Are you looking for beginner-friendly freelance jobs that you can dive into right away?
Freelancing is a fantastic way to earn money on your own terms, whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig.
But if you’re just starting out, finding the right freelance job can feel overwhelming.
No worries – I’ve been there.
I started out my freelancing career as a total beginner with no clue what I was doing.
But I managed to get some great clients, some superb reviews and build an awesome portfolio as a freelance writer.
In this post I’ve rounded up some of the easiest freelance jobs for beginners.
You can literally get started today, even with little to no experience!
Why Freelance?
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Freelancing is becoming more popular as it allows people to work from anywhere, set their own schedules, and even choose the type of work they want to do.
For those just getting started, the flexibility and freedom of freelancing are big perks.
However, finding your first freelance gig can be a challenge, as many clients prefer to hire experienced professionals.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list – to help you break into the freelance world with beginner-friendly options.
How Much Can You Earn?
This is a common question. How much can you earn with freelancing?
The misconception that’s widely prevalant is that freelancing doesn’t pay well.
Freelance earnings vary based a LOT based on experience, the type of work you do, and how many hours you put in.
On average, beginners can make between $10 to $20 per hour, but this can increase significantly as you gain experience and build a portfolio.
For example, a seasoned freelance writer can make $50,000+ per year, while a virtual assistant might earn $1,000 monthly for part-time work.
I started off my freelancing career by charging $7/article (yeah I know, hilarious).
I did this for a few weeks and collected some raving reviews from happy clients.
Then, because my writing was really strong and I had some amazing reviews to showcase, I was able to easily increase my price from $7/article to $50-$70 for an article that took me an hour and a half to put together!
So like I said, the money you make from freelancing will really depend on many factors!
Best Freelancing Websites
There are a TON of freelancing websites.
In fact, there are so many freelancing websites that as a beginner you can feel confused.
Which one is actually legit?
Which one is good for beginners and has the potential to build a solid freelancing career?
The number one freelancing website that I’d recommend to you is Fiverr.
Fiverr is the perfect place to jumpstart your freelancing career and start making money.
With its user-friendly platform, Fiverr connects you with clients from all over the world, helping you reach new opportunities and earn an income from the comfort of home.
Plus, it offers a wide variety of gigs that let you use your unique skills to make money, whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, social media expert, or anything in between!
If you’re interested, I’ve written a detailed post on succeeding on Fiverr which you can read here: Mastering Fiverr: How to Earn Like a Pro
Popular Freelance Jobs for Beginners
Okay so let’s get into it.
Here are some of the top beginner-friendly freelance jobs you can start with.
1. Freelance Writer
What It Involves:
Freelance writing covers a range of content types. You might write blog posts, website copy, social media content, or even eBooks. Some companies also hire freelance writers for more specialized work, like technical writing or SEO articles.
Skills Needed:
You’ll need strong writing skills and good grammar. Basic research skills are also essential, as you’ll often need to write on topics you’re not familiar with. Familiarity with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a plus but not always required.
Earning Potential:
Beginners typically earn $10-$20 per article, but experienced writers can earn much more depending on their niche and experience (as I mentioned earlier, I was charging $50-$70/article even as a beginner with very little experience).
Experienced writers specializing in high-demand niches can earn between $50 and $200+ per hour, depending on the complexity of the content. Technical writing, for example, averages around $100 per hour, while writers in fields like personal finance and health can make $50 to $150 per hour. Ghostwriting for books or speeches also brings in high rates due to the level of skill involved
2. Transcriptionist
What It Involves:
As a transcriptionist, you’ll listen to audio files and type what you hear. This could be anything from interviews and podcasts to medical dictations. Accuracy is critical in this role, as clients need accurate transcriptions.
Skills Needed:
Excellent listening and typing skills are essential, as is attention to detail. For specialized fields like medical transcription, you may need additional knowledge or training.
Earning Potential:
Beginners can expect to earn around $15 per audio hour, but experienced transcriptionists, especially in specialized fields, can earn $25 or more per hour.
3. Virtual Assistant (VA)
What It Involves:
Virtual assistants (VAs) help clients with various administrative tasks. This could include managing email, scheduling appointments, data entry, booking travel, and more. Some VAs also handle social media or other digital marketing tasks.
Skills Needed:
Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Familiarity with common tools like Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar), Zoom, and project management tools like Trello or Asana can be helpful. If you’re handling social media tasks, knowledge of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn is also useful.
Earning Potential:
Entry-level VAs typically earn around $10-$15 per hour.
Expert-level virtual assistants, particularly those specializing in areas like project management, e-commerce, or executive assistance, can make between $30 and $60 per hour. Virtual assistants who offer specialized services like bookkeeping or social media management may earn closer to $75 per hour
4. Social Media Manager
What It Involves:
Social media managers create, schedule, and manage posts for businesses on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
You may also respond to comments and messages, create social media strategies, and analyze engagement data to help businesses grow their online presence.
Skills Needed:
Strong understanding of social media platforms and trends, content creation skills, and basic graphic design skills are helpful. You should also be comfortable with analytics tools and able to interpret engagement metrics.
Earning Potential:
Beginners can earn around $12-$25 per hour, with experienced social media managers charging $50+ per hour. Social media managers often offer monthly packages, so you may be able to secure a retainer contract with clients.
Social media managers with a proven track record can earn between $50 and $100 per hour. Those offering additional services, such as ad management and analytics, or working with high-profile brands can earn upwards of $100 to $150 per hour or charge retainers of $1,000 to $3,000 per month per client
5. Data Entry Specialist
What It Involves:
Data entry involves inputting data into spreadsheets or databases. The work is typically straightforward and repetitive, which makes it a popular choice for beginners. Tasks might include transcribing data from one system to another, filling in online forms, or updating spreadsheets.
Skills Needed:
You’ll need strong attention to detail and basic computer skills. Familiarity with spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets is essential.
Earning Potential: Data entry positions generally pay around $10-$15 per hour. Experienced specialists can command higher rates, especially if the data entry is for technical or specialized fields.
6. Graphic Designer
What It Involves:
Freelance graphic designers create visual content for clients. This could include social media graphics, logos, infographics, website images, and more. While many jobs require advanced skills, beginners can find work in areas like social media graphics or simple logo design.
Skills Needed:
Basic graphic design skills and familiarity with tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator are essential. An eye for design and color helps, too.
Earning Potential:
Beginner graphic designers might start at $10-$20 per design.
Established graphic designers can earn about $50 to $150 per hour on platforms like Fiverr, with those working on complex projects or in fields like branding and advertising reaching the higher end.
For long-term clients or brand consulting projects, designers may charge a flat rate ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on their expertise.
Tips for Landing Your First Freelance Job
Start Small:
Begin with smaller projects to build your portfolio and gain experience. This might mean taking on lower-paying gigs initially, but it can help you build credibility and gain testimonials.
Promote Yourself:
Create a simple portfolio website using platforms like Wix or Squarespace to showcase your skills. Use LinkedIn to connect with potential clients, and share your work on social media to reach a wider audience.
Keep Learning:
Freelancing is competitive, so continually developing your skills is essential. Invest in online courses on platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to keep improving and expanding your abilities.
Freelancing is an excellent way to build a career on your own terms.
Starting with these beginner-friendly freelance jobs can give you a solid foundation, and as you gain experience, you can take on more advanced projects and increase your earnings.
Ready to become a freelancer?
Read my detailed post here: Become a Successful Freelancer in 2024: A Beginner’s Guide for Stay At Home Moms
MORE IDEAS TO MAKE MONEY:
The Ultimate Guide to Start a Profitable Blog As a Beginner
20 Blog Niches to Make Money: How to Pick the Right One and Why It Matters
15 Insanely Profitable & Flexible Side Hustle Ideas For Moms
Mastering Fiverr: How to Earn Like a Pro
Become a Successful Freelancer in 2024: A Beginner’s Guide for Stay At Home Moms
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