Have you ever wanted to be your own boss, work from anywhere, and pick the projects that interest you? Freelancing could be the perfect job for you. But let’s be honest: it can be scary to take that first step into the freelance world when you don’t know where to start.
When I first thought about freelancing, I had a lot of questions in my head. How do I get clients? How much should I charge? Should I start a business? It all felt too much, and I almost gave up before I even started.
But here’s the thing: every year, thousands of people successfully switch to freelancing, and a lot of them had no experience before they did. The most important thing is to have a clear plan that breaks everything down into small, doable steps. That’s what this guide will give you.
What is freelance work, and how is it different from regular work?
Being a freelancer means working for yourself instead of for someone else. You work with many clients on different projects instead of having one boss and a steady paycheck. You’re basically running your own small business, even if it’s just you.
The biggest difference between this and a regular job is that you have more control. As a freelancer, you choose:
Which projects to work on
How much to ask for
When and where to do your job
How to finish the job (as long as you do what the client wants)
You also have to pay your own taxes, find your own health insurance, and you don’t get paid time off. It’s a big change in how you think about work.
Freelancing is best for people who like to do different things at work and don’t mind not knowing how much money they’ll make each month. Freelancing might be stressful for you if you like routine and want to know exactly how much money you’ll make each month.
The Good and Bad Things About Living as a Freelancer
Let me tell you the whole truth about freelancing, even the parts that people don’t always talk about.
The Good Things:
You can work from your kitchen table in your pajamas or from a coffee shop in a different country.
Variety: Because every project is different, work is never boring.
Earning potential: Freelancers with the right skills often make more money per hour than employees in the same job.
Work-life balance: You set your own hours, so you can take time off when you need to.
Personal growth: You’ll learn business skills that you wouldn’t learn as an employee.
The Hard Parts:
Some months you’ll make a lot of money, and other months you won’t have much.
No benefits: You will have to figure out your own health insurance and retirement savings.
Loneliness: It can be lonely to work alone, especially if you’re used to being around other people at work.
Multiple roles: You’re not just doing the work; you’re also the salesperson, bookkeeper, and customer service representative.
Managing clients: It’s not fun to deal with difficult clients or chase down payments.
It’s not about avoiding these problems that will make you a successful freelancer; it’s about learning how to deal with them well.
Finding Your Skills and Picking Your Freelance Services
Now let’s see what you can really give to your clients. A lot of beginners get stuck here because they think they don’t have anything useful to offer. Believe me, you probably have more skills that are useful in the job market than you think.
How to figure out what skills you have and how to use them to help others
Make a list of all the things you are good at, even if they seem obvious or unimportant. Add:
Skills you learned at work now or in the past
Things you do in your spare time that other people ask you to help with
Tools or software you are familiar with
What people ask you for advice about
I helped a friend realize that she could work as a freelance social media manager. She didn’t think that posting on Instagram was a real skill, but she had grown her personal account to 10,000 followers and helped local businesses with their social media on a regular basis. That is definitely a skill that can be sold.
Look at your list and think about which skills could help people or businesses with their problems. For instance:
Are you good at writing? Businesses need blog posts, copy for their websites, and marketing materials.
Are you organized and pay attention to details? Businesses need help with entering data, managing projects, or doing office work.
Are you creative and good at design? Everyone needs pictures, logos, and other visual content.
You don’t have to be perfect at everything. Clients often like to work with someone who is really good at one or two things instead of someone who says they can do everything.
What Each of the Most Popular Freelance Fields Needs
Here are some of the easiest freelance jobs for beginners and what you’ll need to get started:
Writing and Making Content
Articles, blog posts, website copy, and social media posts
What you need: good writing skills, a basic knowledge of SEO, and the ability to quickly look up information on a topic.
Average rate for beginners: $15 to $40 per article
Services for Virtual Assistants
Managing emails, making appointments, entering data, and helping customers
What you need: good communication skills, an eye for detail, and experience with common software like Google Workspace.
Average pay for beginners: $10 to $20 an hour
Designing Graphics
Logos and graphics for social media, marketing materials, and website design
What you need: knowledge of design software (like Photoshop and Canva), a creative eye, and a basic understanding of brands.
Average rate for beginners: $25 to $50 per project
Making Websites
Setting up a WordPress site, building a website, and keeping it up to date
You need to know HTML and CSS, be familiar with platforms like WordPress, and be able to solve problems.
The average rate for a beginner is $30 to $75 per hour.
Marketing on the Internet
Managing social media, sending out emails, doing basic SEO, and advertising online
What you need: knowledge of major platforms, basic marketing principles, and the ability to think critically.
Average hourly rate for beginners: $20 to $50
The best part is that you can learn most of these skills for free online. You can get started without spending a lot of money on formal education by using YouTube, free courses, and practice projects.
Making Service Packages That Clients Really Want to Buy
Don’t just say, “I do graphic design.” Instead, make packages that solve specific problems. This helps clients understand what they’re buying and makes it easier for you to set prices for your work.
Here’s how to set up service packages:
Option 1: Basic/Starter Package
2–3 specific things to deliver
A clear timeline
Basic changes included
Package 2: The Standard or Popular Choice
4–5 deliverables (add to the basic package)
More revisions or a faster timeline
This should be the most popular choice for you.
Package 3: Full or Premium Option
Everything in the other packages, plus more
Treatment that comes first
Extra services that go along with the main work
For instance, a package for managing social media might look like this:
Basic Package ($300/month): 8 posts a month, simple graphics, and posts that are scheduled
Standard Package ($600/month): 16 posts a month, custom graphics, research on hashtags, and a monthly report on how well the posts are doing
The Premium Package costs $1,000 a month and includes daily posts, custom graphics, hashtag research, community management, and a strategy call every month.
This method helps clients understand why they should choose higher-tier packages while also giving clients on a tight budget a way to get started.
Getting Your Freelance Business Ready to Succeed
It’s time to get the business side of things in order now that you know what services you’ll offer. Don’t worry; you don’t have to make this hard. Just get the basics right from the start, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble later.
Basic Information About Legal Requirements and Business Registration
The laws are different in each place, but here are the basics that most freelancers need to know about:
Structure of the Business
Most new business owners start out as sole proprietors, which means they are in charge of the business. It’s easy to do and doesn’t need any special paperwork in most places. You might want to think about forming an LLC to protect yourself from liability as you get older.
Name of the Business
You can work for yourself or under a business name. Using your own name is easier for beginners because you don’t have to register again, and it helps you build your personal brand.
What you need to do for taxes
If you need one in your area, get a tax ID number (EIN).
Save 25 to 30 percent of your income for taxes.
Keep track of all the costs of running your business.
Once you start making money on a regular basis, think about paying your taxes every three months.
Insurance
Find out if you need professional liability insurance for your job. Some clients need it, and it keeps you safe if something goes wrong with a project.
Don’t let the legal stuff stop you from getting started. You can take care of most of these things as you go, and a lot of them are easier than they sound.
Important Software and Tools That All Freelancers Should Have
You don’t have to buy every productivity tool out there, but having the right ones will make your life a lot easier.
Talking and Managing Projects
Email: Use a business email address (don’t use Hotmail or Yahoo for business).
Video calls: Use Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to meet with clients.
Trello, Asana, or even a simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of projects and due dates.
Google Drive, Dropbox, or something similar for sharing files with clients
Time and Work
Toggl or Clockify can help you keep track of how long projects take.
Scheduling: Use Calendly or a similar tool to easily book meetings.
Taking notes: Use something simple like Google Docs or Notion to keep track of meeting notes and project details.
Managing Money
Wave, FreshBooks, or PayPal can help you make professional invoices.
Tracking expenses: You can use even a simple spreadsheet to keep track of business costs.
Banking: Once you start making money on a regular basis, think about opening a separate business bank account.
Tools for Specific Industries
It depends on your field:
Writers: Use Grammarly to edit and Google Docs to work together.
Canva is good for beginners, and Adobe Creative Suite is good for more advanced work.
Developers: hosting accounts, code editors, and tools for development
Virtual assistants: Be ready to learn new tools, no matter what software your clients use.
Begin with free or low-cost options and add more as your business grows. Before I even had my first client, I made the mistake of buying expensive software. This made me feel like I had to start making money right away.
Making a professional workspace that helps you get more done
Your workspace has a big effect on how professional you feel and how much work you get done, even if clients never see it.
What You Need to Know
This is not up for discussion: reliable internet. Get the best internet plan you can afford.
Quiet space: A place where you can talk to clients without being disturbed
Desk and chair that are comfortable: You’ll be spending a lot of time here.
Good lighting: A good desk lamp will work, but natural light is best.
Organized storage: ways to keep projects organized in both the real world and online
How to Make It Work in Small Spaces
Not everyone has an extra room to use as an office. Here are some other options:
Set up and take down your kitchen table office every day to keep work and home separate.
Use a room divider or different lighting to make a “work zone” in the corner of your bedroom.
Shared spaces: coffee shops, libraries, or co-working spaces for a change
Setting Limits
One of the hardest things about working from home is keeping work and personal life separate. Some strategies that work are
Set specific hours for work and stick to them.
Dress for work, even if you’re not going to work.
Get away from your desk for real lunch breaks.
At the end of each workday, have a shutdown ritual.
The goal is to make a space where you can be professional and focused, no matter how big or small it is or how much money you have.
Creating Your Professional Portfolio and Online Presence
Now comes the fun part: showing everyone what you can do. Let’s make sure that your online presence makes a good first impression on potential clients.
How to Make Profiles on Freelance Sites That Stand Out
Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are all great places for beginners to find their first clients. The most important thing is to stand out from the crowd of other freelancers.
How to Take a Good Profile Picture
Don’t take a selfie; use a professional headshot.
Smile and look friendly.
Wear what you would wear to a job interview.
Make sure the background isn’t too busy.
Writing a Summary of Your Profile
Your summary should answer these three questions:
What do you do?
Who do you help?
What can you do to get results?
“I’ve been a graphic designer for two years and am looking for work.”
“I help small businesses make social media graphics that get people’s attention and get them to interact with them. On average, my designs have helped clients get 40% more engagement on Instagram.”
Showing off your skills
List specific skills, not broad groups.
Add any training or certifications you have.
Take platform skill tests to prove what you can do.
As you learn new things, keep your skills up to date.
A Beginner’s Guide to Pricing Strategy
This is hard because you want to be competitive but not sell yourself short. Look up what other people in your field charge and set your own prices in the lower-middle range to start. You can always charge more as you get more experience and reviews.
Keep in mind that customers on these sites often choose based on value, not just price. Make sure to talk about the benefits you offer.
Making a simple website to show off your work
Having your own website makes you look more professional and gives you more control over how you present yourself, even if you use freelance platforms.
Important Pages for Your Site
Home page: A clear description of what you do and who you do it for
Services: Full descriptions of the packages and services you offer
Portfolio: A collection of your best work
About: Your story, your experiences, and what makes you unique
Contact: How people who might want to hire you can get in touch with you
Picking a Platform
I recommend the following for beginners:
WordPress.com: Easy to use and has professional-looking templates
Squarespace: Pretty designs, simple to use, a little more expensive
Wix: Easy to use with drag-and-drop features and a lot of options for customization
Don’t spend a lot of time getting your website just right. It’s better to have a simple, clean website that clearly shows what you do than to not have one at all.
How to Write Website Copy That Works
Talk about the client’s problems and how you fix them.
Instead of saying “I,” say “you.”
When you can, give specific examples and results.
Make it easy for people to get in touch with you.
How to Make Portfolio Pieces When You Don’t Have Any Client Work Yet
This is the classic problem for beginners: you need work to show work, but you need work to get work. This is how to stop the cycle.
Make Spec Work
Make sample work for either real companies you like or fake companies. For instance:
Writers: Write blog posts for made-up companies in a variety of fields.
Designers: Make logos and other branding materials for made-up businesses.
Virtual assistants: Make example project plans or process documents
Web developers: Make sample websites for different kinds of businesses.
Give Your Time
Offer to help out charities.
Help friends or family with their business needs.
Join groups for local businesses and offer your services at a lower price.
Work with other freelancers who need services that go well with yours.
Write down your personal projects.
If you made changes to your own website, add it to your portfolio.
Blog posts and social media campaigns are examples of personal writing projects.
Any creative things you’ve done for fun or to learn
Format for Case Studies
Show your portfolio pieces as case studies:
Challenge: What issue were you trying to fix?
Process: What was your method for doing the work?
What did you make?
Results: What effect did it have (or would it have)?
You can still make interesting case studies that show how you think and what skills you have, even if you don’t have any real clients.
Getting Your First Clients and Good Projects
This is where the rubber hits the road. It doesn’t matter how much you prepare if you can’t find people who will pay for your services.
Where to Find Freelance Work as a Total Newbie
Freelance Websites Online
Upwork is the biggest platform and has a lot of different kinds of projects.
Fiverr: A lot of competition and great for packaged services
Freelancer.com: Like Upwork, but for a different group of people
99designs: Made just for designers
For writers and people who make content, Contently
Job boards that have sections for freelancers
Indeed, (look for contract work).
FlexJobs
We work from home.
AngelList (for new business ideas)
Networking and Social Media
LinkedIn: Share what you know and meet people who might want to hire you.
Twitter: Follow leaders in your field and join in on conversations.
Facebook groups: There are groups for freelancers in many fields.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/forhire and communities for specific industries
Cold Calling
This means getting in touch with businesses that might need your services directly:
Look into companies that are in your target market.
Find the right person to talk to, which is usually a marketing manager or a small business owner.
Send personalized emails that explain how you can help.
If you don’t hear back, be polite and follow up.
Local Chances
Don’t forget about the businesses in your area:
Go to local networking events.
Join your local Chamber of Commerce.
Give workshops at business groups in your area.
Work with other service providers who offer services that go well with yours, like web developers and copywriters.
How to Write Proposals That Are Better Than the Rest
Your proposal is your sales pitch, whether you’re applying for a platform job or answering questions. Here’s how to make it work.
Please conduct some research before you begin writing..
Read the job posting carefully and make sure you meet all of the requirements.
Check out the client’s website or past work.
Get to know their business and the problems they face.
Make sure your answer fits their needs.
Make a plan for your proposal.
Hook: Start with something that shows you know what they’re going through.
Relevant experience: Give examples that are directly related to what they need.
Your approach: Tell them in a few words how you would handle their project.
Next steps: Make it simple for them to say yes.
Example of a proposal structure
“Hi [Client Name],
I saw that your Instagram engagement has been going down even though you post regularly. This is a problem I help businesses with all the time.
I recently helped [similar business] increase their engagement by 60% in three months by optimizing their hashtag strategy and improving their visual consistency. I’d love to help you achieve similar results.
This is how I would do it:
Look over your current content to see what works.
Make a plan for how to use hashtags in your field.
Make a style guide for your visuals to help keep things the same.
Give monthly performance reports that include useful information.
I have some ideas for how to make your current strategy better. Would you like to talk about your goals over the phone for 15 minutes this week?
Best wishes,
“[Your Name]”
Things to avoid when making a proposal
Generic templates that could work for any job
Putting more emphasis on what you want than on what the client needs
Keep length between 150 and 250 words.
Not checking for mistakes before sending
Not giving examples or results that are relevant
Networking Tips That Will Help You Build Long-Term Client Relationships
Networking isn’t just about getting business cards; it’s about making real connections that can lead to recommendations and repeat work.
Networking on the Internet
LinkedIn strategy: Post useful content, leave thoughtful comments on other people’s posts, and send personalized connection requests.
Groups in your field: Join Facebook groups, Slack communities, and forums where your ideal clients hang out.
Content creation: Write blog posts, make videos, or share insights that show you know a lot about your field.
Networking in Person
Meetups and events for local businesses
Conferences in the industry (even small, local ones)
Events for the Chamber of Commerce
Associations for professionals in your field
Not just getting clients, but also building relationships
Instead of selling your services, focus on helping others.
Give helpful advice or resources without expecting anything in return right away.
Put people in your network who could help each other in touch with each other.
Get in touch with new contacts again within a few days.
The Long Game
Some of my best clients came from connections I made months or even years before they needed my help. Two years later, someone I met at a local networking event told me about a client, which led to a $5,000 project. Making connections is an investment in the future of your business.
Keep in mind that people hire freelancers they know, like, and trust. Networking helps you build all three of these things.
How to Run Your Freelance Business Like a Pro
Well done! You’ve gotten some clients! Running your business like a pro is what sets successful freelancers apart from those who have trouble.
Setting prices that are fair and cover your costs
One of the hardest things for new freelancers to do is set prices. If you set the price too low, you won’t be able to make ends meet. If the price is too high, you could lose potential clients.
Find out what your lowest rate is..
Begin with your basic costs:
Rent, food, utilities, and other monthly costs of living
Costs of doing business, like software, equipment, the internet, and so on.
Taxes (set aside 25% to 30% of your gross income)
Health insurance and retirement savings are two benefits.
Time off (you still want to take breaks, right?)
To find out how many billable hours you plan to work, divide your total monthly needs by that number. Most freelancers can realistically charge for 20 to 25 hours of work each week. The rest of their time is spent on marketing, administration, and business development.
Find out what the market rates are.
Check out what other people charge for the same services:
Look at the rates on freelance websites.
Talk to other freelancers in online groups.
Check out job ads that show pay ranges.
Think about differences in location (remote work usually pays based on where the client is, not where you are).
Different Ways to Set Prices
Hourly: Good for work that needs to be done on a regular basis or projects with unclear goals
Project-based: Works best when the deliverables are clear and the deadlines are clear
Retainer: A monthly fee for ongoing services that gives you a steady income
Value-based: The price is based on how much value you give the client, not how long it takes.
Increasing Your Rates
Make a plan to raise rates on a regular basis:
For current clients, every 6 to 12 months
With new clients: as you get better at what you do and learn more
When too many people want your services but you can’t handle them all
I began at $25 an hour and thought I was charging too much. Two years later, I was charging $75 an hour and had a long list of people who wanted to hire me. Your rates should go up as you get more experience and do better work.
Making contracts and keeping clients happy
Contracts are more than just legal protections; they are also ways to communicate that make sure everyone is on the same page from the start.
Important Parts of a Contract
Scope of work: What you’ll do and what you won’t do
Timeline: When you will finish each part of the project
Terms of payment: when, how much, and how you’ll be paid
Revision policy: How many rounds of changes are allowed?
What happens if either party wants to end the project?
Rights of ownership: Who owns the finished product?
Making Expectations Clear
In addition to the contract, make sure to talk about:
Your hours of work and how quickly you respond
How you like to talk to people (email, phone, project management tools)
What information do you need from the client to do your best work?
The steps you take and what the client can expect at each one
Dealing with Scope Creep
This is when clients want more work done than what was agreed upon at first. It’s normal, but you need to deal with it like a pro:
Politely accept the request.
Say that it’s outside the original scope.
Offer to provide a different quote for the extra work.
It’s acceptable to charge more for extra work.
Taking Care of Hard Clients
You might sometimes have clients who are unreasonable, don’t pay on time, or make your life hard. This is how to deal with these problems:
Be professional in all of your messages.
Put everything down in writing.
Make clear rules and follow them.
Don’t be afraid to stop working with clients who don’t respect you.
Taking care of taxes, payments, and keeping track of money
It can be hard to keep track of money when you’re freelancing, but if you start out with good records, it will be much easier.
Best Ways to Pay
Require deposits: For new clients, ask for 25% to 50% up front.
Standard payment terms are net 15 or net 30 days.
Send professional invoices that include all the information you need and your payment terms.
Follow up on late payments: Have a way to politely ask for payment on bills that are past due.
Keep detailed records: Keep track of what you’ve billed and when you get paid.
Preparing Taxes
Keep your business and personal expenses separate by using different accounts or at least different credit cards.
Keep track of your deductible costs, like office supplies, software, equipment, space in your home office, and meals for work.
Save every three months: Put aside 25–30% of each payment for taxes.
Think about getting professional help: A good accountant can help you save money and stress.
Tools for Managing Money
Wave, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks are all good invoicing programs for businesses.
Tracking expenses: A simple spreadsheet will do, but apps like Expensify make it easier.
Banking: If you want to keep your business and personal money separate, think about opening a business account.
Budgeting: Keep track of your income and expenses so you can see how your money works.
Planning for Income That Isn’t Regular
Freelance work can be hard to predict, especially at first:
Set up an emergency fund to pay for three to six months’ worth of bills.
Keep an eye on your income patterns to find out when things are busy and when they’re slow.
Don’t rely on just one source of income; get a variety of clients.
If you have cash flow problems, you might want to keep some savings in accounts that are easy to get to.
Think of managing money as part of the service you give to your clients. Being organized and professional with money matters helps people trust you and believe in you.
In short
When you look at everything that goes into starting a freelance career, it may seem like a lot, but keep in mind that you don’t have to know everything before you start. The most important thing is to start and get better as you go.
To start freelancing, you need to do these things right now:
Pick one of your current skills and figure out how to market it as a service.
Even just having a profile on one freelance site is enough to get started with a simple online presence.
Even if your setup isn’t perfect yet, you should apply for your first project within the next week.
Set up basic business tasks like keeping track of expenses and sending invoices when you need to