Starting out as a freelancer can feel daunting, especially when you don’t have much experience under your belt yet. As someone who’s been freelancing for over 6 years now, I remember all too well those early days of trying to find clients and build up my portfolio.
But here’s the thing – every successful freelancer had to start somewhere. With the right strategy and some persistence, you can absolutely kickstart your freelancing career, even as a total beginner.
In this guide, I’ll draw from my own experiences as a new freelancer to provide practical, actionable tips on how to get your first freelance jobs. Whether you’re looking to freelance full-time or just pick up side gigs, these strategies will help you land clients, build real-world examples for your portfolio, and steadily grow your reputation.
Let’s start with the essential steps every aspiring freelancer should take to get prepared and put their best foot forward. With the right foundations in place, you’ll be ready to start applying to jobs with confidence and find yourself on the right path:
Getting Prepared
Build your skills/get training and certifications in your field
Taking courses and getting certified in your niche is crucial for new freelancers to stand out. Online classes, in-person bootcamps, and accredited certifications all build expertise clients look for.
For example, writers can take novel writing programs or marketing certification courses. Designers can learn new software through online tutorials. Hard skills matter, so invest time and money to develop them. Certifications like Google Ads, PMP, or Certified Professional Resume Writer also verify your knowledge on paper and boost your credibility.
Create a website to showcase your work
As a freelancer, your website establishes instant credibility. Use a professional template to showcase your services, work samples, testimonials, and calls-to-action. Must-have pages include About, Services, Portfolio, and Contact. Your domain name should be your full name or business name – not a free subdomain. Even as a newbie, a polished site gives you an edge.
Set up profiles on LinkedIn, freelance sites, industry directories
In addition to your website, create profiles on LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, niche industry directories, and association platforms. This expands your web presence and findability. Flesh out your LinkedIn profile and create optimized gigs on freelance sites. Look for niche directories related to your field to list your services.
Make a portfolio of work samples or create hypothetical “fake client” projects
A portfolio allows prospective clients to see examples of what you can deliver. If you’re just starting out, conceptualize hypothetical “passion projects” for made-up brands. Treat them just like paid client work to build polished samples until you have real portfolio pieces. Mockups showcase you can provide professional-grade services.
Finding Freelance Opportunities
Search freelance job boards and bid on projects
Actively search for projects on freelance job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find opportunities you’re qualified for. Create a profile and set up alerts for gigs in your niche. Submit compelling proposals for jobs, emphasizing your relevant skills and experience. Be open to entry-level gigs to build your portfolio.
Check general job sites for freelance gigs
Don’t just look at dedicated freelance platforms. Many employers post freelance opportunities on broader job boards like Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn’s job section. Search for your title like “freelance writer” or “freelance web developer” to find postings seeking your skills on a project basis.
Sign up for niche industry freelance sites
Find freelance job platforms specific to your field. Register on sites like FlexJobs for remote work, Mediabistro for media jobs, Aquent for creative talent, and more. Niche sites cater to your direct skillset and connections.
Directly contact and pitch local companies you’d like to work with
Don’t just rely on job postings. Proactively pitch companies you’re interested in freelancing for. Email small businesses, agencies, and relevant organizations introducing yourself and asking about their needs. Start local – you can even meet in-person to discuss opportunities.
Ask friends/family and existing contacts if they need your services or know someone who does
Leverage your existing network by letting people know you freelance now. Ask if they have any projects suitable for you or know someone who might. Even if they don’t now, they may recommend you to contacts down the road. Offer incentives for referrals.
Offer discounted or free services to get experience, portfolio pieces, testimonials
Consider offering intro rates or free work in exchange for portfolio content and a testimonial. Be selective and set a trial period and contract to avoid scope creep. The payoff of real work samples and reviews can jumpstart your portfolio.
Post services regularly on your social media accounts and relevant groups
Promote your freelance services on your own social media accounts and niche groups your ideal clients follow. Provide value before pitching – establish expertise. Then share case studies, open availability, special offers, and more. Just avoid outright spamming groups with salesy promotions.
Look for freelance gigs by searching “freelancer needed” keywords
Try Google searches for terms like “freelance writer needed” or “seeking freelance web developer” to uncover online postings. Reach out to these companies highlighting your fit and interest. A customized pitch showcasing aligned skills and expertise can help land the gig.
Getting Hired and Building Your Reputation
Perform excellent work and ask happy clients for referrals and testimonials
The best way to build your reputation is by doing outstanding work for your clients. Ask to use the projects in your portfolio and get written testimonials. Also, request LinkedIn recommendations from satisfied clients. These credible testimonials and referrals from happy clients carry more weight than anything in attracting new business.
Nurture relationships with employers for repeat business
Check in regularly with clients to ensure they’re satisfied. Go above and beyond on projects, and keep lines of communication open. Build rapport so they think of you first for future needs. Repeats and renewals save time spent finding new clients. Offer small discounts for loyal clients as well.
Network with fellow freelancers to share opportunities
Connect with fellow freelancers in your field through online groups, local meetups, and industry associations. Get to know them personally and professionally. Share advice and job leads. Having a network helps you pick up gigs your contacts can’t handle and vice versa.
As you gain experience, raise your rates
Once you have solid portfolio pieces, reviews, and repeat business, incrementally raise your rates. You can command higher pay as you have demonstrable experience. But don’t hike rates overnight – give existing clients notice and grandfather them in at old rates when possible.
Continue marketing yourself and finding new leads
Even once you have steady work, regularly spend time on marketing yourself through your website, social media, job boards, and pitching potential clients. Maintain a diversified pipeline of leads and gigs. Don’t rely solely on existing clients in case their needs change suddenly. Stay visible.
Some Final Words Of Encouragement
You now have a solid game plan for launching your freelance career even as a total beginner. By focusing on professional preparation, actively marketing yourself, delivering great work, and building your reputation over time, you can absolutely get your foot in the door.
It takes equal parts persistence, patience, and preserving through those early jobs to lay the foundations for an amazing career. But so many successful freelancers have done it – and you can too!
Believe in your talents and skills. Follow the steps and strategies outlined here. And don’t get discouraged by initial rejections or slow periods – it’s all part of the journey. If you consistently nurture your abilities and put yourself out there, the clients and opportunities will come.
So now you know exactly what to do. You’ve got this! Go out there, work hard, serve your clients, and embark on the exciting journey of freelancing on your own terms. The freedom and rewards will make every bit of effort worthwhile.