Are you considering starting a freelancing career but stalling because you lack professional experience? Well, that’s normal, as the freelance job market is tough, especially with competitive portfolios and reviews.
But in reality, you don’t need experience to get started! With the right skills and strategy, you can begin your journey to becoming a successful freelancer. But this doesn’t mean you have to keep circling, hoping to land gigs. You need to take some calculated steps, and this guide will help you navigate this path.
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Freelancing vs. Full-Time Jobs?
More people are opting for a freelance career, ditching their full-time jobs. Mostly, this switch is to access greater flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance. Are you also thinking of transitioning? Then, a proper understanding of how the freelance world works is necessary for you to thrive.
You must evaluate your reasons for becoming a freelancer. As a current 9-5er, you may hate your job, but there’s definitely something that makes it much more bearable. Regular income, paid vacations, sick leave, colleagues, pension, and the list goes on.
However, you’ll have to figure things out for yourself as you go into the freelance industry. You must manage your income to ensure the fees from your services cover your needs. If you’re still persistent with this harsh reality, then what’s next? That’ll be figuring out how to get started and navigating the market with little to no experience. This requires you to assess the market demand for your skills.
Tips for getting clients a freelancer without experience
Rocking your early days as a freelancer is no easy feat, as finding your target clients may seem like staring across an empty plain. However, with a bit of hard work, you can quickly reshape that empty plain into a fertile ground. As you start freelancing, here are some ideal ways to find clients and begin earning.
1. Evaluate your existing skills
While the excitement is at an all-time high, the first thing to do is to decipher what you’re good at. Freelancing isn’t about handling everything; it’s about doubling down on what you do best. This could be web design, writing, customer support, or even virtual assistance.
When you eventually identify your skills, start researching those areas and pick a related niche. At this point, you want to polish your skills and stay up to date with current industry trends. You can use free online resources to learn about market demand and target clients.
2. Get more experience
Rather than completely focusing on financial gains, it is important to prioritize your expertise. This doesn’t mean that you should take on this career path without striving to achieve your financial goals. While that is important, solid experiences build a foundation for long-term success.
At this stage, focus on enhancing your skills and delivering top-quality results. Such an action is necessary to attract more clients and build an ideal portfolio. Also, clients pay more and engage in long-term retainers when working with experienced freelancers.
3. Set up a Portfolio Website
A portfolio website is important if you want to attract more clients beyond your first client. This site is a spot where clients and prospects can find more information about the services you offer. As a beginner, you can whip up something using WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. And if you need some professional touch, hire a web designer to help you out. Don’t forget to showcase your best works and case studies; you can develop a few samples for this purpose. Use punchy lines to explain what you do and add your contact information.
4. Join freelancing platforms
Many freelancers have their stories about landing their first gigs. It may be something fanciful or just getting referrals. However, freelancing platforms remain among the most efficient ways to find potential clients. They not only link you with advertised gigs, but also help you build unique experiences.
On such gig platforms, you can get a glimpse of the real market and build your skills to meet top demands. You can try popular platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, and filter out options that apply to you.
5. Create convincing proposals
Even with minimal experience, having a compelling proposal remains the fastest way of landing gigs. This document sets you apart from your competitors and influences hiring decisions. It outlines the project scope, with a key focus on value and client-based solutions.
What’s more, a proposal holds terms and expectations for deliverables and justifies the fees you’re charging. As a beginner, your proposal draft may not be great, but you must learn, iterate, and do better. Draft this document from different angles and make it sound more convincing.
6. Network with other freelancers
Want to know how connecting with other freelancers in your niche can help you land clients? Just picture a system where peers turn into partners and work flows around. From referrals to support, you stand a lot to gain from these connections.
For example, a content writer may have clients seeking SEO experts to join their team. And if you’re fit for the role, these freelancers can put in some words for you. In addition, you get to learn industry trends and know how to handle clients better.
You can find beginners and professionals at different industry events. You can also find your fellow freelancers on Facebook groups or other social platforms like LinkedIn.
7. Have an active online presence
In recent years, a strong online presence has become a critical requirement for effective marketing. Such visibility also applies to freelancers, providing opportunities to access more clients. While you’re going through the entire process of figuring out this new career path, ensure you’re online.
After bidding for gigs or advertising your services, clients may respond at any time. Not being there to provide immediate responses will make them believe that you aren’t diligent. So, stay connected for at least 14 hours a day and make the best use of mobile apps.
8. Try cold outreach to clients
If you’ve not figured it out yet, freelancing could sometimes be a “feast or famine” cycle. To avoid this situation and have a constant flow of high-quality work, you must take critical actions. One of the most effective means to announce your expertise is through cold emailing.
While this may sound challenging, you can get started by making a list of those who need your services. Then, search for and record their contact details for your email campaigns. Ensure you write to them and point out the solutions you offer that can satisfy their needs. Although a hectic process, this may be the way you’ll land that big client.
9. Stay curious and keep learning
In today’s fast-paced world, you have to keep up with trends and technologies in specific industries. As a beginner freelancer, you must stay curious and eager to find out the trending services that clients need. Look out for what’s popular in your niche and know what other freelancers are offering. Upgrade your skills and focus on delivering better-quality results.
The best freelance jobs for new freelancers
The beauty of freelancing is that it provides something for everyone, even without any prior experience. There are many jobs in this space, and you can start earning money with the right skills. Whether you’re seeking a side hustle or going into full-blown freelancing, here are the top beginner-friendly roles.
1. Content writer
Although a leading freelance profession, content writing remains a beginner-friendly job. Also, it is in high demand as prospective clients seek writers to draft informative and compelling materials. You can write blog posts, articles, social media captions, ebooks, etc., and get paid.
What’s more, you can settle for content types and topics that interest you. For instance, if you love pets, you can begin targeting blogs that provide tips for caring for animals or sell pet-related products. The average pay rate for content writing starts around $15 and can go higher as you sharpen your skills.
2. Social media manager
For people who already spend time online, social media management is a natural role for transitioning into freelancing. Knowing how to push attention-grabbing content can land you gigs with many brands. Yes, top companies may seek seasoned professionals, but many entry-level roles focus more on your enthusiasm. This work requires that you prepare content calendars and schedule postings. You must also analyse content performance across multiple platforms. There’s a need for consistent evaluation of what’s working on Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Beginner social media managers can earn around $14 per hour.
3. Event planner
Planning events for people can quickly turn into a very lucrative career as a beginner freelancer. This works even if you have no personal experience. Just have an eye for design and perks for staying organized and personable. You can handle both in-person and virtual events, such as seminars, workshops, and conferences. This role requires you to organize schedules. Event planners also manage speakers and vendors, and craft promotional materials. And you can comfortably make at least $14 per hour for ensuring that everything runs smoothly
4. Email marketer
For many beginners, email marketing provides a quick launch into freelancing. It doesn’t require fancy tools, just being passionate about creating and managing campaigns. There are many advertised email marketing roles online. Many of these jobs don’t need highly experienced candidates. You can take on this freelance gig and connect with your client’s audience via promotions and newsletters. Since email marketers write engaging copy and segment audiences, you can focus on enhancing such skills. Once you improve click-through rates and support the brand’s growth, you can earn at least $15 per hour.
5. Video editor
Video editing is a high-demand skill, with brands hiring people without prior experience. The growing demand for video editors stems from the widespread need for short-form and social media content. With this skill, you can start helping clients transform raw footage into attractive, polished content. Taking on this role, you’ll cut clips, add transitions, text overlays, music, and compelling effects. You can get around $10 to $60 per hour working as a freelance video editor.
6. Graphic designer
As a beginner freelance graphic designer, I aim to target more entry-level roles. Not having experience working for a client doesn’t mean that you can’t create visual content. Once you can design compelling social media graphics, logos, and infographics, you’re good to go. You need to find and work closely with brands to transform concepts into reality. With time, you can build your portfolio and target more unique openings. The average pay rate for beginner graphic designers is around $15 per hour.
7. Virtual assistant
Another accessible role for new freelancers without prior professional experience is becoming a virtual assistant. With solid organizational skills and some level of computer literacy, you can get things running. The major driving force is motivation and a willingness to keep learning on the job. You’ll be working with teams and individuals remotely, managing teams, booking appointments, responding to emails, etc. The average freelance rate for an entry-level virtual assistant begins at $10 per hour. As you gain more experience and sharpen your skills, you can charge premium rates.
8. Translator
While the freelance industry is highly competitive, there’s a high demand for translators, especially native speakers. There are multiple advertised positions for Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin translator roles. Interpreting and working on projects require proficiency in specific languages. And with strong writing and communication skills, you can start handling product descriptions and writing articles. The average pay rate for translators is around $15 per hour.
9. Chat support
Support agents are specialists who assist customers in real time via online chat. For businesses, effective support teams are essential for answering questions and troubleshooting issues. While email inquiry systems exist, most people are now turning to live chat support since they’re faster. This opens up opportunities for freelancers with effective communication and problem-solving skills. You don’t necessarily need professional experience to deliver a smooth customer experience. And as a chat support specialist, you can charge an average of $10 hourly for entry-level positions.
10. Online tutor
Virtual lessons and classes are becoming increasingly popular, with a wide audience seeking knowledge. This job requires subject-matter expertise, a computer, and a high-speed internet connection. You could handle a range of topics, including academic or professional subjects. Also, it is up to you to decide whether you prefer private lessons or teaching a group. Just be willing to provide real guidance and help motivate learners. The pay rate for such roles ranges from $20 to $40 per hour.
Conclusion
Are you new to freelancing? Then, choosing a niche and finding the right jobs is necessary. You don’t need prior professional experience to get certain jobs done, and you can start earning with the right skills. As you adjust to life in this new career path, start creating compelling proposals and connecting with other freelancers.
Focus on delivering high-quality deliverables and maintaining an active online presence. Remember, a properly set-up freelance portfolio increases your chances of getting hired. So, build a functional portfolio website that lets clients learn about your services and contact you. While the journey might be a handful, you have to keep pushing and updating your skills.