I have been in the freelancing industry for over 10 years now. I tried various freelancing job types and lastly settled in as a blogger. And it feels very good to be a blogger and work as I want without thinking of typed office time.
You can start freelancing as a side hustle and then quit your job.
Recent figures show that the freelance workforce is growing faster than ever before. Currently, there are an estimated 59 million freelancers, contributing around $1.2 trillion to the US economy a year. (Source: Upwork)
So, if you are new to this industry and wondering how much can you earn and what job should you pursue then this article is for you.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month First Topic:
Content Writing and Editing
Freelancing in the area of content writing and editing is very exciting.
As a copywriter, you are likely to write catchy content for ads and websites. Whereas, blog writing is more about sharing views on the internet.
On the other hand, you can earn money online through proofreading and editing so that people get quality written work.
You should start with creating a portfolio to showcase your writing skills, and then look for job opportunities on websites such as Upwork and Fiverr.
To do this kind of work, aside from love, demands creativity, an interest in and aptitude for grammar, and sharp powers of attention.
The best thing about this role is that it is work that you can practice from your living room, with no other tools than a laptop, and the potential to be very well-paid for it.
If you like writing, then content writing or editing might just get you started on a life as a freelancer.
Read: 15 Side Hustle Ideas You May Don’t Know
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic: Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Freelance graphic designers need to master many different areas. Logo design is the creation of a simple but outstanding trademark for the brand or business of a company.
This can be your creative design idea.
A poster, for instance, might be something you created as an image to represent ideas and stories.
Infographic design helps to communicate information about data, knowledge, or facts in a creative way.
In terms of the skills you need to perform well in those roles: you must have good aesthetics, and know something about design.
Exhibit some creativity, and be able to deliver and display the output of your creativity using the right design software. For example, you can earn money using Canva.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic: Web Development
Web Development
When it comes to web development there are various avenues to attempt freelance work.
The frontend development is part of the website that deals with the visual but (especially nowadays) interactive part that users actually engage with.
Back-end development refers to the parts of web development that happen on the server side – the processes that go on behind the scenes for a website.
Conversely, full-stack development is the skill set you need to write both front-end and back-end code to create a finished web app.
So you’d better have an LP to show, especially if you are a freelancer like me, relying on hiring work for sites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour.
You have to earn skills like programming, and understanding web development frameworks. If you are front front-end developer, you have to make websites attractive and easy to navigate.
Freelancing front-end, back-end, and full-stack web development is also far more flexible, and as long as you have at least half a clue, it also pays quite well.
Read More: 23 High-Paying Side Hustles
Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can be based at home and do any administrative, technical, or creative work for clients.
You can be available for things like email management, appointment-setting, bookkeeping, social media posting, and the like.
To begin, you can register on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, or you can simply contact businesses or entrepreneurs who might want to use your services.
Good organizational and time management skills are essential to be a virtual assistant.
You should also be familiar with tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management software.
Good communication is also important since it will involve talking to clients and moving through their projects on your keyboard. Being flexible and being able to think for yourself are also helpful traits since you’ll be involved in a range of different things.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Photography
If taking pictures of pretty things makes you money, welcome to photography! Post pictures on Instagram and create a website with your best shots.
You can offer your services on an event, portrait, product photography, or stock photography, and join other freelance platforms where clients will connect you for your photography talent.
Also, many websites purchase stock images. You can sell your images there. You can also offer product image services for e-commerce businesses.
You would need to know composition, lighting, editing, and the ins and outs of different photography techniques and styles.
You must be able to communicate with clients and clearly understand what they need. Good business and marketing skills are necessary to advertise your services and attract business.
Video Production
Do you want to make money doing what you love by creating entertaining videos for different purposes?
If you do, then video production is likely your best freelancing option. Master videography, video editing, and scriptwriting skills and market your videography services. You can offer your services for promotional purposes, event coverage, educational content, or vlogging.
In freelance video production, you also need the ability to tell visual stories; know how to operate camera equipment; and be skilled in video editing software.
Good communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with clients and others regarding their video needs also help. Understanding various video formats and being adaptable to different styles of video-making can further boost your marketability.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Translation and Language Services
Freelance work, such as translation or language teaching, can be an obvious way to earn money if you can overcome a language barrier.
You should write down the languages you work in and what kind of services you can provide (document translation, interpreting, transcribing, etc).
Also, list the platforms you can use to approach clients for whom you can provide language services (Upwork, Fiverr, ProZ.com, etc).
You must have a good command of two languages: your native language and a second language.
To use translation and language software tools efficiently is a special expertise of its own.
And so is cultural understanding, a sense of detail that doesn’t go unnoticed, and the capacity to express in the target language (the one you translate into) the nuances of the original text.
Social Media Influencer
Pick a niche that you are dedicated to – whether that’s fashion, travel, food, or fitness – and start posting.
Build a fanbase via Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok and become ‘influential’ by marketing your content and monetizing your influence.
It takes hard work and, in my opinion, reasonably developed skills in photography, videography, and content creation.
Also, you should have a good eye (and potentially hand) for storytelling content. Understanding your audience and what they want to see and know is also important.
Moreover, communication and negotiation skills for working with brands and creating sponsored content are a must.
Want to make money? Good: if you’re dedicated, authentic, and passionate about your niche, freelancing as a social media influencer can work for you.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Voiceover Artist
This is an excellent freelance opportunity if you are a voiceover artist.
Start by creating a demo reel to showcase the breadth of your vocal scope and lexicon. Third-party sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Voices.com are good resources for finding these opportunities.
Look for scripts that match your speaking voice and interests: for example, a commercial, audiobook, animated video, or educational e-learning module.
You need your voice, to be clear and articulate, to convey emotion through your voice, good pronunciation. Also, the ability to work with the script, to adapt your tone and delivery because no two scripts are the same.
Having experience in and knowledge of audio recording hardware and software will be an advantage here, too.
After all, you’ll need to record your own voiceover contributions, probably working with some software.
Do you like telling stories? Does your voice go with them? If so, why not take the plunge and try freelancing as a voiceover artist?
Software Development
If you want to make money freelancing, software development is a good bet. Learn how to use one of the popular languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java.
Cultivate a portfolio of your work, create profiles on GitHub and Stack Overflow, and advertise your services on Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal. Also, start networking with developers to drum up business.
To make it as a freelance software developer, you need to be able to solve problems, pay attention to detail, and write clean code.
Good communication skills for understanding clients’ requirements and explaining technical concepts are also important.
Besides, you must be aware of the latest trends in the technology area. And, you should be ready to accept the changing requirements of various projects to succeed as a software developer.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Business Consulting
Do you have a good knowledge of business?
Pick an area that’s within your comfort zone – marketing? Finance? Operations? Human resources?
Create a professional profile and website, and make connections on sites such as LinkedIn.
To be successful as a freelance business consultant, it is necessary to know the industry well, to be able to solve problems, and to be able to analyze and interpret data.
It means developing good interpersonal and communication skills to build client relationships and justify your recommendations.
And keeping in touch with developments in business practice and regulations to advise clients effectively.
Read more: What Type Of Business Should I Start With Low Investment
E-commerce Services
If you have a good understanding of e-commerce business, you can offer e-commerce services.
You can start by offering services such as e-commerce website development, product photography, content writing, digital marketing, or managing online stores.
Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy offer opportunities to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients.
Building a strong portfolio and seeking testimonials from satisfied clients can help you attract more business.
To succeed in freelancing in e-commerce services, having a good understanding of online shopping platforms, digital marketing, and customer behavior is crucial.
Proficiency in using e-commerce tools and platforms, along with the ability to create compelling product descriptions and engaging marketing content, are valuable skills.
Additionally, staying updated with e-commerce trends and customer preferences can help you offer effective and competitive services to your clients.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Online Teaching
If you are good at teaching online teaching can be a lucrative way to earn money. Firstly, you can identify an area you are good at or a subject/skill that you want to teach.
Through such sites as Udemy, Coursera, or even courses you build yourself (using sites such as Teachable and Thinkific), your target market is the world.
Do simple live classes using video conferencing software such as Zoom, or record pre-recorded videos that students can access at their convenience.
If you’re to be successful in teaching online, you need a mastery of your subject, great communication skills, and the ability to explain things clearly.
You also need to be able to hook and motivate, give formative feedback, work with multiple learning needs, and so on.
UI/UX Design
UI/UX design is one of the most recommended professions if you want to make money freelancing.
You can be self-taught in design by mastering the tools (Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma), building a portfolio of your design practice, and opening marketing profiles in Behance and Dribble.
Consider searching for other opportunities as a freelancer, on the websites Upwork, Freelancer, and 99designs, and building a network of other designers for various related projects.
What’s needed to succeed as a freelance UI/UX designer is an eye for design, and the capacity to grasp how users behave.
Excellent listening skills, so that you can clearly understand client requirements and follow their instructions.
Great presentation skills, so that you can confidently articulate your design choices. You must know the latest trends in design, user interface, and usability standards.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Transcription Services
If you need extra income, consider offering people transcription services – learn to type faster and select a transcription program.
Look for transcription opportunities on freelance marketplaces such as Rev, TranscribeMe, or Upwork.
You may also want to build a profile on one of these sites and look for additional gigs. Networking with freelance writers, researchers, and podcasters is also a great way to find steady transcription work.
To be a good freelance transcriber, one must have fantastic listening, attention to detail, and typing skills (fast and accurate).
Also, be familiar with international accents or dialects. Understand various terminologies; and of course honor confidentiality concerning their clients.
Furthermore, you’ll build a good reputation if you can deliver an accurate transcript on schedule and produce quality work.
Art and Illustration
If your skills are good at drawing art and illustration can be a good way to earn money.
Start by posting your pieces online for friends and family on social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.
Then open a profile with one of the networks geared towards freelancing such as Fiverr or Upwork, and 99 Design.
To be able to work freelance as an artist/illustrator, you have to be creative. You need to be able to work with a client brief. You want to be able to understand the client brief.
And you want to be able to digitally create. Will you use Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, or another one?
Furthermore, meeting deadlines, keeping to a client brief, following up with invoice reminders, and adapting styles to the needs of a commission, are all useful competencies.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Financial Services
If you’re a commerce graduate, you have a good business idea to offer financial services to others. You can be the new CPA for small businesses and organizations.
You can choose your niche if you are providing a service. It can be accounting and bookkeeping, financial consulting, or tax preparation.
Build a portfolio website or profile of your strengths on a freelance website such as Freelancer or Upwork to demonstrate your capabilities in the consulting field.
It’s useful for a freelancer to be analytical, detail-oriented, and competent in software such as QuickBooks or Xero.
Additionally, being knowledgeable about tax laws, regulations, and financial best practices is important.
Fitness Coaching
Do you have a good understanding of staying fit and exercising? Then this is the freelance job for you.
You can start by getting certified as a fitness trainer and then build a solid online presence through social media and a professional website.
You can propose personalized training plans, online workout sessions, and nutritional guidance, for instance. You can also team up with local gyms or wellness centers to increase your clientele and visibility.
To be in demand as a freelance fitness coach, there are certain obvious skill sets that you need to have in place, such as knowing your stuff on exercise science, nutrition, and sports programming.
Client motivation, programming that takes an individual’s needs into account, and support are also important.
Event Planning
If you’re good at planning, it can be a lucrative business; get some experience with venues, vendors, and suppliers.
You can develop a professional portfolio of special events you’ve promoted in the past that demonstrate your ability. Promote yourself on Eventbrite, LinkedIn, or local directories.
Leverage other event professionals in your market, and use social media for promotion.
To work successfully as a freelance event planner, you need good organizational skills, good attention to detail, and to be a good multi-tasker.
Data Entry
If you are good at typing this will be the best job for you to do business online.
If you want to earn money freelancing, providing data entry services can be the eventual choice. The faster you can type and the more accurately you can do it, the higher your chances of getting the work. Learn to use data entry software and tools.
By signing up for freelancing websites you can get an opportunity to become a data entry for people.
Additionally, you can put out feelers to small or mid-sized businesses, researchers, or academic institutions who might need a hand with sorting and inputting primary data.
Game Testing
If you are looking to earn some money from freelancing, game testing could be a fun avenue. You can try to test games by joining some online platforms or contacting several game development companies directly.
Having a portfolio that details your testing experience and feedback is a great way to show prospective clients why you would make a great game-tester.
Researching the most popular types of games and keeping up with the latest developments in them and in networking within, can lead to even more game-testing opportunities for you.
Travel Planning
Doing freelancing to make money through travel planning services could be a gateway to a fun job. First, you need to gather complete information about widely visited places, hotels, and activities.
You could build a network also through hotels, tour operators, and local guides and generate packages and experiences.
There is also the option to acquire customers through the use of social media, a website, and travel platforms.
An important strength for success in this role is organizational skills and attention to detail when dealing with detailed travel planning.
A strong ability to interpret travel tastes for the client is also important.
23 Ways to Start Freelancing: $10k Every Month Topic:
Podcast Production
You can try offering podcast production services. It’s cool to work as a freelancer, exploring your options.
Get to know different audio editing software and hardware, and have a few new sample pieces in your portfolio. Start a professional website, and promote your services on various social media avenues.
Further, networking with podcasters and podcasting communities can help you secure clients for your burgeoning freelance podcast-production business.
You have to know how to edit audio, understand mixing and mastering, tell a story well in audio, etc.
Wrapping Up
I hope this list was helpful to you. Now you can find the right freelance job for you and start working on building a portfolio.
Remember, the freelance industry is competitive and you must create a good portfolio before entering the market. Any slight mistake can ruin your freelance career.
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