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Are you looking to start your freelancing career, but aren’t sure where to begin? Freelancing can be a great way to work on your own terms and schedule, but it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of freelance jobs, especially as a beginner. Fortunately, there are many freelance jobs for beginners that you can start with, whether you have just a little bit of experience or none at all.
From writing and data entry to graphic design and social media management, there are many different types of freelance jobs available that can be done from the comfort of your own home. In fact, with the rise of remote work, many companies are now hiring freelancers to work on projects from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, freelancing can be a great option for those who want to work on their own terms. So, if you’re ready to take the leap and start your freelancing journey, keep reading to learn more about the best freelance jobs for beginners in 2023.
What Is Freelancing?
If you’re looking for a way to make money as a beginner, freelancing might be the perfect option for you. Freelancing is contract-based work for a client, either online or in-person, ranging from one-off gigs to retainer agreements and ongoing relationships. Companies hire freelancers when they need help with a temporary service.
As a freelancer, you are your own boss. You get to choose the projects you work on, set your own rates, and work on your own schedule. Freelancing can be a great way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and make money while doing something you enjoy.
There are many different types of freelance jobs for beginners, including writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, and more. Some of the easiest freelance jobs for beginners include data entry, proofreading, and editing. These jobs require minimal experience and can be done from anywhere, making them perfect for entry-level freelancers.
One of the best things about freelancing is that you can work from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This makes it a great option for people who want to work remotely or travel while they work. Freelancing can also be a great way to start your own freelance business and become your own boss.
If you’re interested in freelancing, there are many websites that can help you get started. Some of the best freelance job sites for beginners include Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These sites allow you to create a profile, showcase your skills, and find freelance work that matches your interests and experience.
Overall, freelancing can be a great way to make money as a beginner. With so many different types of freelance jobs available, there’s sure to be something that matches your skills and interests. Whether you’re looking to work from home, start your own business, or gain experience in a new field, freelancing is a great option to consider.
A must-read for new freelancers: Is freelancing worth it? The brutal truth.
Popular Freelance Jobs for Beginners
If you’re looking to start a freelance career, there are plenty of options available to you. Here are 15 popular freelance jobs for beginners, along with a brief description of each and potential earnings from beginner to seasoned.
1. Funnel Builder
Who it’s for: Anyone looking to make good money building sales funnels.
What it entails: Building sales funnels for businesses to help them generate leads and sales.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $500 – $2,000 per project | $2,000 – $5,000 per project | $5,000+ per project |
2. Bookkeeper
Who it’s for: Anyone with basic experience in accounting or bookkeeping.
What it entails: Keeping track of financial records for businesses.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $15 – $30 per hour | $30 – $50 per hour | $50+ per hour |
Related: A freelance bookkeeper’s salary – the ultimate guide.
3. Virtual Assistant
Who it’s for: Anyone who is organized and good at multitasking.
What it entails: Assisting businesses with administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $10 – $20 per hour | $20 – $30 per hour | $30+ per hour |
4. Graphic Designer
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in graphic design.
What it entails: Creating visual content such as logos, banners, and social media posts for businesses.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $15 – $25 per hour | $25 – $50 per hour | $50+ per hour |
Related: A freelance web designer’s hourly charges – deep dive.
5. Freelance Writer
Who it’s for: Anyone with a passion for writing.
What it entails: Writing articles, blog posts, and other content for businesses.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $0.03 – $0.10 per word | $0.10 – $0.25 per word | $0.25+ per word |
Related: A freelance writer’s pay rate – all you need to know.
6. Social Media Manager
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in social media marketing.
What it entails: Managing social media accounts for businesses and creating content to engage with followers.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $15 – $25 per hour | $25 – $50 per hour | $50+ per hour |
7. Freelance Photographer
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in photography.
What it entails: Taking photos for businesses for use in marketing materials.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $50 – $100 per hour | $100 – $200 per hour | $200+ per hour |
8. Web Developer
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in web development.
What it entails: Building and maintaining websites for businesses.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $25 – $50 per hour | $50 – $100 per hour | $100+ per hour |
9. Freelance Content Writer
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in writing.
What it entails: Writing content for businesses such as product descriptions and website copy.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $0.03 – $0.10 per word | $0.10 – $0.25 per word | $0.25+ per word |
Related: The copywriter’s ultimate guide to success.
10. Chat Agent
Who it’s for: Anyone with good communication skills.
What it entails: Providing customer support via chat for businesses.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $10 – $15 per hour | $15 – $25 per hour | $25+ per hour |
11. Video Editing
Who it’s for: Anyone with experience in video editing.
What it entails: Editing videos for businesses for use in marketing materials.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $25 – $50 per hour | $50 – $100 per hour | $100+ per hour |
12. Online Tutor
Who it’s for: Anyone with expertise in a particular subject.
What it entails: Providing online tutoring services to students.
Earnings:
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $10-$15 per hour | $15 – $40 per hour | $40+ per hour |
13. Proofreading
Who it’s for: Anyone with an eye for grammar and is meticulous.
What it entails: Reading documents before they are published to ensure that they are error-free.
| Beginner | Intermediate | Seasoned |
| $15-$18 per hour | $25 – $30 per hour | $35+ per hour |
Finding Freelance Jobs For Beginners
As a new freelancer, finding work can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, there are plenty of job boards and websites that can help you find your first clients. Here are the top 10 places to find freelance jobs:
- FlexJobs: This is a great place to find flexible and remote work opportunities. They have a wide range of job categories, including freelance writing jobs, design jobs, and more. You can also filter jobs by location, job type, and more.
- SolidGigs: This is a paid service that provides you with a curated list of freelance job opportunities. They also offer a range of resources and courses to help you improve your freelancing skills.
- Freelancer: This is one of the largest freelance job sites, with millions of projects posted every year. You can bid on projects that match your skills and experience, and build your reputation as a freelancer.
- PeoplePerHour: This is a UK-based platform that connects freelancers with clients from around the world. You can create a profile, showcase your skills, and bid on projects that match your expertise.
- FreelanceWriting.com: This is a job board specifically for freelance writers. They have a range of writing opportunities, from blog posts to technical writing, and more.
- Behance: This is a platform for creative professionals, including designers, photographers, and artists. You can create a portfolio of your work and showcase your skills to potential clients.
- Dribbble: This is another platform for designers, where you can showcase your work and connect with potential clients. You can also browse job listings and apply for projects that match your skills.
- LinkedIn: This is a great place to network and find job opportunities. You can create a professional profile, connect with other professionals, and browse job listings.
- Indeed.com: This is a popular job search engine that includes freelance job opportunities. You can search for jobs by keyword, location, and more.
- Contently: This is a platform for freelance writers, where you can create a portfolio of your work and connect with potential clients. They also offer a range of resources and tools to help you improve your freelancing skills.
Related: Top sites for freelance writers to land jobs and retainers.
Each of these platforms has its own benefits and special features. Some are great for finding new clients, while others are better for advanced freelance jobs. Do your research and find the best option for your needs. Good luck!
Skills Required for Freelance Jobs
If you’re looking to start your career as a freelancer, you need to develop certain skills to succeed in the industry. Freelancing jobs require specific skills that vary depending on the type of work you do. In this section, we’ll discuss the skills required for different freelance jobs to help you get started.
Content Writing
Content writing is one of the most popular freelance jobs for beginners. To succeed in this field, you need to have excellent writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Additionally, you need to be able to write in a style that matches the client’s requirements. You should also be able to research and write on a wide range of topics.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is another popular freelance job that requires specific skills. To succeed in this field, you need to have knowledge of various digital marketing techniques, including SEO, PPC, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. You should also be able to analyze data and create reports to help clients understand the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns.
Customer Service
Customer service is a critical aspect of many freelance jobs, especially those in the e-commerce industry. To succeed in this field, you need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You should also be able to handle customer complaints and inquiries in a professional manner.
Writing Skills
Writing skills are essential for many freelance jobs, including content writing, copywriting, and technical writing. To succeed in this field, you need to have excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You should also be able to write in a style that matches the client’s requirements and be able to research and write on a wide range of topics.
One of the most highly-paid jobs is email marketing. If you can write great emails that increase open rates, manage email platforms, and create great flows and automations for your client – you’ll be in high demand.
Different Languages
If you’re fluent in a language other than English, you can take advantage of freelance jobs that require translation services. To succeed in this field, you need to have excellent language skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You should also be able to translate accurately and quickly.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is another popular freelance job that requires specific skills. To succeed in this field, you need to have knowledge of various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You should also be able to create engaging content and analyze data to help clients understand the effectiveness of their social media campaigns.
Web Development
Web development is a high-paying freelance job that requires specific skills. To succeed in this field, you need to have knowledge of various programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. You should also be able to design and develop websites that meet the client’s requirements.
Beginner Freelancers
If you’re a beginner freelancer, you need to develop certain skills to succeed in the industry. You should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You should also be able to manage your time effectively and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Freelance Writing Career
If you’re looking to start a freelance writing career, you need to have excellent writing skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You should also be able to write in a style that matches the client’s requirements and be able to research and write on a wide range of topics. Additionally, you need to be able to manage your time effectively and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Related: Every freelancer’s must-have hourly calculator
Benefits of Freelancing
Freelancing is a great way to begin your career, especially if you’re looking for remote work and want to set your own hours. It’s a great option for those who want to work from home and enjoy the flexibility of online jobs. One of the most important things about freelancing is that you get to create your own schedule. You can work whenever you want, and as much or as little as you want. This flexibility is a major benefit for those who want to balance work and personal life.
When you work as a freelancer, you have the opportunity to earn higher rates than full-time employees. You can charge more for your services because you’re not bound by a salary. You can earn as much money as you want, depending on how much work you do. Freelancing is a great opportunity to make much money, especially if you have a good online presence.
Another benefit of freelancing is that it’s a good fit for those who want to work on easy ways to earn money. You can choose the type of work you want to do, and the clients you want to work with. You can specialize in a particular area, or you can work on a variety of projects. The choice is yours.
Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Here’s a table highlighting some of the pros and cons of freelancing:
| Pros | Cons |
| You have the freedom to work whenever and wherever you want | You don’t have the security of a regular paycheck |
| You can choose the type of work you want to do | You have to manage your own taxes and finances |
| You can set your own rates and earn more money | You have to find your own clients |
| You can work on projects that interest you | You have to deal with the administrative tasks of running your own business |
| You can build your own brand and online presence | You have to be disciplined and manage your own time effectively |
Overall, freelancing can be a great option for those who want to work on their own terms and enjoy the benefits of remote work. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision to become a freelancer, but with the right mindset and skills, it can be a rewarding career path.
Marketing Yourself as a Freelancer
As a beginner freelancer, you may find it challenging to get your first few clients. Marketing yourself is a crucial step in building your freelance business. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Build Your Online Presence
Having a professional online presence is essential for any freelancer. Make sure you have a website or online portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. You should also create social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Use these platforms to engage with potential clients and share your work.
Blogging
Blogging is an effective way to showcase your expertise and build your online presence. You can write blog posts on topics related to your niche, share your thoughts on industry news, or provide helpful tips for your clients. Blogging can also help you improve your writing skills and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
With the rise of AI tools, blogging is now a great place to start to showcase your skills, knowledge and to come across as an expert.
Business Cards
Having a business card is a simple yet effective way to promote your freelance business. You can distribute them at networking events, conferences, or even to friends and family. Make sure your business card includes your name, contact information, and a brief description of your services.
Reach Out to Small Businesses
Small businesses are often in need of freelance services but may not have the budget to hire a large agency. Reach out to small businesses in your area and offer your services. You can also attend local networking events to meet potential clients.
Extra Money
If you are looking to earn some extra money, consider freelancing as a side hustle. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. These platforms allow you to connect with clients from all over the world and offer a variety of freelance jobs.
Marketing yourself as a freelancer can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it can be a rewarding experience. By building your online presence, blogging, using business cards, reaching out to small businesses, and offering your services on freelance platforms, you can attract more clients and grow your freelance business.
Related: How to become a freelance grant writer.
Pricing Your Freelance Services
One of the most important things to consider when starting out as a freelancer is how to price your services. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities out there for freelancers, especially those with high-demand skills and much experience. As a native English speaker, you have a great thing going for you as many clients prefer to work with someone who speaks their language fluently.
When it comes to setting your hourly rate, there are a few best ways to go about it. One formula that is popularly used by experienced freelancers is to take your desired annual salary and divide it by the number of billable hours you plan to work in a year. For example, if you want to earn $60,000 per year and plan to work 1,500 billable hours, your hourly rate would be $40 per hour.
It’s important to remember that your hourly rate should reflect your level of experience and the value you bring to the table. If you’re just starting out, you may need to set your rate lower to attract clients. However, as you gain more experience, you can gradually increase your rate.
Another great thing about freelancing is that you have the flexibility to charge different rates for different types of work. For example, you may charge a higher rate for phone calls or consultations than you would for actual project work.
Overall, setting your freelance rate can be a bit daunting at first, but with some research and experience, you’ll find the ultimate guide that works best for you.
Related: How much freelance writers charge
Challenges of Freelancing
Freelancing can be an exciting and rewarding career path, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. As a beginner, it’s essential to be aware of these challenges so that you can prepare yourself and take steps to overcome them. Here are some common challenges that you may face as a freelancer:
Negotiating with Clients
One of the biggest challenges that you may face as a freelancer is negotiating with clients. You will work with various clients, and while most of them will be reasonable, you may encounter some who are difficult to work with. It’s important to keep discussions and rebuttals professional, even when faced with rude clients. Remember that you are running a business, and you need to protect your reputation.
Finding Clients
Another significant challenge is finding clients. As a beginner, you may not have a large network of contacts, which can make it difficult to find work. You will need to spend time marketing yourself and building your brand. You can use social media platforms, job boards, and freelance marketplaces to find clients. It’s also a good idea to create a website and portfolio to showcase your work.
Managing Your Time
When you work as a freelancer, you are responsible for managing your time effectively. You need to balance your workload, meet deadlines, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s essential to create a schedule and stick to it. You may also want to use time-tracking tools to help you stay on track.
Dealing with Isolation
Freelancing can be a lonely profession. You may spend long hours working alone, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It’s important to find ways to stay connected with others. You can join online communities, attend networking events, or even work from a co-working space.
Technical Issues
As a freelancer, you rely on technology to do your work. This means that you need a reliable internet connection and access to the right tools and software. Technical issues can disrupt your workflow and cause delays. It’s important to have a backup plan in case of technical issues. You may also want to invest in a good computer and software to ensure that you can work efficiently.
In conclusion, freelancing comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can overcome them. By being aware of these challenges and taking steps to address them, you can build a successful freelance career.
Related: Sample freelance writing contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy freelance jobs a beginner can do?
As a beginner freelancer, you may want to start with easy freelance jobs that require minimal experience. Some easy freelance jobs you can do include data entry, customer service, chat agent, and audio transcription. These jobs are relatively easy to learn and require basic skills that most people have.
What are some popular freelance websites for beginners?
There are many freelance websites that are great places for beginners to start their freelance career. Some of the most popular freelance websites for beginners include Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Guru. These websites offer a wide range of jobs and are great places to find new clients.
How can I start freelancing without any experience?
Starting a freelance career without any experience may seem daunting, but it is possible. The best way to start freelancing without any experience is to focus on your specific skills. Determine what skills you have that are in high demand and start building your portfolio. You can also take online courses to improve your skills and gain more experience.
What are some good online jobs for beginners?
There are many good online jobs for beginners, including freelance writing, content writing, social media management, and virtual assistance. These jobs require specific skills, but they are relatively easy to learn and can be done remotely.
Related: Top online proofreading jobs for beginners
What are the best freelance jobs for students?
Freelancing can be a great way for students to earn extra money while still focusing on their studies. Some of the best freelance jobs for students include freelance writing, content writing, social media management, and web development. These jobs offer flexible hours and can be done remotely.
How can I get started as a freelancer?
The first step to getting started as a freelancer is to determine your specific skills and what type of freelance work you want to do. Once you have determined your skills, start building your portfolio and creating an online presence. You can also start reaching out to potential clients and applying for freelance jobs on job boards and freelance websites. Remember to set your hourly rate and work schedule before starting your freelance business.
Overall, freelancing is a great option for entry-level freelancers, students, and anyone looking to earn extra money. There are plenty of opportunities available, and with the right skills and determination, you can build a successful freelance career.
