Looking to make some extra cash? Ready to switch career fields? Learning how to start freelancing is one of the best new business ideas you can explore in 2024. Freelancing offers flexibility, autonomy, and often a better paycheck than traditional jobs. In fact, there are now over 59 million freelancers in the U.S. alone, accounting for 36% of the workforce.

If you’re wondering how to begin freelancing with little or no experience, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 7 essential steps every new freelancer should follow to start their freelance career and thrive in 2024.

Table of Contents

1. Decide What Service You’ll Offer
2. Determine Your Niche
3. Set Your Rates
4. Start Building Your Online Presence
5. Market Yourself
6. Keep Track of Your Payments and Taxes
7. Always Deliver High-Quality Work

1. Decide What Service You’ll Offer

The first step in starting your freelance business is figuring out what service you want to provide. This is a critical decision because it shapes your entire freelance journey. There are two main paths to choose from:

• Option 1: Leverage Existing Skills
  Look at your current skills, education, and hobbies to determine what freelance service you can offer right away. If you’re an experienced web developer, for example, you can start offering web design services. Or if you’re great at writing, you could pursue content writing or editing.
• Option 2: Learn an In-Demand Skill
  If you don’t have a skill ready to monetize, consider learning a new one. Some in-demand freelance services, like digital marketing, virtual assistance, and content creation, can be learned in a relatively short time.

While learning a new skill can take time, it can pay off big in the long run. For example, Kat—a student from my digital marketing course—transitioned from a beginner to a successful freelancer making $10,000/month by learning digital marketing skills and applying them to help clients with email marketing, website design, and more.

2. Determine Your Niche

Once you’ve decided on the service you want to offer, it’s time to figure out your niche. Your niche helps you stand out and attract clients in specific industries. It’s important to consider factors like:

• Who is your ideal client? Do you want to work with small businesses, startups, or corporations?
• What is your target market? Are you interested in industries such as real estate, health and wellness, or tech startups?
• What do you know about your clients’ needs? Understanding the challenges your target clients face will help you craft tailored solutions that make you invaluable.

For example, if you’re passionate about personal finance, your niche could be helping personal finance bloggers with content creation or digital marketing.

By choosing a niche, you’re not only attracting a specific group of clients but also positioning yourself as an expert in that field.

3. Set Your Rates

Setting freelance rates can be one of the trickiest parts of starting your freelance career. It’s easy to undervalue your time when you’re just starting, but it’s important to know your worth. The key is finding a balance between competitive pricing and the value you provide.

Here are a few common rate structures for freelancers:

• Hourly Rate: You charge for the time spent working on a project.
• Per Project: You set a flat rate for the entire project, regardless of the time it takes.
• Retainer: A set fee is paid periodically (usually monthly) for a certain amount of work or availability.

To help determine your rates, research industry standards on freelance job platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Don’t forget to factor in your experience, the time spent learning new skills, and the value you bring to the table. Your rates should reflect that.

4. Start Building Your Online Presence

In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for any business, including freelancing. Clients want to know who you are, what services you offer, and if you’re trustworthy.

At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A simple website: This doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should include an About Page, services offered, portfolio, and contact information.
• A LinkedIn profile: Create a professional LinkedIn profile to network with potential clients and show off your expertise.
• Social media profiles: Consider using Instagram or Twitter to share your work, tips, and successes as you build your freelance business.

If you’re unsure how to create a website, I recommend starting with WordPress on Bluehost, which is affordable and easy to set up.

5. Market Yourself

Marketing is essential for getting clients, and there are several ways you can do this:

Freelance Job Platforms

Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to create a profile and start bidding on jobs. These platforms help you connect with clients actively looking for freelancers. While there may be a fee or commission, they’re great for beginners who need to build their portfolios.

Networking

Networking remains one of the most powerful ways to get clients. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or Slack channels where freelancers and business owners connect. Don’t hesitate to send cold emails to potential clients or follow up on leads.

Word-of-Mouth

As you start working with clients, ask for referrals or testimonials. Word-of-mouth can be one of the most effective ways to land new clients, especially if you deliver high-quality work and build lasting relationships.

6. Keep Track of Your Payments and Taxes

Tracking payments and taxes can be a challenge, but it’s essential to stay organized. Here are a few tools and tips to help:

• Payment Tools: PayPal, QuickBooks, and Stripe are popular choices for freelancers. PayPal is easy to use but charges a small transaction fee.
• Accounting Software: Invest in accounting software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks to help with invoicing, tracking expenses, and organizing your taxes.
• Tax Considerations: As a freelancer, you’ll need to set aside money for taxes. Typically, freelancers should save about 30% of their income for tax purposes. You may also need to file quarterly estimated taxes.

7. Always Deliver High-Quality Work

Your reputation as a freelancer depends on the quality of work you produce. Here are some tips to ensure you’re always delivering value:

• Clear Communication: From the start of a project, communicate clearly with clients about their needs and your capabilities. Set expectations early to avoid misunderstandings.
• Exceed Expectations: Always go above and beyond, even if it’s not explicitly asked of you. This helps build trust and makes clients more likely to refer you to others.
• Request Feedback: Even if a client doesn’t provide feedback, ask them for a review or testimonial. This will help you grow your credibility as a freelancer.

The Final Word: Start Freelancing in 2024

With more than 59 million freelancers in the U.S., the freelance economy is thriving. Whether you’re looking for extra income or a full-time career shift, freelancing in 2024 offers flexibility, independence, and significant earning potential.

Remember to focus on marketable skills, set fair rates, and always deliver quality work. While starting can be challenging, the opportunities available to freelancers today are vast. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow starts—success takes time.

Are you ready to start your freelancing journey? The world is waiting for your skills!