Can I get a freelance job without experience?
As you begin your freelance career, you may question how successful you can be without extensive experience or impressive client feedback to establish your credibility.
Being less experienced shouldn’t hinder you from getting freelance jobs, even though higher-paying clients may have a preference for more experienced professionals. Freelancing can actually help you develop your skills and make a living. The only thing you need to do is:
It is important to understand that, despite the possibility of securing employment without experience, the absence of a portfolio is a crucial determining factor.
Clients often require evidence of your previous work on similar projects to establish confidence in your ability to deliver the job to a high standard.
The age-old riddle of the chicken and the egg also applies here: it’s tough to get freelance gigs without a portfolio, but it’s just as hard to build a portfolio without any jobs.
An effective option would be to enroll in a bootcamp course or program that focuses on turning individuals with no prior experience into proficient experts. Not only will you acquire the sought-after abilities required to secure remunerative contracts, but you’ll also obtain a professional portfolio that will serve as evidence of your competence.
As a means of gaining practical experience, numerous bootcamp students opt to do freelance work alongside their coursework.
The main lesson to grasp is that it is possible to secure a freelance position even if you lack experience.
Initially, you may have to accept assignments that aren’t your preferred ones in order to establish your credentials. However, it won’t be long before you transform from an inexperienced freelancer to one with ample expertise.
The best freelance jobs you can get
By using Upwork’s list of the most sought-after freelance skills for 2023 as a guide, here are 12 excellent freelance opportunities worth exploring.
1. Copywriter
If you possess a talent for language and can produce captivating content, pursuing a freelance career as a copywriter may be an ideal fit for you. In this role, you will generate text for websites, blogs, ads, and various promotional materials.
In today’s market, skilled copywriters who can use captivating headlines and storytelling to convert leads into sales are in high demand as every website, blog, and product requires quality writing. As an individual who enjoys writing, finding freelance opportunities should not be a challenge.
Payscale reports that the typical hourly pay for copywriters in the United States is $34.
2. UX designer
The objective of UX designers is to establish user-friendly and seamless experiences for website or application users. UX design is a broad field which includes conducting user research and testing, producing wireframes and prototypes, and working together with stakeholders throughout the organization.
Upwork’s list of highly sought-after tech skills has always included UX/UI design, and considering the immense demand for it, that trend is unlikely to change anytime soon. Freelancers find UX design to be an ideal blend of creativity, research, and problem-solving.
The average hourly pay for a UX Designer in the United States is recorded as $49 on Salary.com.
The process of social media marketing includes the development of content and campaigns for various social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok.
Social media has become an undeniable force for reaching your audience and increasing revenue, which explains why it ranks as the second most sought-after marketing skill on Upwork.
Those who excel in increasing engagement as social media freelancers are in high demand. Therefore, if you believe that you have a knack for social media, then pursuing a freelance career in this field might be worth it.
On average, freelance social media specialists request an hourly rate of $22, as reported by Salary.com.
4. Frontend web developer
Front-end web developers occupy the second spot on Upwork’s roster of highly sought-after freelance technology skills, as they are accountable for constructing and creating elements for website interfaces.
Front-end web development is a highly sought-after freelance profession that involves converting the prototypes produced by UX/UI designers into interactive, functional websites that users can engage with.
To make their client’s ideas come alive, freelance frontend web developers often work across various platforms like WordPress and Webflow. Read our blog article on becoming a freelance web developer in 2023 to acquire further knowledge.
Salary.com reports that the mean hourly wage for a front-end developer in the U.S. is $57.
5. Graphic Design
The skill of graphic designing encompasses a wide range of projects, including but not limited to creating visuals for websites, social media infographics, designing websites, developing infographics and web applications, as well as designing for user experience.
Individuals with exceptional attention to detail and a high level of creativity are most suited for this form of freelance work. If you want to begin working as a freelance graphic designer, it is recommended that you begin by establishing your portfolio.
Your portfolio will be of greater interest to your clients than your past work experience or professional degrees.
Begin creating your portfolio by setting up a blog specifically dedicated to graphic design with a section showcasing your past work. Alternatively, you can publish it on websites such as Dribble to display your abilities to potential clients.
6. SEO specialist
There is a good reason why SEO is considered the top marketing skill for freelancers on Upwork.
For many modern businesses to prosper, it is essential to establish and uphold a digital presence, and expert SEO specialists are in high demand and command substantial pay in order to assist companies in optimizing their websites and gaining an edge in traffic over their rivals. Additionally, SEO has a minimal entry requirement and acquiring the necessary skills can be done with the aid of free online courses and resources.
Salary.com reports that the typical hourly wage for an SEO Specialist is $37.
7. Animation designer
The task of animation designers is to materialize concepts via visuals, animation, and motion graphics. They develop lively and captivating animations that grab the viewers’ attention and add character to the interface.
Acquiring expertise in animation can lead you to numerous prospects in diverse sectors such as advertising, gaming, education, and film. Upwork’s list of the most desirable design and creative competencies has both 2D and 3D animation included, demonstrating that it’s an engaging, worthwhile and promising freelance profession.
According to Salary.com, the mean per hour remuneration for a 3D animator is $29.
8. Project manager
The demand for project managers who can guarantee that projects are accomplished on schedule and within budget has surged as companies undertake more complicated ventures.
Apart from managing the various stages of a project, project managers are also responsible for communicating with stakeholders and team members. This involves identifying and addressing potential problems in order to ensure the success of the project.
Freelance project managers are a crucial addition for businesses that desire a seamless product or feature launch.
On Salary.com, the Project Management Manager based in the U.S. typically makes an average hourly wage of $66.
9. Copywriters
Acquiring freelance copywriting skills is among the most lucrative freelancing abilities one can possess. Not only does it have exceptional market value and high returns due to substantial market demand, but it can also transform into a self-owned business.
According to statistics, copywriting remains in high demand regardless of the economic conditions. This means that possessing the necessary skills may lead to becoming one of the highest-paid freelancers in this field.
Copywriters have a distinct skill set that sets them apart from freelance writers and content marketers. Their expertise lies in crafting compelling copy for websites, products, and services. They possess the knack for creating email and blog content that captivates the audience and persuades them to make a purchase.
How Much Do Copywriters Make?
The amount a freelancer copywriter earns per hour is determined by their expertise and proficiency. UpWork’s roster of leading copywriters indicates that hourly rates differ, ranging from $15 to $100 for copywriting assignments.
The typical yearly earnings amount to $55,000, with an average pay rate of $25 per hour.
10. Virtual Assistant
If you possess exceptional organizational abilities and excel in administrative tasks, then a freelance virtual assistant position is the perfect fit for you.
You can choose your work and tasks as a virtual assistant (also known as VA). You’ll be able to manage your schedule and work from anywhere worldwide. This could be the best digital nomad job you can do while traveling .
Small business owners and online businesses are seeking the services of freelance virtual assistants due to the availability of high-speed internet, convenient document sharing, and affordable video call systems, allowing them to obtain assistance without the commitment of a full-time employee.
As a freelance virtual assistant, you have the opportunity to collaborate with different clients and assist them with scheduling appointments, managing correspondence, conducting research, handling social media, blogging, and designing presentations. The range of services you could provide as a freelance virtual assistant is immense, and the aforementioned list is only a few examples.
When commencing a freelance virtual assistant profession, it’s crucial to select your specialization (the particular services you aim to provide your customers). The most effective approach is to focus on 3 to 4 specializations and present them as comprehensive service packages to a particular kind of enterprise.
Once you establish a strong hold on your specialized area, you can increase your rates and secure higher compensation for each project over time.
Anyone Can Become a Freelancer — So What Are You Waiting For?
With freelancing becoming an increasingly popular way of earning a living and more new graduates expected to adopt this approach post-pandemic, if you’re unsure of the requirements to be a thriving freelancer, the response is affirmative!
Although it may seem daunting, embracing a freelance career after leaving a traditional job can be quite exhilarating. With little experience and ample opportunity for trial and error, you can successfully navigate this transition while remaining within your comfort zone.
Being self-employed provides the advantage of turning your passions into income, which in turn enhances job fulfillment. Moreover, it enables you to attain an improved equilibrium between work and personal life, a more substantial salary, and prospects to collaborate with skilled individuals within your desired field.
It is hoped that you can utilize at least one of the freelance skills listed as high in demand and become proficient in it.
