Jumping into freelancing with no experience might sound daunting, but the reality is anyone can get started with the right approach. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, freelancing offers endless opportunities to make money from the comfort of your home — even if you’re starting from scratch. So, let’s dive into how you can turn your skills, or lack thereof, into a profitable freelancing career.
1. Identify Transferable Skills
You may think, “I don’t have any experience,” but that’s not entirely true. We all have some form of skills or knowledge that we can apply in freelancing. Maybe you’ve spent years organizing events for friends, or you’ve helped family members with their social media accounts. These transferable skills can easily translate into freelancing services.
Start by taking inventory of what you already know. Do you have decent writing skills? Have you designed posters or flyers before? Are you a social media whiz? Even if you haven’t done these things professionally, personal experience counts. The key is recognizing the value you can bring to the table and identifying how these skills can be useful to potential clients.
2. Choose a Freelance Niche
Once you’ve assessed your skills, it’s time to narrow your focus. Freelancing is competitive, so choosing a niche helps you stand out from the crowd. Instead of positioning yourself as a generalist, think about where your skills might be most needed and marketable. Are you good at writing? Instead of offering “writing services,” niche down to something like “blog content for small businesses” or “SEO copywriting for e-commerce.”
When you niche down, you not only differentiate yourself, but you also attract clients who are looking for exactly what you offer. And remember, as a beginner, it’s okay to start with something small. You can always expand your offerings as you gain more experience.
Example niches:
- Graphic design for local businesses
- Social media management for wellness coaches
- Virtual assistance for real estate agents
- Blog writing for travel websites
3. Build a Simple Portfolio
Even if you don’t have paid experience, you can still create a portfolio. The idea here is to showcase your skills and demonstrate what you’re capable of. You don’t need a fancy website to start; a simple portfolio can be hosted on free platforms like Behance, WordPress, or even a Google Drive folder.
Create a few sample projects that align with the services you want to offer. If you’re a writer, draft a couple of blog posts on topics you’re passionate about. If you’re into graphic design, create logos or mock-ups for fictional companies. You could even offer your services for free or at a discounted rate for friends or small businesses to build your portfolio. The goal is to show potential clients that you can deliver quality work.
Pro Tip: When creating samples, always focus on quality over quantity. A few well-done projects are far better than a long list of mediocre ones.
4. Start Small on Freelance Platforms
Now that you have your portfolio, it’s time to put yourself out there. Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com are great places to get started, especially if you don’t have a ton of experience. These platforms allow you to connect with clients looking for freelancers in a wide range of niches.
When you’re just starting, set your rates competitively but don’t undersell yourself. Remember, you’re gaining experience and building relationships, but your time and skills are still valuable. To increase your chances of landing jobs, focus on creating a strong profile that highlights your niche, includes your portfolio, and clearly explains how you can help clients solve their problems.
Pro Tip: Start by offering smaller gigs or “microservices” to build your reviews and reputation. On Fiverr, for instance, you could offer to design a simple social media graphic for $5, which can quickly lead to bigger projects as you gain more credibility.
5. Network and Leverage Social Media
Networking is crucial when you’re freelancing, especially if you’re starting from scratch. You don’t need a massive LinkedIn following to get started, but letting people know you’re available for freelance work can open doors. Share your new services with your existing network of friends, family, and former colleagues — you’d be surprised how many opportunities come from word-of-mouth.
Also, social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are great for connecting with potential clients and other freelancers. Follow industry leaders in your niche, engage in discussions, and join groups or forums where your target clients hang out. Don’t just spam your services; add value by sharing tips, answering questions, and positioning yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
Pro Tip: Consider creating a professional profile or page dedicated to your freelancing work. This allows you to separate your personal life from your business persona and gives clients a clear place to see what you offer.
6. Develop a Pricing Strategy
Setting your rates can be tricky, especially when you’re new. A common mistake is to either undercharge out of fear of rejection or overcharge too soon. Start by doing some research on average freelance rates in your niche and for your experience level. Websites like Glassdoor and Upwork’s rate calculator can provide useful insights.
When pricing your services, consider starting with an hourly rate. For example, if you’re a virtual assistant just starting out, you might charge $15–$25 per hour. As you gain experience and positive feedback, you can gradually increase your rates.
Alternatively, you can offer package deals for more defined services. If you’re a writer, for instance, you might offer a package for three blog posts per month for $300, which clients may find more appealing than hourly billing.
7. Overdeliver on Your First Few Projects
One of the fastest ways to build a reputation as a freelancer with no experience is to overdeliver on your initial projects. Going above and beyond for your first clients — delivering ahead of schedule, offering a little extra value, or maintaining excellent communication — will set you apart from the competition.
Positive client feedback and reviews are crucial when you’re just starting. Clients who are happy with your work are more likely to leave glowing reviews, which in turn attracts more business. Even better, they might refer you to others or hire you for repeat work.
Pro Tip: Ask your first few clients if they would be willing to leave a review or testimonial. Many are happy to do so, and having positive testimonials on your profile can make a big difference in securing future jobs.
8. Keep Learning and Improving
Freelancing is a journey, and the more you improve your skills, the more you can charge and the better clients you’ll attract. You don’t need formal education to grow as a freelancer, but consistently learning and upgrading your skillset is essential. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy offer affordable courses on everything from writing and design to coding and digital marketing.
By expanding your skills, you also open yourself up to more opportunities. Maybe you started as a content writer, but you take a course on SEO and now offer SEO-optimized blog writing. Or perhaps you began as a graphic designer, but you learn website development and start offering that as well. Upskilling helps you stay competitive and continue growing in the freelance world.
9. Be Patient and Consistent
The reality is freelancing takes time. You might not land your dream client on day one, and that’s okay. The key is to stay patient and consistent. Every project, no matter how small, gets you closer to building a strong reputation and portfolio. Don’t get discouraged by slow periods — they happen to everyone.
To stay on track, set daily or weekly goals for yourself. Whether it’s applying to three freelance gigs per day, updating your portfolio, or networking online, these small steps will keep you moving forward.
10. Stay Organized and Professional
Even if you’re just getting started, it’s important to treat your freelancing like a business. This means staying organized with your projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining clear communication with clients. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar to track your projects and deadlines, ensuring you stay on top of your work.
Being professional also means managing expectations with your clients. Clearly outline what you will deliver, when, and how much it will cost. By doing this upfront, you avoid misunderstandings and build trust with your clients.
Breaking into freelancing without experience isn’t just possible — it’s achievable with the right mindset and strategy. By identifying your strengths, finding a niche, and starting small, you can begin to make money as a freelancer. With patience, continuous learning, and delivering quality work, you’ll be able to grow your freelancing career, one project at a time.