Have you ever been told that freelancing is too crowded and competitive to break into? Don’t let that discourage you.
According to an article published by Upwork in 2024, freelancers earned a total of $1.5 trillion, and many of them even made more money than people doing regular full-time jobs.
But what does the market have for you on the table?
And how do you actually get started? Well, first, you do not need to worry; the rest you will find in the article. Let’s delve in.
Step 1: Know What You’re Already Good At
The very first step that you can take is to think about what you’re already good at. It can be anything like:
- Writing
- Coding
- Editing videos
- Managing social media
These are the things that you have already learned, and now they will help you in freelancing. But what if you are new and you do not have any idea? Then what should you do?
Pick What You Enjoy
If you’re just starting and don’t yet have a skillset, begin by identifying what interests you. Freelancing is hard work, and choosing something you genuinely enjoy will help you stay committed when challenges arise. Passion often leads to persistence, and persistence leads to success.
Match It with Your Natural Talent
Talent is what you’re naturally good at; skills are what you develop through practice. The best-case scenario? Choosing a freelance niche where the two overlap.
For example, if you’re naturally organized, learning project management could be a smart move. If you love storytelling, copywriting, or scriptwriting may suit you best.
Step 2: Build a Portfolio that wins Clients
A well-crafted portfolio is one of the most powerful tools a freelancer can have. It showcases your abilities, tells your story, and builds client trust.
Focus on including 3–5 strong samples relevant to the work you want. Use tools like Notion, Google Drive, Behance (for designers), or GitHub (for developers) to keep it organized and accessible.:
Pro Tip: If you don’t have any client work yet, create mock projects or personal pieces to show what you can do.
Why Your Portfolio Is Worth It?
Your portfolio has the power to tell your story in a more detailed and personal way. It will let your potential clients see your skills in action and get a better idea of who you are.
A strong portfolio will also help you stand out from the crowd. It shows that you’re professional and that you’re trustworthy, which can increase your chances of getting hired.
Step 3: Setting Your Hourly Rates
Setting a fair and sustainable hourly rate is essential. Your rate should reflect:
- The value of your skill
- The time spent on projects
- Your monthly living expenses
- Admin time (invoicing, proposals, revisions)
Research the market, platforms like Upwork and Glassdoor can give you an idea of what others in your niche are charging. Entry-level writers might charge $15–25/hour, while experienced copywriters often command $50/hour or more.
Step 4: Write a Strong Proposal
A proposal is your first impression, and it counts. Think of it like a short cover letter where you show how you can solve the client’s problem.
Every proposal should:
- Mention the client’s project specifically
- Highlight one relevant past success
- Share how you’ll approach their task
- End with a friendly call to action
Example: “Hi [Client Name], I saw you’re looking for a social media manager to grow your Instagram presence. I recently helped a fashion brand increase engagement by 35% in two months. I’d love to bring similar results to your project…”
Step 5: Market Yourself
Promote yourself. Personalized branding is nothing new. In jobs, people call it referrals; in freelancing, this is branding yourself. The more people in your network to can trust, the better opportunities you can land on your lap.
It’s like free advertising! People usually prefer to work with someone who feels familiar or trusted. So, when a client refers you, they’re not just sharing your name, they’re sharing their trust in you.
If you’re polite, professional, and do your best work, referrals will come on their own. But it’s also perfectly okay to ask for them, especially when you’re just getting started. After finishing a project, you can simply ask your client in a friendly way for a referral.
You can also promote yourself by:
- Creating a LinkedIn profile or portfolio website
- Posting on Twitter/X or Reddit in relevant communities
- Joining freelance job boards and forums
Final Thoughts
The freelancing world in 2025 is full of opportunities. Yes, it’s competitive, but it rewards those who show up consistently, stay professional, and deliver quality.
You don’t need to be perfect or have years of experience. You just need a skill, a plan, and the courage to start. With every small step, you’ll get closer to building the freelance career you dream of.
