If you’ve ever wondered how to start freelancing, but you feel scared because you have no experience, you’re not alone. Every freelancer you see today, including the ones earning six figures, started exactly where you are: confused, overwhelmed, and unsure where to begin.
The good news is this:
You can start freelancing from zero, even if you’ve never worked online before.
And in today’s world, you can learn everything from your phone or laptop, build skills for free, and get paid in USD even while living in the Philippines.
This guide will teach you step-by-step how to start freelancing with no experience, what skills you need, how to build your portfolio, and where to find real freelance jobs online.
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing means offering your skills or services to clients without being tied to a company. You can work full-time, part-time, or per project.
You control your:
- Hours
- Rates
- Clients
- Workload
- Income
This is why freelancing is popular among:
- Students who want flexible schedules
- Stay-at-home moms who want to earn while caring for their kids
- Employees who want a side hustle
- Career shifters who want more freedom
- Beginners who want to try online work without pressure
As long as you can offer a skill — or learn one — you can freelance.
Can You Start Freelancing With Zero Experience?
Yes — and many people prefer complete beginners.
Here’s why:
- They can train you from scratch
- Beginner freelancers charge lower rates
- You are more flexible
- You can adapt to their style
Clients don’t care if you have a degree or a fancy resume.
They care about results, attitude, and communication.
You don’t need certifications.
You don’t need years of experience.
You don’t even need perfect English.
You only need two things:
- A skill clients pay for
- A willingness to learn and improve
Step 1: Choose One Skill You Want to Offer
This is the most important step when learning how to start freelancing.
You only need ONE skill to get started.
Here are beginner-friendly skills you can learn fast:
✔ Virtual Assistant
Manage emails, calendars, admin tasks, spreadsheets.
✔ Social Media Management
Create posts, captions, and schedule content for clients.
✔ Content Writing
Write blog posts, articles, social media captions.
✔ Graphic Design
Create simple designs using Canva.
✔ Video Editing
Edit short-form content (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts).
✔ Data Entry
Simple online tasks like typing, encoding, and organizing data.
✔ Customer Support
Answer messages, assist customers through chat or email.
✔ Transcription
Convert audio to written text.
✔ Online Tutoring
Teach English or subjects you’re good at.
✔ Website Management
Simple WordPress tasks like editing pages or updating blogs.
Which Skill Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What feels natural to me?
- What could I do even if no one paid me yet?
- Do I like writing, designing, organizing, or talking?
- What skills have I used in my past jobs?
If you’re still not sure, here are recommendations:
If you are a student:
✔ Social media management
✔ Content writing
✔ Graphic design
✔ Online tutoring
If you are a stay-at-home mom:
✔ Virtual assistant
✔ Data entry
✔ Customer support
✔ Social media management
If you have zero online skills:
✔ Data entry
✔ Virtual assistant
✔ Transcription
✔ Simple Canva design
Choose ONE skill for now.
You can add more later once you gain experience.
Step 2: Learn the Basics of Your Skill (Free Resources)
You don’t need paid courses. Free content is enough when starting freelancing.
Learn using:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Blog posts
- SkillShare free trial
- Free courses on Udemy and Coursera
- Facebook groups
- Reddit communities
- Google Digital Garage
Learn only what’s necessary to start.
Avoid spending months “learning.”
You only need 10–20 hours of practice before applying to jobs.
Step 3: Create Simple Portfolio Samples
A portfolio is important when clients want proof of your skills.
The secret?
You can create a portfolio even without real clients.
Yes — beginners do this all the time.
Create your own practice projects:
If you want to be a:
- Social media manager → create 10 sample posts + captions
- Writer → write 3 sample articles
- Graphic designer → design 10 mock-up graphics
- VA → make a sample spreadsheet, email template, or calendar
- Video editor → edit 3 short videos
Where to put your portfolio:
- Google Drive
- Canva portfolio
- Notion page
- Behance
- WordPress
- Your own website (optional)
Clients don’t care where it’s hosted — they just want to see samples.
Step 4: Create a Simple Freelancer Profile
Your profile should show:
- Who you are
- What service you offer
- What results you can give
- Why they should hire you
You can use this template:
Freelancer Profile Example
Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I help [business type] with [service] so they can [result].
I specialize in [your skill].
I’m reliable, easy to work with, and I deliver on time.
I’m currently accepting new clients.
Let’s work together!
Step 5: Start Applying for Jobs (Even Without Experience)
Here are the best places to find freelance jobs online:
✔ Upwork
Perfect for beginners. You only need a good profile and samples.
✔ OnlineJobs.ph
Best for Filipino freelancers.
✔ Fiverr
Good for small, one-time projects.
✔ Facebook Groups
Search:
- “Freelance jobs”
- “Virtual assistant jobs”
- “Social media manager jobs”
Use “open to work” and post your samples.
✔ Indeed
Many clients hire remote freelancers here.
✔ Direct Outreach
Message business owners on IG, FB, or email.
Step 6: Write a Good Application Message
Your cover letter should be short, clear, and confident.
Example:
Hi [Client],
I saw your job post about needing a [role]. I can help you with [skill] and I already prepared sample work similar to what you need.
Here is my portfolio: [link]
I can start immediately.
Would you like to discuss the project?
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Step 7: Price Your Services (Beginner Rates)
Here are safe beginner rates:
Virtual Assistant
$3–$6/hr
Social Media Manager
$200–$500 per month
Content Writer
$15–$30 per article
Graphic Designer
$5–$30 per design (or package rates)
Video Editor
$10–$50 per video
Transcription
$10–$20 per hour of audio
Data Entry
$3–$5/hr
Once you gain experience, your rates can grow fast.
Step 8: Deliver Quality Work
Clients stay when you:
- Follow instructions
- Meet deadlines
- Communicate well
- Ask questions
- Give suggestions
- Improve your skills gradually
You don’t have to be perfect.
You only need to be reliable.
Step 9: Ask for Testimonials
After finishing a project, ask:
“Hi! If you’re happy with my work, may I ask for a short testimonial?”
Share these on:
- Your portfolio
- Social media
- Upwork profile
Testimonials increase your chances of getting new clients.
Step 10: Improve Your Skills Over Time
Once you start earning, reinvest in learning.
Upgrade ONE skill at a time:
- Copywriting
- Social media strategy
- SEO writing
- Advanced design
- Project management
- Automation tools
The better your skills, the higher your rates.
Tips for Freelancing for Students
If you’re a student:
- Choose flexible hours (VA, writing, SMM).
- Work on weekends or evenings.
- Start with small projects.
- Build your portfolio while studying.
You can earn $100–$300/month even as a beginner.
Tips for Freelancing for Moms
If you’re a stay-at-home mom:
- Choose simple, low-stress tasks (VA, social media, data entry).
- Work during nap time or early mornings.
- Take 1–2 clients only at first.
- Use calendar reminders and to-do apps.
You can earn $300–$1,000/month while staying home with your kids.
Avoid These Beginner Mistakes
- Learning too many skills at once
- Waiting until you’re “ready”
- Overthinking your portfolio
- Applying only to high-paying jobs
- Not checking your email
- Not following instructions
- Being scared to charge money
Start small. Improve slowly. Keep going.
You Can Start Freelancing Today
You don’t need connections.
You don’t need experience.
You don’t need to be an expert.
You just need to take the first step.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll know exactly how to start freelancing even with zero experience — and you’ll be ahead of 90 percent of beginners who never get started.
You can:
- Pick a skill today
- Create samples today
- Build your profile today
- Apply to jobs today
And your first client could come within days or weeks.
Your freelancing journey starts now.
