How to Start Freelancing Online
Freelancing has become one of the most accessible ways to turn an existing skill into an online business.
Instead of joining a company as an employee, freelancers provide services directly to clients. Depending on the type of work, freelancers can work with local businesses, companies across the country or clients around the world. The hardest part for many beginners isn’t learning the skill.
It’s getting the first client.
What Can You Sell as a Freelancer?
Almost any skill that creates value for another person or business can potentially become a freelance service. Writing, graphic design, video editing, bookkeeping, virtual assistance, website development, social media management and consulting are just a few examples.
| Skill | Possible Freelance Service |
|---|---|
| Writing | Blog articles and website copy |
| Design | Logos and marketing graphics |
| Technology | Website development |
| Organization | Virtual assistance |
| Finance | Bookkeeping |
| Marketing | Social media management |
| Video | Editing and production |
| Research | Market and competitor research |
The important distinction is between having a skill and selling a result.
- A client doesn’t necessarily want “five hours of graphic design.”
- They want a professional-looking promotional graphic.
- They don’t necessarily want “ten hours of writing.”
- They want an article that communicates their message.
Build a Simple Portfolio
You don’t need dozens of clients before you can create a portfolio. If you don’t have previous work, create examples.
- A writer can create sample articles.
- A designer can create sample advertisements.
- A website developer can create demonstration websites.
- A social media manager can create a sample content calendar.
The goal is to give prospective customers something concrete to evaluate.
Choose a Specific Offer
Beginners sometimes make their services too broad.
Instead of:
“I do anything related to marketing.”
consider:
“I create social media content for local service businesses.”
Specific offers are easier for customers to understand. Once you’ve developed experience, you can expand your services.
Finding Your First Customers
Freelance marketplaces can provide access to potential customers, but they aren’t the only option. You can also contact businesses directly, network through professional communities, use social media, publish helpful content or ask existing contacts for referrals.
The first few projects may take more effort to acquire than later projects. Once you have satisfied customers and examples of your work, referrals can make the process considerably easier.
Don’t Underprice Yourself Forever
Starting with competitive pricing can make sense when you’re building experience. But extremely low prices can create problems. They may attract customers who are focused almost entirely on price rather than quality, while making it difficult to sustain your business.
As your experience, portfolio and demand increase, your pricing should evolve. Freelancing isn’t simply about finding someone willing to pay you for your time. It’s about building a service business around a skill that produces a valuable outcome.
