Freelancing has become a powerful way to earn a living on your own terms, whether as a full-time career or a side income. It offers amazing flexibility, opens up global opportunities, and gives you the freedom to choose the clients and projects that truly interest you. If you haven't explored freelancing online before, now's the time to do it!
Start a Freelancing Career in 2025!
With platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, connecting with clients from all around the world is easier than ever. You can find remote jobs that suit every skill level, whether you are just starting out, monetizing a hobby, or have years of experience under your belt. These platforms are reputed and provide secure payment systems, which means you you won't have to chase after payments or deal with unreliable clients.
Whether you are a writer, designer, programmer, marketer, teacher, or even a voiceover artist, there are plenty of clients looking for your skills. A quick glance at the open jobs on Upwork will demonstrate this. Freelancing lets you select the projects that interest you, set your own rates, and work whenever and wherever you want.
This article will walk you through the steps to kick off your freelancing journey on one of the world's biggest and most popular freelancing platforms, Upwork.com
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Start by identifying a skill or service you can offer.
For example...
Do you write well? Consider content writing, blogging, copywriting, or script writing.
Good at designing? Explore graphic design, logo creation, illustration, or UI/UX design.
Have a background in coding? Look into web development, app creation, or software development.
If you’re unsure, think about hobbies, past work experience, or tools/software you know well (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Wordpress, or Excel).
Still out of ideas? Visit the Jobs page on Upwork, browse the various categories and note down the ones that sound most interesting to you. You don't need a lot of experience, just a sincere interest in it and a willingness to learn. It's also a good idea to have some work samples to demonstrate your skill. We'll get to that in just a bit.
Step 2: Create a Profile on Upwork
Follow these steps to get started:
Sign Up and Verify Your Account: Create a free account at Upwork.com.
Build Your Profile: Treat this like your resume. Highlight your skills, upload a professional photo, and write a compelling overview.
Example: "I am a graphic designer with 5+ years of experience creating logos and branding materials for startups and businesses."
Set Your Rates: Research rates in your field to price competitively but fairly. Upwork allows you to charge hourly or per project. if you're a content writer, look at what other content writers on the platform are charging, especially others from your country. (The prices that freelancers set can vary greatly by location).
Create a Portfolio: Upload samples of your work (even if they’re hypothetical ones, academic projects, or or projects you’ve done for yourself or for your employers, if you are allowed to share them. Don't know where to start? Read on...
Keep your Profile Up-to-Date: Whether you've acquired new certifications, completed relevant work on or off Upwork, want to change your rate, or make minor tweaks, keeping your profile up-to-date will ensure the site's algorithm keeps it visible to clients.
NOTE: Upwork lets you create multiple "Specialized" profiles for different skill areas. For example, if you are a graphic designer who can also write content and are also open to virtual assistant jobs, Upwork lets you create a separate specialized profile and portfolio tailored to each of these skills. When you apply for a virtual assistant job you can choose the relevant profile so the client will only see information relevant to that role.
Step 2.5: Build an Impressive Portfolio
A strong portfolio is often more important than a resume in freelancing. Clients want to see what you’ve done before they decide to hire you. Since they aren't hiring full time staff, they typically don't ask for formal degrees or professional experience. However, they want to know that you can deliver the specific work they are hiring you for, and your portfolio showcases your skills and gives them confidence in your abilities.
Here’s how to create an impactful portfolio on Upwork:
Highlight Relevant Work: Upload samples of previous work, whether it’s from a past job, freelance gig, or personal projects.
If you’re new to freelancing, create sample projects that demonstrate your skills.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Focus on work that aligns with the types of jobs you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re a writer, include blog posts, articles, e-books, or copywriting samples. Add a link to your blog or online publications.
Use Descriptions Wisely: For each portfolio piece, write a short description explaining the context, your role, and the outcome.
Show Diversity: If you’ve worked in multiple industries or on different types of projects, include a variety to demonstrate your versatility.
Link your other work: If you have an online portfolio outside Upwork, on sites like Behance, Linkedin, or a personal website showcasing relevant work samples, be sure to include links to those too.
Your portfolio doesn’t need to be extensive --it just needs to clearly show the quality of your work. Make sure you build a compelling portfolio for every specialzed profile you create.
Step 3: Browse and Apply for Projects
Browse available projects on Upwork and send proposals to jobs that align with your skills.
Write personalized cover letters explaining why you are the best fit. Talk about your relevant experience. Adding a personal touch can help you stand out. Feel free to use AI, but avoid submitting fully AI-generated proposals—especially for content creation projects. Never send a proposal without a cover letter.
Be clear, professional, and enthusiastic.
With effective time-management, you can apply to and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Use Upwork’s "Connects" wisely (these are tokens or credits you spend to apply for jobs). You can buy more connects if you exhaust the free ones.
Pro Tips: While choosing a project, here are a few things to review before you apply:
The number of proposals the client has already received. The fewer the proposals, the higher your chances of getting chosen.
The easier the job, the more competition there will be. For example, far more people are likely to apply for a proofreading project than for a ghostwriting one.
Review the client's profile carefully. Do they have a history of successful projects? Have they received good ratings and feedback from other freelancers? How much do they spend on projects of this type? All of this information is displayed alongside the project details.
Read the project description carefully. Just like a good proposal letter, a detailed and well-written job description usually indicates that the client is professional and serious about the project.
Some Helpful Proposal Templates You Can Use
Template 1: General Freelance Proposal for a Content Writing Project
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well! I came across your job posting for [the specific project, e.g., "a blog writer for your fitness website"], and I was thrilled about the possibility of working together. With [X years] of experience in [specific field, e.g., "content creation"], I am confident that I can deliver work that exceeds your expectations.
What caught my eye about your project is [mention something specific from the job description, e.g., "your need for engaging, SEO-friendly blog posts, which is right up my alley"]. In my last position as [relevant role, e.g., "a marketing associate at X Company"], I had the pleasure of creating [example, e.g., "blog posts that frequently ranked on the first page of Google for competitive keywords"].
Here’s how I believe I can make a positive impact on your project:
[Specific skill or task, e.g., "I excel at crafting engaging blog content that resonates with readers."]
[Value you add, e.g., "I have a knack for optimizing posts to boost SEO and drive more organic traffic."]
[Personalized offering, e.g., "I also prioritize quick turnarounds and am open to revisions to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the result."]
I've attached a couple of samples of my work that I think you'll find interesting:
[Link or attachment to portfolio/sample]
[Link or attachment to another relevant sample]
I’d love to chat more about your project and see if we’d be a good fit. What does your schedule look like for a quick call or message exchange? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Proposal for Graphic Design/Creative Work
Template 3: Proposal for Technical/Programming Work
Tips for Personalizing These Templates
Bad Proposal Example
Money Matters - Tips for Bidding on Projects
While submitting a proposal, you will need to place your "bid", i.e. quote a price for your work. Clients usually indicate their budget for the project. Deciding upon the right amount to quote can seem challenging at first. Here are a few tips to get it right:
Check the Client's Profile: Look at their hiring history and typical budgets. High-paying clients likely value high-quality and expertise, while lower budgets may indicate cost-consciousness.
Assess Project Value: Bid based on the complexity and time and effort you will need to dedicate to it. Higher rates are justified for specialized or long-term work.
Align with Budget, but Don’t Undersell: Stay competitive, but avoid drastically underbidding. Clients often equate price with quality.
Consider Client Location: Clients from developed countries often pay higher rates, while others may expect lower bids. Be flexible but keep point #2 in mind.
Highlight Value: Use your proposal to justify your rate, especially if you are bidding above budget. Show how your skills will save the client time and ensure quality.
Start Small When New: If you are building your portfolio and don't have much experience, bid slightly below your ideal rate to secure projects and gain reviews.
Things to Avoid When Bidding
Don’t Undervalue Your Skills: Competitive rates are fine for beginners, but avoid unsustainable pricing.
Skip Generic Bids: Research the project and client. Sending tailored proposals and appropriate rates will improve your chances.
Don't Ignore Red Flags: Clients with vague job descriptions, negative feedback, or consistently low budgets may not be worth your time.
NOTE: Sometimes, clients may search for freelancers on the platform by browsing and reviewing profiles, and reach out to them directly instead of posting a job and inviting proposals. In these cases, they will refer to the rate you've set on your profile and you won't have to "bid".
Other Platforms to Explore
While Upwork is excellent, it’s not the only option. Here are some other top freelancing platforms:
Fiverr: Best for smaller, task-based jobs where you set your services and pricing upfront. Popular for graphic design, voiceover work, and video editing.
LinkedIn Services Marketplace: This one is great for professionals already on LinkedIn. You can list your services and get contacted by potential clients.
Freelancer.com: A global platform with a wide variety of jobs across industries. Offers contests to showcase your skills and win projects.
Toptal: A premium platform for highly skilled freelancers in software development, design, and finance. Ideal if you have advanced expertise.
PeoplePerHour: Focuses on design, marketing, and business services, with clients primarily in Europe.
Guru: Offers a flexible payment system and is popular for IT, writing, and creative services.
Step 4: Deliver High-Quality Work
Once you land your first project, focus on delivering excellent results.
Communicate clearly with your client.
Meet deadlines.
Exceed expectations where possible.
Positive client reviews are important for building your reputation and getting more work, so don't forget to request for one after each project.
Step 5: Expand Your Opportunities
Freelancing can lead to incredible possibilities, including:
Long-term collaborations with clients who value your work.
Full-time opportunities: Many freelancers are hired as employees after proving their skills.
Diverse income streams: Work on multiple projects for varied income sources.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: "Why Would Clients Hire Me?"
If you’re just starting out and are worried that clients won’t hire you because you don’t have years of experience or formal qualifications, just remember -- most freelancing clients are startups, small or medium businesses, or individuals who need specific tasks done but can not hire full-time staff or big agencies. They care more about your skills and ability to deliver results than your resume.
In my experience, SMB clients often bring a more flexible and collaborative approach. They are typically receptive to fresh ideas and respectful of your time and skills, making them great partners for freelancers.
So, go get started!
Freelancing opens up a world of possibilities, no matter your background. Platforms like Upwork let you connect with clients from around the globe, monetize your skills, get paid securely, and grow your career on your terms. Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet town, you can access opportunities that were once only available to big corporations or big-city professionals, thanks to the internet! You can also gain some valuable experience working with international clients.
I've done it myself during career setbacks, and had simple weekend projects progress into lucrative full-time roles. So if you're stuck and need some help at any point, shoot me an email at buildthatskill@gmail.com and I'd be more than happy to help with insights and guidance.
Believe in yourself, and you’ll be surprised how many opportunities are out there waiting for you. You never know where they may lead. Regardless, you will learn a lot along the way.
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