“Your guide to becoming a freelancer with no experience”

Freelancing is quickly becoming the “new normal” career choice, and more brands than ever are starting to offer freelance/contractor roles instead of full-time employees. This is great news for you! But you might be thinking, freelancing sounds like the dream, but it also sounds terrifying, how do I even get started?

The process of becoming a freelancer and reaching success isn’t impossible, but it definitely takes strategy, hard work, and general knowledge of how the industry works. In this guide, I’ll explain the steps you need to take to become a freelancer, plus I’ll answer all the questions buzzing in your head right now.

Step 1- define your services

THe first and most important step in your freelance journey is to define the services you’d like to offer to clients. For instance, think about the types of tasks that you’re already good at and that you enjoy doing. (If you think you’re not good at anything yet, then simply choose something you’re interested in learning and start practicing/getting good at it asap).

Jot down these services—whether on paper or in a notes app, depending on your preference (I’m old-school and prefer pen to paper).

Also, list the programs you’re familiar with that complement these services. By programs I mean any tools or software you’re a pro at, that you might have learned during university, at your 9-to-5 job, or through personal projects.

(for example: Photoshop, sequel, etc.)

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Step 2- how to choose the right freelance platform

Okay, so now you have a clear idea of the services you want to offer as a freelancer, as well as the programs you can showcase to clients- you’re off to a great start!

The next step to starting a freelance career with no experience is to choose which freelance platform you want to use to source clients.

I’d recommend you Take some time to research the different options out there and pick one or two to focus on as you begin.

the best platforms for freelancers (in my opinion):

Personally, I’d recommend Upwork the most, as I’ve been using it for over five years and get 95% of my clients through this platform. I think they’re great because they offer all types of opportunities in a wide range of industries, and you can apply for any roles that match your skills.

I feel like Fiverr, on the other hand, is a great choice for design-related services only. I also don’t like this platform much because, unlike Upwork, you can’t apply to roles—clients have to find and book you directly.

I also feel like the prices per project are quite low and the competition is high. But check it out anyway, I know a lot of freelancers enjoy it, maybe you will too!

other freelance platforms

Another freelance platform you could check out is Toptal, Freelancer.com, or Jooble.

Freelancer.com platform lets you bid on projects and offer a wide variety of project types with all experience levels. At first you might be stuck with the lower paying roles, but As you gain experience, you can gradually apply for the higher-paying projects.

Additionally, you might consider Toptal if you’re looking for higher-quality projects, although this platform does have a more selective application process, so it’s not as simple as upwork or Fiver. Lastly, Jooble is another freelance platform that showcases job listings from multiple sites.

freelance platform costs

Keep in mind that Some platforms don’t charge anything to create a profile, but require payments to apply for projects. For example, Upwork charges $0.15 per connect (a connect is like a token essentially), and most project listings require 10–30 connects to apply.

Other platforms, like Fiverr, are free and don’t require payment for applying. However, Fiverr is more saturated, so it’s not always easy to get hired, especially in the beginning.

Step 3- optimize your freelance profiles

Setting up your profiles is one of the most crucial steps to getting started as a freelancer, so I’d recommend you really take the time to showcase your best work and expertise in a well-presented portfolio.

Not sure what to put in your freelance portfolio?

Here’s what to use:

Previous client work
Case studies
Previous work from your 9 to 5
personal projects you’re proud of
“mock” projects aka fake client projects (create something for a brand as if they were your client)

Sharing case studies and concrete examples of your work gives potential clients a clear idea of what they can expect when they hire you.

Once you have a portfolio, add it to your profile (by uploading or adding a link in your bio). Lastly, don’t forget to create a strong bio highlighting your skills, and upload a professional photo to look more personable.

Step 4- how to build a strong portfolio

A solid portfolio is one of the most important, if not THE most important things you’ll need to succeed as a freelancer.

NO portfolio = no clients

Bad portfolio = no clients

I know that a portfolio seems daunting to create as a beginner, and you might not have a lot of client work to show yet- but that’s okay! You can still create mock projects or personal projects to show off your amazing skills and impress clients!

As you gain experience and do real client work, be sure to update your portfolio regularly. When you complete gigs, ask your clients for a positive review- this will help you get hired again!

Adding positive client feedback and testimonials can build trust with potential clients. A polished, appealing portfolio shows clients you're a serious freelancer. It proves you can deliver quality work.

Step 5- start small and gradually scale

When you’re just starting out as a freelancer, i recommend taking on smaller projects in the beginning so you can test your skills, get used to working with different sorts of clients, and gain confidence in your services!

Once again, I’d recommend Upwork to any beginner freelancer like yourself. Upwork is a great place to start your career as they have a ton of small tasks you can apply to that will help you gain experience and build up your profile (which is crucial in the beginning!)

Try to apply for these small projects, do a great job if you’re hired, and ask the client for a 5-star review to start building up your profile and creditability. After a few projects and good reviews, you’ll be able to raise your rates and get hired on bigger projects way easier!

conclusion

Overall, learning How to Start Freelancing with No Experience can feel like an intimidating and stressful journey, but don’t worry! You got this!

My best advice to get started is to stop overthinking it and just start! Get out your fave journal or notes app and brainstorm all of your ideas. Trust me, the more you plan, the more organized and confident you’ll feel about your business.

I hope you found this freelancing with no experience guide helpful! Now get out there, get serious about your service offerings, build a stellar portfolio, apply to gigs, and deliver excellent service! Good luck!

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