Starting Freelancing with No Money or Experience: Here’s How

Although it’s going to be a little bit challenging for a beginner to start freelancing with no money or experience, here we are to discuss some important questions regarding freelancing careers. 

Nowadays a newbie freelancer needs to invest some amount to submit job proposals and get their first job on upwork. One thing, though, is beneficial for beginners. Upwork allows you to create a profile for free and provides free connects. So, you'll receive 40 free connects when you register on Upwork for the first time. Then you’ll use those connects to apply for jobs on upwork. 

Tip #1 Spend More Time on Your Profile

Spend more time on improving your profile. Make it as good as possible. The stronger your profile the sooner you’ll get hired. Don’t rush to apply for a job while your profile is incomplete or even half-complete.

Make sure it’s 100% complete with all the necessary info about you and your services. Try to showcase your skills through an eye-catching portfolio, introduction video and project catalog. 

Even if you don’t have any experience in the field, you may still represent your skills with the help of a portfolio. For instance, if you are a video editor who has no experience yet, you may create a short video or video reel and attach it to your portfolio. This way you’ll make a potential client stick around your profile. 

Note: Value every single connect!

Tip #2 Build Up More Experience

Once you get your first job, it’ll soon be seen on your profile. Try to do your best to get a 5 star and great feedback from the client. You may even ask your client to leave good feedback after you complete the project. 

If you can't win a job for a long time, our advice is to hire yourself. You can create a client account and hire yourself for a short project. Then leave good feedback. 

Update your profile with the completed portfolio item and enrich your skill set. Explore and learn as much as possible while working. Every client comes with specific requirements and it gives you the chance to grow and improve your skills. Building experience on upwork makes you more valuable in the eyes of the client. 

Note: Prioritize experience over earnings. Experience brings new skills!

Tip #3 Always be Online or Active

You can use the availability badge but you should know it costs money too. If you still don't want to spend connects on the availability badge then make sure you are active and available most of the time. 

You should be too attentive and responsive because clients don't like to wait for long for freelancers’ responses. To make things easier for you, you can install  the upwork app or attach your email with upwork. 

Once you receive a message you’ll get a notification. Besides, stay online on the platform whenever you are in front of the desktop. No matter what you are working on; keep your account active. 

Note: Your Availability tells about your sense of responsibility!

Tip #4 Connect with the Community

Many community members are experienced freelancers and experts in their fields. They can help you with many questions. You can ask, discuss, share and gain more through communication. 

This is also a great way to overcome loneliness as a freelancer. If you feel alone while working you can keep in touch with the community members who share the same thoughts as you. 

This is a kind of virtual office for you where you have friends who are always there to help you take your first steps in freelancing. They can help you overcome challenges and become better day by day. Click here  to join the best Upwork community. 

Note: Community brings people together to support each other!

Final Words

Don’t forget to follow Adam Palmer on YouTube to learn more about freelancing.