Freelancing: is it for you and where to start?

If you want to make money online, there is a plethora of possibilities: e-commerce, drop shipping, print-on-demand, stock investment, selling courses… the list is long.

But there is one that stands out to me (and for you since you are reading this): freelancing.

You have heard of this as a way to make money, but you are unsure if it is for you and how it works.

Read on, I will guide you!

What Is a Freelancer? 

Let’s start with the basics and define more precisely what the word “freelancer” means.

There are a few misconceptions and still a negative connotation to the word.

Maybe the best would be to use an alternative word: independent professional.

This is exactly that. A freelancer is someone who works independently of any company. Another synonym often used is self-employed.

Basically, you are your own boss (yes a business owner!) and you offer services to people (often businesses) who want to pay for the result you propose.

How does freelancing work?

First, freelancing is running a business. This means that to be successful, you have to understand the foundations of a freelancing business. 

There are three main ways to make money as a freelance business owner: charging a flat fee, charging by the project, and charging based on how much time you spend working on the project.

 

How much can I get paid to freelance?

Anything from $5 to $1M.

What type of work can I do by freelancing?

You can propose almost any skill you can think of. From guitar playing to web design, accounting to video editing.

Design

Writing

Marketing

Software Development

Web development

How do I start freelancing?

The easiest way is to use a freelancing site.

Best websites for finding freelance jobs

How to stand out as a freelancer

Pros and Cons of Freelancing

Pros

The great thing about being your own boss is that you can set your own hours and work when you want. You also have complete control over your income and how much money you make.

If you are a multipotentialite/multipassionate like me, you can offer a multitude of services and enjoy switching from one to another without getting bored. And even with one specific services, you’ll meet very different clients from different industries. 

It is fascinating and exciting.

Cons

You trade time for money, meaning that you can’t scale so much unless you transition to an agency (like many former freelancers).

The Takeaway

Freelancing is an awesome way to make money and develop your skills.

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