The freedom of living a boundless, flexible work routine and the potential for earning $1k, $5K or even $10K a month make freelancing an increasingly attractive career path.
The freelancing world is being ruled by over one-third of the US. Workforce, but plenty of people still need to learn how to Start a Freelancing Business in 2024.
So, if you wish for a flexible and independent work structure, from where can you step on your feet?
This action-packed guide is here to launch your freelance business in 2024, even if you’re a woman, a complete newbie, or an employee who is fed up with the 9-5 grind.
How do I start a freelance business to earn $1,000 a month?
- Motivation is on top.
- Choose a skill and watch the Full Course on YouTube (AI Niche is best)
- Create a Fiverr Profile & Make 7 Gigs
- Create an Upwork Profile (100% Complete) and start applying.
- Build your brand image as a skilled freelancer on Linkedin (Linkedin is a goldmine)
Suppose, after scrolling google and freelance marketplaces, you find “social media video editing” is a good-paying gig on Fiverr.
Other micro niche keywords can be “Facebook viral video editing”, “Instagram viral stories editor”, and “YouTube Channel Video editor“. These are hot keywords being searched by a massive clientele potentially looking for that specific fiverr service.
Then you go to Fiverr profiles offering that gig, check rates provided by sellers, and set competitive prices considering your experience and desired income goal (target: $25-$50 per video).
4 Videos per Week: $100 (At least), and after four weeks, you may hit the milestone of $1000. Isn’t it amazing as a side hustle?
How to Start a Freelancing Business as a Woman?
- Seek Mentorship:
If you’re a working lady or a homemaker, the foremost step is connecting with fellow women freelancers and seeking mentorship from a Fiver Pro or Upwork top-rated freelancer.
YouTube Channels for Women to Subscribe:
- Marie Forleo
- Sunny Lenarduzzi
- Gillian Perkins
- Latasha James
Mentorship Websites for Women:
- Freelancing Females: https://www.freelancingfemales.com/
This platform offers resources, guidance, and a supportive community for women freelancers.
- Women Who Freelance: https://womenwhofreelance.com/
This amazing website provides online courses, mentorship programs, and a platform to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
- Create an Etsy shop and Sell digital products.
Etsy is a fantastic platform for selling various downloadable digital products. Some popular options can be:
- Printable Art: Digital artwork, illustrations, and printables for planners, calendars, wall art, etc.
- Templates: Editable templates for resumes, social media posts, presentations, invitations, etc., using Canva.
- E-books and Planners: Offer downloadable e-books, guides, checklists, or wedding planners.
- Create a Facebook page and sell Canva Templates by Facebook Paid Ad marketing.
For women, Facebook is a powerful advertising tool to sell your Canva templates that could be:
- Social Media Templates: Offer editable templates for Facebook posts, Instagram stories, YouTube thumbnails, etc.
- Marketing Materials: Create templates for presentations, flyers, brochures, email newsletters, etc.
- Branding Templates: Design logo templates, brand style guides, colour palettes, and more.
- Create a Fiverr Profile and Start doing “Content & Copywriting”
Create five different “gigs” on Fiverr, each outlining a specific service (e.g., writing a 500-word blog post and crafting social media captions for a week).
Start from copywriting and start earning over $1K a month (Watch videos of “Alexandra Fasulo”)
Is starting a freelance business easy for a newbie?
No, it can be challenging in some cases for a newbie:
The freelance market is highly competitive; newbies can’t build their footprint in just a few days, but yes, they can if they are willing to play the long-term game.
Newbies find freelancing a tangled fishnet because they do not have it. They need a portfolio of past work to showcase their skills to a potential client.
Uncertain Income is a monster challenge for newbies. They may earn $500 in the first month and then see a downfall of just $350; next month, they may hit $380, leading to financial instability and stress.
Starting a freelance business in 2024 may not be free of challenges for newbies, but it’s manageable.
With rock-solid determination and a willingness to think out of the box, newcomers can cross monster obstacles and build successful freelance careers.
How much does it cost to start a freelance business?
3 Out of 10 persons in the United States are interested in starting a freelancing business, but you may have to encounter a certain cost to start a freelance business in some cases.
Cost Structure to Build Your Website for Freelance Services:
- Domain Name ($10 to $20 for securing a domain name)
- Web Hosting (Monthly costs between $5 and $20)
- Website Design: ($500 to $5,000 for website design that encapsulates your brand voice and attracts visitors)
- Marketing and Promotion ($100 to $500)
- Tools and Software ($20 to $100 for essential tools like Invideo.io, Chat GPT Premium, and MidJourney Subscriptions)
Note: No cost is involved when you start a career at Fiverr or Upwork.
5 Best Selling Freelance Services on Fiverr in 2024
Every newbie finds Fiverr as a prominent platform to sell freelance services, whether you start from $5 or $50 (but a low price is recommended for a newbie seller).
Best-selling freelance services on Fiverr in 2024:
- Product Mockup Design:
- YouTube Video Thumbnail Design
- AI-powered video editing
- Go to Descript (https://www.descript.com/)
- This platform allows you to write or import a script. Descript’s AI automatically generates a basic video with cuts, transitions, and even basic animations based on the script’s content.
- You can then fine-tune the video content and add your creative touch.
- AI-generated art and design
Use Midjourney to generate images with keywords like “lush green forest”, “sustainable packaging”, and “vibrant colours”.
- AI-powered social media management:
Schedule Facebook and Instagram posts, track results, and even generate content ideas for your social media calendar.
Go to Hootsuite Amplify (https://www.hootsuite.com/) –
Now, you can integrate with various social media platforms and use AI to analyze your audience demographics, state and city location and engagement data.
Based on this data, Amplify suggests optimal posting times for maximum reach and generates content ideas based on specific audience data.
How do you become a freelancer in 30 days? (Day1-Day 30)
Pursuing a freelancing journey within a compressed time frame demands a rock-solid commitment, strategic planning and unwavering dedication.
Here’s a 30 days (day-by-day) roadmap to expedite your journey:
- Day 1: Define your niche, target audience, and unique value proposition to build a foundation for your newborn freelance business.
- Day 2: Build a portfolio and service website showcasing your skills, achievements, and brand identity to capture potential clients.
- Day 3: Set 3 pricing offers to choose from, explain terms and service offerings to streamline client interactions and foster the brand’s transparency.
- Day 4: Formulate a detailed marketing plan (Mailchimp campaigns and paid ads to attract clients).
- Day 5: Make a LinkedIn profile, connect with potential clients and industry peers, and build connections (at least 5k).
- Day 6-10: Share compelling social media posts, Instagram stories, SEO blogs, or industry forums to showcase your expertise.
- Day 11-15: Pitch to potential clients on Upwork and follow up diligently to secure the first $20 or $50 project and build client relationships.
- Day 16-20: Refine your services, pricing, and offerings based on client feedback
- Day 21-25: Continue networking, pitching, and expanding your client base through PPC ads via targeted outreach and influencer collaboration.
- Day 26-30: Evaluate your freelancing progress, adjust your strategies smartly to roll the stone, and celebrate even the smallest milestone.
FAQs
Can you do freelance work while employed?
Yes, you can engage in freelancing while employed full-time, but always manage time (which is the biggest challenge for most employees) to comply with the company’s regulations and avoid conflicts of interest in your organization.
You can create a Fiverr gig and do part-time work when you arrive home around 8 P.m.
Which skill is best for future freelancing?
AI-based skills are rocking in 2024 after the launch of Chat GPT and other AI tools, but your skill hinges on market demand, your interest, and evolving freelancing industry trends.
How to start freelancing with No experience?
This is, so far, a difficult question to answer.
- But yes, some services are done only through an expert. Start small by winning $20 or 40$ projects.
- Do 1-2 FREE projects to build a portfolio.
- Join mentorship and online resources.
- Gain experience from Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to gain exposure and opportunities.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, a student, a woman entrepreneur, or a novice exploring the freelancing marketplaces, go for strategic planning, honing your skills, and unwavering dedication to your niche.
Wrapping up the above guide, we may conclude that freelancing in 2024 offers many limitless opportunities for newborn freelancers seeking autonomy, flexibility, and financial freedom.
Following the outlined strategies, a mentor’s guidelines, learning industry insights, and honing your skills, you can build your track to a successful freelancing journey despite a competitive marketplace.