How to start working as a freelancer? See what you need to know before taking on your first assignment!

More and more people want to work independently – no boss, no office, no morning traffic jam to work. But the slogan “freelancer” alone is not yet a plan. If you’re wondering how to start working as a freelancer, how to even approach it and whether it really pays off, this post is for you. You won’t find motivational slogans without substance here, only specifics: what to prepare, how to stand out, and how to earn as a freelancer without feeling like you’re drifting aimlessly. Whether you already have an idea or are still looking – we will calmly go through all the steps.

Freelancing smartly – how to start without drowning in chaos and randomness?

Starting without a plan is the shortest path to frustration. Sure, working on your own terms sounds nice, but before you put “freelancer” in your bio, it’s worth knowing why you’re doing it and what exactly you can offer clients. If you don’t have a “remote” profession ready (like copywriting, graphic design, video editing), it doesn’t mean freelancing isn’t for you – it just means you need to find your service first. Start by listing things you can do and that someone else might want to buy from you. It could be writing texts, making presentations, creating social media graphics, or preparing business offers. If you think about it seriously and wonder how to start as a freelancer without chaos, plan even a simple scheme: what you do, for whom, and for how much. Chaos appears when you lack a foundation – not from a lack of talent.

Freelancing – how to start? Choose wisely – find a niche where you can thrive and earn real money

Choosing a niche is the moment that can totally make your start easier or entirely complicate it. It’s not about knowing right away that, for example, you want to do UX writing for the IT sector. 

The point is to narrow your area of action – because if you try to be for everyone, you reach no one. Think about what you’re good at, but also: what you enjoy doing enough not to be fed up with it after 3 months. Analyze whether there is demand for it and whether you can earn reasonable money from it. Example? Instead of “I write texts,” say “I write product descriptions for online electronics stores.” If you want to know how to become a freelancer who earns, and not just looks for assignments – find something you can specialize in. The faster you narrow down your topic, the quicker you’ll build a position and trust.

Working as a Freelancer: A Portfolio That Works – How to Build One, Even If You’re Just Starting?

The most common dilemma? “I don’t have clients yet, so I can’t build a portfolio.” Mistake. You can – and should – create sample projects to start with. If you want to write texts, write a few on trial, even if you have no one to write for. If you want to design logos – create a fictional brand and show how you would dress it in graphics. People don’t just need proof that someone paid you once – they need to see how you think and what you can do. A portfolio is your bargaining chip, even if it consists of “imagined” things – as long as they are good. If you want to know how to work as a freelancer from scratch, then the portfolio is one of the first tools to show your value. Don’t wait for someone to give you a chance – show that you have it.

What Business Form to Start With? A Comparison That Will Save You Stress and Money

Formalities are a topic that terrifies many beginners. Fortunately – it doesn’t have to. If you are just starting, you have several options. You can work on a contract of mandate, use platforms like Useme, or start with an unregistered business – provided your income does not exceed a certain threshold. For many, this is a great way to test freelancing without worrying about social security contributions and paperwork. Only when you earn regularly and see stability can you set up a sole proprietorship. 

How to start as a freelancer without stress over PITs and VATs? Check all options, consult with an accountant, or use online calculators. There is no one path that suits everyone – what’s important is to choose a model that doesn’t discourage you right at the beginning.

How to Work as a Freelancer? Where to Find Clients and Orders Before You Get Discouraged? Specific Platforms and Methods

The truth is, at the beginning, you are the one looking for clients – not the other way around. But the good news is that there are many places where you can realistically get your first orders. The classics are portals like Useme, Fiverr, Freelancer, Oferia, but also groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and… your own network. Seriously – first clients are very often acquired through friends or recommendations. It’s important that you don’t sit in silence, but show that you exist, what you do, and that you can be trusted. Write a few messages with a specific proposal, show your portfolio, suggest a solution. If you are really wondering how to start working as a freelancer, you have to start actively looking for clients. Don’t assume they will find you – they will when you first show up.

How to Price Yourself So You Don’t Undervalue Your Worth, But Also Don’t Scare Away Clients?

Beginners often have the same problem: either they price themselves too low because they are afraid no one will pay more, or too high – because they try to “make up” for lack of experience. Pricing comes with time, but you can avoid basic mistakes from the start. First: calculate how much you want to earn monthly and how much time you can actually allocate to work. Second: check how much similar services cost in your industry. Third: remember that it’s not just the price that decides whether a client will choose you – style, approach, and timeliness also matter. If you want a reasonable start and are thinking about how to earn as a freelancer, then don’t be afraid to talk about money. It’s better to state your rates at the beginning than to work on a project for three weeks that won’t even cover your electricity bill.

Freelancer = Entrepreneur – How to Manage Finances, Taxes, and Income Planning?

A freelancer is not just a task executor – they are a sole entrepreneur, even if you formally do not have a company. And it’s worth remembering from the very beginning. This means you need to control your income, monitor payment deadlines, reserve time for marketing activities, and – equally important – set aside for taxes, social security, and peace of mind. In practice, it’s worth maintaining a spreadsheet or using finance management apps, setting a minimum monthly financial goal, and ensuring to meet it. This way, freelancing won’t be a “cool addition,” but a real source of income, from which you can sustain yourself. So if you want to operate professionally, not just “catch something after hours,” this is how you must work as a freelancer – with a head, calculator, and plan.

Organization, Communication, and Development – What Determines That a Freelancer Doesn’t Drown in Paperwork?

The last thing, rarely mentioned, but capable of killing the best intentions: lack of organization. Without tools, a weekly plan, and good communication with clients, everything quickly falls apart. You start doing several things at once, don’t know what you promised to whom and when your deadline is. Therefore, it’s worth using simple systems from the start – Trello, Asana, Notion, Google Calendar. It’s not a “whim for the organized” – it’s a tool so you don’t go crazy. Also, clear communication with the client: what you do, when it’s delivered, what’s on your side. And don’t forget about yourself – development is crucial in this job, because the world of remote services changes quickly. Read, listen, test new things. Because to do well in the freelance market, you need to be not only good at your craft but also able to navigate chaos.