I bet you hopped on this article because you are looking for ways to make money and break the chain for financial freedom, right?
You’ve stumbled upon freelancing but may not know where to start, what you need, or where to find freelancing jobs. Look no further — this post has all the answers you need!
Freelancing has become a popular way to work independently, offering flexibility and the freedom to take on projects without long-term employment commitments. By now, you may have a general idea of what freelancing entails, but let’s dive deeper into it.
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a form of self-employment where individuals, known as freelancers or independent contractors, offer their skills, expertise, or services to clients on a project basis. Unlike traditional employment, freelancers are not bound by lengthy contracts, allowing them to work flexibly and set their own terms.
Benefits of Freelancing:
– Choose your own clients
– Set your own work schedule
– Work from any location
– Determine your own rates
– Offer services across various fields
With all such benefits, freelancing can be one of the best business models that suit students. However, jumping into it and getting your ball rolling requires hard work and with the right skill set, you can succeed in such a competitive environment..
Essential Skills for Freelancing Success
1. Your Core Skill or Expertise
2. Technical Skills
3. Marketing Skills
4. Communication Skills
5. Organization and Planning
6. Time Management
7. Stress Management
8. Procrastination Control
9. Persistence
I want you to visualize these skills in sequence. I could’ve just explained every and each of them and why you need them but I want you to put yourself in the box.
Let’s say you’re a graphic designer (Core skill). As a graphic designer, you need to be knowledgeable about how to use different or preferred software and how to navigate through the internet because you need to look for clients on different websites to offer them your service (Technical skill).
When looking for clients, you need to know how to reach out to them whether through websites, sending pitches, advertising, etc. (Marketing skill).
When you land a client, you must communicate effectively to understand their needs (Communication skills). If you have obtained the job you need to organize your work around your student schedule (Organization skills).
You also need to manage your time well. Setting hours for studying, working, assignments, etc., and completing them on time (Time management).
You can get overwhelmed sometimes due to the heavy amount of work but you have to manage that (Stress management).
You can also feel like not doing the work due to some silly reasons but you need to control yourself and remember why you even started (Procrastination control).
Getting yourself to work no matter how hard it is, how stressed you are, or how everything is going down, you are a real freelancer. (Persistency).
I believe now you know why you need these skills, right? But what if you lack one, two, or more skills and you still need to work as a freelancer?
No worries, I got you boo!
Where to Learn Freelancing Skills
1. SkillShare: Offers a free trial and subscription options.
2. Udemy: Free and paid courses available.
3. Coursera: Free courses with a subscription for advanced features.
4. Alison: Free courses; pay for certificates.
5. Harvard University Online: Offers both free and paid courses.
6. Future Learn: Free courses with subscription options.
7. YouTube: Free video tutorials for any skill you want to learn.
These websites offer various courses in different fields like Business, IT and Computer science, video editing, and just any skill you want to learn.
Some offer free courses, paid courses, and subscriptions to access unlimited courses – and they all give certificates for the completion of a course (Except YouTube).
With these resources, there’s no excuse for not acquiring the skills you need to get started. Begin learning today and start your freelancing journey.
How Much Can You Earn as a Freelancer?
Freelancers have the freedom to set their own rates, so earnings can vary greatly. For example, transcriptionists on GoTranscript earn about $0.60 per audio minute ($36 per audio hour). On TranscribeMe, they earn between $15-22 per audio hour.
While on Fiverr, transcriptionists offer their services for as low as 5 dollars. (Updated to $20).
Therefore, it’s according to you, if you want to work for specific companies, they might set the rates for you, but if you want to work on websites like Fiverr, Freelancer, and others you are free to set your own rates.
Freelance Job Ideas
The beauty of freelancing is that you can create your own unique job. If you’re good at spotting social media trends, you could offer trend research services to businesses. Therefore, if you have skill in something even if it’s so silly, search about it on the internet. You never know, it might be there.
Popular Freelance Jobs
1. Transcriptionist
As a transcriptionist, your main task is to convert audio content into written text. This text can take the form of a transcript used across various fields, including legal, academic, medical, business, or general transcription services.
2. Proofreader
Proofreading involves reviewing and editing a written text to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, formatting, and language usage. The main goal of a proofreader is to ensure that written materials are error-free, professional, clear, and well-organized.
3. Video Editor
As a video editor, you manage the post-production phase of videos or films. Your primary objective is to compile raw video footage and transform it into a cohesive, engaging, and visually appealing final product.
4. Captioner
A captioner is responsible for creating on-screen descriptions or explanations that appear during a video, content piece, or live event, aiding in viewer comprehension.
5. Content Writer
Content writers craft material for social media, websites, blogs, marketing campaigns, and more. Their main objective is to produce compelling, educational, and engaging content that resonates with the target audience.
6. Translator
Translators specialize in converting spoken or written content from one language to another, ensuring that the translated material accurately reflects the context and meaning of the original text.
7. Web Designer
Web designers are tasked with creating aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly websites. Their job typically involves professional website design, including layout, color scheme, and functionality optimization.
8. Academic Writer
Academic writers produce well-researched and scholarly written content that adheres to academic standards. This work is often created for publications, educational institutions, individuals, or research groups.
9. App Creator
An app creator designs, develops, and sometimes maintains applications for various platforms, such as Android, iOS, or cross-platform environments.
10. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are creative professionals who develop visual content and graphical elements to convey ideas, messages, or information effectively, often for use in both print and digital media.
11. Online Tutor
Online tutors provide teaching and learning support based on their area of expertise, helping students achieve their educational goals.
12. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Virtual assistants support organizations or individuals by handling administrative tasks or personal duties, such as email management, scheduling, and customer service.
13. Social Media Manager
Social media managers oversee the planning, marketing, and monitoring of content for individuals or companies across various social media platforms to enhance engagement and brand presence.
14. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry clerks are responsible for inputting, updating, and managing information in computer systems and databases, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
15. Pinterest Manager
A Pinterest manager develops and implements Pinterest marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, boost sales, or achieve other marketing objectives for businesses or individuals.
16. Photo Editor
Photo editors are responsible for enhancing, editing, and adjusting images to make them visually appealing and effectively convey the desired message.
17. Content Marketer
Content marketers create, distribute, and promote content for companies, individuals, or brands to attract and retain the attention of a targeted audience.
18. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers handle the financial records of a company, ensuring that transactions are accurately documented, classified, and kept up-to-date.
19. Voice Actor
Voice actors provide their voices for media, entertainment, and various projects, effectively representing characters, narrating content, and delivering dialogue in an engaging manner.
20. Website Tester
Website testers assess and verify the performance, usability, and functionality of websites or online applications, reporting any bugs, issues, or faults found during testing.
21. Freelance Writer
Freelance writers produce high-quality content tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of their clients on a project or contract basis.
22. Project Manager
Project managers are in charge of planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet established goals.
23. Researcher
Researchers gather, organize, and analyze data to explore topics, solve problems, and forecast trends, providing valuable insights based on their findings.
24. Developer
Developers are technology experts who design, develop, and build websites, software, applications, and other systems. This category includes various roles like game developers, web developers, and mobile app developers.
25. Subtitler
Subtitlers create translated written captions that appear on screen, making video content accessible and understandable to viewers in different languages.
Where to Find Freelancing Jobs
1. Upwork:
Wide range of freelance jobs.
2. Fiverr:
A popular platform for all types of freelance services.
3. Freelancer:
Offers projects across various fields.
4. TranscribeMe:
Specializes in transcription, subtitling, and annotation jobs.
5. GoTranscript:
Focused on transcription services.
6. FlexJobs:
Verified remote and freelance job listings.
7. Glassdoor:
Provides job listings and company reviews across all industries.
8. ZipRecruiter:
Offers diverse job opportunities with an extensive job search feature.
9. PeoplePerHour:
Ideal for freelancers in various niches.
10. Guru:
Connects skilled freelancers with employers globally.
11. TopTal:
Exclusive platform for top-tier software developers, designers, and project managers.
12. ProBlogger:
Excellent platform for freelance writers and bloggers.
13. Microworkers:
Offers small, task-based micro jobs.
14. Truelancer:
Provides a variety of freelance job opportunities.
15. Textbroker:
Specializes in freelance writing projects.
16. Gramlee:
Dedicated to proofreading services.
17. Cactus Communications:
Offers a wide range of specialized jobs, including editing and academic writing.
18. Rev:
Provides jobs for transcriptionists, captioners, and subtitlers.
19. VIPKid:
Connects online tutors with students, primarily for teaching English.
20. Respondent.io:
Ideal for researchers and experts in various fields.
21. Talent Desire:
Offers jobs in proofreading, writing, translating, and transcription.
22. UserTesting:
Provides website testing jobs for user feedback.
23. Chegg:
Offers tutoring and other remote job opportunities.
24. TestingTime:
Focuses on website usability testing.
25. TaskRabbit:
Connects freelancers with clients for various small tasks.
26. Dribbble:
Excellent platform for showcasing design portfolios and finding design jobs.
27. Remote.co:
Lists remote job opportunities across industries.
28. Behance:
A platform for graphic designers to showcase work and find freelance gigs.
29. SimplyHired:
Aggregates job listings across multiple industries.
30. Accountingfly:
Specializes in remote bookkeeping and accounting jobs.
31. Belay Solutions:
Provides virtual assistant, bookkeeping, and social media management roles.
32. X-Team:
Focuses on providing jobs for developers.
33. Dice:
A technology-focused platform for IT and tech job listings.
Tips for Succeeding in Freelancing
Freelancing is something that doesn’t happen overnight. It often takes time to succeed in it, build your reputation, and get a stable client base. However, combining all the following tips will get you there and make you succeed
1. Identify Your Skill and Niche:
Focus on an area where you can offer value, such as video editing or social media management.
2. Set Clear Goals:
Set clear goals for starting freelancing. For example, earn a certain amount per month, expand your skills, or diversify your income sources. These goals will be the reasons why you started freelancing and why you need to keep pushing.
3. Build a Strong Portfolio:
Showcase your best work to attract clients.
4. Invest in Skill Development:
Continuously improve your skills in your chosen niche.
5. Set Competitive Prices:
Start with lower rates to build your reputation, then increase them as you gain experience.
6. Create an Online Presence:
As a freelancer, you always need to be present online and put your eggs on different platforms. Don’t just aim for one website like Upwork. Put one egg on Facebook, one on Upwork, one on Fiverr, Freelancer, Instagram, etc. This could get you shown up to many different clients.
7. Deliver Quality Work:
always, deliver outstanding work. By doing that, you will get good reviews from the clients you worked with and they can even recommend you to other people.
8. Believe in Yourself:
Freelancing can be hectic sometimes but you need to be determined to achieve your goals. Also, always believe in yourself that you can do it. The reason I’m saying that is some people give up if they don’t get clients, if the skill is hard to acquire, or even if the work is hard.
These are just excuses, be determined and always believe that you can do it. If you can’t maybe your strategies are wrong. Look for other strategies to get you there.