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Freelance Jobs You Can Do To Make Money (+Checklist)

Freelance jobs abound for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to work hard. Here are the top freelance jobs that you can start doing to make money.

5 mins readAugust 17, 2022

Author's Bio:

Hanson Cheng is the founder of Freedom to Ascend. He empowers online entrepreneurs and business owners to 10x their business and become financially independent. You can connect with him here.

Freelance Jobs: What's Hot

Freelance opportunities abound for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to work hard.

Being able to work from home or anywhere else with an internet connection is a significant perk of freelance work and is one of the top reasons that attracts many people to this line of work.

This post will cover some of the most popular freelance jobs people do to make money. Whether you're looking for a full-time income or just some extra cash, there's likely a freelancing option out there for you.

Best freelance jobs to consider

Here are the top seven freelance jobs to consider to make money without needing lots of experience.

1. Freelance writing



One of the most popular freelance jobs is writing. Writers can create content for blogs, websites, books, magazines, and more. There are many different niches within writing, so there's likely a good fit for everyone.

Getting started with freelance writing can be as simple as creating a profile on a freelancing platform and bidding on writing jobs.

Alternatively, writers can directly reach out to businesses and individuals to inquire about potential work.

When it comes to the latter option, the options are endless. You could find websites in niches where content is a staple of success, like copywriting or SEO writing.

You can also pitch your services to companies in your niche or industry that may need help with their content marketing.

Entrepreneur business woman



2. Freelance sales person



There are different types of freelance sales jobs. For example, a freelance sales manager oversees a team of salespeople. A freelance sales accounts executive is responsible for selling a product or service to customers on behalf of a company.

A freelance sales analyst provides analysis and support to sales teams. This position requires excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand complex data sets.

Creating a great resume to show your skills as an analyst is half the battle to getting this job. The other half is to be able to sell yourself in an interview and show that you have what it takes to be a great asset to any sales team.

When it comes to creating a great resume, using templates as a starting off point is always a great idea. You can take help from available resume examples to ensure your resume is the best it can be.

This will improve your chances of getting the interview and, eventually, the job.



3. Freelance Lawyer



If you're a lawyer, you can use your skills to help businesses with a variety of legal issues, from drafting contracts to researching regulations.

Many businesses don't have the need or budget for a full-time in-house lawyer, so they turn to freelance lawyers for help on an as-needed basis. This job requires excellent legal research and writing skills, as well as the ability to work independently.

As a freelance lawyer, having the right resources can help you do the proper research and win cases, which is key to finding success in this career path. Using a good public records search tool like US Search can give you an edge in finding the infoormation you need quickly and easily.

While becoming a freelance lawyer is not something that many would consider, it can be a great way to earn a living with your law degree and skill set.

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4. Freelance Graphic Designer



Freelance graphic designers are in high demand, as businesses of all sizes need help, from creating logos to designing marketing materials.

Graphic designers often create visual concepts using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.

They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Among the most popular jobs boards for graphic designers include Dribble and Behance. That's because they allow you showcase your portfolio to users, allowing you to show off your talent to attract recruiters.

DesignCrowd is another popular platform to get freelance jobs in graphic design. According to its stats at the time of publication, DesignCrowd boasts a membership of 1.1M graphic designers, with 28.2M designs uploaded. So it's very popular!

Graphic Design freelance job platforms



5. Social media marketer



Brands fully understand the power of social media and are willing to pay good money to those who can help them grow their social media presence.

As a freelance social media marketer, you'll be responsible for creating and managing content, engaging with followers, and growing a brand's social media presence.

This job requires excellent writing and communication skills and a deep understanding of how each social media platform works. It's also essential to be up-to-date on the latest trends in social media marketing.

For tips on launching your gig as as a social media marketer, check out these guides from Hootsuite and SkedSocial. You'll find lots of great practical tips to use straight away.

How to Leverage Social Media Analytics to Grow your Small Business



6. Virtual assistant



A virtual assistant is an administrative professional who remotely supports businesses and individuals.

Virtual assistants can do various tasks, from managing calendars and scheduling appointments to handling travel arrangements and preparing expense reports.

In many cases, a virtual assistant can be the perfect solution for busy professionals who need help staying organized and on top of their responsibilities.

The first step is to search for needy businesses on job boards. People may quickly recruit independent virtual assistants using sites like Upwork (check out their guide on gettin a VA job).

In other instances, you can observe that a business is looking to recruit a helper. You can email the HR department or recruiting manager and offer your services as a virtual assistant rather than applying for their permanent post.

This would enable you to work remotely and have more control over your freelance day while still providing the customer with the services they require.



7. SEO freelance consulting



If you're an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), businesses will pay you to help them rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

As an SEO consultant, you'll review a website's existing content and structure, make recommendations for improvements, and then help implement those changes to improve the site's ranking.

This job requires a deep understanding of how search engines work and how to optimize websites for better visibility.

It's a smart idea to educate yourself as much as possible on SEO best practices. The more you know, the better your websites will perform and the simpler it will be to draw in more visitors. To improve your knowledge of SEO, think about reading more in-depth articles or enrolling in courses.

A potential client looking to employ an SEO expert wants to be sure they'll get what they're paying for. Displaying examples of your work is the best method to demonstrate your value. As you progress, this becomes more difficult, but you can start by making your own blog and adding material.

A portfolio makes it simple for potential clients to check out your work and decide if it's a suitable fit for them. This makes it more valuable than a CV or a list of qualifications.

Check out this Guide by Upwork on becoming an SEO freelancer.

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8. Freelance transcriptionists



Transcriptionists transcribe audio and video files into written text. Sometimes, they may also edit or proofread transcripts to ensure accuracy.

This job is perfect for people with excellent typing skills and a good ear for detail.

Here are eight easy steps to apply to become a freelance transcriptionist:

  1. Practice Your Typing
  2. Quiet Place To Work
  3. Make Sure You Have All The Programs
  4. Become Proficient In The Programs
  5. Set Up PayPal Account
  6. Create A Resume
  7. Join Freelance Websites
  8. Create Separate Files For Your Clients

To delve deeper into each of these 8 steps, check out this post from TranscriptionJobsHQ.

US search

Finding freelance jobs

Once you've decided on the type of freelance work you'd like to do, the next step is finding clients. Here are a few places to look for work.

1. Online freelance job boards



Several online job boards list freelance jobs, including:

  • Upwork
  • Fiverr
  • Freelancer.com

Knowing the best freelance websites to find work according to your skillset will help you get started.

Upwork



2. Social media outreach for freelancing



Social media is great for finding potential clients and marketing your services.

In addition to using social media to connect with friends and family, be sure to use it to network with potential clients, providing valuable posts that show your expertise in what you do.

LinkedIn is a perfect platform for this, as it's designed specifically for professional networking.



3. Personal website that showcases your freelancing service



Having your own website is a great way to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Be sure to include a portfolio of your previous work and information about your services and rates.

You'll need more to draw customers, even if you already have social media accounts or a specialized presence in an internet directory. A freelancing website that attracts clients and spreads the word about your company is what separates an average business into a compelling success story.

You should design a website that showcases your work in the best possible light for that purpose. You may overcome any creative limitation and create your own gorgeous web portfolio with the correct collection of tools.

These are 10 steps you’ll need to create a freelance website:

  1. Choose a freelance website template
  2. Create a domain
  3. Develop your brand
  4. Include relevant pages
  5. Add sophisticated design elements
  6. Incorporate the right business tools
  7. Create a blog
  8. Optimize for SEO
  9. Make it mobile-friendly
  10. Promote your site

To delve into each step in creating your freelance website, check out this step-by-step guide by Wix.

Social media use



4. Cold pitching



Cold pitching is the process of contacting potential clients who haven't expressively asked for your services. It can be effective, but it does require some extra effort.

When cold pitching, research and target businesses you think could benefit from your services. Then, reach out with a personalized email or message explaining why you think you'd be a good fit for their needs.

Follow these 5 steps to get your cold pitch heard loud and clear:

1. Find the right person to pitch to

Your ideal client is probably a business rather than a person. However, sending your pitch to the company's customer care email address or filling out their contact form is a solid method to ensure that it never gets read or acknowledged.

Pitch to the person who is most relevant to the organization, such as a senior manager, department head, or hiring manager, to increase your chances of standing out in a crowded inbox.

When a firm website is online, you can find out more about its roles on the "Our Team" page by searching LinkedIn. Use Google to get the person's contact details once you've determined who to pitch to.

2. Create a catchy email subject line for an email

Your pitch might be fantastic, but if your subject line isn't as enticing, your potential client is unlikely to even read it. There isn't a single subject line that works in every circumstance.

Seek inspiration for your own pitch from some of the best subject lines, such as "A [benefit] for [prospect's firm]," "Question about [their aim]," and "Ideas for [a topic they care about]". Before deciding on a topic line, make a list of potential ones.

3. Be specific and address their requirements

When cold pitching, email templates might save you time, but be sure you customize each one for the specific client. This goes beyond merely calling the individual by name.

Once you have established the person's particular demands and priorities, present a creative solution that demonstrates your knowledge of their objectives.

If you're a web designer, for instance, mention particular aspects of their website that you think may be improved.

4. Use social proof to establish credibility

Cold pitches elicit suspicion by nature. You email a potential customer out of the blue asking them to hire you and give you money, and they have no idea who you are.

Show that you are legitimate, that your work is of high quality, and that other serious individuals trust you to allay these fears.

5. Follow-up with your prospect

Another crucial component when cold pitching a dream customer is to demonstrate perseverance. Always follow up since it's possible that your initial email fell through the cracks or failed to impress the recipient as they were clearing out their inbox.

It is best to give yourself at least 7 days between follow-up messages and to avoid doing so more than twice.

Successful Business Solutions to the Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs 2



5. Referrals for freelancing



Referrals are one of the best ways to find new clients. If you've done an excellent job for a client in the past, they're likely to be happy to recommend you to others.

In addition to networking with people you're still quite in touch with, consider your past network as well. Sometimes, you might have fallen out of touch with someone who could really help you in your freelance job search.

Using TruthFinder, a people search tool that gives you access to public records, can help you find the right person, even if you don't have their current contact information.

How to succeed as a freelancer

Productivity is the name of the game when you are a freelancer. The more time you can spend working on billable projects, the more money you will make. Here are a few tips to help you stay productive and focused while working from home.

1. Get dressed for work



It may seem like a small thing, but getting dressed for work can help you get into the right frame of mind for being productive. When you're in your PJs, it's easy to lounge around and take breaks.

But when you're dressed for work, you're more likely to be in "work mode" and get things done.

2. Set up a dedicated workspace



If possible, set up a dedicated workspace in your home where you can go to work each day.

This will help you to focus and be more productive. Having a dedicated workspace will also help you to "leave work" at the end of the day so you can relax and enjoy your personal time.

3. Set office hours



One of the benefits of freelancing is that you can usually set your own hours. But that doesn't mean you should be working 24/7. Set office hours for yourself and stick to them.

This will help you to focus on work during the times you've designated for work, and enjoy your personal time during your off hours.

4. Set deadlines



One of the challenges of freelancing is that it can be easy to procrastinate. To avoid this, set deadlines for yourself and make sure you meet them. Having deadlines will help you to stay focused and on track.

5. Take breaks



It's important to take breaks throughout the day, even if you're working from home. Get up and walk around, have a snack, or take a quick nap. These mini-breaks will help you to recharge and be more productive when you return to work.

Playing some games like Scrabble words or Unscrambled Words for word ideas, trivia games etc can also help you take a break while, at the same time, keeping your mind active.

Unscrambled Words

How to succeed as a business using freelancers

Let's finally consider what it takes to be a successful business that uses freelancers. After all, if you're reading this, it's likely that you're considering hiring a freelancer or already do.

When it comes to the process of hiring freelancers for a small business, the key is to be organized and efficient. Here are 4 few tips to get you started.

1. Understand why you are hiring freelancers over employees



The first step is to understand why you are hiring freelancers over employees.

There are a few reasons why this might be the case, such as the need for specialized skills or the ability to scale up or down quickly. Once you know the reason, it will be easier to find the right freelancer for the job.

2. Have a plan to scale in place



While you might not be thinking about it now, it's essential to plan how you will scale your business if it is successful. This means planning how you will bring on more freelancers (or agencies) as your business grows.

With the right processes in place, scaling a business using agencies and freelancers can be a great way to grow quickly and efficiently, using only the resources you need.

3. Be prepared to pay for quality



One of the mistakes businesses make when hiring freelancers is not willing to pay for quality. Just because someone is a freelancer doesn't mean they are cheap.

Many freelancers are experts in their field and command high rates. Be prepared to pay for quality if you want the best results.

4. Create detailed briefs



To get the most out of your freelancers, it's essential to provide them with detailed briefs. The more information they have about what you're looking for, the better results you will get.

A good brief should at the very least, include an overview of the project, and the deliverables.

Freelance Jobs: Wrapping Up

To summarize, ensure you use various resources to find the best opportunities when looking for freelance work. Job boards, social media, and your website are all great places to start.

And don't forget to keep sharpening your skill set so you can offer potential clients the best possible services.

Freelance work can be a great way to earn extra money, money that might help you leave a job that you dislike or simply be able to afford a few extra things that you currently don’t.

With so many different types of freelance work available, there's sure to be something that's a good fit for your skills and interests.

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