Introduction
If you're a student looking to start freelancing and need a guide on how to begin effectively, you're in the right place. In this post, we are going to dig into the question of how to start freelancing as a student, while sharing my personal experience—such as how I got my first few clients and how you can do the same. We’ll also cover how to maximize your chances of getting hired for a project.
Before moving on to that, let me answer some of the common queries or doubts that a student might have when actually getting started with freelancing. First, we’ll clear those doubts and then move on to how to start.
Can I be a freelancer as a student?
Yes, absolutely! Any student can become a freelancer, no matter their subject—there are thousands of skills you can start with. I began my freelancing journey as a student myself, and honestly, there’s no better time to start than while you’re still in school.
How to earn 1000 rupees per day as a student?
Earning this as a student freelancer is totally possible—but it requires patience. At first, you might face some challenges, but with time and experience, your earnings will grow. In this post, I’ll share practical tips to help you reach this milestone even in the early stages of your freelancing journey.
Can I do freelancing on mobile?
Yes, absolutely! You can freelance using your mobile phone, but the types of jobs available are more limited than on a PC or laptop. For instance, web development isn’t feasible on mobile, but tasks like content writing, data entry, and other mobile-friendly work are easily doable.
Getting Started as a Freelance Student
There are several steps to get started as a freelancer, and you need to follow them step-by-step to achieve good outcomes in the market.
How to start freelancing as a fresher?
Starting as a fresher in the freelance market can be challenging, especially today, but by following the strategies that experienced freelancers use, you can get a strong and successful start.
1- Choose Your Niche Skill
The first step when starting out as a freelancer is to choose your niche. Your niche defines the skills you offer and the category you want to work in. It could be content writing, web development, or any other skill you’re good at. If you’re unsure which skill to pick, check out our blog: “Skills You Can Learn in a Few Days to Get Started.”
Don’t pick a niche just for the money. Focus on the skills you’re truly good at—this will make landing jobs easier and help you earn positive reviews faster.
2- Join Freelancing Platforms
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to join freelancing platforms. When starting out, don’t limit yourself to just a few popular ones—aim to join at least 10 platforms, including both well-known and lesser-known sites.
Lesser-known platforms can make it easier to land your first projects, while popular platforms help you build long-term reputation and credibility.
Some Popular Freelancing Platforms
3- Setup Your Profile
Once you’ve joined a freelancing platform, it’s time to set up your profile. Make sure it clearly reflects your skill set, with a professional heading, an engaging bio, and strong portfolio items. These are the key things clients notice, so keep them relevant and avoid adding unnecessary information.
Things You Should Take Care of When Setting Up Your Profile
- Profile Picture: Use a professional photo that reflects your professionalism. Remember, your profile creates a first impression on clients, so choose wisely.
- Heading: This appears in bold and is the first thing clients notice. Make it catchy and relevant, not generic or vague.
- Bio: Write an engaging bio that clearly showcases your professional skills and experience. Avoid boring or generic wording.
- Portfolio Items: Include projects that demonstrate your abilities. For example, when I started freelancing in web development, I added projects I completed during my learning phase. You can do the same based on your niche.
4: Bid Wisely
Once your account and profile are set up, it’s time to start bidding on projects. Remember, when you’re just starting out, you won’t have a reputation yet, so focus on beginner-friendly projects or those with a low budget.
As you complete projects and build credibility, you can gradually move on to intermediate-level projects. In the beginning, always stick to entry-level opportunities to gain experience and positive reviews.
If you’re struggling to land your first project, check out our blog post: “How to Win Your First Project Without Reviews.”
How long does it take to get your first freelance project?
The time varies depending on several factors. For me, it took about five months to land my first project—but I made a lot of mistakes along the way. I often spent my bids on expert-level projects with high budgets, where I had almost no chance of winning. I was also inconsistent, sometimes bidding once and then waiting 10 days, or spending all my bids at once.
By avoiding these mistakes and staying consistent, you could land your first project much sooner.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on how to start freelancing as a student! I hope you found this post helpful. If you did, don’t forget to like it and share your thoughts in the comments.
To learn more about freelancing and pick up useful tips, explore our blog and check out other posts to keep building your skills.