How to Become a Freelancer (3 Steps)

Want a flexible, remote job? Freelancing may be for you. Here are three steps to help you become a freelancer.

Step 1: Learn What Types of Jobs You Can Do as a Freelancer

If you want to start a new career, here is a useful list of 21 high-paying remote jobs that don't require a degree.

If you already have a job that you could do from home, you probably can do the same type of work as a freelancer (and make more money).

Most freelancing jobs are in these categories:

Other freelancers work in Architecture, Computer Networking, Consulting, Customer Service, Data Science and Analytics, Engineering, IT, and Legal.

If you have skills in any of the job categories above, you're already on your way to becoming a freelancer.

Step 2: Choose a Niche to Specialize In

If you describe yourself as a “Freelance Writer,” a “Web Developer,” or a “Video Editor,” you probably won't earn much as a freelancer.

Why?

Do you know how many freelance writers, web developers, and video editors there are?

Millions. All competing for the same jobs.

Are you the #1 freelancer in your category?

Probably not.

But you can easily become the best freelancer within a niche. For example, if you decide to be a “Freelance Writer Specializing in YouTube Scripts about Koalas,” you'll probably instantly be the number one freelancer in the world in that niche. When someone needs to create a YouTube video about koalas, who do you think they will hire?

But you probably won't earn a good living writing scripts about koalas. So in the video below, I explain why you should find a high-value, low-competition niche:

(The video above is part of my Complete Freelancing Course.)

Step 3: Find a Mentor

When I started freelancing, I made lots of mistakes, and I didn't make much money.

It took me years to master the freelancing game. But once I figured it out, I started making a very good income.

The best way to fast-track your success as a new freelancer is to find a good mentor who can teach you how to get work, how to charge what you're worth, and everything else you need to know in order to join the ranks of the top freelancers.

The good news is you can get my Complete Freelancing Course on YouTube for free.