How to Start Freelancing with No Experience in 5 Steps

Freelancing can be an exciting journey, but if you’re starting from scratch, landing clients can be a tough nut to crack. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork can be particularly daunting, as it might take weeks or even months to get your first order. But don’t worry! If I were about to start Freelancing with no experience, here’s how I’d go about it, step-by-step.

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Table of Contents

• 5 Steps to Start Freelancing with No Experience
  • 1. Define Your Skills, Services, and Offerings
  • 2. Build a Portfolio from Scratch
  • 3. Find Clients with a Pitch
  • 4. Create Value and Build a Personal Brand
  • 5. Diversify and Adjust Your Pricing
• FAQs

5 Steps to Start Freelancing with No Experience

1. Define Your Skills, Services, and Offerings

Skills

• Before you can get your first freelance client, you need to have a clear understanding of what you can offer.
• Start by listing out your skills. Skills are what you’re good at—whether it’s writing, designing, or programming.
• Next, think about the services you can provide based on these skills. For instance, if you’re a writer, your services might include blog posts, articles, or website content.

Service

For each service, outline the deliverables. Deliverables are the specific tasks you’ll complete. If you’re a video editor, for example, your deliverables might include color grading, text animation, and trimming. This detailed list helps potential clients understand exactly what they’ll get from you.

Offerings

Check out other freelancers in your niche. See how they’re presenting their services, their pricing structures, and their portfolios. For instance, if you’re a video editor, look at how other editors on Fiverr or Upwork present their gigs. This research will help you position yourself better in the market.

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2. Build a Portfolio from Scratch

Clients need to see what you’re capable of before they hire you. But how do you create a portfolio when you have no prior work to show? Here’s a simple strategy: create sample projects.

Imagine you’re a video editor targeting restaurants. Start by using stock footage to create a few sample promotional videos. These don’t need to be for actual clients but should demonstrate your editing skills. Aim for at least four to five samples to showcase your abilities.

Similarly, if you’re a designer, create a few sample thumbnails or logos. If you’re a content writer, write a few mock articles. Even if these aren’t for real clients, they will help potential clients gauge your style and expertise.

Build an attractive portfolio on platforms like Notion, Behance, or Dribbble. Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and visually appealing because first impressions matter a lot in freelancing.

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3. Find Clients with a Pitch

Crafting a compelling pitch is key to finding clients. Create a short, engaging pitch that explains who you are, what you can do, and why clients should work with you. Here’s a simple template:

1. Introduction: “Hi [Client’s Name], I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession] based in [Your Location].”
2. Skills and Services: “I specialize in [Your Skills], and I offer [Your Services].”
3. Portfolio: “Here’s a link to my portfolio: [Link].”
4. Value Proposition: “After reviewing your [Website/Project], I believe I can [Explain How You Can Help].”
5. Discount Offer: “As I’m new to freelancing, I’m offering a discounted rate. I’m confident our collaboration will be beneficial.”
6. Call to Action: “If you’re interested, please let me know a convenient time to connect. Looking forward to hearing from you!”

Here’s a clear pitch:

Send this pitch out to potential clients via email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or any platform where they might be active. Aim to send 50 to 100 pitches daily initially.

Remember, marketing yourself is crucial. You can also reach out to agencies or explore freelance communities on Discord and Facebook. If one approach doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged—there are plenty of other avenues to explore.

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4. Create Value and Build a Personal Brand

Once you start landing clients, focus on creating value and building a personal brand. Share your journey on social media. Post about your work, client testimonials, and any successes. This will help build trust and showcase your expertise.

For example, sharing your process or client feedback on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram can attract new clients by demonstrating your value and experience. You don’t have to be on every platform; choose the one that best fits your target audience.

Building a personal brand through content can make clients more likely to choose you over someone else. As you gain more visibility, you’ll find that clients are willing to pay more for your services.

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5. Diversify and Adjust Your Pricing

To maximize your freelancing success, be present on multiple platforms. This increases your visibility and chances of landing clients. Additionally, as you gain more experience and a solid client base, start adjusting your rates.

For instance, when I started, I charged $5 for a one-minute video. Now, I charge $100 for the same service. As demand for your work grows, you can gradually increase your prices. The key is to find a balance where you’re still attracting clients but also getting compensated fairly for your skills.

If you’re consistently getting work, it might be time to transition from a freelancer to running a small business. This involves scaling up and possibly hiring others to work for you. If you’re interested in learning more about this transition, let me know!

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Starting a freelancing career from scratch is challenging, but with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable. Follow these steps, stay persistent, and adapt as needed. Good luck with your freelancing journey!

For more tips on enhancing your Fiverr profile or other freelance advice, stay tuned to our blog and check out our other resources!
For more insights on boosting your Fiverr sales, check out our 6 Secret Fiverr Tips to Increase Sales or Orders.
If you’re looking to land your first order on Fiverr, don’t miss our 5 Tips to Get Your First Order on Fiverr.
Explore our guide on finding 30 Low Competition Fiverr Gigs for 2024 to help you stand out.
If you still have this question in your mind is Fiverr legit, don’t miss out on our blog Is Fiverr a scam or is it legit? Honest Answer

FAQs