8 answers
Syed Moeez
Student
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
3
Questions
Updated
1408 views
How can I start earning online or buy free lancing ?
“I want to start freelancing online, but I don’t know which platform or skill to start with.
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8 answers
Deven Oza
Director
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Deven’s Answer
Focus on what makes you unique and special. Think about your strengths and what only you can offer. Decide whether social media or a professional site is the best place to showcase your talents. Then, create a portfolio or story that highlights what sets you apart. Make sure to improve your sales skills, as they will help you communicate and work well with others. You've got this!
Arianna Harris
Human Resources
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Arianna’s Answer
Hi Syed! Throughout me decade of marketing, I often used Upwork.com to find freelancers to help with various graphic design projects. That was the context in which I used it but they have freelancers that focus on all kinds of different areas. They display how many projects different freelancers have won and it's actually incredible how much money some people have made over the years. They do a good job of eliminating country barriers too. I've hired people from all over the world to do work. I definitely recommend checking it out.
Sharon Deidigha
Project Management
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
Hi Syed,
Good you are taking the initiative to figure out ways to earn extra income. One way would be to leverage your current skill set. For example, if you are good are photography, you can offering photography sessions by advertising on social media displaying photos you have taken of friends and family.
Baking is also a good way to earn extra cash. You can bake homemade goods like cookies, bread, cakes etc and sell that at local farmers markets on the weekend. The first set will be to sign up for the free cottage license that allows you sell home baked goods at farmers market without a commercial license. But note, you will need to label your items with the list of ingredients and known allergens. You can also bake and sell cakes.Marketing is important so ensure you are posting your work on social media. Get feedback from friends and family by doing a tasting.
Another option is painting. If you know how to paint very well, you can set pieces online on platforms like Etsy and Facebook marketplace. You can also offer painting services for special events like weddings, baby showers etc painting mini portrait photos of guests.
Any avenue you take, ensure to price your items properly so you care making a profit. Do market research to see what other vendors in the same industry are charging.
Good you are taking the initiative to figure out ways to earn extra income. One way would be to leverage your current skill set. For example, if you are good are photography, you can offering photography sessions by advertising on social media displaying photos you have taken of friends and family.
Baking is also a good way to earn extra cash. You can bake homemade goods like cookies, bread, cakes etc and sell that at local farmers markets on the weekend. The first set will be to sign up for the free cottage license that allows you sell home baked goods at farmers market without a commercial license. But note, you will need to label your items with the list of ingredients and known allergens. You can also bake and sell cakes.Marketing is important so ensure you are posting your work on social media. Get feedback from friends and family by doing a tasting.
Another option is painting. If you know how to paint very well, you can set pieces online on platforms like Etsy and Facebook marketplace. You can also offer painting services for special events like weddings, baby showers etc painting mini portrait photos of guests.
Any avenue you take, ensure to price your items properly so you care making a profit. Do market research to see what other vendors in the same industry are charging.
Your advice was so helpful!
Syed Moeez
S I
Finance
37
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
S’s Answer
Starting to earn money online can be easy and exciting with basic digital and social media skills. You don't need to dive into anything complicated. Many people begin with skills like:
- Managing social media (posting, writing captions, creating simple content)
- Designing simple graphics (using tools like Canva)
- Writing short pieces (captions, blogs, or product descriptions)
- Editing basic videos (for platforms like TikTok or Instagram)
You can learn these skills for free online and start practicing right away. Once you have a basic skill set, create a small portfolio with just 2-3 examples. Then, offer your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
The key is to start small and stay consistent. Your first projects might be simple, but as you gain experience, you can charge more. If you keep improving your skills and remain dedicated, freelancing can become a great source of income.
- Managing social media (posting, writing captions, creating simple content)
- Designing simple graphics (using tools like Canva)
- Writing short pieces (captions, blogs, or product descriptions)
- Editing basic videos (for platforms like TikTok or Instagram)
You can learn these skills for free online and start practicing right away. Once you have a basic skill set, create a small portfolio with just 2-3 examples. Then, offer your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
The key is to start small and stay consistent. Your first projects might be simple, but as you gain experience, you can charge more. If you keep improving your skills and remain dedicated, freelancing can become a great source of income.
Aneesa M.
Scrum Lead
13
Answers
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Aneesa’s Answer
Starting freelancing online can be an excellent way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and earn income from the comfort of your home. Here are some suggestions:
1. Identify Your Skills: Freelancing thrives on unique skills. These could be anything from graphic design and writing, to programming, digital marketing, or teaching. Consider what you're good at and can offer to clients.
2. Choose a Platform: There are numerous online platforms designed to connect freelancers with clients. Search for them and check their reviews.
3. Set Up Your Profile: Once you've picked a platform, create a compelling profile highlighting your skills, experience, and what makes you stand out. Include a professional profile picture and write a concise, engaging summary.
4. Create Compelling Proposals: When bidding on projects, tailor your proposal to the client's needs. Show how your skills match the job requirements and explain what value you can bring.
5. Competitive Pricing: New freelancers often underprice themselves to attract clients. While it's important to be competitive, ensure you're also valuing your time and expertise.
6. Build a Portfolio: If you don't have much professional experience yet, consider taking on small projects for friends or family at reduced rates, or find some open-source projects to contribute to. This will help you build a portfolio showcasing your abilities.
7. Communication and Customer Service: Excellent communication is key in freelancing. Respond promptly to messages, set clear expectations, and deliver quality work on time. Happy clients often lead to repeat business and positive reviews, which can significantly boost your credibility.
8. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Always look for ways to improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends. This will not only benefit your current projects but also make you more attractive to future clients.
9. Patience and Persistence: Finding your first few gigs can take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses or offers. Keep refining your profile, proposals, and skills.
Remember, every successful freelancer started somewhere. With the right mindset, skills, and persistence, you can establish a thriving freelance career.
1. Identify Your Skills: Freelancing thrives on unique skills. These could be anything from graphic design and writing, to programming, digital marketing, or teaching. Consider what you're good at and can offer to clients.
2. Choose a Platform: There are numerous online platforms designed to connect freelancers with clients. Search for them and check their reviews.
3. Set Up Your Profile: Once you've picked a platform, create a compelling profile highlighting your skills, experience, and what makes you stand out. Include a professional profile picture and write a concise, engaging summary.
4. Create Compelling Proposals: When bidding on projects, tailor your proposal to the client's needs. Show how your skills match the job requirements and explain what value you can bring.
5. Competitive Pricing: New freelancers often underprice themselves to attract clients. While it's important to be competitive, ensure you're also valuing your time and expertise.
6. Build a Portfolio: If you don't have much professional experience yet, consider taking on small projects for friends or family at reduced rates, or find some open-source projects to contribute to. This will help you build a portfolio showcasing your abilities.
7. Communication and Customer Service: Excellent communication is key in freelancing. Respond promptly to messages, set clear expectations, and deliver quality work on time. Happy clients often lead to repeat business and positive reviews, which can significantly boost your credibility.
8. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Always look for ways to improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends. This will not only benefit your current projects but also make you more attractive to future clients.
9. Patience and Persistence: Finding your first few gigs can take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses or offers. Keep refining your profile, proposals, and skills.
Remember, every successful freelancer started somewhere. With the right mindset, skills, and persistence, you can establish a thriving freelance career.
Thank you so much, Aneesa!
Syed Moeez
Neh S
Project Manager
39
Answers
Lexington, South Carolina
Updated
Neh’s Answer
Hi Sayed - I have a few suggestions for you -
- Identify Your Skills: Think about what you’re good at or interested in, such as writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, or data entry.
- Learn and Improve: Consider free or affordable online courses to develop or enhance your skills (platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can help).
- Choose Freelance Platforms: Start with popular platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal to create a profile and explore job postings.
- Build a Portfolio: Even if you don’t have client work yet, create sample projects or offer small jobs at a lower rate to build credibility.
- Start Applying and Networking: Apply to relevant gigs regularly, and engage with freelance communities on social media or forums for support and opportunities.
Hope this helps!
- Identify Your Skills: Think about what you’re good at or interested in, such as writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, or data entry.
- Learn and Improve: Consider free or affordable online courses to develop or enhance your skills (platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can help).
- Choose Freelance Platforms: Start with popular platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal to create a profile and explore job postings.
- Build a Portfolio: Even if you don’t have client work yet, create sample projects or offer small jobs at a lower rate to build credibility.
- Start Applying and Networking: Apply to relevant gigs regularly, and engage with freelance communities on social media or forums for support and opportunities.
Hope this helps!
Marty Meyer
General Manager
91
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
You'll need to first figure out what it is you're selling - what is it you're good at? What do you have to offer? Why would someone purchase your service?
You can move on to how to market yourself when you've determined what you're selling - Good Luck- Marty
You can move on to how to market yourself when you've determined what you're selling - Good Luck- Marty
Thanks for your encouragement!
Syed Moeez
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Starting to earn online or begin freelancing might seem challenging at first, but it is absolutely achievable if you take it one step at a time. Begin by identifying the skills you can offer. They don't need to be highly advanced initially. You can start with skills like writing, graphic design, social media management, video editing, data entry, or tutoring. Think about what you enjoy or are willing to learn, as building a portfolio and reputation will take some time.
Once you've identified your skills, you can explore beginner-friendly freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. Fiverr is great for small projects, where you can offer specific services like creating Instagram graphics or short videos and set your own prices. Upwork focuses more on project-based work and often involves longer-term clients, which is beneficial as you gain experience. Start with small projects, even if the pay isn't high initially, and concentrate on building reviews and credibility.
While you're starting out, practice and showcase your work on social media or a simple portfolio website. This allows potential clients to see your skills even before you have paid projects. Enhance your skills using free resources like YouTube tutorials or free courses, which can help you learn without spending money. The key is to start creating and putting yourself out there. You'll learn as you go, and even small successes will build momentum over time.
Once you've identified your skills, you can explore beginner-friendly freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. Fiverr is great for small projects, where you can offer specific services like creating Instagram graphics or short videos and set your own prices. Upwork focuses more on project-based work and often involves longer-term clients, which is beneficial as you gain experience. Start with small projects, even if the pay isn't high initially, and concentrate on building reviews and credibility.
While you're starting out, practice and showcase your work on social media or a simple portfolio website. This allows potential clients to see your skills even before you have paid projects. Enhance your skills using free resources like YouTube tutorials or free courses, which can help you learn without spending money. The key is to start creating and putting yourself out there. You'll learn as you go, and even small successes will build momentum over time.
Thank you for the advice, Vianne.
Syed Moeez