How To Become a Freelancer and Make Money

Introduction.

Freelancing has exploded in popularity, and for good reason.

Whether you’re looking to escape the traditional 9-to-5 grind or just want more flexibility in your schedule, freelancing offers a world of possibilities.

It’s not just a trend — over 70 million Americans are expected to freelance by 2028, and the global freelance market hit $1.5 trillion in 2022.

So, how can you tap into this growing industry and make a living on your terms?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a freelancer.

What Exactly Is Freelancing?

Freelancing simply means offering your skills or services to clients on a project basis rather than working for a single employer full-time.

You can work for multiple clients at once, and the beauty of it is, that you get to choose your workload, your hours, and often even your rates.

It’s a broad field — writers, designers, developers, marketers, and virtual assistants (just to name a few) all have a place in the freelancing ecosystem.

]And with remote work becoming the norm in many industries, the opportunities are almost endless.

How Do I Get Started as a Freelancer?

Here is how to get started as a Freelancer;

1. Find Your Niche.

The first step to becoming a successful freelancer is identifying the skills you can offer.

Do you have a knack for writing? Are you great at designing websites or coding? Knowing what services you’re going to offer is crucial because it allows you to target the right clients.

Don’t try to be a jack of all trades — it’s better to specialize. Freelancers who focus on a niche tend to earn more and find clients faster.

For example, instead of marketing yourself as a “graphic designer,” you could offer “branding and logo design for small businesses.”

2. Build Your Portfolio.

Before you start landing clients, you’ll need a portfolio to showcase your work. This doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should highlight your skills.

If you don’t have client work to show off yet, don’t worry — you can create mock projects or offer discounted services to friends and family to get started.

A simple, clean website with examples of your work and a brief description of your services will go a long way.

Use platforms like Behance (for designers), GitHub (for developers), or even Medium (for writers) to showcase your projects.

3. Choose Your Freelance Platform.

There are tons of platforms where freelancers can find work, but which one is best for you? Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular options:

Upwork: One of the largest freelancing platforms, good for a wide range of skills.
Fiverr: Best for small, quick projects, often with lower pay but faster turnaround.
Toptal: Ideal for highly-skilled professionals, especially in software development, design, and finance.
Freelancer.com: Offers a broad range of jobs, from entry-level to expert.
LinkedIn: More and more freelancers are landing clients through LinkedIn. It’s a great place to network and show off your expertise.

While these platforms can help you get started, keep in mind that most of them take a percentage of your earnings.

In the long run, it’s a good idea to build your client base outside of these platforms as well, so you can keep more of your money.

4. Start Networking.

When you’re freelancing, networking is everything. Tell everyone you know that you’re available for hire, and don’t be shy about promoting your services on social media.

Join freelance communities, attend virtual or in-person industry events, and engage with other professionals in your field.

LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are great platforms to connect with potential clients.

Additionally, joining freelance-specific groups on Facebook or Slack can help you stay in the loop with job opportunities.

5. Set Your Rates.

Setting your rates can be one of the trickiest parts of freelancing. Research the average rates for your field to get a starting point.

For instance, according to a 2023 report by Payoneer, freelance writers charge an average of $30–$50 per hour, while designers can make $45–$100 per hour depending on their experience and location.

It’s also a good idea to consider pricing your services based on the value you provide rather than just charging by the hour.

For example, if you’re designing a website for a client that will help them generate thousands in revenue, you can justify a higher fee.

6. Learn How to Manage Your Time (and Money).

As a freelancer, you’re your boss, which means you’ll be managing everything from client communication to deadlines and finances.

Use time management tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of your projects, and invoicing tools like FreshBooks or QuickBooks to handle payments and expenses.

It’s also essential to set aside a percentage of your earnings for taxes. In the U.S., freelancers need to pay self-employment taxes, which are typically around 15.3%. Setting up a separate business bank account can help you keep things organized.

Pros of Freelancing.

Flexibility: You set your hours and choose the projects you work on.
Location Independence: Work from anywhere — whether that’s your home, a coffee shop, or a beach halfway across the world.
Unlimited Income Potential: You’re not capped by a salary, so the more clients or higher rates you can secure, the more money you make.
Variety of Work: You can work on different types of projects, which keeps things interesting.
Work-Life Balance: If managed well, freelancing can offer better work-life balance than a traditional job.

Cons of Freelancing.

Income Instability: There’s no guaranteed paycheck, so some months may be leaner than others.
Lack of Benefits: No health insurance, retirement plans, or paid vacations unless you set these up yourself.
Isolation: Working solo can feel lonely at times, especially if you’re used to the camaraderie of an office.
Self-Discipline Required: With no boss to keep you in check, managing your time and staying motivated can be challenging.
Administrative Work: Invoicing, taxes, and client management can take up a lot of time, on top of your actual freelance work.