Everyone talks about how they make income from freelancing but nobody talks about how to get started, what to consider or avoid.
This blog will discuss exactly what freelancing is and share tips on getting started.
Let’s begin.
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing is like being the captain of your ship.
You decide which job to take, when to, and how to get it done!
Freelancing means working for yourself instead of being tied to a single employer.
You offer your services to clients, usually for a specific task, without necessarily committing to full-time employment with them.
Contrary to the usual 9-to-5 grind schedule, you get to choose your schedule, work hours, and even workspace, without being dotted on by anyone (freedom at its core right…)
As a freelancer you also have the opportunity to work with multiple clients all at once, you can cover almost any skills you have, without being strictly restricted to just one.
With a laptop and good internet, freelancing takes you beyond your local job market and exposes you to a global market, with more jobs, increased pay, and more networking opportunities (fam it’s a complete package)
So, if you’re wondering what is freelancing?
Well, you might be pleased to know that it’s indeed more than a job, it’s a lifestyle that earns you control over your career and how you spend your time.
Why Freelancing is Popular Today
There are over 2.8 million people signed up as freelancers on LinkedIn and this is just the start. Professionals are abandoning the traditional 9-to-5 job modeland choosing to freelance for many reasons.
Here are some of the major drivers of this change:
- Rise of the Gig Economy: The gig economy has transformed how professionals approach work, emphasizing project-based, on-demand employment. Freelancing fits seamlessly into this paradigm, offering professionals the opportunity to work on diverse projects without long-term commitments.
- Digital Transformation: With advancements in technology, digital tools have made it easier than ever to connect talent with opportunities worldwide. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn have normalized freelancing as a viable and respected career path.
- Work-Life Integration: The modern workforce increasingly prioritizes flexibility over rigid schedules. Freelancing aligns with this shift, allowing individuals to design their workdays in ways that integrate seamlessly with their personal lives.
- Global Talent Market: With freelancing, there are no geographical boundaries. This enables professionals to compete on a global scale and creates a level playing field where skills and expertise matter more than location.
- Shift in Employer Preferences: Companies are recognizing the value of freelance talent for specialized, short-term needs. This reduces overhead costs while ensuring access to highly skilled professionals.
- Focus on Autonomy and Entrepreneurship: Freelancing empowers individuals to take control of their careers, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Many freelancers view their work as building a personal brand rather than simply completing tasks.
- Adapting to Uncertainty: Economic and societal uncertainties, such as global pandemics, have shown the value of having a flexible and diversified income stream. Freelancing provides this adaptability, making it a cornerstone of future work models.
With that being said, let’s explore how freelancing works.
How Does Freelancing Work?
Freelancers secure work through online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal, or by networking within their industry. Some even pitch their services directly to potential clients or leverage referrals from past projects.
These jobs can be short-term, like a one-time project, or long-term, where a client keeps coming back for more work.
Next, the client agrees on specific details like what you’ll do, how much you’ll be paid, and as well as the delivery time.
The freelancer then carries out the project according to the agreed requirements, maintaining regular communication with the client to ensure alignment.
Check here to learn more on how to price your service as a freelancer
What are the Benefits of Freelancing?
- Flexibility Like Never Before
One of the most unique benefits of freelancing is the freedom it offers you.
You have the liberty to decide when to work, where to work, and even how you work.
This flexibility enables you to create a work-life balance that truly fits your needs.
- Choosing Your Clients and Projects
As a full-time employee in a traditional job setting, you don’t have any say about the tasks you handle or who you work with.
But as a freelancer, you have the freedom to pick clients and projects that you’re interested in.
If you feel a client isn’t the best fit, you have the liberty to say no.
- Setting Your Rates
Now this is where it gets interesting!
Unlike a full-time, regular job where your salary is fixed, freelancing gives you absolute control over how much you earn.
You can set your rates based on the value you bring to the project, your experience, and the time you invested.
The harder you work or the more skilled you become, the more you earn.
- Connecting with Global Opportunities
Freelancing takes you beyond your local job market and connects you with clients all over the world.
This gives you valuable networking opportunities and the chance to earn in international currency which surely earns you more when converted to your local currency.
- Working on Your Terms
Freelancing keeps you in charge of the work you handle and setting work schedules that most favor you.
Want to take a day off? Go for it.
Prefer working at night instead of mornings? That’s entirely up to you.
The Disadvantages of Freelancing
- Uncertain Income
Unlike a traditional full-time job with definitive and steady pay at the end of every work month, your income as a freelancer can be quite unpredictable.
Some months you might secure much work so much that, you’ll feel overwhelmed and of course very productive after seeing the income you’ve generated.
Other months might feel like drought.
This inconsistency makes effective money management very crucial for all freelancers and you also need to master the act of pitching clients.
- No Employer Benefits
In traditional job settings, employers often provide benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid vacation.
As a freelancer, you don’t get to enjoy all these.
You have to cover these expenses yourself, and the truth is, they can add up pretty quickly.
- Isolation
Another disadvantage of freelancing you don’t get to hear often is how lonely it can be.
When you freelance, you work alone. This means you don’t enjoy certain perks like hearty chats, casual interactions, and communications with coworkers.
Hence, it can be very lonely for some people.
- Administrative Tasks
As a freelancer, you’re your own boss.
Good right?
Well, not a hundred percent.
Being your own boss comes with some responsibilities like handling taxes, invoicing, and marketing, among several others
These can be very demanding and can even take your effort away from the work you love doing.
- Unreliable Clients
Even with the benefits of freelancing, there’s the problem of losing clients unexpectedly.
After building a good relationship with a client, they may suddenly reduce their budgets or stop needing your services.
This uncertainty can leave you searching for new projects without notice.
The Main Difference Between Freelancing and a Full-Time Job
The main difference between freelancing and a full-time job is freedom.
In a full-time job, you work for an employer, you have fixed work hours, and you are entitled to benefits like insurance and paid leave.
But what is freelancing? It’s working for yourself, choosing your projects, and setting your own work hours and schedules.
With freelancing comes flexibility, but it also means you don’t have a steady income or other benefits often provided in a full-time work position.
Tips on How to Start Freelancing and Be Successful
1. Choose Your Niche
The first thing you want to do is to figure out what you’re interested in and what you’re good at.
It could be graphic design, writing, social media management, or web development.
When you pick a specific field and specialize in it, this helps you stand out and helps you become an expert at it.
For example, instead of saying you’re a writer, you could specialize in SEO writing for SaaS companies.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Having a portfolio is like having an online resume.
It shows potential clients that you’re capable and have proven expertise at the job you’re bidding for.
Perhaps you’re just starting and don’t have previous work to showcase, it’s not the end of the road.
Create sample projects or volunteer to build your portfolio.
Make sure your portfolio highlights your best work and can be shared easily.
3. Set Your Rates
Now this is often a headache to most freelancers.
Pricing your service as a freelancer can be tricky.
Research what others in your field charge to ensure your rates are competitive but fair.
And more importantly, always consider your experience, the type of work, and the time it takes when setting rates.
4. Promote Yourself on Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are potent tools for freelancers.
Share your work, engage with industry professionals, and join freelancing groups to connect with potential clients.
When you build a personal brand online, you gain more visibility and trust.
5. Find and Keep Clients
One of the most important skills to master as a freelancer is finding and keeping clients.
This can prove very challenging at first, however, you can start small by reaching out to people in your network or applying for jobs on freelancing platforms.
Always approach clients professionally, personalize your pitches, and prove to them why you’re the best fit for the job.
Common Freelancing Platforms
If you’re just starting and wondering what is freelancing and how to succeed, you might be pleased to know that freelancing platforms are a great way to find clients and projects.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top freelancing platforms, including detailed, true, and accurate information about their features and how to get started.
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing platforms.
The platform offers a wide range of job categories like writing, design, development, and marketing.
It is perfect for beginners as well as experienced professionals.
Upwork also connects millions of freelancers with clients worldwide.
How to Sign Up on Upwork:
Visit Upwork’s website.
Click “Sign Up” and register using your email or Google account.
Create a freelancer profile by adding details like your skills, work experience, hourly rate, and portfolio.
Take skill assessments to enhance your profile credibility.
Start browsing projects or apply for job postings using Connects (Upwork’s bidding currency).
What Makes Upwork Unique?
It has a vast range of categories, from entry-level to expert-level jobs.
Secure payment protection for freelancers through its escrow system.
Advanced tools like time trackers and reporting for ongoing projects.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr allows freelancers to offer “gigs” or services starting at $5.
It’s a highly flexible platform for creative professionals like writers, graphic designers, video editors, and more.
How to Sign Up on Fiverr:
Visit Fiverr’s website.
Click “Join” and sign up using your email, Facebook, or Google account.
Create a seller profile by adding your skills, a professional photo, and a detailed description of your services.
Research and create your first gig by defining the service, pricing, and delivery timeline.
Share your Fiverr profile to attract clients or wait for clients to approach you.
What Makes Fiverr Unique?
Offers the flexibility to set fixed-price services at various levels (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium).
Highly accessible for beginners, as no bidding is required.
Strong global client base with opportunities for quick project turnaround.
3. Toptal
Toptal is a premium freelancing platform catering to top-tier freelancers.
It’s highly selective, making it ideal for experienced professionals in fields like software development, finance, design, and project management.
How to Sign Up on Toptal:
Visit Toptal’s website.
Click “Apply as a Freelancer” and fill out the application form with your skills and experience.
Complete the multi-step screening process, which includes interviews, technical assessments, and real-world project evaluations.
Once accepted, you’ll be part of Toptal’s exclusive network and can start connecting with high-profile clients.
What Makes Toptal Unique?
It has a rigorous screening process that ensures freelancers are among the top 3% in their field.
Access to premium clients, including Fortune 500 companies.
Offers freelancers opportunities for long-term, high-paying projects.
4. Contra
Contra is a platform designed for independent workers to build a professional portfolio, connect with clients, and showcase their projects for free.
It’s perfect for those who want to work on their terms and without paying overwhelming commission fees.
How to Sign Up on Contra:
Visit Contra’s website.
Click “Sign Up” and register using your email or Google account.
Build your portfolio by adding past work, skills, and a personal brand statement.
Share your profile to attract potential clients or browse job postings.
What Makes Contra Unique?
No fees on earnings; freelancers keep 100% of what they earn.
Focuses heavily on creative professionals.
Provides tools to create a professional-looking portfolio.
5. Workana
Workana is another freelancing platform you might want to consider; it is popular in Latin America and also expanding globally.
It’s known for its variety of job categories, from design and marketing to programming and data entry.
How to Sign Up on Workana:
Visit Workana’s website.
Click “Sign Up” and choose to register via email or social media accounts.
Build your freelancer profile with detailed skills and a portfolio.
Take skill tests to stand out in your chosen category.
Browse projects and submit proposals to clients.
What Makes Workana Unique?
Strong presence in Latin America.
Allows freelancers to take skill assessments for better visibility.
6. Outsourcely
Outsourcely is a platform for remote workers seeking full-time or part-time freelance opportunities.
The platform connects freelancers with businesses for remote jobs, focusing on long-term relationships.
It emphasizes long-term projects and remote work, making it ideal for freelancers who want stability.
How to Sign Up on Outsourcely:
Visit Outsourcely’s website.
Click “Sign Up” and create a remote worker account.
Fill out your profile with work experience, skills, and availability.
Browse remote job postings and apply directly to roles that suit your expertise.
What Makes Outsourcely Unique?
Encourages long-term work relationships.
Emphasis on remote jobs, providing flexibility for freelancers.
7. We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a simple, no-frills job board for remote opportunities.
It’s a straightforward platform where companies post jobs and freelancers apply directly.
How to Sign Up on We Work Remotely:
Visit We Work Remotely’s website.
No profile creation is needed; just browse job listings.
Apply to roles directly by following the application instructions (often via email or a link).
What Makes We Work Remotely Unique?
No need for complex profiles or sign-up processes.
Focus exclusively on remote jobs.
Why Use These Platforms?
Freelancing platforms help simplify the process of finding work, especially for beginners trying to understand the question of what is freelancing and how to get started as a freelancer.
Each platform has its unique benefits, and using the right one can connect you with clients, showcase your skills, and build your freelancing career effectively.
In Conclusion
What is freelancing without the right skills to succeed?
The answer is Unsuccessful.
Before diving in, equip yourself with essential digital skills at Creaitz for free.
With the right foundation, you can confidently get started and thrive as a freelancer.
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