants.

The screening procedure for freelancers applying to Toptal consists of five steps, starting with a thorough English evaluation and ending with a project review. This procedure guarantees that only the top 3% reach the platform.

Once you’ve completed all the processes, you’ll have access to various job ads from reputable clients and businesses, including Motorola and Airbnb. The application procedure will be placed on hold for a few months if you don’t pass the test, though.

5. Fiverr

Fiverr is a marketplace that links freelancers with companies searching for help with various digital projects, such as website design, content creation, and voice-overs.

The communication between business owners and freelancers is simplified by this website for freelancers. Be aware that on the platform, business owners are referred to as buyers, freelancers are referred to as sellers, and their services are referred to as gigs.

Sellers can sign up for free, post their gigs, and decide their prices instead of placing bids. Buyers can simply browse through the many categories while waiting to purchase.

Related: How To Make Money On Fiverr – Ultimate Guide for Beginners

What Are The Most In-Demand Skills For Freelancing?

Most In-Demand Skills to start freelancing

1. Accounting And Bookkeeping 

Businesses without a full-time accountant’s needs or desires can benefit significantly from hiring freelance bookkeepers. 

Although skilled bookkeepers typically charge $37 per hour, outsourcing the task frees up business owners’ time so they can concentrate on what matters—running their company.

2. Video Production 

Another skill set that is simple for freelancers to learn through online tutorials is video production, which includes filming video content and editing. 

However, because this expertise is specialized, it has several advantages. Aspiring video professionals use their phones to create high-quality videos for YouTube or other channels before upgrading to more advanced equipment as they develop their skills.

3. Data Analytics 

Most business leaders lack the time necessary to study data analytics. The ability to advertise as a freelance data analyst exposes one to various business models. Data analysts generally employ quantitative and qualitative abilities to aid firms in decision-making.

Freelancers with this skill set can earn between $62,000 and $99,000 per year thanks to their ability to interpret the data and create a strong narrative.

4. eCommerce 

SEO, copywriting, and even web development are some of the categories under which eCommerce skills lie.

There are additional fundamental competencies unique to eCommerce, such as understanding how to manage inventories and complete orders (or put those systems in place). The opportunities for freelancers are endless with this skill set.

5. Website Development 

Web developers build the backend and frontend technology that a website needs to function, while website designers design the website’s appearance and feel.

Website development is just as crucial as website design, but because coding expertise is required, developers expect even more pay. 

The average annual income for a web developer, according to recent studies, is $69,000. In contrast, the average yearly salary for a web designer is $57,000.

6. Social Media Marketing 

Due to the specialized skill set required for success, competent social media managers are difficult to come by. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media sites are used by social media marketers.

Freelance social media marketers take on work for numerous clients at once, balancing community management and copywriting tasks.

7. Graphic Design 

Graphic designers create visual concepts like:

  • Website graphics
  • Postcards
  • Flyers

Some graphic designers double as illustrators, using sophisticated software to produce stunning layouts, fonts, and visual components. The average income for graphic designers is $25 per hour.

8. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 

As the search engine market gets increasingly more competitive, SEO experts are in high demand. 

The fact that the environment is continually changing makes mastering SEO techniques the best thing ever. This implies that experts who use their technical expertise and skill set stand to benefit from lucrative contracts.

For freelancers who desire to launch their businesses, SEO consulting frequently results in full-time employment.

9. Copywriting

There is no scarcity of work for talented and professional writers to find in the field of copywriting, which is generally categorized as writing and editing.

The average rate for copywriters is $33 per hour, but specializing even more—in technical writing or UX copywriting, for example—gets you higher money per project.

10. Website Design 

In today’s digital economy, web design is a crucial skill. This industry will expand during the next ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics prediction of a 13% rise in employment availability.

Layouts for websites on desktop and mobile platforms are made and updated by web designers. Web development may be another area of work for certain designers.

What Are The Highest-Paying Freelance Jobs?

1. Web Developer 

Average Earnings: $35/hour

Website design and development is the job of web developers, who are also in charge of a site’s aesthetics and usability. Web developers will build code, use computer languages, include visuals and music, and meet with clients to review demands.

2. Technical Writer

Average Earnings: $41/hour

The best pay is typically reserved for technical writers with years of experience and relevant qualifications. By creating instruction manuals, guides, journals, and documents, this job contributes to a better understanding of complicated and technical material.

3. Software Developer

Average Earnings: $42/hour

This position, among the most prevalent and well-paying freelance positions, entails designing and developing software programs through coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting. It’s common to need experience with XML, PHP, and HTML. You can get paid more if you have a good portfolio of prior work.

4. PR Manager

Average Earnings: $52/hour

The public image of a company or customer is maintained by PR managers. This can be accomplished in several methods, including managing social media, writing and distributing press releases, and collaborating with media sources. Usually, five years of experience or more are required to function as a PR manager.

5. Graphic Designer

Average Earnings: $36/hour

Experienced graphic designers can obtain well-paying freelancing positions. In this position, visual content is produced for films, advertisements, websites, and packaging. 

6. Copywriter

Average Earnings: $38/hour

For marketing and advertising campaigns, skilled copywriters will create the copy. They could also write taglines, emails, newsletters, articles, and ebooks. A copywriter can command the best salary if they are knowledgeable about SEO and have a solid portfolio when applying to remote employment.

Related: How To Find A High-Paying Copywriting Job As A Beginner?

7. Account Executive

Average Earnings: $43/hour

Account executives cultivate relationships with new accounts and try to expand the range of commercial prospects available to both clients and businesses. 

In addition to handling requests for proposals, this position might offer sales quotes. Freelancers will be paid more if they have a track record of success and some experience.

8. Accountant

Average Earnings: $38/hour

Accountants keep track of financial transactions and record them. Common responsibilities include managing ledger accounts, providing financial reports, and creating balance sheets and P&L statements. A bachelor’s degree is necessary, and earning your CPA certification will increase your earning potential.

9. Professor

Average Earnings: $41/hour

Professors can now obtain well-paying freelance work to instruct one class or to instruct continuously, thanks to the expansion of online education and eLearning platforms. 

These roles are frequently virtual. In addition to planning course curricula, offering support, evaluating student progress, and other duties, a professor frequently needs a master’s degree.

How Can I Learn Skills For Freelancing From Home?

You can learn almost any freelance skills at home from the sites mentioned below.

1. YouTube

Any topic you want to learn about is currently available on YouTube. It is a free tool that enables you to search channels for subjects that interest you.

There are more than 6,000 channels in the category of science and education. There are almost 2000 DIYers. If you’re on a tight budget, this is one of the best free online learning resources.

2. ALISON

Technology, languages, science, financial literacy, soft skills, entrepreneurship, and a wide range of other topics are covered in ALISON’s extensive library of free, in-depth seminars. 

It is aimed at all learners, including managers, professionals, teachers, and freelancers. To find the courses most relevant to you, you may also search by the career you currently have or would like to have.

3. Udemy

For students on a tight budget, Udemy has a lot to offer, including free classes taught by professionals, academics, businesspeople, and experts, as well as regular discounts and offers on its paid courses. Along with taking classes in technology, business, design, and marketing, you may also look into options for productivity, health, hobbies, lifestyle, and the arts.

4. Coursera

The best place to go is Coursera if you want to enroll in college-level courses without paying the hefty expense of college tuition. This website offers fantastic classes in various subjects, including psychology, history, and literature, as well as professional development and work skills.

And professors from prestigious universities like Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and a host of others all devised and taught these courses. 

You can audit thousands of courses on Coursera for no cost, or you can enroll in the entire course and receive a certificate for as little as $29. You can do so for less than $50 a month if you wish to obtain one of their “professional credentials” or “specializations.”

5. Skillshare

If you just have 15 minutes a day, you may still learn something new thanks to Skillshare’s “bite-sized” programs. 

It offers more than 27,000 free and paid classes on writing, technology, the visual arts, productivity, and entrepreneurship. You can test out Skillshare for seven days for free (enough time to finish a few quick courses), after which it will run you roughly $14 per month.

6. Codecademy

You can learn how to code for free using Codecademy. Every programming language includes JavaScript, Ruby, HTML, CSS, and Python.

7. Pluralsight

After signing up for Pluralsight (or using its free trial! ), you’ll get access to classes on a variety of subjects, including CAD software, cybersecurity, 3D programming, visual effects, design, game design, and web design.

8. Udacity

With a focus on software development, Udacity provides online courses in coding, data science, web development, and other technical fields, including product management, marketing, and cybersecurity. For those who wish to become experts in a field or seek a full-time career in technology, the website also offers a nano degree program—albeit at a greater cost.

Freelancing VS Doing A Regular Job: Which Is Better? Why?

Is freelancing better than doing a regular job or vise versa? Let’s find out. To help you decide, we will compare working a regular job with freelancing in many areas.

Motivation

You get motivation extremely systematically when you work for one company. Each year, you receive performance reviews that determine whether you will receive a bonus, incentive, promotion, or pay to raise the following year.

Freelancers need to be motivated. They are responsible for making all of their marketing, contract negotiations, and customer acquisition. To stay on top of things, they should constantly continue to put themselves out there and schedule their own time.

Stability vs Flexibility

It is easier for full-time employees to budget for the future because they have the security of an employment contract, a consistent work schedule, and a steady salary.

Freelancers are not compensated for any days off, and there is frequently no assurance that they will have work the next week or day. 

They have unpredictable income fluctuations. However, they are free to work whenever and however they like, in the comfort of their own home, a coffee shop, or even at night. 

Their schedule is set by them. Additionally, if they can fulfill the deadlines, they can provide services to many companies simultaneously and charge extra.

Office Politics

There aren’t always office politics, but there will almost always be power or personality conflicts to deal with in many businesses.

Due to their independence from a company, freelancers are exempt from office politics. They have several bosses in different firms, which typically helps in their ability to remain impartial to office politics.

Benefits vs Struggle

A few of the major benefits of a regular job are listed here. They have access to benefits like medical coverage, paid time off for illness and injury, parental leave, PF, and retirement plans. Additionally, businesses frequently offer free training that helps in your skill development.

Freelancers work alone. They must establish their retirement plans, get their health insurance, and not receive any paid time off while on leave. They are also accountable for their training.

Social Life

A social network is already created for full-time employees. Since they see the same people at work every day, they are likely to make friends with the majority of them, if not all of them. Companies frequently plan excursions and social gatherings for their staff.

Freelancers frequently work alone because they do so mostly from their homes. They are only there for a short time and will soon leave, even if they work on-site for a company. Therefore, it is more difficult for them to make friends and develop closer relationships.

Due to regular office hours, full-time employment gives you significantly less time to spend with your loved ones, friends, and spouse. 

Given your busy work schedule, you might miss a lot. However, freelancers can always reschedule their work so that they have more time to spend with their friends, family, and important others. The folks who require their time may dependably count on them.

Security vs instability

Having a reliable income each month makes full-time employees more secure than freelancers. Even if you’re let go, you’ll get a notice a few months in advance or some sort of payment.

Freelance jobs can be unpredictable. Another possibility is that it will be a “feast or famine,” with loads of work one month and little to no work the following. Planning and managing financial matters are made difficult by this very factor. They can also abruptly lose their regular clients. They can also rely on various clients to provide revenue as they look for replacements.

Control vs Freedom

Full-time workers have a boss who directs their work. Additionally, they are required to follow the organization’s rules, which may be rather detailed. They have less authority over their work and must report to their seniors at all times.

Freelancers are in complete control. They have a choice regarding what they work on and what they don’t. When not to work and how long to work. 

They are free to refuse a task if it is uninteresting. They each have a different boss who gives them instructions for their task, but they always have the option to refuse.

Which Is Better For You? Freelancing Or A Regular Job?

Both working for a company and working for yourself are completely different. The former can be profitable if you’re ready to take the chance, whilst the latter can be more gratifying if you appreciate security and consistency.

In the end, it is entirely based on your personality and way of living. Choose the one which is best for you.

How Do I Get Money From Freelance Websites?

Once you complete a project, you can get money from the clients in various ways. They are. 

1. Freelancing Platforms Itself

You can receive payment using their integrated payment channels using freelancing websites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Clients can add money to their accounts on some of these freelance platforms through bank transfers or credit cards. Upon completing the task, the clients can subsequently deposit the payment to your account.

2. Bank Wire Transfer Payments

One of the most popular ways to pay freelancers is through bank transfers. Many customers find it convenient to wire funds directly from their account to their account without creating an additional account on third-party services.

Since most banks use sophisticated security mechanisms, wire transfers are extremely dependable and secure. It is not the greatest choice, though, if you need to get your money quickly because a wire transfer might take up to 5 business days to process.

3. Other Online Payment Solutions

You don’t have to limit yourself to the well-known ones like PayPal if you’re a freelancer because there are many different online payment options you may utilize to get paid.

Skrill, Cash App, Payoneer, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other payment options are others. It is critical to verify their respective websites to see if they will be appropriate for your payments. While the majority are accessible worldwide, the availability for some is constrained.

Those who want to receive money from abroad might use these online payment options. Most also process payments immediately and charge negligible or no fees for receiving funds.

That’s it. There you have it. We hope that your doubt on “how to start freelancing with no experience” is cleared. Consistency is the key to success. Don’t lose hope, and work hard to get your first freelance client.

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