Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

Picture this: You’re sipping coffee in your favorite spot, your laptop’s open, and you’re diving into work that excites you—on your own terms. That’s the allure of freelance jobs.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of being a freelance writer or you’re interested in tackling other types of online freelance work, freelancing gives you the freedom to choose your path.

But how do you actually make it happen? Like any new journey, it starts with understanding the basics and taking practical steps to build momentum.

This guide will show you how to become a freelancer, with actionable tips to help you get started.

1. Choose Your Niche

The first step in freelancing is to define your niche. Specialization allows you to stand out in a crowded market, attract the right clients, and position yourself as an expert in your chosen field.

For instance, instead of broadly marketing yourself as a “graphic designer,” focus on a niche. It might be creating social media graphics for tech startups, designing branding packages for small businesses, or producing materials tailored to a specific industry, like health care.

A focused approach will help you differentiate yourself from your competitors and target clients more easily.

2. Do Some Research

Before learning how to freelance, you’ll want to equip yourself with a solid understanding of your industry.

Who is your ideal client? What are their pain points? What services are competitors offering, and how can you position yourself differently? By answering these questions, you can set competitive prices, shape your marketing strategy, and adapt your offerings to meet the needs of your target audience.

Key areas to research include:

• Demand for your niche
• Freelance rates
• Industry trends
• Potential challenges

3. Develop Your Skills

Your clients will expect high-quality work, and to deliver that, your skills need to shine.

If you’re entering a new field, take time to invest in professional development through online courses, certifications, or hands-on projects. There are a variety of online learning platforms that offer accessible resources for skills ranging from copywriting to web development.

Freelancing is highly competitive, and staying relevant means continuously improving. Follow industry trends, experiment with new techniques, and seek feedback from peers and clients.

The stronger your skills, the more confident you’ll feel pitching your services — and the more likely clients will return for future work.

4. Create a Business Plan

Think of freelancing as running your own business, not just working on projects here and there. A business plan acts as your road map, keeping you focused and organized as you grow your career.

Your plan doesn’t need to be overly formal, but it should include:

• Client/target audience profiles
• Financial projections
• Marketing strategies
• Short-term and long-term goals (e.g., landing your first client or hitting a monthly income target)

5. Understand the Legal and Financial Basics

As a freelancer, you’ll be handling taxes, invoices, and contracts yourself, which can feel overwhelming at first.

Start by researching local tax laws to ensure you’re compliant. Don’t hesitate to consult an accountant or tax professional if you’re unsure about the process. Investing in professional guidance may seem like an added expense, but it can save you headaches (and money) in the long run.

Equally critical is putting a solid contract in place for every project you take on. Clearly outline payment terms, deadlines, deliverables, and other expectations in writing. This protects both you and your client from potential misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page from the start.

6. Set Your Rates

Setting rates is a big deal for freelancers, as they can sometimes make or break your chances of landing a client.

Reference your research on industry benchmarks to determine what’s fair and competitive for your services. Consider factors like your experience level, the complexity of the work, and the value you bring to the table.

When starting out, you may choose to charge slightly lower rates to build your portfolio, but don’t undervalue yourself. If you’re offering discounts, frame them as an incentive.

For example, offer a lower price in exchange for testimonials or referrals. Remember, this is your business, and you can think outside the box to make those first steps count. Plus, you can always raise your rates later when you have more experience!

7. Create Your Portfolio

While your portfolio is a collection of your work, it’s also your credibility and your best sales pitch rolled into one.

Over time, your portfolio should include:

• Client testimonials (even from friends or small businesses you’ve helped)
• Diverse examples of your work
• Measurable results, like increased engagement or sales

For example, if you’re a graphic designer, your portfolio might feature logo designs, social media posts, or branding packages. You could share a testimonial from a coffee shop owner who raves about the logo you designed. For an even greater impact, include stats showing the results of your content and branding ideas, such as a 30% increase in social media engagement.

And if you’re just starting out, don’t stress about a lack of client work. You can create sample projects that showcase your skills or offer your services at a discounted rate to friends, small businesses, or nonprofits to build your portfolio.

8. Build Your Brand

When it comes to online freelance work, your personal brand is what sets you apart. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your skills, highlights your portfolio, and makes it easy for potential clients to contact you.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile and maintain an active and professional social media presence. Think of your brand as your online handshake. It’s often the first impression clients will have of you, so make it count.

For example, if you’re a freelance social media manager, maintain a polished and engaging social media presence. If you’re a freelance programmer, share articles on recent tech developments relevant to your niche.

Put your expertise on display to build trust and show clients you know what you’re doing.

9. Learn How to Market Yourself

No matter how talented you are, clients won’t come knocking if they don’t know you exist. That’s where marketing comes in. Think of it as showcasing your skills and value in a way that grabs the attention of your ideal clients.

Start by creating and sharing content that highlights your expertise. This could be blog posts, video tutorials, social media tips, or even case studies that show how you’ve helped others succeed.

Social media is a powerful tool here. Engage with your audience, share your work consistently, and participate in online communities where potential clients hang out to boost your visibility and build valuable relationships.

Consider placing ads on Google or social media. Even a small ad budget can go a long way in reaching the right audience. It’s also worth investing time in understanding search engine optimization (SEO). Learning the basics can help your website, blog, or online portfolio stand out in search results, making it easier for clients to find you.

At its core, marketing is about building trust and establishing yourself as the go-to person in your niche. By consistently putting yourself out there and showing what you can offer, you’ll start to attract clients who value your skills and are eager to work with you.

10. Network With Purpose

Purposeful networking as a freelancer can open doors to new clients, collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and even valuable industry insights.

In your research, you should have determined where your peers and target audience gather. Be there. This could include industry conferences, niche-specific online forums, or virtual networking events if you’re focused on working freelance jobs from home.

LinkedIn is particularly powerful for freelancers. Update your profile to showcase your expertise, share thoughtful posts or comments, and actively connect with professionals in your field.

You never know when a casual interaction could turn into a business opportunity.

11. Start Pitching to Clients

By now, you’ve done your research, ironed out the details of your business, and begun building your brand.

It’s time to actively reach out to potential clients. The process can feel daunting at first, but with practice, you’ll gain confidence, and those first few wins will make your efforts worthwhile.

To boost your chances of landing new clients, customize your freelance pitch to show that you understand the client’s needs and can provide solutions. Focus on the value you bring, rather than just listing your services.

12. Deliver High-Quality Work

Consistently delivering excellent results is what keeps your freelance career thriving.

Communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and go the extra mile whenever possible. Happy clients not only return for more work but also spread the word about your services.

Freelancing is as much about building relationships as it is about doing the work. Treat every project as an opportunity to grow, learn, and strengthen your reputation.

With dedication and a commitment to excellence, you’ll create a freelance career that’s both rewarding and sustainable.

How to Find Freelance Jobs for Beginners

So, you’ve weighed the pros and cons of freelancing and have decided to dive in.

Finding freelance jobs online for beginners can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a portfolio or much experience yet. But with the right approach, you can build skills, gain experience, and find your first clients.

Here’s a quick guide to how to find entry-level freelance jobs:

• Start small: Take on simple projects from friends, family, or small businesses to build confidence and a portfolio.
• Build your skills: Learn in-demand skills through online courses or tutorials in areas relevant to the freelance work you’re after. For instance, you might explore courses on topics like social media, writing, or design.
• Explore niche job boards: Use job boards specializing in flexible or freelance work to target beginner-friendly freelance job opportunities.
• Look into freelance platforms: Join platforms that connect freelancers with clients to build your network, as well as gain experience and exposure.
• Leverage your network: Let your connections know you’re freelancing. You never know if they could use your services or if they know someone who does.