Lately, many young people have been asking how to get started with freelancing, so I thought I’d put together a basic guide. While my experience is primarily in tech and programming, the general principles apply to a variety of fields. This guide is especially useful for students or anyone looking to start freelancing but unsure of where to begin.
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing means working independently, choosing your own projects, setting your own hours, and getting paid per job rather than earning a fixed salary. It offers flexibility and control over your workload, making it an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income or even transition into full-time self-employment. While freelancing isn’t limited to online work, the internet has made it easier than ever to connect with clients worldwide.
Choosing a Platform
There are several online freelancing platforms, each with its own strengths. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Fiverr – Best for beginners due to its simple structure and ease of entry.
- Upwork – Higher earning potential but more competitive and requires applying for jobs.
- PeoplePerHour – A mix of Fiverr and Upwork, with both client postings and freelancer gigs.
How Fiverr Works
On Fiverr, freelancers create profiles and “gigs” – listings for specific services they offer. Clients search for services and place orders directly with freelancers. It’s a beginner-friendly platform, but competition is high, so optimizing your profile and gig descriptions is crucial.
Upwork, on the other hand, operates differently. Clients post job listings, and freelancers submit proposals. It can be more challenging to get started but offers higher average payments per project.
Understanding Payments & Fiverr’s Tier System
Once a client places an order, you deliver the work within the agreed-upon timeframe. After completion, the payment is released to your freelancing platform account (Fiverr takes a 20% commission), and after a clearance period, it can be withdrawn through payment processors like Payoneer, PayPal, or direct bank transfer.
Fiverr also has a seller ranking system:
- New Seller – Starting point.
- Level 1 Seller – Requires 10 completed orders, $400+ in earnings, and good ratings.
- Level 2 Seller – Requires 50 completed orders, $2,000+ in earnings.
- Top Rated Seller – Earned after $10,000+ in total earnings.
Higher levels unlock benefits such as gig promotion, which boosts visibility in search results.
Choosing a Skill to Offer
The most critical part of freelancing is selecting and mastering a skill. Thanks to online resources, learning new skills has never been easier. Depending on your interests, some popular freelancing categories include:
- Writing & Editing (Copywriting, Blogging, Resume Writing)
- Graphic Design (Logos, Branding, UI/UX)
- Programming & Tech (Web Development, AI/ML, Cybersecurity)
- Marketing & Social Media (SEO, Social Media Management, PPC Advertising)
- Video & Animation (Editing, 2D/3D Animation)
For beginners in tech, Python is a great starting point, especially for data science and AI. Web development with JavaScript and front-end frameworks is also highly in demand. If you prefer something non-technical, content writing and digital marketing are great options.
Setting Up Your Profile
Your freelancing profile is essentially your online resume. Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Professional Photo or Logo – A friendly, high-quality image builds trust.
- Compelling Bio – Highlight your skills, experience, and what sets you apart.
- Portfolio & Certifications – Showcase past work and any relevant qualifications.
- Optimized Gig Descriptions – Use clear, concise language and relevant keywords to improve search visibility.
Getting Your First Order
The biggest challenge new freelancers face is landing the first order. Here’s how to increase your chances:
- Competitive Pricing – Start with lower rates to attract initial clients and build reviews.
- Marketing – Share your profile and gigs on social media, LinkedIn, and online communities.
- Networking – Engage in forums and groups where potential clients may be looking for freelancers.
- Active Availability – Be online frequently, as some platforms prioritize active users.
Once you get your first client, focus on delivering excellent work. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can lead to a steady stream of projects.
Ethical Considerations & Long-Term Growth
In the beginning, you may come across clients offering to pay for academic assignments or similar projects. While these might seem like easy money, consider the ethical implications and long-term career impact.
Instead, focus on growing your expertise and gradually moving toward higher-paying, professional projects. As you gain experience, you can start delegating tasks and even establish your own small freelancing business.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is a fantastic way to gain experience, build skills, and achieve financial independence. It requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning, but the rewards can be substantial. If you’re still on the fence, the best advice is to just start: set up your profile, learn a skill, and take the first step.
The opportunities are endless. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can succeed.
This post was written by DataScientistGirlie