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Freelancing

How to Get Started With Freelancing With No Experience

October 28, 20262 min read
How to Get Started With Freelancing With No Experience
In this article

The hardest part of starting freelancing is finding your first client. However, if you create a few samples for your work this can help.

Step 1 – Choose a Service

Pick one clear service you can offer. This can be article writing, logo design, video editing, social media graphics or virtual assistant. You can always add more later. Clients will be clearer on what you can offer if you have a specific service.

Step 2 – Learn

You don’t need a degree or expensive course. However, you will need to learn the tools and basics using free tutorials. Practice is key.

Step 3 – Create a Small Portfolio

Create 3-5 sample projects. For example;

  • If you’re a writer create a few sample articles on a free blog.
  • If you’re a designer create logos for fake businesses.
  • If you’re a video editor create a short video using free footage.

Be clear that these are sample projects. This will give clients something to look at.

Step 4 – Set Up Your Profile

Start with one or two sites. Don’t try to be on all freelance sites. Make sure you have a clear image, headline with your service and a short bio on what problems you can solve. You don’t need to give clients your life story, just what you can offer.

Step 5 – Write a Proposal

Avoid copy and pasting. Read the job posting and mention one thing from it. Explain how you’ll complete the job in a few lines. 5 careful proposals can be better than 50 copy and pasted ones.

Step 6 – Charge a Fair Rate

You may need to charge low rates to start with whilst gaining experience. However, don’t feel like you need to work for free. Make sure you agree what work you’ll do and what you’ll charge. As your skills increase so will your rates.

Step 7 – Be Easy To Work With

Make sure you complete on time, keep clients updated and ask questions rather than guessing. If there’s a fair amount of changes in the deal then politely complete these. Happy clients may return or refer you.

Things to Avoid

  • Moving the conversation/pay outside of the site.
  • Promise a delivery time you can’t meet.
  • Go quiet when asked for an update.
  • Give up after sending a few proposals.
  • Claiming to have skills or experience you don’t.

How Long Will It Take?

Some people will get their first job within a few weeks. Others will take longer. This will depend on your service, samples, proposals and how many people need your service. Make sure to constantly improve what you can.

You don’t need to appear an expert straight away. Choose a service you can provide, complete with care and build up your brand.

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