Unlock Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to Freelancing Without Experience | Over 30 Ideas for Beginners

December 24, 2023

Is Freelancing Good For Beginners?

If you're eager to explore freelancing in an area where you lack experience, envision the possibilities: enjoying more quality time with loved ones, experiencing the joy of working independently, and earning extra income to meet financial milestones. Freelancers, as autonomous workers compensated per job or task, enjoy advantages such as the freedom to work from home and flexible schedules. However, they also contend with challenges affecting work-life balance, including the absence of benefits, fluctuating workloads, income variations, initial investments, and job security concerns.

Freelancer working on laptop at home with coffee
If you find yourself in a position similar to mine, once earning $32,000 a year and yearning for a way out, take heart. I, too, discovered the ropes of freelancing without prior experience, and today, I'm here to guide you through the exact steps I took. Additionally, I'll introduce you to 28 freelance ideas to kickstart your journey.

Embarking on Freelancing Without Prior Experience

I stand as living proof that acquiring the skills to initiate a freelance career is feasible even without prior experience. Within six months of venturing into freelance writing, I not only matched my 9-5 income but exceeded it.

Here are the precise steps I took:

1. Pick Your Preferred Freelancing Niche

The world of freelancing offers myriad possibilities. Begin by identifying your passion to discern the type of freelance work that resonates with you. Whether it's creative pursuits like writing, video editing, or more technical roles such as web development or coding, choose an idea that captivates you. If you feel overwhelmed by choices, consult tips for overcoming indecision. The key is to select an idea that appeals to you the most and take immediate action, knowing you can pivot later.

2. Cultivate the Right Mindset

Embarking on a new journey often triggers Impostor Syndrome, casting doubt on your worth, intelligence, and capabilities. Disregard your inner critic; it's deceptive. Embrace silence to foster a positive mindset conducive to genuine life changes. Practice daily habits that help maintain focus, laying the groundwork for a successful freelance business.

3. Establish Your Online Presence

While many beginners obsess over creating the perfect website, remember, it doesn't need to be flawless. Your website serves as a platform for potential clients to explore your portfolio and learn more about you. Set up a basic site promptly; you can refine it with experience. Consider using Squarespace, a user-friendly platform for those without web design experience. Create pages for your portfolio, rates, and an "about me" section. Include a contact page, and optionally, add a Calendly link for scheduling disclosure calls directly.

4. Develop Your Initial Portfolio

Building a portfolio as a beginner might seem challenging, but here's a secret: you don't need real clients. Approach it as though you've been commissioned for projects. For instance, if you're a logo designer, create logo packs for an imaginary ideal client. Potential clients are interested in the quality of your work, regardless of whether it was for an actual company.

Important: This tip might not be applicable to freelancers heavily reliant on experience (e.g., financial coaching, fitness training, pet sitting). In such cases, skip building a fictitious portfolio and proceed to the next step.

5. Secure Your First Clients

Finding clients as a novice freelancer may seem daunting, but rest assured, there's a reliable approach. Explore these three avenues:

Check Job Boards: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer quick opportunities for beginners, but consider moving on from these sites after gaining some experience. They may provide income, but many companies seek the cheapest workforce.

Tap Into Your Network

Reach out to friends and family to explore free or discounted job opportunities, possibly exchanging services. Bola, Clever Girl Finance's CEO, kickstarted her photography journey by capturing moments for friends. By doing so, she built her skills and portfolio, proving that reaching out to your existing network can yield surprising opportunities.

In summary, if you aspire to learn freelancing as a beginner, leverage your existing connections; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Cold Email Companies You Admire

Cold emailing may seem intimidating, but it's an effective way to secure new clients. Many companies face overwhelming workloads and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Crafting a compelling cold email can lead to excellent freelancing opportunities.

Prepare your portfolio before initiating cold emails to demonstrate your ability to fulfill a company's needs. Once you have a portfolio, use the following tips to enhance your outreach:

  • Create a Customized Cold Email Template: Tailor it to establish your credibility and focus on the recipient's needs.
  • Add an Email Signature: Use a tool like Hubspot's free signature generator to build trust.
  • Follow Up After Five Workdays: If you don't receive a response, follow up. However, cease communication after the second follow-up to avoid being perceived as spam.
  • Understand That It’s A Numbers Game: Acknowledge that not every email will receive a response, and it's okay. Persist, and you'll witness positive outcomes.

6. Increase Your Rates and Persist!

Once you have 3-5 portfolio pieces, raise your rates and press onward.

Here's a common method to determine your freelance rates: calculate the monthly income you wish to earn and work backward to establish an hourly or project rate. For example, if your goal is an extra $1,000 per month, charging $200 per article (for five articles) or an $80 hourly rate might be viable, depending on your calculations.

7. Invest in a Freelance Course

Accelerate your success by enrolling in an online course that guides beginners in freelancing. I embarked on this path as a freelance copywriter without any prior experience. Investing in a course created by an experienced professional, who had navigated pitfalls and learned from mistakes, allowed me to replace my full-time income within six months. While a lucrative freelance career is possible without a course, such an investment can expedite your journey, proving beneficial if it aligns with your budget and learning preferences.


Explore Over 30 Freelancing Ideas Without Prior Experience

Embarking on a freelance career without prior experience is not only possible but entirely feasible. Discover freelance ideas aligned with your passion, build your initial portfolio, and connect with clients eager to invest in your skills.

Review the categorized list below for various freelance ideas, and choose the one that aligns with your unique skill set:

Creative Freelancing Ideas

Administrative Freelancing Ideas:

  • Virtual Assistant:
  • Data Entry Specialist:
    • Polish your skills with Coursera's Data Entry and Spreadsheet Skills specialization.
    • Consider offering data analysis or visualization services to add value beyond basic entry.
  • Bookkeeper:
    • Gain foundational knowledge with the AICPA's Bookkeeping for Beginners course.
    • Enhance your experience by volunteering for non-profit organizations or offering services to small businesses.
  • Transcriptionist:
    • Master transcription fundamentals with Rev's Transcription Fundamentals course.
    • Consider specializing in legal or medical transcription for higher earning potential.

People-Based Freelancing Ideas:

  • Coach (Financial, Health, Life, or Business):
    • Explore the International Coach Federation's (ICF) accredited coach training programs.
    • Build experience by networking with other coaches in your niche and offering free consultations.
  • Tutor:
    • Get certified with VIPKid's online TEFL certification program.
    • Focus on subjects you're passionate about and develop engaging teaching methods.

Specialized Freelancing Ideas:

  • Nutritionist or Fitness Trainer:
  • Pet Sitter or House Sitter:
    • Follow Rover's Becoming a Pet Sitter guide.
    • Enhance your expertise with pet CPR and first-aid certifications.
  • Event Planner:
    • Attain the International Live Events Association (ILEA)'s Certified Event Planner (CEP) certification.
    • Build valuable relationships by networking with event venues, caterers, and vendors.
  • Personal Stylist:
    • Enroll in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)'s online Personal Styling course.
    • Offer virtual styling consultations or partner with clothing stores for commission-based sales.
  • Life Coach:
    • Pursue certification through The Life Coach School's Certified Professional Coach (CPC) program.
    • Specialize in a specific niche like career coaching or relationship coaching to attract clients.
  • Public Relations Consultant:
    • Get insights from The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)'s Fundamentals of Public Relations course.
    • Offer social media crisis management or media relations services to businesses.
  • Language Tutor:
    • Explore Italki's Teaching English Online course.
    • Highlight your native language proficiency and offer cultural insights alongside language lessons.
  • Online Community Manager:
    • Enhance your skills with Hootsuite's Social Media Community Management course.
    • Engage with community members, host online events, and build a strong online presence for the community.

Which Freelancing Idea Will You Pursue First?

In conclusion, mastering freelancing without prior knowledge is not only achievable but empowering. Choose freelance ideas that resonate with you, build your initial portfolio, and approach clients willing to invest in your expertise.

Embrace the affirmation: 'My fears don't hinder my pursuit of passion. I possess the power to shape my own future.'" As you venture into the realm of becoming an inexperienced freelancer, remember, you already possess the tools to craft your dream life.