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If you wish to start a career freelance, you're undoubtedly wondering how to obtain freelance work even if you've never worked as a freelancer before.
Finding your first client, whether you're looking for beginner freelance graphic design jobs, beginner freelance writing jobs, or something else, might be challenging.
Almost everyone has encountered this issue before: the entry-level job you wish to apply for requires prior experience.
In order to get experience, you need to have it first, which is true for freelancers as well.
So, how do you get work experience if you don't have any?
Give importance to building experience over your paycheck
Without a doubt, you've decided to become a freelancer because you love what you do. But you know what, let's face it, you also want to make some money. Whether it's a side gig or a new full-time professional path, you'll need to make some money to make it worthwhile.
That's very understandable, and we understand. Even if you have a couple of years of experience in your professional career, it might be difficult to charge a premium fee for your services while you're just getting started.
To offset this, make an attempt to place a higher value on the experience than on the money you will be earning. That publication might just be willing to pay a little price. While on the other hand, will a byline there provide you some additional exposure in the field you chose?
Although the budget for that web development assignment may be lesser than you had intended, will it provide you with some much-needed contacts in your network in your field?
It may be difficult to resist the desire to transform into one of those cartoon characters with dollar signs in their eyes, but try to keep your attention on the big picture rather than the numbers on your paycheck. It might pay off in the long run.
Work samples are your go-to
If you don't have a portfolio of previous work to present to potential clients, you may have to generate sample work.
Many individuals overlook this step, yet it is critical to learn how to find freelance employment. Extra effort may be required, but it will be worthwhile in the end.
Consider the existing skills that you posses
You've never worked as a freelancer before. But that does not necessarily rule out the possibility of you bringing anything valuable to the table.
Remember what unique experiences you have that could help you market yourself to potential clients and differentiate yourself from the rest of the freelancers in the competition.
Perhaps your self-proclaimed Excel prowess qualifies you to add on to that Microsoft-focused website.
Don't be afraid to think and go outside the box to find those distinctive qualities and skills that will entice potential clients to choose you despite your lack of standard freelance expertise.
Make your own website
Having a website for your new freelance projects will liberate you to promote your work portfolio while also letting potential clients easily locate you. It can be utilized to quickly and easily display a short bio about yourself, the types of tasks you would like to work on, your pricing, and your contact information.
To make a website, you don't need to be a web developer. Many platforms, like WordPress and Wix, make selecting a template and getting started simple.
Be open to low or even no paying work
We wouldn't get your heart set on particularly high-paying freelancing projects at first. Persons are normally only given to those who have a lot of experience.
You should focus on putting your name out there, acquiring valuable experience, and establishing your portfolio in the beginning. In order to do this, you may have to take low-paying or even no-pay jobs at first.
Don't be afraid; these professions can be fantastic at times, and many high-quality news publications don't pay. Accepting these kinds of assignments teaches writers that getting their name out there and gaining experience is sometimes more essential than being paid.
Finding clients who will help you build your portfolio in the right manner is the key to providing low-pay or even free labor. Just because you don't have any work experience doesn't imply you should take any job; in fact, if you pick low-quality, low-paying work, you may end up hurting yourself. Instead, consider how your unpaid or low-paying labor may be beneficial to you.
Interact with a fellow freelancer
Consider finding a mentor or obtaining an informational interview with someone who is currently freelancing and bringing networking into the real world. A mentor is a person who you can meet on a regular basis to discuss the ups and downs of freelancing. An informational interview is usually a one-time interaction with someone who is doing what you want to do, to talk and ask questions.
In any case, you'll definitely have a terrific opportunity to acquire advice and recommendations on how to break into the freelance industry. While asking for referrals or a job offer shall not be your motivating factor for speaking with a mentor or organizing an interview, you never know what can happen if you make these contacts.
Research and understand your industry
You're thrilled to get started on your freelance career. However, no matter how delighted you are, you must comprehend the potential of your chosen industry and business.
Is it a competitive industry, with a slew of other freelancers vying for the same job? Do corporations even recruit freelancers in your field, or do they prefer to hire employees? What is the going rate of pay in your area, and will it suffice for you?
Knowing how fast your sector is growing can help you decide who to contact and where to focus your freelance work hunt.
Start a blog
We strongly advise you to start your own blog if you want to learn how to get freelance work (especially if you want to provide services related to blogging, such as finding freelance writing jobs for beginners, website administration, and so on).
This way, you may learn everything there is to know about maintaining a website, writing, and more. When you don't have any work experience, this can be a terrific approach to developing vital skills. For potential clients to look over, your website can be used as a portfolio or résumé. It's also a great idea to start your very own blog to determine if you like the notion of freelancing. You can check which areas you like and which services you don't.
