How to Start Freelancing with No Experience in 2025
/Starting a freelance career with no experience may seem overwhelming, but it's entirely possible. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or want to go full-time, freelancing offers flexibility, independence, and unlimited income potential. In this guide, you'll learn how to start freelancing from scratch, build your skills, and land your first client.
Why Start Freelancing in 2025?
Freelancing is more accessible than ever. With the rise of remote work, businesses are actively seeking independent contractors to handle everything from writing and design to virtual assistance and marketing. Here’s why freelancing is a great option whether you want to take it full-time or pursue it as a side gig:
Low barrier to entry – No formal education or certifications are required.
Work from anywhere – You can freelance from home, a coffee shop, or while traveling.
Unlimited earning potential – Your income is determined by your skills and effort.
Control over your schedule – Say goodbye to the 9-5 grind and set your own hours.
How to Start Freelancing
Below are the first steps I would take if I had to restart my freelance writing career and wanted to grow fast.
Step 1: Choose Your Freelance Niche
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to do everything. Instead, focus on a niche that aligns with your skills and interests. Below are some profitable freelance niches, but a quick Google search or AI prompt can deliver lots more:
Writing & Blogging – Content writing, copywriting, technical writing
Graphic Design – Logos, branding, social media graphics
Virtual Assistance – Email management, scheduling, customer support
Social Media Management – Content creation, engagement, strategy
Web Development – Building and maintaining websites
Step 2: Build Your Skills
If you’re starting with no experience, focus on learning the necessary skills through online courses, YouTube tutorials, and practice projects. Some great platforms include:
Udemy (affordable, beginner-friendly courses)
Coursera (more in-depth, often university-backed)
Skillshare (creative-focused learning)
Step 3: Create a Simple Portfolio
Clients want to see examples of your work before hiring you. If you don’t have experience, create mock projects or offer free/discounted work to build a portfolio. Consider:
Writing blog posts on Medium, Substack, or your own website
Designing logos and graphics for imaginary brands
Building a simple website showcasing your work
Note: Your portfolio doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple Google Drive link is still all I use!
Step 4: Set Up an Online Presence
Freelancers need to be visible online. Start by:
Creating a LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a strong bio
Building a simple website or portfolio using platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace
Joining freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com
Step 5: Find Your First Freelance Client
Once you have a portfolio, it’s time to start pitching clients. Here’s how:
Join Facebook groups & online communities related to your niche (Substack is a great place for this!)
Cold email businesses offering your services
Optimize your social media with keywords like "freelance writer" or "freelance designer"
Apply to jobs on freelance platforms with personalized proposals
Step 6: Set Your Rates & Get Paid
Decide on a pricing model:
Hourly rate – Best for projects with unclear scope
Per project – Ideal for one-off gigs
Retainer model – Great for long-term clients
Use tools like PayPal, Stripe, or Wise to invoice and receive payments securely.
Note: Hourly rates can be great as you’re starting out. However, I always recommend switching to package rates once you get your footing. That way you aren’t tied to your desk like a 9-5!
Final Thoughts
Starting freelancing with no experience takes effort, but it's 100% possible (and worth it in my biased opinion). Focus on learning, building a portfolio, networking, and consistently pitching clients. Within a few months, you can land paying clients and start growing a successful freelance business!
Are you ready to start freelancing in 2025? Let me know in the comments what niche you're considering. Happy writing!