The Best Way to Start Freelancing
Starting freelancing is like embarking on an adventure. There’s excitement, a bit of uncertainty, and the promise of more control over your work life. But just as with any journey, a little preparation goes a long way. So this week, we’ll break down the best ways to start freelancing, with tips that range from figuring out what to offer, setting up your business essentials, to finding those all-important first clients. So grab a coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into how you can turn freelancing from a daydream into a career!
Discover Your Freelance Niche
The first step in freelancing is knowing what you’re actually going to offer. A good place to start is with the skills you already have. Whether you’re an ace graphic designer, a wordsmith who loves crafting content, or a numbers whiz who can make sense of data, your skills are the foundation of your freelance career. If you’re unsure about what to offer, think about these questions:
What are your strengths? What are you naturally good at?
What have you done professionally that could translate to freelancing?
Is there a service people ask for that you’d love to turn into paid work?
Sometimes, it helps to research a bit, too. Look at freelance marketplaces like Freelancing Females, Upwork or Fiverr to see what services people in your area of expertise offer. You might also notice gaps in the market where you could step in and bring something unique.
Build a Portfolio (Even If You Don’t Have Client Work Yet)
Your portfolio is essentially your shop window. Potential clients need to see what you’re capable of before they hire you. If you don’t have client work to show, don’t worry! You can create sample projects that demonstrate your skills. Here’s how to get started with a portfolio that shines:
Create mock projects: Let’s say you’re a writer. Write a few articles on topics you enjoy. Graphic designer? Design a logo or social media graphics for a fictional brand.
Offer your services to nonprofits or friends: Volunteering to help a friend or a nonprofit can give you real-world examples to showcase.
Use portfolio sites: Websites like Squarespace, Showit, Behance or Dribbble (for designers) or even LinkedIn can be a good place to start. They make it easy to showcase your work in a professional format.
Set Your Rates and Know Your Worth
Setting rates can feel tricky, but it’s crucial to start with a realistic idea of what your services are worth. Here are a few strategies to get started:
Research industry rates: Look at what other freelancers in your field charge with our Rate Sheet, but remember that experience and niche skills can command higher rates.
Decide on an hourly rate vs. project-based pricing: Some freelancers prefer charging hourly, while others like to charge by the project. Project-based pricing can often be more efficient, especially once you know how long tasks typically take.
Don’t undersell yourself: It’s easy to fall into the trap of charging too little, especially when starting out. But remember, freelancing comes with its own costs—self-employment taxes, no paid holidays, and potential dry spells. Setting fair rates helps you stay sustainable.
Make It Official: Get Set Up Legally and Financially
Freelancing might be a new career, but it’s still a business. You’ll want to set it up with some basic business practices, which will save you headaches later.
Register your business: In many places, you don’t need to formally register as a business right away, but it’s a good idea to check what’s required where you live.
Set up a separate bank account: Keeping business finances separate makes tax time easier and keeps your cash flow transparent.
Sort out taxes: Taxes for freelancers vary depending on location, but setting aside a portion of your earnings for taxes is smart from the start. Tools like Freshbooks or Collective can help you track income and expenses easily.
Create a Simple Website or Online Profile
You don’t need a fancy website to start freelancing, but having some online presence makes you look more professional and gives potential clients a way to reach out to you. A basic website with an “About” section, a portfolio, and contact information is usually enough.
If building a site sounds intimidating, consider these options:
Use platforms like Squarespace or Showit: They’re easy to set up and often come with templates.
Leverage portfolio sites or LinkedIn: In some cases, even a strong LinkedIn profile can act as a mini website if you’re just starting out.
Find Your First Clients: Network and Market Yourself
Finding clients can feel like the biggest challenge, but there are plenty of ways to get noticed.
Leverage your existing network: Often, your first clients will come from people who already know you. Don’t be shy about letting friends, family, and former colleagues know you’re freelancing!
Join freelance job boards: We’ve created a full list of our fave jobs board for you to look at here.
Use social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and even X can be fantastic platforms for showcasing your work and finding potential clients. Engage with people in your industry, share helpful tips, and showcase your projects.
Learn to Pitch Like a Pro
Pitching is a part of freelancing, and it gets easier with practice. A good pitch shows a client that you understand their needs and have the skills to help them. Here’s a quick formula for writing a solid pitch:
Introduce yourself and your services.
Mention any relevant experience.
Explain how you’d tackle their project specifically.
Add a call to action (ask for a meeting or let them know how to reach out).
Be confident, show your personality, and remember that even if they say “no,” it’s not personal—it’s just part of the process!
Start Building Relationships, Not Just Projects
Freelancing is as much about building relationships as it is about completing projects. Here are some tips for nurturing client relationships:
Communicate regularly and clearly: Keep clients updated on progress, ask questions, and make sure they feel involved.
Deliver quality work: This might sound obvious, but consistently delivering high-quality work helps build trust and encourages repeat business.
Follow up and ask for feedback: After finishing a project, a quick follow-up email thanking the client and asking for any feedback shows that you value their input.
Keep Learning and Growing Your Skills
One of the perks of freelancing is that you can continually grow and adapt. Investing in new skills can open up more opportunities and increase your rates over time. Here’s how to keep your skills fresh:
Take online courses: Sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer affordable courses in everything from design to coding.
Attend industry events and webinars: These are great for networking and staying updated on trends.
Learn to use tools that streamline your work: Project management tools, time tracking apps, and invoicing software can help keep your freelance business organized and efficient.
Prepare for Slow Seasons (They’re Normal!)
Freelancing can be unpredictable, and it’s normal to have slow seasons. Having a financial cushion and a plan for slow months will help you stay stable. Here’s how:
Set aside savings for dry spells: Ideally, try to save a few months' worth of expenses. It’ll give you peace of mind and a buffer during lean times.
Consider adding retainer clients: Retainers are agreements where a client pays you a set amount each month for regular work. They’re a great way to create consistent income.
Use slow periods for business building: When things are quiet, you can use the time to work on marketing, update your portfolio, or even develop new skills.
Starting freelancing isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone’s path will look a bit different, but the basics are the same: find your niche, set up the essentials, and put yourself out there. Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one. Start small, keep learning, and give yourself the time and grace to grow. Every client you work with, every project you complete, and every skill you learn will bring you closer to being a successful, seasoned freelancer.
So take that first step, keep pushing forward, and embrace the journey—freelancing offers the freedom to craft a career that fits you, and it’s absolutely worth it. Happy freelancing!