Why?

LinkedIn has become the most popular platform for securing new jobs. The social media platform now has more than 850 million members with over 58 million registered companies. It gathers professionals, business owners, and C-level executives in one place.

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In other words, LinkedIn can give freelancers ungated access to their target markets. Moreover, it provides the tools to find, connect, and build a relationship with potential clients.

If you’re wondering how to use LinkedIn to find new clients, just keep reading. You’ll learn seven major tactics on how to find clients on LinkedIn as a freelancer.

7 tips to finding new clients on LinkedIn

1. Understand your target market

Learning how to get clients on LinkedIn requires identifying the type of people you’re hoping to work with in the first place. These should also be your target audience. Identifying your target audience will help you create messages that attract the right types of customers.

So, how do you identify your target audience?

List what kinds of problems you solve with your service. Then list out the types of users who struggle with those problems. You’d probably get a list of large organizations, small businesses, or private individuals within a specific industry and location.

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Once you identify your target clients, create a buyer persona. You can do that by following the steps outlined in the graphic above. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of your target market so that you can align everything you do with what they want. For example, the copy you include in your LinkedIn profile section would speak to your target client’s pain points.

Here’s a great example of a freelancer who knows her prospects and what their pain points are (in this case, SEO). She uses what she knows about them to create compelling copy. In her profile, Jessica specifies that she’s not just a freelance finance writer and journalist. She’s also an expert in on-page SEO:

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Your portfolio would also showcase the work these potential clients typically ask for. So, if your target audience is composed of people who want articles ranking higher on SERPs, then you’d include your articles in your portfolio and the relevant bits on how they fared in search engine results.

Bottom line? Any strategy to find new clients on LinkedIn will only be effective if you know who your ideal clients are.

2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile for search

Learning how to find clients on LinkedIn means polishing your profile first. If you optimize your LinkedIn profile accordingly, you’ll make it easier for clients to find you. Your LinkedIn profile is your calling card—especially when you’re a freelancer. You should present yourself in the best possible light.

Before you start optimizing your profile, make sure you know the right keywords and phrases people are using to find your service. You can use online tools like Moz to identify the best keywords and phrases for your profession.

You don’t just want people to find you on LinkedIn. You also want them to find your LinkedIn page on Google. So here’s how to maximize your LinkedIn profile for SEO:

Be descriptive in your headshot, banner, and images

Include keywords when naming your images, like a headshot or a banner. Uploading image files that include primary keywords people are looking for gives you a better chance of being found. So, for instance, if you’re a freelance accountant in a specific location, you could add words like “Best Accountant Service in Seattle” to your photo.

Also, a professional-looking photo gets users 14 times more views than other types of LinkedIn profile pictures. This image is a good example of a professional-looking photo:

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Use keywords in your headline, summary, and job description

You should make sure that your headline, summary, and job description talk about the value you offer and include popular keywords. In our example above, notice that Kimberley sprinkles in multiple keywords related to art and design all throughout her profile.

Your LinkedIn headline is the most important part of your profile. Along with your name and photo, this is the first thing people see when they look at your profile.

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Your headline should be a maximum of 120 characters and encourage people to connect with you. It should offer what your prospective clients are looking for.

Fill out your skills section

The skills section is indexed by Google. Put your key skills in the top three of the list—that’s how many appear when people glance at your LinkedIn profile.

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Additionally, ask your coworkers and members of your network to endorse you. (It’s always great to return the favor, too!)

Name your links within the contact information section

Instead of keeping the boring default “Personal website” text next to your website and relevant links, choose “Other” from the drop-down list and name your link with relevant keywords and descriptive phrases.

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Don’t forget to write a custom URL for your LinkedIn user profile. Having a custom LinkedIn URL will help with SEO. So, if the LinkedIn.com/in/yourname URL is taken, mix it up with your brand name or a service that you offer, like linkedin.com/in/yournamegraphicdesign.

3. Look at your views to find quality opportunities

Another way to learn how to get new clients on LinkedIn is to review who looked at your profile. You can assume that people who searched for a freelancer and clicked on your profile are interested in your skills. Take this opportunity to connect and start new business collaborations.

A free LinkedIn account allows you to see just the last five people who viewed your profile. Checking often will help you avoid missing opportunities. You can also upgrade to a Premium account so you can see everyone who’s viewed your profile.

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In the image above, notice how you can also view members who have read your articles. These folks might just become your new leads.

You can get the emails of prospective clients from LinkedIn with tools like Evaboot. They can help you automate all your email list-building tasks. Ultimately, you can use these emails to engage with potential clients via email marketing.

You can also use an outreach platform in your digital marketing strategy to help you find more potential clients to bring into your sales funnel.

4. Join relevant LinkedIn Groups

Joining relevant groups on LinkedIn is another way of finding new clients. By joining groups related to your niche or interests, you will widen your social circle on LinkedIn. Being active in groups is a great way to meet and engage with potential customers. Here’s how:

Search for groups on LinkedIn by using the search bar at the top of your homepage.

If you start typing, you’ll see suggestions:

The screenshot below shows how you can navigate to Groups after searching for a term, for example, “marketer”:

If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the groups your prospects have joined. Join the most relevant ones to your business and your target audience. LinkedIn allows you to join up to 100 groups.

Here’s an example of a good group freelance marketers can join:

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Notice that the group has over 1,000 members. That number is bound to include a prospect. Even if all of its members are marketers, you can still get referrals and expand your network.

Lastly, have a peek at other freelancers’ profiles within your niche. You should be able to spot the best LinkedIn groups to join for your business.

5. Connect using personalized requests

Another tactic for how to use LinkedIn to get clients is to connect with them personally and personalize your connection requests. Using LinkedIn’s default text when sending a new connection request won’t get you noticed. Take this opportunity to write out a personalized message. It doesn’t have to be long.

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If you know the person or have a mutual contact, mention it! Details like that are great conversation starters. If you don’t, try commenting on the person’s work or a post they’ve published recently. It can be something along the lines of “Hi [Name], hope you’re doing well. I’ve recently read your blog article about [topic] and found it very interesting…”

You can also try generative AI to create your personalized message. You just need to insert the right prompts.

Sending a personalized message gives you a higher chance of your request getting accepted. Plus, it drastically increases the likelihood of potential customers interacting with you.

6. Share valuable content

Sharing valuable content on LinkedIn is another way to find a client. Creating high-quality content also boosts your authority, no matter which digital marketing means you use.

There are tons of different content types you can share on LinkedIn. If you’re a freelance graphic designer, for example, you can share a webinar, infographics, or industry-related articles. Check out this example below:

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The content that you post on the platform can also be published in LinkedIn groups. This is an easy strategy to help expand your network and reach new clients.

If you want to write your own article, LinkedIn has released an internal blog channel within the social network itself. It’s called LinkedIn Pulse and users can write their articles using the tool for sharing with their LinkedIn network.

If you’re a writer and run a blog, you can use LinkedIn Pulse to publish your articles. Here’s an example from freelance writer Ashley Cummings:

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Notice that the topic of Ashley’s article is related to her niche. She’s a freelance writer looking for clients, so her LinkedIn Pulse post is about what to look for when hiring a B2B freelance writer. It’s a good topic that potential employers will be interested in.

Opening the Pulse editor to write your own article is super easy. From the top of your homepage, click on “Write article”:

This opens up the editor:

Remember to use the relevant keywords to increase your visibility on the platform and write your Pulse posts in plain language. Label your images with the right keyword phrases. Once you’re done with your writing and have optimized your images, simply hit the “Publish” button.

A study that analyzed over 3,000 LinkedIn posts revealed that “how to” and list post headlines performed the best. Also, posts with titles comprising 40-49 characters were ranked the highest. LinkedIn analytics will help you check the reach of your published articles. This way, you’ll be able to see what kind of topics are most popular among LinkedIn users.

If you have your own website, you can share an article you wrote from your site on LinkedIn, too. Complement this LinkedIn sharing strategy with content optimization and you’ll reap the SEO benefits.

7. Always follow up with your LinkedIn leads

Whenever your request is accepted by a new LinkedIn connection, say thank you. Reach out with this message within 24 hours if possible.

Try to keep in touch with your contacts now and again. LinkedIn sends notifications if someone publishes a post, makes changes to their job information, or gets an achievement. Take every opportunity to congratulate your connections on starting a new job or getting a promotion and start a conversation.

Other ideas for following up with your LinkedIn leads include passing along relevant content that your leads might find interesting. You can also like and comment whenever your leads publish an article on LinkedIn Pulse.

Your comments and messages should contain some kind of value. Avoid general comments like “Good job” or “I agree” on a LinkedIn lead’s article. Ask a question or present an alternate viewpoint to start a conversation. This way, you’ll stand out from the crowd, and your new lead will remember you later on.

Final thoughts

Learning how to use LinkedIn to find clients will help your freelance business grow. Whether you’ve just started a freelancing business or are looking for new opportunities, tapping into your LinkedIn network can be a great way to secure new jobs.

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start by determining your target clients and optimizing your professional social media profile so people can find your business.
2. Identify and include the keywords you want to be found for.
3. Reach out to members who searched and looked at your profile, and join LinkedIn groups.
4. Engage with LinkedIn members by personalizing your requests, sharing valuable content, and following up with your new leads.

Use these tips, and you’ll be onboarding new clients before you know it!

Automate your workflows and level up your craft with AppSumo’s top deals for freelancers.

You have clients that depend on you, deadlines to keep up with, and if you want to continue staying in business, growth goals to chase after.

When you’re pulled in many directions, the only way you can keep the balancing act together is by creating a productive work environment.

And that’s what we’re here to help with today.

Let’s take a look at 11 key ways you can make freelance work super productive.

1. Mind your work hours 

Set yourself up for success by creating a set work schedule and sticking to it. Use dedicated apps to keep track of your work hours, schedule projects, and set deadline reminders.

During work time, keep your head down and focused on one key task or project at a time. Limit distractions and interruptions by turning off background apps and setting your phone on Do Not Disturb mode. If you’re in a noisy environment, use noise-canceling headphones to limit noise pollution.

We also recommend logging the average time it takes you to complete each project type so you can allocate relevant time estimates in your work calendar in the future.

2. Focus on your ideal client

Many freelancers waste time chasing people and projects they don’t align with just to make a buck. Not only is this detrimental to morale and productivity, but it can also cause unnecessary client conflict.

Instead of speaking to everyone, get a grip on the project themes you knock out of the park. Then create a data-driven ICP (ideal customer profile) for each theme.

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An Ideal Customer Profile will help you identify your target audience’s key characteristics, buying habits, and preferences. With this information, you can tailor your work to meet their needs, which can help you create a more effective and targeted business model.

3. Reduce eye strain and screen fatigue

You might think that forcing yourself to work for hours on end without a break is productive, but if you’re harming your eyes or brain health, how productive can you be long-term?

When you’re freelancing, you’re likely working with multiple screens—your laptop, phone, and maybe even a dual monitor setup.

To prevent eye strain and screen fatigue, build in breaks to step away from your computer so you can give your eyes and brain some rest.

Eye strain caused by screens is called computer vision syndrome or CVS. In some studies, participants experienced some level of CVS after just two continuous hours of computer usage.

When possible, limit screen time to under two hours. When you’re in front of a screen, wear blue light glasses or use a filter like F.lux to warm up your screen.

4. Work during your peak energy hours 

Everyone has an opinion about what an “ideal workday” looks like. But truly, you’re the only one who can make that call.

Your ideal work day is whatever helps you actually get work done. So, if you have more energy from 12pm–4pm, work then. Or, if you prefer to take care of work in the evenings, work then. Forcing yourself to work against your natural energy flow can cause unnecessary burnout and productivity lags.

5. Create a supportive office environment conducive to remote work

Create a dedicated workspace that’s comfortable, ergonomic, and private. Limit distractions by securing a private room at a coworking space, renting an office, or choosing a quiet area in your home.

You can also work at a local coffee shop or library if the ambiance is warm and quiet.

At the very least, make sure you have a comfortable chair with back support. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your wrists straight by adjusting your desk so that your arms are parallel to the surface. Keep your arms and elbows at a 90-degree angle.

6. Take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health

Your health affects your mood, ability to focus, and overall well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize eating three healthy meals a day, getting enough sleep, and stretching and moving your body.

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Don’t forget to schedule routine check-ups with your doctor and dentist, too, to make sure you’re health is on track. You can even schedule an appointment with an online doctor if you’re pressed for time!

7. Use tools to get ahead 

Streamline your business by creating a system and process for everything you do. Secure tools that can help you automate these systems and save time.

For instance, if freelance writing is one of your tasks, consider using an AI Blog Writer to help beat writer’s block. While an AI writer isn’t a writer replacement, it’s a great tool to use for brainstorming or for when you feel stuck.

Other tools you might use to get ahead include:

• A Work Operating System (Work OS)  for project management and submitting client deliverables
• A task manager for daily todos
• A calendar tool for meetings, appointments, and online bookings
• An email marketing tool to automate segmented email campaigns
• A social media scheduling tool to plan, create, and schedule social media content

8. Consider outsourcing redundant tasks or tasks you don’t specialize in 

Whether you’re looking for jobs on the side to help pay for college or you’ve turned your hustle into a full-time business, consider outsourcing redundant tasks to virtual assistants or sub-contractors.

For instance, if you sell flower arrangements, consider outsourcing your flower delivery services so you can focus on running other important aspects of your business.

If you’d like to hire a team to help you scale your freelance business, you’ll need an HR system in place, too. In this case, consider outsourcing to an HR firm like Bambee or getting your hands on reliable HR software.

9. Plan your week ahead of time 

Get ahead of the week by carving out time every Friday or Monday to plan your week carefully.

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Be sure to schedule:

• Buffer time to prevent bottlenecks
• Uninterrupted time blocks to complete projects
• Free time
• Appointments
• Meetings
• Deadlines

Pro-Tip: Schedule something fun to do during your time off. Looking forward to something can help you stay motivated and nurture a healthier work-life balance.

10. Celebrate your wins, big and small

Whether you finished a typical 10-hour project in six hours or you just secured a major client, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how significant or minor they may seem.

Celebrating your achievements and being proud of yourself gives you the courage and motivation to stay the course which can encourage better productivity.

Recognizing your wins can also encourage you to continue setting productivity goals and business milestones, keeping you on track toward business growth.

11. Prevent feast-and-famine cycles 

Nothing curbs productivity more than living in a feast-and-famine cycle.

The good news? Since the movement of “quiet quitting” and “the great resignation,” there’s been a greater demand for freelancers than ever before.

In other words, there are plenty of clients you can secure to help you prevent steep increases and plummets in profitability.

But you’ll also have to prioritize other measures, such as:

• Focusing on building long-term relationships with soulmate clients
• Managing your cash flow with intention and strategy
• Creating a manageable business budget
• Securing clients on retainers and contracts
• Adding a termination clause preventing clients from canceling contracts without notice
• Creating a mutual value exchange

Build a more productive freelance business

While there’s more where this came from, these 11 tips can help you set yourself up for higher productivity and greater satisfaction in your freelance work.

So think about, what’s one action you can take today to become more productive? Pick one tip on our list to start with. Then choose another. And another.

Over time, you’ll build in healthy habits to keep you productive and on track, consistently.

That’s it for now, sumo-lings.

To your success!

PS: Need productivity tools? Stop overpaying for software and check out these AppSumo deals instead!

But that’s also where freelance life can get scary.

You’re not just your own boss. You’re also your marketing department, accountant, social media manager, and any other role a normal business would fill with other working professionals. With all these responsibilities, letting your financial management slip can be all too easy. Suddenly, your once profitable solo venture is bleeding money, leaving you in the red.

With many business owners struggling to make ends meet during a global economic recession, a good indicator of the success of your business is how much discretionary income it creates for the owner/shareholders. This means how much profit is left for the owners after paying all expenses and taxes. As a freelancer, you must keep a careful eye on that income, lest it falls into the danger zone.

In this article, we’ll walk you through several ways to take control of your freelance finances, monitoring every dollar that comes in so you never fall on hard times.

1. Seek out monthly retainers with clients

One of the most common issues with freelancing is that freelancers never know how much cash inflow to expect in a given month. The volatile ebb and flow of freelance work leads to periods with a ton of work and money. On the flip side, there are sometimes months with nothing going on.

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One of the best ways to counteract this and create a more reliable financial situation is to seek monthly retainers with your clients. That means the client pays a fixed amount every month for your services. That total doesn’t fluctuate based on your work hours or workload.

Some months, this might mean you actually lose money, but in those slow periods, you’ll be able to bank on reliable income to help you plan things out financially.

2. Incorporate and open a business bank account

If you’re considering starting a freelance business, one of the most important things to do is register it with the appropriate state agency to make it legit.

This registration process often includes specific costs that you need to be aware of beforehand. Research “How much does it cost to start an LLC?” or whichever business structure you decide on from the options in the image below.

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Registering your business makes it easier to separate your personal finances from your business income. Also open a business bank account to make the bookkeeping, legal compliance, and annual taxes easier to track. A true profit killer is a massive tax bill you weren’t expecting.

Of course, when setting up these accounts, don’t forget about cybersecurity. Use strong authentication methods to secure your financial health as a freelancer. Passwords can be a weak link in your security system, as they can be easily forgotten, guessed, or stolen.

A good option could be passwordless authentication, which allows you to use biometric factors like fingerprints or facial recognition to authenticate users, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts.

3. Require notice periods for contract cancellation

As a freelancer, you’ll quickly realize that clients often come and go. That doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with your skill level. It’s just the nature of the business. But a sudden cancellation can have a huge impact on your finances. If you’re caught completely unawares, there might be a financial struggle in your immediate future.

Building cancellation notice periods into all freelance contracts is always a good idea. A 30-day notice provides plenty of time to find a replacement client to compensate for the lost income. However, most clients don’t want that kind of commitment, so you might have to settle for around two weeks’ notice.

While some clients may balk at such a request, it’s far from unreasonable. Whenever you leave a job, it’s customary to give at least two weeks’ notice. It stands to reason that it wouldn’t be out of line for a freelance contract.

Also, that notice period goes both ways. If you decide to dump an unreasonable or overly difficult client, you’ll have to provide them with the same notice period. This allows them to find another freelancer and avoid any disruptions to their workflow.

4. Keep applying for freelance jobs

Because of the volatile nature of freelance work, you must never stop looking for more clients — even when you’re at your capacity.

It always helps to have backup options in case a client suddenly lets you go (and you didn’t have a cancellation notice). Constantly putting yourself out there can be a good reminder that other potential clients exist.

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It can feel like the end of the world when a client suddenly drops you. But it won’t be as crushing a blow if you’re constantly hitting up job boards and sending out your portfolio — because you know there’s a wealth of opportunity.

Plus, applying to new gigs constantly might give you the opportunity to find better paying work, which means you can drop one of your lower-paying clients.

5. Use bookkeeping software and hire a CPA

A sudden massive tax bill can drain your business bank account in the blink of an eye. All too often, this happens because of poor bookkeeping.

If you’re trying to keep track of finances by yourself with a simple spreadsheet, there’s a good chance you’ll miss something and end up paying out a lot more than you had anticipated in April. That’s why you should invest in automated bookkeeping software to make the entire process seamless and mistake-proof.

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For example, accounting software Quickbooks Online has several useful functions, like:

• Tracking invoices
• Connecting with bank accounts
• Sending out invoices
• Generating financial reports and forecasts
• CPA connection

That last feature is noteworthy. You’ll be able to grant your CPA access to your bookkeeping software and make their jobs that much easier.

You should always work with a CPA, as they know how to manage your taxes and save you the maximum amount in legal deductions every year.

6. Build relationships with your clients

Clients are the lifeblood of your freelance business. So don’t underestimate the power of genuine relationships as the key to your success.

But it goes beyond delivering great work. It’s about establishing trust and loyalty with your clients. Why?

When you have a positive and professional relationship with your clients, you’re more likely to receive repeat business and referrals — crucial for a sustainable income stream.

That sounds idyllic, right? So here’s how you do it.

• Make first impressions count
• Promptly answer client emails
• Maintain a professional yet friendly tone
• Go the extra mile to deliver high-quality work

Think about it this way, when you reach out to a business, and they respond immediately, and with a professional tone, it makes you feel good about working with them. Well, the same goes for your clients.

Responding quickly to their inquiries, keeping them informed about the status of their projects, and being courteous and friendly can go a long way in building genuine relationships with them.

It’s also important to be transparent about your availability and the scope of your services. Set clear expectations about your rates, deadlines, and the services you offer. You can build trust by simply delivering on your promises. So don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Plus, when everyone is on the same page, there’s less chance for misunderstandings and a better chance that a one-time opportunity will blossom into a long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration.

7. Keep a financial safety net

Because of the unpredictable nature of freelance life, it makes sense to keep a financial safety net in place.

Open a business savings account and build a fund for rainy business days. You should always have at least three months of operating expenses on hand to cover light months, pay vendors or contractors, and jump on a new opportunity that might not pay out for weeks or a month.

Despite preparation, unexpected expenses can be a challenge for any freelancer. However, there are steps you can take to protect your finances from unexpected costs.

For example, you may already have insurance to protect your business, but consider adding personal insurance options. Some freelancers overlook the importance of ensuring important areas of their daily life that might be costly otherwise.

Pets are a great example. By investing in, for example, cat insurance, you can protect your furry companion and your wallet from unexpected medical expenses. It’s just one more way to safeguard your finances and ensure you stay on track toward your financial goals.

8. Invest in tools

Much like the bookkeeping software we mentioned earlier, freelancers must invest in software tools that can help them with time-wasting day-to-day administrative tasks like marketing and invoicing.

Marketing helps freelancers develop their unique brand, which they can use as a selling point when seeking new clients. It also helps them discover new clients by networking and making industry connections. But it can be incredibly time-consuming.

Consider using helpful tools to lighten the load. For example, if you’re a video content creator, an advanced text-to-speech tool like Lovo can help you easily create videos for those involved in games, audio ads, e-learning, and audiobooks.

Similarly, employing an AI blog writer will enable you to keep producing new content regularly, which will help search engines reward your website if you work as a freelancer in digital marketing.

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You should also look into a project management platform like Trello or ClickUp, which helps you to keep track of all your tasks. This will help you hit your deadlines and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

9. Have a side hustle

Having side enterprises that generate passive income is another excellent way to keep your freelance business out of financial difficulty.

Start a physical or digital business to supplement your freelancing income. For example, if you have property or extra space in your home, you rent it out to bring in extra income. If you create videos for your social media platforms, you can start and monetize a YouTube channel.

A side hustle can be a great way to prepare for the light months we mentioned earlier. When your freelance gigs slow down, put more effort into your side hustles to generate more passive income and stop your finances from dwindling.

Take your freelance career to the next level

A career as a freelancer can be long and rewarding. With the ability to make more money than you’ve ever made, coupled with untold levels of flexibility, you’ll be able to forge the life of your dreams over time. But financial hardships can cut promising freelance careers short.

By sticking to the tips in this article, you can keep your freelance business out of the financial hot seat and focus on keeping clients (and yourself!) happy.

If anything, that proves that freelancing is here to stay. But most importantly, it shows that freelancing is incredibly competitive, and you need to stand out from the crowd for success.

That’s where a well-designed website comes into play. A freelancing website is the modern-day equivalent to a business card; a window display into the value you bring to the table. It should convince visitors that you are the expert they need to solve their top pain points.

It sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, not all freelancing websites are created equal. Most freelancers slap together a quick site without taking the time and attention it deserves, which often results in poor conversion rates.

To take your freelancing website from below-average to out-of-this-world, you must optimize it for maximum conversions. Today, we’ll teach you how to turn your freelancing website into a conversion powerhouse.

1. Use a branded domain name

Treating it like a business is the key to success in the freelancing world.

Why? Well, because it is a business. And behind every good business is a brand.

In this case, you are the brand. So you can keep the brand as your legal name (which is very common for freelance writers), or take it one step further and market yourself under a new name.

For example, Maria West chose to use the branded name DTC Mom instead of her name. But she still shares the face behind the brand on her website, killing two birds with one stone.

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Using DTC Mom helps visitors know right off the bat that she specializes in DTC products for moms (and children, for that matter).

Maria also uses the branded domain for DTC Mom. Using a branded domain name shows clients that you are committed to your business and are willing to invest in building your brand.

If it comes down to a client choosing between you and another freelancer, having a branded domain versus a free portfolio site might be all it takes to push that client into your open arms.

2. Create a consistent design with branding elements

What is the first thing you do when you land on a poorly designed website or one that’s slow to load? You bounce.

Why? Because you instantly think it’s spammy and untrustworthy. You return to the search engine results page to find the next best option.

If visitors to your freelancing website have a similar experience, your bounce rates will be through the roof, and conversion rates will plummet. And that’s what we’re trying to avoid.

People typically access your site using a variety of devices. Whether they are using a small mobile phone or a desktop computer, your website should respond to the screen size for optimal viewing pleasure.

Using a headless CMS, you can easily load your content to a website, mobile app, or any other channel using your preferred framework.

You can also reach a global audience because a headless CMS offers full localization support and a translation workflow for rich text, URLs, SEO metadata, and responsive images. Say goodbye to slow page speeds for good!

But page speed isn’t the only factor to consider. You should also prioritize the design and aesthetic of your website.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Can my visitors find what they are looking for?
• Is the design consistent with my social platforms? (LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Is my logo visible on all pages?
• Is the font professional and consistent across the site?
• Does the color scheme fit my brand?

A well-designed website is pleasing to the eyes, easy to navigate, and includes consistent branded elements.

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DTC Mom does an excellent job here as well. Her logo is front and center on every page of her website. The design elements match the exact gray color in her logo. And her portfolio examples align with her branded name.

Nothing on her website is confusing or hard to find. Everything is wrapped up in one cohesive bow. And it’s clear that her expertise is in DTC products serving mothers and children.

3. Add a well-developed portfolio

A portfolio is one of the first things clients will check for on your freelancing website. They want to see your past work to understand if you are a good fit for their needs.

Treat your portfolio like a trophy case. Highlight the shiniest things you’ve worked on. And don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. Put your best work, the stuff you’re most proud of, at the top to show off your skills.

If you are a freelance writer specializing in a few sectors, highlight each niche by creating separate categories and organizing your portfolio accordingly.

Looking for some inspiration? Use Alyssa Towns’ portfolio page as a guide.

You can share a few pieces from each niche to showcase your diverse skill set. Then share an additional link with the entire portfolio for filtering options by publication or subject.

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On the flip side, if you only have a few pieces of work to show off, that’s fine too. The goal is to give your clients a little sneak peek of what they can expect when they hire you.

4. Share a unique value proposition

As we mentioned earlier, the freelancing space is quite crowded. What do you bring to the table that makes your work unique from the next writer?

Clients can’t read minds. And first impressions count. You need to be very straightforward on your freelancing website about why you are the best person for the job.

Grace Baldwin outlines six reasons she’s the go-to freelancer for SaaS companies and proudly displays this information on her “About” page.

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Displaying your unique value proposition can have enough power to propel a client to book a discovery call or go right into placing orders. It’s a must-have.

5. Showcase client testimonials to build trust and credibility

In digital marketing, most businesses gather key customer information, like names, credit card details, and personal addresses. They use this data to help a business personalize content for the consumer.

Consumers love personalized experiences, but data privacy is a top concern. To follow privacy laws and keep consumer concerns at bay, companies generate a privacy policy to display on their website. This message assures customer that their sensitive data is safe.

Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with freelancers. Well, adding client testimonials to your freelancing website provides that same sense of trust with new visitors.

When it comes to selling a product or a service, trust is everything. So use positive reviews as evidence that you are the cream of the crop and produce high-quality work.

For example, if you worked on a project for a car cleaning business that sells various products like floor mat cleaner, leather cleaner, or tire shine, ask them if they would be willing to write a testimonial. Clients with a good experience are typically more than willing to share some kind words.

Once you have compiled a few positive testimonials, display them loud and proud by adding them to your portfolio page on your website. Or better yet, park them on your home page like freelancer Rochi Zalani does.

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People are more inclined to purchase from a business with positive customer feedback. Don’t underestimate the power of social proof. It builds a sense of trust in seconds.

6. Write an engaging “About” section

Freelancing websites are similar to employment websites: they aim to connect with the right people by reducing as much friction as possible.

For example, Salarship uses filtering on its website to make it easier for job seekers to find a job that fits their industry and experience without spending hours scouring through job listings.

And on a freelancing website, a client should be able to tell your expertise and niche within seconds of landing on your website.

Your important information should be easy to find on your home page or on a dedicated “About” page.

Ideally, you want to build a case that proves you can meet all of the client’s needs (and do it better than anyone else).

Not sure what to add to your “About” page? Take a note from Kelly Fiorini, who breaks down the process into three simple steps.

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Her strategy works because it shows that the process is simple. She is an expert in her craft, and the client barely has to lift a finger. It’s almost impossible to say no to purchasing the service.

7. Build a blog that positions your business as an industry leader

It’s crucial to produce top-notch work for your clients while managing various administrative duties that help keep your business running smoothly.

Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, but focusing on process improvement for your work can help take your business to new heights.

With an efficient workflow and the proper tools, you can deliver the best content to your clients while simultaneously establishing yourself as an industry expert.

Agnee Ghosh does so by writing in-depth guides on becoming a freelance writer or overcoming burnout. When you can teach someone your craft, you know you are a subject matter expert.

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Plus, it’ll help drive organic traffic to your website. It’s a win-win.

8. Create compelling lead magnets

A high-quality lead magnet is another way to drive organic traffic to your freelancing website.

By sharing an SEO-friendly template or guide, your website can rank in search results whenever people look for information about that topic.

It can also help build your email list with leads who aren’t quite ready to commit.

For instance, Kelly Fiorini uses a free guide to teach people how to edit content and capture the email addresses of visitors who aren’t ready to spend money on outsourcing the editing process.

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But there’s still work to do after the lead hits the download CTA button. It’s critical to track these leads to determine where they are in the sales funnel and when to take action to move them closer to the sale.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do this all manually. With a tool like Plus, you can track and analyze your leads to engage at the right times and prevent warm leads from going cold.

9. Add your contact information

As basic as it sounds, make sure your contact information is easy to find.

Generating organic traffic to your website is hard enough. The last thing you want is for your visitors to bounce because they can’t find your email address or another way to get in touch with you.

Not sure how to display it? Use Jessica Jone’s website as the perfect example.

She created a dedicated landing page for customers looking for more information about her branding services. She also included a “Contact” link in the website header and footer, so it’s easy to find from any page on the site.

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You can also add a contact form if you want to streamline your emails into one CRM platform or share your direct email for simplicity.

10. Display a detailed pricing page

Reduce the time wasted on back-and-forth pricing conversations by creating a dedicated page for all your pricing information.

Emily Krings has a dedicated page that clearly outlines the price for her different services. Of course, there’s always room for custom quotes.

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But as someone who’s hired many freelance writers, the pricing page is one of the first things I look for on a freelancing website. Why? Because this information helps me understand if I can afford to hire the person.

After all, we’re all on a set budget. If the writer doesn’t fit within my allocated budget, I understand that I need to continue my search. But if the price falls within my desired range, I can continue my due diligence by checking out their portfolio and reading testimonials.

It’s important to note that the pricing page isn’t just beneficial to the client. It works both ways.

As the writer, it helps filter out clients that aren’t worth your time. Because there’s nothing more frustrating than spending days or weeks going back and forth over email just to find they can’t afford your rates.

Turn your freelancing website into a conversion powerhouse

The highest-converting freelancing websites cover all of the bases.

Little things matter, from a well-designed website with branded elements to properly displaying customer testimonials. The key is to reduce friction during the sales process and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

It’s not always about increasing conversions—if you can also increase the lifetime value of each customer, that’s even better. So sprinkle in a few lead magnets to build your email list for future upselling or cross-selling opportunities.

With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a freelancing website that draws in visitors, builds trust from the start, and then turns them into brand advocates. And nothing is better than business from referrals.

For discounts and other offers on tools that’ll help you on your freelance journey, check out the AppSumo store. We have plenty of courses to help to grow your business to new heights.

That’s right.

Freelancing is a great way to gain experience as a business owner, supplement your income if you work full-time, and/or finally take that leap toward doing something you love.

If this sounds appealing to you, it’s worth knowing that success as a freelancer isn’t a given. But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for success.

Enter: Automation tools.

As a freelancer, automation is key to saving ample time on mundane, repetitive tasks. With automation tools, you can boost your productivity so you can get more done in less time.

Ready for a full overview of the top automation tools we recommend for freelancers? Today, you’re in for a treat.

Tools for time management 

With change data capture (CDC), you can transfer data in real time as changes happen.

Because critical systems contain essential data to help drive decisions, real-time access to this data is necessary to stay competitive.

Here are some tools that’ll allow you to track and manage the time you’re investing in your freelance pursuits:

1. Time Doctor

This SaaS tool offers a full host of time management solutions.

Some of its highlights include a time-tracking dashboard that allows you to keep track of your tasks, clients, and projects you’re working with and how much time you’re spending on each one.

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These detailed reports can help you calculate accurate invoices and payroll figures quickly and easily.

2. Toggl Track

Toggl Track (formerly known as Toggl) is another great option for monitoring and managing time. It offers efficiency-boosting features such as project rate billing, idle detection, and an offline timer.

Some of ToggleTracks most celebrated features include its intuitive, easy-to-use design and impressively equipped free version, which includes a timeline, auto-tracker, weekly reports, and more.

3. TimeCamp

TimeCamp’s suite of time management solutions is designed to help users make better decisions about their work.

In addition to offering attendance tracking and logging work time, this tool offers reports and insights that measure each activity’s productivity.

Tools for a steady workflow

With the use of remote support software tools, freelancers can connect to and manage devices from any location. This enables seamless process automation, remote maintenance of IT infrastructures, and quicker resolution for technical issues.

Here are some of our favorite remote support software tools for a steady workflow:

4. Trello

If ease of use is a priority for you when looking for software to help manage projects, Trello is an excellent option. Its design is built around Kanban-style boards that allow you to display elements of your work according to stages in a process.

Trello is easy to learn and implement and offers automation features like Butler, a bot feature that automates due date notifications, assignments, and other administrative tasks.

5. Todoist

This scheduling app allows you to create and add descriptions to items on your calendar and organize individual tasks into different projects. Once created, you can filter these tasks by assignment status and priority level.

Todoist is an affordable option for freelancers and small operators because its free version offers all of its signature features for up to five collaborators or 300 active tasks.

Tiered subscriptions are available if you need more collaborators or tasks.

6. Typedesk

Solo entrepreneurs and small teams reclaim several hours each week thanks to Typedesk. Create text shortcuts that work across all your apps and websites for all your repetitive text content!

Forget manual copy & paste and ditch repetitive typing!

7. HubSpot

HubSpot is a great tool if you’re looking to create a steady workflow for sales and other CRM-related tasks.

For example, HubSpot lead scoring can automatically calculate a customer’s propensity to make a purchase, saving you hours of prospect strategy work.

Tools for social media

Social media plays a big part in advertising your freelance services and booking new clients. Using a social media scheduler is an efficient way to schedule your social media posts, or even repost or curate posts from other sources automatically.

Here are some popular tools you can use to streamline social media marketing:

8. Buffer 

This management software has already become a popular tool for publishing and scheduling social media posts. Buffer has earned its reputation because of its ease of use and generous feature offering through its free version.

Users can choose between (or mix and match) features that analyze social media engagement, post and plan new content, and efficiently manage inboxes and messaging.

9. Hootsuite 

Hootsuite is one of the most all-inclusive options for automated social media management. With Hootsuite, you can schedule automated posts and uncover insightful analytics to see how well your social media content is performing.

Hootsuite can also help you add social listening, influencer identification, and other engagement analytics to your social media platforms.

10. Planable

As its name implies, Planable is a social media collaboration tool that emphasizes easy and efficient planning when automating post-scheduling and content management.

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Planable also offers a platform for client-user collaboration on social media projects and multiple options for customer support.

Tools for personal branding

Building a brand identity is an essential part of maintaining your business’ reputation. Use these tools and services to make sure your brand maintains a consistent look and feel:

11. Canva

Its accessibility, affordability, and robust free version make Canva one of the best-known options for basic graphic design and branded content creation.

Though not as advanced as Photoshop, Canva offers everything that you need to get started creating branded print and digital materials.

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The Brand Kit features are great for managing fonts, logos, and colors to help you maintain a consistent visual style.

12. Picsart

Design suites and photo editing tools are extremely useful and practical for freelancers that want to develop or improve their personal branding.

Picsart offers a wide range of options for perfecting the images you choose to represent your business. With Picsart, you can edit photos, choose from a large menu of layout and template options, and create multi-layered graphics.

13. Visme

Though pricier than other options, Visme offers users the ability to add a highly professional-looking touch to slideshows, presentations, and other visuals.

When you’re trying to make a positive impression on important stakeholders, Visme can help ensure that your social media posts, infographics, ads, and other materials have the polished visual aesthetics you need to stand out.

Tools for finance management  

Creating accounting reports as a freelancer can be challenging. Having a tool that automates these kinds of tasks can help you free up time to put in hours into the work that really matters.

Here are some great options to stay on top of the financial side of your freelance work:

14. Ruul 

Ruul offers a selection of finance-management tools including invoice options and payment collection.

It also enables users to manage and create legal documents like non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and contracts. The ability to create, store, and share these materials all in one platform can have a huge impact on the efficiency of your workflow as a freelancer.

15. Bonsai

Are you looking for a financial management resource specifically designed for freelancers? Bonsai might be the answer.

In addition to the contract, expense, and payment management services, this suite of efficiency-promoting tools also overlaps with some of the time management workflow solutions mentioned earlier. This makes it an excellent value.

One standout feature is the option to create proposals with customized branding and package options.

16. Rippling 

Rippling is an all-inclusive HR software. It specifically supports finance management by offering payroll and benefits management — great features if you run a small team. Its features are also easy to customize and adjustable for businesses of all types and sizes.

Rippling also offers peace of mind by protecting user data through Amazon Web Services, which uses transport layer security (TLS) to secure sensitive information.

Tools for networking

Freelancers may enjoy more autonomy than other types of workers. But effective and accessible communication tools are still necessary.

Here are some resources to help everyone stay on the same page:

17. Slack 

As one of the best-known business messaging apps available, Slack offers a selection of highly customizable shared online spaces for communicating with colleagues.

This platform allows users to send asynchronous messages or chat in real-time. The service also allows users to schedule send messages and create “huddles” for teams to communicate about specific areas or projects.

18. LinkedIn

For many freelancers, LinkedIn has become an indispensable networking tool. It is, essentially, a social media platform specifically designed for nurturing business connections.

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Developing your presence on LinkedIn allows you to take advantage of features such as the ability to search among the vast number of job postings, companies, and potential professional connections.

Once you have made these connections, you can set your account to notify you of any invitations, endorsements, and other opportunities that your growing list of contacts may provide.

19. Indeed

If your freelance journey has led you to need the services of a job board, it’d be hard to find a more battle-tested option than Indeed.

Its familiar and easy-to-use design will come in handy whether you are seeking new opportunities for yourself or are ready to recruit new talent to join your work.

Bonus: 7 tips to succeed as a freelancer in the digital era

Aside from using automation tools to minimize administrative tasks, consider implementing the following tips to boost your freelancing career.

1. Develop a portfolio

Be prepared to showcase your best work.

Depending on your field, it may be helpful to present as much variety here as you can. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, feature examples of top-quality writing that focuses on a diverse assortment of topics.

2. Invest in your brand

Remember to keep the big picture in mind and consider the overall impression that your freelance work is making on clients and other stakeholders.

Strong branding will help develop a memorable identity for your endeavor that’ll pay off much longer than a one-time gig.

Visuals also matter! Design suites and photo editing tools are extremely useful for freelancers that want to develop or improve their personal branding.

3. Work with people you love

Be honest with yourself and others about whether or not you feel in alignment with the people you’re working with and the projects you’re working on.

Healthy, honest relationships with clients and colleagues are vital to staying in business for years to come.

4. Get a business license

You’ll have enough on your plate managing clients, projects, and connections. Don’t put yourself at risk of legal trouble by neglecting your profession’s governing body or the laws that apply in your city, state, or country.

5. Build rapport with other freelancers and clients

Engaging on networking platforms like the examples mentioned above may not lead to paid work every time.

But remember to be courteous and open-minded. Some of the connections you make could turn out to be highly valuable in the future.

6. Stay up-to-date on industry trends

Stay informed on the events, organizations, publications, and influencers that are driving your industry forward. Change is inevitable and you’ll need the information they provide to stay relevant.

7. Protect your clients

Being a freelancer doesn’t imply that you handle small or unimportant clients. Regardless of the level of business to which you provide services, maintaining data security is key.

Losing client information or data not only means risking hours of work that will have to be redone, but also the risk of compromising confidential information. Hence the importance of keeping information secure.

Maintaining data security is one part. The other is to ensure that data is adequately stored and backed up. Having a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) can help you store key information on your own site, so you can give access to your clients knowing that their information will be protected and backed up.

Companies like VPSBG allow businesses and freelancers to use their VDS services, offering them to make specific configurations to their needs, such as bandwidth, storage capacity, and automatic backups, among others.

Set your freelance business up for success

As a freelancer, you’ll inevitably face challenges over how to streamline your career—and you may not have a team of assistants at your fingertips every time.

But thankfully, technology has come to the rescue.

These automation tools can help you accomplish more with less hassle, so you can have time and energy to focus on more important aspects of your job.

The key is all in how you use them. Be sure to have a strategy in mind before implementing any of the tools we shared today.

For discounts and deals on more tools that help you on your freelance journey, check out the AppSumo store. We have many offers you might like.

But to succeed, you’ll need to choose an in-demand freelance skill that you’re naturally interested in. Next, you’ll have to spend time honing your skills and learning as much as possible.

Here’s a guide to the top 16 in-demand freelance skills, their earning potential, and where to learn them.

How did we arrive at the annual salary and hourly rate?

We studied freelancers of all experience levels on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to better understand how freelancers of different skill sets and experience levels charge for projects, either on hourly rates or different payment terms. We also reviewed individual freelancers’ websites to build a more diverse data pool.

Analyzing these results helped us build a picture of the average rate freelancers in each industry charge. Remember that the annual salaries and hourly rates mentioned throughout the article are to be used as a guideline. They’re average benchmarks––not a maximum or minimum rate. As you research different freelance projects and contracts, you may find that some offer more or less compensation.

If you’re getting started as a freelancer, these rates can help you figure out ballpark figures. Your own unique experience, skillset, and industry niche will shape how your charge clients more than anything else.

Top 16 in-demand freelance skills

Before you decide which freelance skills to learn, take a look at our list of the most in-demand freelance skills. Mastering one or more of these skills will help you level up your freelance career.

1. Blockchain and cryptocurrency programming

Average annual salary: $130,000

Average hourly rate: $150

Blockchain is a programming language that manages and holds information about cryptocurrency transactions. Unlike other programming languages, it’s highly resistant to external modification. While it’s still a new cryptocurrency, blockchain is now the number one data managing technique.

Because of its robust transaction security, many industries like law, logistics, and finance use the technique. But since it’s so new, there aren’t that many specialists yet. So if you have blockchain skills, you will likely be in demand with many clients.

Where can you learn blockchain?

Platforms like Skillup have courses aimed at teaching beginners the basics of Blockchain.

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2. Mobile app development

Average annual salary: $110,000

Average hourly rate: $70 – $80

As people spend more time on their phones, the demand for app developers is also increasing. Organizations are looking for freelancers to code, design, and test mobile apps.

You’ll need some specific coding knowledge as a freelance app developer. iOS apps use Swift coding language. Android apps use Java or C++. When you know this, you can choose to learn one language or all three to become an expert mobile developer.

Where can you learn mobile app development?

Udemy has a course that takes you from complete beginner to creating an iOS AppStore quality app.

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3. Website design

Average annual salary: $80,000

Average hourly rate: $80

Web designers usually have multiple skills like website coding skills including languages like HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) since they usually work with front-end developers to code each site.

Web designers usually choose to specialize in one or more of three categories:

• User Interface (UI) Designers handle all functions on a website like button placements and navigation making them as user-friendly as possible.
• User experience (UX) Designers create sites that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
• Visual design Combines both UI and UX skills.

Where can you learn web design?

Learning platform Coursera has hundreds of web design courses suitable for all levels:

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4. Amazon web services development

Average annual salary: $115,000

Average hourly rate: $80

AWS is the world’s largest cloud storage platform. But it’s known as being unreliable—prone to system failures and cyberattacks. As a freelancer, you could provide cloud managing services to companies that use Amazon’s online storage.

Where can you learn Amazon web services development?

The AWS site has many online courses with content for beginners up until cloud storage experts. You can also take an exam that provides you with an official certification upon completion.

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5. Artificial Intelligence development

Average annual salary: $100,000

Average hourly rate: $70

Even though AI is a relatively new concept, it’s only set to grow in use and popularity over the next few years. Since most AI is designed to make everyday life easier, specialists design lines of code and algorithms with daily problems in mind.

AI specialists need to know how to build algorithms, as well as program voice or facial recognition software.

Where can you learn Artificial Intelligence development?

Platforms like Coursera and Udemy have multiple courses on AI.

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6. Website development

Average annual salary: $100,000

Average hourly rate: $80

Given the shortage of web developers, there’s a huge demand for freelancers with web development skills.

Choose from three different specialty areas:

• Front-end developers build online items that directly interact with users like login pages, user buttons, and click buttons. They program everything that’s visible on a website.
• Back-end developers build the internal side of the site that’s not visible to visitors. This includes the foundations of the site as well as databases, and servers.
• Full-stack specialists can manage both the front-end and back-end of the site.

Where can you learn web development?

You can learn the basic skills needed to become a web developer on Codecademy. Then when you’ve completed the novice levels you can move on to advanced courses. Each level has interactive tasks which make the process more fun.

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7. Accounting and bookkeeping

Average annual salary: $75,000

Average hourly rate: $50

Many people don’t know how to file their taxes and efficiently manage their business finances. That means there’s often high demand for freelance accountants and bookkeepers.

Small business managers often hire freelancers to complete quarterly tax returns, manage payroll, maintain accurate financial records, and build financial reports.

Where can you learn accounting and bookkeeping?

The Becker CPA Exam Review provides everything you need to get CPA certified and start working as an accountant or bookkeeper.

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8. Data analysis

Average annual salary: $80,000

Average hourly rate: $40

Data analytics is another fast-growing sector that’s created a huge demand for workers. Data analysts compile, organize, and interpret data to build informative reports for businesses. These reports show trends and patterns for businesses to keep in mind for strategy and development.

Coursera has hundreds of free data analysis courses as well as paid ones that give you a certification

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9. Writing

Average annual salary: $70,000

Average hourly rate: $45

So many businesses need online web content and don’t have an in-house team to write everything. Content is usually an ongoing need for businesses, so it presents a great opportunity for freelancers looking for regular tasks.

Freelance writers can choose between being generalists or writing only about a specialist niche. Sticking to one or two niches is often more profitable as you’ll gain subject matter expertise and be able to charge more for your words.

The best part of starting out as a writer is that you don’t need a certification. As long as you have knowledge of your chosen subject and can write, you can improve your skill through courses and practice.

Where can you learn about writing?

Skillshare has several courses for beginner freelance writers.

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10. Editing

Average annual salary: $60,000

Average hourly rate: $40

As long as there are writers creating content, businesses will need editors to review their work.   Editors usually check for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, sentence structure and coherence, factual correctness, formatting, and if the content follows company guidelines.

Just like writers, editors can be generalists or focus on editing one or two types of content in a specific industry niche.

You don’t need a certification to start editing. But you’ll need high-level attention to detail as well as solid punctuation and grammar skills.

Where can you learn about editing?

Coursera has some university-led editing courses that cover the fundamentals:

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11. Career coaching

Average annual salary: $80,000

Average hourly rate: $60

With people increasingly conscious of their work-life balance, career changes are becoming more common. People who are dissatisfied with their current job roles might feel like they want a change but don’t know how to do it.

As a career coach, you’ll help your clients improve their quality of life by helping them fulfill their passions instead of just paying the bills. While career coaches are in demand, the field is competitive as more and more people choose this flexible career path.

To stand out, create a solid personal brand. Think about who you are as a coach, what made you choose it as a career, and how you can help people feel more fulfilled in their careers and life.

You’ll need to draw on your own life experiences to help you relate to others going through similar phases. But to help you understand the fundamentals of coaching, it’s a good idea to enroll in a course.

The World Coach Institute created a set framework and enables you to become a qualified life coach:

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12. Shopify development

Average annual salary: $90,000

Average hourly rate: $80

As a go-to platform for people setting up an ecommerce store, Shopify developers are in huge demand.

You can build the Shopify store and then charge a fee for maintaining it. If you bring a new client to Shopify you can also charge Shopify a commission fee.

Skillshare has a top-rated Shopify development course that’s led by developer Chris Dodd:

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13. Social media marketing

Average annual salary: $70,000

Average hourly rate: $60

Many businesses with social media don’t have the time or know-how to successfully run their social media accounts. That’s where social media freelancers come in.

Day to day you’ll plan clients’ social media campaigns, ensure posts are correctly uploaded, and engage with followers. The idea is of course to boost engagement, follower counts, and business leads.

To be successful, you’ll need to know your way around social media platforms and understand how their algorithms work.

Udemy has loads of social media marketing courses to get you started:

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14. SEO

Average annual salary: $100,000

Average hourly rate: $100

SEO is another digital marketing skill that businesses with websites always need. Since most people don’t click beyond the first page or even the first three results, SEO continues to be an in-demand skill.

You’ll need to be both technical and analytical. You’ll also need to stay updated with SEO trends and news around Google algorithms.

SEO specialists must be comfortable using multiple tools and creating detailed SEO reports for clients.

There are loads of paid and free SEO courses out there. To get started, we recommend reading Moz’s SEO Learning Center. The best part is that it’s free.

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15. Graphic design

Average annual salary: $60,000

Average hourly rate: $30

Graphic design freelancers work on a huge variety of projects in web development, marketing, corporate communications, social media, and user experience design. That means no two days are alike and you’ll often have to adapt to new challenges and deliverables.

To be a freelance graphic designer, you’ll need a solid portfolio to demonstrate your skills and expertise. You’ll also need to know your way around a few Adobe design programs.

Skillshare has many different Adobe design courses to get you started with the basics:

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16. Video editing

Average annual salary: $60,000

Average hourly rate: $30

As businesses increasingly produce more video content, they need video editors to help them in the production process. Video editors take the raw footage and cut, curate, and format it in a way that the client wants.

Video editors often specialize in using a specific video editing software or they use a few depending on the client’s needs. There are loads of free video editing tutorials on YouTube, or you could take an Adobe Premiere Pro class on a platform like Udemy.

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Learn an in-demand freelance skill in 2023

So there you are—an idea of the top freelance skills in 2023. Learning a couple of these (and doing them well) will set you on the path to a fulfilling and long-lasting freelance career.

First, think about your current skills and what interests you already. Based on this, consider what would be a natural fit and how you could create a service offering as a freelancer.

Remember that the key to a successful freelance career is to never stop learning. When you invest in your learning, you invest in your career. Ready to start freelancing? Check out the AppSumo Store, we have some of the best software deals running to get you set up.

The good news is that there are loads of resources to help you on your freelancing journey. Today we sharing 10 steps to help you start freelancing along with some helpful resources.

10 steps to start freelancing today

Starting to freelance can seem overwhelming. With so many things to think about, where do you begin? Follow our 10 steps and start freelancing today.

1. Find an in-demand skill

Identifying in-demand skills that you already have will help you create a popular service package offering. Find a skill that people always need and that won’t go out of fashion. This could be writing, illustrating, coding, or social media management, for example.

Tip: Check out freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr for inspiration. For example, by looking through Fiverr’s WordPress developers, you can see which skills are most popular and how freelancers market themselves.

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Next, think about how you could package this skill as an offering that helps clients achieve their goals and solve their problems.

Here are a few ideas:

• Managing company Facebook and LinkedIn pages
• Writing ebooks
• Illustrating graphics for a company website
• Developing WordPress sites
• Bookkeeping for small business accounts

2. Define your services

Knowing how to turn your skills into a service is the first step to becoming a successful freelancer.

To be successful as a freelancer, it’s important to truly understand your client’s situation and how your services will benefit them. Think about how you can package your services to properly address their problems.

Next, you need to come up with a concise explanation of your services and how they resolve issues. Think about what you do, how you do it, and for what kinds of businesses and clients.

Here’s an example of how Tom Rigby, a freelance copywriter clearly defines all the different services he offers:

Image source: Tom Rigby

3. Improve your skills

The key to success as a freelancer is to never stop learning. Even if you think you’ve mastered your offering, you need to keep refining your skillset and learning more.

Always leave time in your week for learning and self-development. That way you can grow your service offering and improve your current offering.

Depending on the skills you want to build, consider taking courses on platforms like:

• Udemy 
• Coursera
• Adobe Digital Academy
• Skillshare
• HubSpot

By continuously investing in your learning, you’ll remain competitive in the long term and become a go-to freelancer in your niche.

4. Network with your ideal clients

Before you start freelancing, identify your ideal client type for your service offering. Think about whether they have a shared problem and similar characteristics. Are they in the same industry vertical? Perhaps you’re targeting a broader base of potential clients?

Regardless of who your ideal client is, you’ll need to position yourself in front of potential clients so they know about your work and the services you offer. As you grow and build a reputation, you might be able to rely on client referrals or people finding you organically. But to begin with, you’ll need to be proactive about identifying potential clients and freelance work opportunities.

You can get yourself in front of prospective clients by:

• Tapping into your existing professional network on LinkedIn
• Marketing yourself on social media and your website
• Using freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork
• Responding to freelance job postings
• Participating in freelance community groups on Facebook and Slack

Try getting in front of clients using these methods and see which ones work best for you and your offering.

5. Build an online portfolio

An online portfolio is key for proving your experience and expertise to prospective clients. Your portfolio demonstrates your work quality by displaying your past projects. It’s your chance to show clients what you’re capable of producing and your value as a freelancer.

Include your best work in your portfolio and use each piece to show off your offering. Try to provide evidence of how your work benefited the client.

Consider including things like:

• Testimonials
• Case studies
• Samples of work
• Data-driven results
• Mock-ups

Always ask for permission from past clients before featuring their work, results, or testimonials.

Here’s an example of a web designer’s brightly colored and intuitive portfolio. On the first page there’s an overview of all the recent project’s they’ve worked on. Browsers can then click through each project to read up on the details of the project.

Image source: The Lonely Pixel

Image source: The Lonely Pixel

6. Start freelancing part-time 

Before you take the plunge and quit your 9-5, it’s a good idea to freelance part-time; as a side hustle. This gives you the perfect opportunity to test out your service offering, figure out exactly what your potential clients want from you, and start marketing your business.

When you start actively doing these things daily, you’ll start to get a feel for what freelancing is like and whether it suits your skillset. You’ll also be able to refine your offering slowly over time without the pressure of needing to depend on a paycheck from freelancing.

7. Develop a personal brand

Building a personal brand can help you stand out from other freelancers and connect more with clients. Instead of having to pitch people you want to work with, having a strong personal brand may mean that you get more organic inquiries as you prove your expertise on various platforms.

Here are a few places you can develop a personal brand online:

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Industry-specific sites like Behance for graphics designers or illustrators

Try to be as consistent as possible. A few interactions every day along with a daily post is a great goal to have.

Building a personal brand is a great long-term strategy that’ll help you build relationships and increase your leads over time. Cultivating it from the beginning will give you a strong foundation for the future.

Freelance writer Kat Boogard has a strong personal brand. She regularly updates her personal blog, social media, and sells a range of products designed to help freelancers through her online shop.

Image source: Kat Boogard

8. Build your reputation 

Building a solid reputation for yourself will help you land future freelance gigs and ensure you become an in-demand freelancer in your niche.

Building your reputation starts with maintaining positive client relationships. Instead of seeing your clients as one-off projects, it’s important to see them as humans.

Focus on building positive relationships with your clients and delivering top-quality work. You’ll not only feel great about doing a good job, but you’ll be more likely to receive repeat work and client referrals leading to more work.

How can you build good client relationships?

• Produce high-quality work consistently: High-quality work is essential for client satisfaction. You need to solve the client’s problem and provide value to build a long-term relationship.
• Look for ways to provide more value: Try to surprise and delight your client by going the extra mile with your work. If you take the initiative and show your ability to take on extra responsibilities, you’ll improve satisfaction and open the door for other ways to collaborate.
• Communicate efficiently: Solid client communication fosters stronger business relationships and will increase your client’s trust in you.
• Manage expectations: It’s tempting to overpromise but it’s much better to underpromise and overdeliver. Meet your deliverables and go above and beyond on what you initially promised. That way your client will trust your process and be pleased when you overdeliver.

9. Set your rates

Setting freelance rates is always a delicate balance of maximizing the amount you’re paid, remaining competitive, and not losing out on work. Start by looking at what your competitors are charging for similar freelancing services.

Setting freelance rates is an art and not a science––you’ll likely find that your rates fluctuate depending on the industry vertical, your experience, and the client’s budget. As you’re setting rates, consider these factors:

• Industry: How much market demand is there from your chosen industry?
• Experience: The experience you have will likely impact the value you’re able to deliver.
• Project complexity: Longer more complex projects need to be compensated for accordingly.
• Client’s location: Geographical location and local currency may impact the client’s budget.
• Urgency: Freelancers often charge more for rush projects.
• Project duration: One off projects may incur higher costs than steady long-term contracts.

These variables will help you determine your rates for each project. Remember your rates aren’t set in stone. Reassess them regularly and make adjustments according to your experience and the current market demand.

10. Join freelance communities

Freelancing can get lonely. Without teammates, meetings, and break rooms, it can feel isolating. But the best part about freelancing is that there are thousands of freelancers just like you.

Joining freelance communities is a great way to form friendships with other freelancers of all experience levels. There will be some freelancers who are just beginning their journey and who can relate to your highs and lows. And there’ll also be more experienced freelancers who you can ask for advice.

As you find your way around these communities, you’ll be able to build out your freelancing network. Once you establish your reputation and people know what you do, other freelancers might even start referring work to you when they’re too busy to take on new projects.

FAQs on how to start freelancing 

Can you start freelancing with no experience?

Yes, it’s possible to start freelancing without experience. It’s vital, though, to choose a freelancing idea you’re already interested in and then start building a portfolio. Even if you don’t have any experience freelancing, you likely have skills and experience that will help you develop a service offering. Commit to long-term learning and learn as you freelance.

Which skill is best for freelancing?

There’s no one best skill for freelancing. Instead, think about what you’re already passionate about and what you have experience doing. See how it compares which freelance skills are most in-demand in 2023 such as web design, writing, editing, and coding. Choose a skill that combines both criteria.

How do freelancers get paid?

Freelancers have lots of options when it comes to getting paid. They usually agree on contract payment terms with a client before a project begins. These terms might be that the freelancer completes several projects, works on a retainer, or completes just one project.

Freelancers usually accept payment digitally through platforms like PayPal, Wise, or bill.com. Your client may also pay you through a simple bank transfer too. Or you could accept credit card payments. It all depends on freelancers and client preferences.

Can you freelance part-time?

The short answer is yes–in fact, it’s often best to start freelancing part-time. Many freelancers start by moonlighting; working their regular 9-5 job and completing freelance projects in the evening or at the weekends. Freelancing part-time is a great way of testing the waters before going all-in.

Which freelancing platforms are best?

When you start freelancing, as well as tapping into your existing network you might want to use some freelance platforms to find your first projects. These marketplaces can help you get the wheels turning of your freelance business––but don’t rely on them too much. Remember it’s always better to build your own network and start relying on it more over time.

To get started here are a few popular freelancing platforms:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Flexjobs
• Toptal 
• Freelancer.com
• Guru
• SimplyHired

Start freelancing in 2023

Freelancing can be a great way to enjoy flexibility, remote work, and varied client work that excites you. To succeed, start slowly and gradually increase your workload as you become more confident. Then if you want to, take the plunge into full-time freelancing work. The key is to never stop learning and strive for high-quality work every time.

Ready to start freelancing? First, check out the AppSumo Store, we have some of the best software deals available today.

If you’re new to freelancing, you may be wondering—how do I get started? And where do I find freelance gigs?

Check out this list of the best freelance websites for a few trusted places to find high-quality freelance jobs and projects online.

12 best freelance websites to find work in 2023

1. Upwork

Trusted by big brands like Nasdaq and Microsoft, Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing sites around—and for good reason! This site features freelance jobs in a variety of industries, including development, design, creative, finance, admin, engineering, legal, sales, marketing, writing, and more.

Upwork acts as the middle man between you and the client, making sure you get paid and any disputes are resolved peacefully. (However, that means they also collect a service fee!)

Pros

• You’ve got a profile that allows clients to find you and invite you to submit proposals for jobs, so the work isn’t entirely on you.
• Clients submit payment through Upwork, which means you get paid for your work every time—no chasing invoices or waiting on late payments.
• Being one of the largest and most popular freelancing sites means that there are thousands of freelance work opportunities on the site with new listings every few hours.
• There are jobs for every skill and price level, making it a great place for beginners to find their first jobs.
• As you submit projects, you will get ratings and reviews from clients. Good reviews make it easier for you to get more and better jobs on Upwork in the future.

Cons

• There is a LOT of competition for freelance jobs on Upwork as it’s one of the most popular freelancing websites.
• You will have to submit proposals for every job you want to apply to, which can be quite time-consuming.
• If you are brand new to the platform, you may have to take a few smaller, less desirable jobs in order to build up your reviews and ratings on the site.
• They have a rather high service fee, which means you aren’t keeping all the money you make on the site.
• Once you hit your limit for sending out proposals, you have to purchase more credits to continue to send out proposals.

Best For: People who are just getting started freelancing or multi-passionate freelancers who want to find jobs in multiple industries.

2. Toptal

Toptal is another large and popular freelance site where business, design, and technology service providers can find high-quality job opportunities with leading brands and startups. Unlike other freelance sites where you have to sift through tons of low paying or undesirable jobs to find one that suits you, Toptal only features big projects with companies who are willing to pay for top talent.

Pros

• All of the projects on Toptal are from top-tier companies, which means you won’t find low paying gigs here.
• Toptal offers free invoicing and payments through the platform.
• It’s one of the few sites that offers listings for project managers and product managers.
• They only accept the top 3% of freelancers, which means if you’re accepted, you’re not competing with as many people for the same jobs.
• The Toptal team matches you with projects that best fit your skillset, experience, and interest so you don’t have to comb through any listings.

Cons

• The screening process is long and rigorous and fewer than 3% of applications are accepted.
• Toptal only offers large, complex projects, which aren’t ideal for those who have ongoing clients or just want to pick up a small project here and there.
• There are no opportunities for those who are newer to the industry since they only accept experienced talent.

Best For: Freelancers who are the best in their fields and want to work with some of the world’s leading companies.

3. Fiverr

Fiverr works a little differently than some of the other freelance sites on this list. On Fiverr, you aren’t combing through job listings and sending out proposals. Instead, you create a free profile and list your “gigs” (or types of projects) and the prices. Buyers browse through the different categories to find the freelancer they’re looking for.

Pros

• You can sign up for free and start listing your gigs.
• You set the prices, so you can make sure you’re being well compensated for your work.
• There are diverse categories available for freelance work.
• Fiverr is a very popular site where many people will see what you’re offering.
• You don’t have to spend any time putting together customized proposals.

Cons

• There’s a fairly high 20% commission charge.
• It can take up to 14 days to get payment for work you’ve delivered.
• Many jobs on Fiverr tend to be low paying gigs, so you may find yourself competing based on price.

Best For: Beginners and those who don’t have time to create a bunch of proposals and want the clients to come to them!

4. Guru

Guru works similarly to Upwork. You can easily browse jobs in categories like programming, design, writing, administrative, sales, legal, education, and more. Then, you submit a quote for the job, and if it gets accepted, you’ve got work! Projects and payments are all managed within the platform, making it easy to communicate with clients and get paid.

Pros

• They have a broad range of categories for freelancers including programming, engineering, architecture, and legal.
• There are many different ways to get paid, including wire transfer or PayPal.
• The SafePay feature ensures that freelancers get paid adequately and on time.
• Guru gives you job recommendations based on your skillset and experience.
• With 800,000 clients worldwide, there are plenty of job opportunities.

Cons

• If you want to use all of the tools and make your profile stand out, you’ve got to pay for a membership.
• Free members aren’t able to contact potential clients to discuss a job before submitting a quote.
• Some users have reported fraudulent jobs or clients that will change the parameters of the job after getting the quote or only agree to pay by check.

Best For: People who want to add an additional platform to their list of freelance job options (but maybe not those who are looking for a primary platform).

5. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job board showcasing flexible and remote job opportunities, including freelance, part-time, and full-time jobs. The platform is well-established, with more than 30,000 jobs in over 50 different categories.

FlexJobs is generally trusted in the freelance community because they do the work ahead of time to ensure that all jobs featured on the site are legitimate opportunities so you don’t have to waste time dealing with scams.

Pros

• They vet all of the jobs on the site, which ensures that every job you see is legitimate and scam-free.
• FlexJobs hosts events and webinars that help freelancers and other professionals build their skillset and learn how to network and find jobs successfully.
• The site isn’t as saturated as some other freelance websites since they vet the jobs beforehand.
• The membership fee is affordable, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

• FlexJobs isn’t just freelancing work. They also feature part- and full-time jobs, which may not be for everyone.
• Some of the jobs may not actually be remote, and the job descriptions are not always clear.
• This site isn’t free. Full access to the site requires a membership fee of $9.95/month.

Best For: Those looking for high-quality freelancing opportunities.

6. Behance

Owned by Adobe, Behance is a platform where designers can showcase creative work and employers can discover new designers to work with.

Behance has a jobs board, but it is more than just a freelance job site. It’s a community of creatives that gives people a place to showcase their portfolio and connect with other creatives. It’s totally free, and there is no limit to the number of projects you can create or images and media you can upload.

Pros

• It’s free to join and easy to use.
• You get the opportunity to network with both other artists and potential employers.
• Since it’s run by Adobe, Behance is well-known in the creative community, giving you a large audience for your work.
• Freelancers get personalized job recommendations based on their category and skillset.
• Behance has an excellent reputation in the creative community, which means that the job opportunities are generally high-quality.

Cons

• There’s a lot of competition for jobs on Behance.
• Not all of the jobs are freelance opportunities. Some are part- or full-time.
• Many of the freelance opportunities require you to be on-site, limiting the number of jobs that you can apply for.

Best For: Experienced designers of all types who are looking for high-quality opportunities and newbies who want to find an internship.

7. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is another freelancing website that brings together companies and freelancers across industries to collaborate on projects. Signing up is free and easy as you fill out a registration form and provide more details on your skills, background, and experience. One unique aspect of this platform is the opportunity to participate in contests where freelancers can earn money as well as profile reviews.

Pros

• Freelancer.com features jobs in many languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German and more.
• This platform features some job categories that can’t be found on other freelance sites like manufacturing and logistics.
• In addition to projects, this platform also hosts contests that freelancers can participate in as well.
• The platform offers 24/7 support so you never have to get stuck, no matter when you’re working.
• Freelancer.com has a progress tracker that makes it easy to see how projects are coming along.

Cons

• Freelancer.com has a complex interface that may not be easy to navigate.
• The platform doesn’t vet freelancers or job postings so there are spam applicants and fake clients.
• They take 10% of your total earnings for contests and fixed projects.

Best For: Freelancers who are looking for opportunities in languages other than English.

8. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is a popular website for bloggers who want to add more income streams to their blogs. The founder, Darren Rowse has been blogging since 2002, and he’s created a wealth of resources for bloggers who want to improve their craft and learn how to make more money blogging. The job board on this site is full of high-quality writing and editing gigs that you can browse and apply to for free without any kind of account.

Pros

• The job board is totally free!
• There are a lot of different types of writing jobs on ProBlogger—not just blogging but also content writing, copywriting, article writing, and even editing.
• ProBlogger is a well-established and trusted resource in the writing community, so many of the jobs posted on the site are high-quality.
• It offers more than just a job board. There are a wealth of awesome resources on how to become a better blogger and make more money as a writer.
• You don’t need to create an account or sign in to browse and apply to these jobs.

Cons

• This freelance job site only features jobs related to blogging, writing, and editing, so if you’re in another field, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• While they do their best to moderate job posting to eliminate scams, not all of the jobs are fully vetted so you may still run into fraudulent job posts.
• Many of the jobs on this board are contract work, and therefore, may not be as flexible or quick as some freelance projects.

Best For: Freelance writers and bloggers who are looking for high-quality freelance writing opportunities.

9. MarketerHire

MarketerHire is a freelancing site just for marketers. They match the client with the best marketer for them based on the skill set and experience level of marketers on their pre-vetted list.

Big brands work with MarketerHire to save time vetting and hiring experienced freelance marketers. Marketers like freelancing with MarketerHire because the jobs are high-quality and often pay more than freelance gigs on more general sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Pros

• You set your own rates and keep 100% of your earnings.
• Since MarketerHire takes care of the contracts, you don’t have to worry about negotiating.
• They also handle payouts, so you know that you will get paid for your work on time.
• Freelancers get the opportunity to work with bigger brands like Netflix, AngelList, Puma, Logitech, and SkillShare.
• No more wading through thousands of freelance jobs! MarketerHire will match you with jobs that are a good fit based on your experience and skill set.

Cons

• You have to go through their rigorous vetting process that involves an application, video interview, and test projects. That means you won’t start making money immediately.
• MarketerHire picks which freelancer gets the job, so you have less control over which projects you’re chosen for.
• This site is only for experienced marketers, so if you are new to the industry or not interested in marketing work, this is not the site for you.

Best For: Marketers who are looking for freelance opportunities with top-tier companies without having to write time-consuming project bids.

10. Freelancing Females

Freelancing Females is a freelancing website designed by women freelancers for women freelancers. But it’s more than just a freelance job board. It’s a community where women freelancers from a variety of backgrounds come together to support one another. With over 60k women in their Facebook group alone, you’ll not only be able to find new job opportunities but also network with other women who “get it.”

Pros

• It was created by freelancers, so many of the features and resources available are exactly what a freelancer would ask for.
• You can create a profile in the freelancer directory, so businesses and individuals can find you when they need you.
• When you become a member, you get access to a Slack channel with exclusive job opportunities.
• FF offers grant opportunities for women freelancers throughout the year.
• As a smaller freelance job board, you’ll find that there are many job postings you don’t see on the larger sites.

Cons

• While many different types of businesses can post jobs here, most of the jobs are in the marketing or creative realm, making it not-so-ideal for those outside of these industries.
• While applying to jobs is free, you have to pay a fee to get access to membership perks like the directory and Slack channel.
• Not all of the jobs listed are remote. Some require you to be in a specific city and/or come into the office.

Best For: Women freelancers in the marketing and creative fields who want to go beyond just finding jobs and join a large, active community to get support.

11. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals. But did you know that it’s also a great place to find freelancing opportunities? You can search for freelance work by typing keywords into the job search bar—just make sure you include the word “freelance”!

In addition to browsing the job listings, you also have the opportunity to network with people who may need services and post content to show your expertise and highlight your services and availability.

Pros

• LinkedIn is free to use, and it’s free to apply to jobs you find on the site.
• In addition to job postings, LinkedIn is built for networking, which may open up new job opportunities and freelance projects.
• You can find freelance work in a variety of fields, both remote and in-house.
• After you build your profile, people who need your services will be able to search, find, and contact you.
• In addition to using the job postings, you can also show that you’re looking for work on your profile and post content about what services you can offer.

Cons

• As with any social media platform, LinkedIn can get a little noisy, which means not everyone is going to see your posts or messages.
• You have limited messaging under the free plan, and paid plans are a little pricey (ranging from $29.99/month to $119.99/month).
• Spam is common on this platform, so you may get messages from people trying to sell you things or telling you about jobs that are not a good fit for you.

Best For: People looking for remote and in-person freelance job opportunities across industries and countries.

12. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is different from the other sites on this list because it focuses on day-to-day tasks and errands for local people rather than professional services. This means that you’re dealing directly with the consumer instead of working with a business.

Freelancers on this site can choose from a variety of handyman services like home repair, yard work, painting, and appliance installation or general tasks like cleaning, furniture assembly, shopping, or moving services.

Pros

• TaskRabbit doesn’t charge service fees to freelancers (just clients).
• It offers a variety of different types of jobs, many of which don’t require special skills.
• Given the nature of the jobs on TaskRabbit, you could feasibly pick up a job on the same day if you need extra cash quickly.
• You set your rates, so you don’t have to negotiate pricing with anyone.
• People who need help can find your profile based on the tasks you perform, so you don’t have to find your own clients or submit any bids.

Cons

• It’s only available in major cities.
• Most of the jobs on TaskRabbit cannot be done remotely, which means you’ll need to travel to a location to complete the job.
• TaskRabbit is a same-day service provider, so you can’t exactly work where and when you want to.

Best For: People who enjoy handling day-to-day tasks and errands and want to make some extra money helping people in their community.

How to choose the right freelance website

To find the best freelance website for you, start by deciding what types of jobs you’re looking for. This will help you narrow the list considerably. For example, if you’re a designer, you can find work on Behance but probably not on ProBlogger or TaskRabbit. If you want a hybrid or remote role, you can find work on FlexJobs, but not every job on LinkedIn will apply to you.

More broad freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr not only have a lot of different types of work, but they’re beginner-friendly. This is a great option for those who are exploring their skillsets and just getting with freelancing.

On the other hand, those who are more experienced in their industry might bypass these more general freelancing sites and opt for a site like Toptal where they can get higher-paying jobs designed for top professionals. It’s also worth considering online job boards and platforms, which offer a range of remote and online job opportunities across various industries.

Freelancing FAQ

If you’re just getting started freelancing, you probably have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about freelancing.

What is freelancing?

Freelancing is when you work as an independent person or company rather than an employee. Freelancers are self-employed and sometimes referred to as independent contractors or 1099 contractors.

Freelance work is often short-term or part-time. The limited hours make it a great option for those who are looking for a side hustle. In fact, many freelancers get started while they have a part- or full-time job.

People with a number of different skillsets can become freelancers. Though we often think of creatives like designers or writers when we hear the word “freelancers,” you can do pretty much any type of work as a freelancer from bookkeeping and administrative work to web development and event planning.

How do I start freelancing?

All you need to get started freelancing is a skill set or type of expertise that others find valuable. This can include skills you learned from a previous job or skills you’ve taught yourself. For instance, a graphic designer might do some freelance design work as a side hustle. Or someone who enjoys photography as a hobby may decide to become a freelance wedding photographer.

Once you’ve decided which skills you want to use as a freelancer, identify the types of clients you want to work with. Find a way to package those skills in a way that makes sense for your target client, and decide on a pricing strategy (hourly, retainer, fixed-rate, or value-based pricing).

After you’ve got all the basics down, it’s time to go out and find your first client! The list above is a great place to start.

What are the benefits of freelancing?

Many freelancers enjoy this type of work because it offers flexibility and freedom that the typical 9-to-5 job often does not.

Because freelancers are not employees of the company, they’re able to do their work when, where, and how they want to. This makes freelancing a great option for those who want a side gig or people who may have commitments during daytime work hours, like parents or caretakers.

Another benefit of freelancing is the unlimited capacity for income. When you work in a corporate position, you have to earn a promotion or a raise to make more money. With freelancing, you set your own rates. That means that you can raise them whenever you’d like to and only work with the types of clients who will pay a premium for your services.

Yet another benefit of freelancing is that you get to pick the types of projects you work on and the types of clients you work with. If you find a project that’s boring or a client who is likely to be hard to work with, you can always turn it down without getting any flack from your boss (which is you!)

Which freelance website is best for beginners?

Most freelance websites showcase a variety of different types of projects with varying budgets and experience levels. Most of the websites we have listed above have projects that are a good fit for beginners, especially Fiverr or Upwork. You just have to look through the listings to find a project that’s a good fit for someone who is new to freelancing.

How much money can I make freelancing?

According to Upwork (which happens to have a TON of data on freelance earnings), freelancers make on average $28/hour.

Of course, the rate you charge will depend on your skill set, years of experience, education and training, location, reviews, and portfolio.

More skilled jobs like web developers and mobile developers can pay on average $50-65/hour. While transcribers make an average of $20-25/hour.

Rates are not always paid hourly. It depends on the project and type of work. You may also find yourself charging rates based on the project or a monthly retainer rather than hourly.

Start your freelancing journey today

Freelancing can be an exciting opportunity to make extra cash as a side gig or even find the freedom to work for yourself full-time. Not to mention, freelancing is a great way to dip your toe into another industry or job role that you think you might like.

Whether you’re brand new to your field or you’ve been doing it for a decade, you can use the best freelance websites we’ve laid out in this list to get your freelance journey started.

Want to know which freelance marketplace is a better choice for you?

In this Fiverr vs. Upwork guide, I’ll break down their unique features, service fees, payment protection, and more.

This guide also features all-star freelancers on which freelance platform they prefer and their top tips on finding high-quality work.

Let’s begin!

Fiverr vs. Upwork: A showdown

Fiverr is a freelancer-centric marketplace. You set the rules for your project.

A quick search of the marketplace shows an eclectic range of projects. From copywriting to tarot card readings, anyone can be a seller on Fiverr.

In the early days, if you wanted to earn more than $5 for your service, you needed to get customers to purchase multiple orders or add-ons. Now Fiverr allows you to price your service up to $10,000.

You can sell on Fiverr either by creating your Gigs or bidding on projects posted by buyers.

What about its rival?

Upwork calls itself “the world’s work marketplace for freelancing,” and it couldn’t be more accurate.

Unlike Fiverr, projects on Upwork are a lot more business-focused and technical (e.g., 3D rendering, electrical drawing, and intellectual property law).

There are two options to earn money on Upwork: Respond to jobs posted by clients or create your own using Upwork’s Project Catalog.

For payments, Upwork offers hourly and fixed-price contracts.

Membership and service fees

It’s completely free to join Fiverr and Upwork.

Both freelancer marketplaces take a 20% cut of each transaction (though it’s a bit more complicated on Upwork).

The service fees at Upwork are based on your lifetime billings for each client. The more projects you work with a client, the fewer fees you pay.

For example, for billings over $10,000, you need to pay a 5% service fee, not 20%.

Here’s a detailed look at Upwork’s pricing structure:

Upwork also offers a paid plan, which costs $14.99/month.

As an Upwork Plus member, you can access premium features such as a customizable profile URL, additional reports (e.g., budget, timesheet), and more Connects.

[Caption: Use Connects to apply for projects. The more Connects you have, the more proposals you can submit.]

Verdict: My vote goes to Fiverr for one-off projects, as it takes only a 20% cut. With Upwork, you need to buy Connects (assuming you’re applying for job ads regularly) on top of paying a 20% service fee. However, if you’re looking to work with clients on a long-term basis, Upwork might be a better fit in the long run.

Registration

Okay, real talk? It was confusing navigating Fiverr as a new user.

Despite signing up through the seller page, Fiverr directed me to a dashboard that caught me off guard.

[Caption: While I get the logic here (users can be both buyers and sellers), it doesn’t exactly create the best user experience.]

Another minor flaw of Fiverr? The profile set-up.

Fiverr requires users to fill in the profile description manually. There’s currently no option to import existing profiles from social media.

Plus, the interface is buggy. Here’s how it looks when I update my skills.

[Caption: Note the repeated “Intermediate” under “Level”]

Now, how does Upwork fare at registration?

Upwork’s sign-up process is impressive. Note how sleek and straightforward it is:

After verifying my account, Upwork prompted me to complete my profile. I opted to grab my professional bio from LinkedIn instead of filling it in manually.

However, it was a little frustrating. You need to save your LinkedIn profile as a PDF and upload it on the platform. It’s impossible to import your profile directly from your LinkedIn page. (Oh well, it’s still better than Fiverr in this area!)

Here’s where Upwork stands out.

As you write your profile overview, Upwork will remind you to remove any contact information by highlighting them in yellow.

You can’t save your profile unless you correct your errors.

Verdict: Upwork wins by a mile. I knew just where to click, and the extra layer of security gives me peace of mind.

Unique features

Fiverr features

Let’s start with Fiverr.

(i) Course badges

Fiverr positions itself as a freelancer-centric marketplace, and it shows.

Users can enroll in online courses (one-time fee required), ranging from Facebook marketing to iPhone photo editing.

Once you complete these video classes, you’ll earn badges. You can then display them on your profile to promote your expertise!

Source: Fiverr

(ii) Advanced availability options

With Fiverr, you can block your schedule down to specific dates, add a message to buyers, and even enable them to contact you to maintain your response rate.

Upwork’s availability options leave a lot to be desired. Currently, you can only set the date you’re ready for work.

(iii) Gig extras

Both Upwork and Fiverr prefill what’s in your service package without requiring you to add them manually (e.g., if you create a content writing service, Fiverr will automatically include the number of SEO keywords and revisions).

Both also allow you to include add-ons or service extras.

But here’s where Fiverr shines. If you don’t see an add-on you’re looking for, click +Add Gig Extra and customize it accordingly.

On the other hand, Upwork’s tier options are more rigid. There’s no way to add any custom service extras.

Say, you’re a freelance copywriter who wants to add SEO strategy to an existing service. You can do this easily on Fiverr.

For Upwork, you need to create a separate listing.

Upwork features

Now, let’s look at Upwork’s unique features.

(i) Work Diary

For hourly-based projects, you can easily show clients the hours you worked by logging in time in the Upwork Work Diary.

Upwork will take a snapshot six times every hour and enter them (including your hourly activity) into your diary’s billing segments. This ensures that you’re paid for the time you invoice clients.

Source: Upwork

The work diary is part of Upwork’s desktop app. You can also send files and communicate with clients via chat.

(ii) Project Catalog

Initially, freelancers on Upwork could only apply to projects set by clients. Now, you can package your services and pre-define the scope, timeline, cost, and deliverables in the Upwork Project Catalog.

Upwork will take up to five business days to review your project before publication.

(iii) Built-in referrals

Referrals are the lifeblood of a freelancer’s business, and Upwork recognizes that.

Upwork’s job referrals feature is currently in beta. It allows you to decline a job invite and refer it to a fellow freelancer.

Source: Upwork

Note that accepting a referral invitation will not cost any Connects.

Verdict: This is a tough one! If you want complete control over your projects, Fiverr wins. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a frictionless collaboration with clients, Upwork might be better in this case.

Finding and promoting work

How does Upwork stack up against Fiverr when it comes to job availability?

Let’s find out.

Chad Wyatt, founder of Remote Jobs Co and a freelance digital marketer, has been using Upwork for more than two years. As a Top Rated Plus user, he receives over 30 invites every week and has earned over $100K on projects.

Source: Upwork

Here’s his top tip on getting noticed by clients on Upwork: Maximize your profile and utilize your badges.

On the job listing front, Upwork offers a clear-cut process. Go to Project Catalog and fill in the necessary information (e.g., select package tiers). For seamless collaboration, include project steps—check them off to update clients on your progress.

Source: Upwork

Fiverr has a similar process. You can post Gigs of your own (i.e., write an overview, list requirements, select tier packages) or bid on job ads posted by buyers. Here’s how your bids will look to a client.

Regarding promotion, various users cautioned about the unpredictable algorithm. Here’s what Calvin West, a freelance musician and a top-rated seller, shared with AppSumo:

If you want to attract more exposure to your Gigs, try Fiverr Promoted Gigs. What’s interesting is that there’s no upfront payment. Fiverr will charge you every month directly out of your earnings.

Verdict: Both!

Customer support

Upwork uses a community-centric forum to support its users. What sets Upwork apart from its rival is that there are moderators.

Looking at some of the threads, it’s clear that Upwork provides active support. Here’s an example of a question answered within two hours of posting.

Source: Upwork

Sara Fudge, a freelance personal assistant and blogger of Cooking With Fudge, can vouch for Upwork’s resolution speed:

It’s harder to get ahold of Fiverr. There are no moderators on the forum, and you need to email for support. Word has it that it can take up to ten days to hear back.

Verdict: Upwork wins, as its customer support is more accessible and responsive.

Payment protection

Both marketplaces offer protection for freelancers.

For Upwork, there’s the hourly and fixed-price payment protection. For hourly jobs, Upwork will release the funds as long as you meet the hourly protection criteria.

Regarding fixed-price protection, you and the client will have to agree on work milestones and how much you’ll be paid for completing each. If the client fails to respond to your milestone submission within 14 days, Upwork will automatically release the deposit to you.

Generally, if a client fails to pay for your work, you can file a dispute, and a dispute specialist will be brought in to help resolve the issue.

Experiences have been mixed so far. Several users pointed out the frustrating requirements, while others praised its tracking protection. Here’s a user sharing how they received an early payout for a contract on hold.

Source: Reddit

Similarly, Fiverr protects sellers from fraud chargebacks, but many reported negative experiences citing “inappropriate warnings” and “lazy responses” from support.

Michael Cherry, a Level 2 seller, agrees that there’s a giant flaw in Fiverr’s freelancer protection. He shares with AppSumo:

Verdict: Upwork’s freelancer protection is nowhere perfect, but it has an edge over Fiverr—judging by the online reviews.

Freelancer programs

Curious about the type of freelancer programs at these marketplaces? Let’s start with Fiverr’s seller levels.

• New Seller: All new users are automatically ranked as New Seller. As a New Seller, you can create up to seven active Gigs, withdraw your earnings after 14 days, and more.
• Level 1: Complete 10 orders and more to qualify as a Level 1 seller. You get to create up to 10 active Gigs with four extra services for each.
• Level 2: Complete 50 orders and more to achieve Level 2. Benefits include 20 active Gigs (with five extra services each), priority support, and more.
• Top Rated Seller: Earn $20,000, maintain a 4.7 rating over 60 days and more to achieve one of Fiverr’s highest seller levels. Attractive benefits include 30 active Gigs (with six extra services each) and earnings withdrawal after seven days

Curious to learn more? Check out Fiverr’s Levels here.

For the elite, there’s Fiverr Pro (only 1% of sellers make it to the top!). You can apply here to join.

Hannah Spraker recommends applying for Fiverr Pro, as the algorithm favors such profiles. She says, “I’m currently earning $10-$15K every month. Fiverr Pro helps users to stand out.”

Source: Fiverr

As a Fiverr Pro seller, you get to enjoy other benefits, including a:

• Dedicated customer success manager
• Seven-day payment clearance (instead of 14 days)
• Higher price limits up to $20,000 (Gigs) and $50,000 (custom offers)

Likewise, Fiverr takes a 20% cut for each transaction.

Upwork offers several types of pro freelancer programs.

There’s Rising Talent for new users. If you meet Upwork’s criteria (e.g., pass readiness test, complete projects on time), you get a Rising Talent badge on your profile. Rising Talent users enjoy multiple attractive benefits like a one-time bonus of 30 free Connects and reduced project fees.

Other freelancer programs worth mentioning are:

• Expert-Vetted: Upwork’s top 1% of talent. Work closely with a dedicated Talent manager who will help match your strengths to the suitable projects, by invitation only.
• Top Rated: Upwork’s top 10% of talent. Receive proposal invitations from Talent Specialists and enjoy faster payments on hourly contracts. Find out if you meet the criteria here. (There’s also Top Rated Plus for freelancers who consistently perform on high-budget or long-term projects.)
• Talent Scout: Upwork’s latest freelancer program where they do the job search for you. This program is best for freelancers in development, design and creative, and sales and marketing. To apply, take the assessment tests and interview with a specialized recruiter.

Verdict: Upwork and Fiverr offer attractive pro programs, so both!

Fiverr vs. Upwork: AppSumo’s final verdict

Where Fiverr lacks, Upwork does better—and vice versa.

Fiverr is ideal for freelancers offering on-demand services. Join Fiverr if you also want:

• Fixed-rate payment
• Quick, one-off projects
• Complete control for your projects (e.g., customize add-ons for a package, set availability down to specific dates)

In comparison, Upwork is a better choice for freelancers who want to work on large projects and build long-term relationships with clients.

Sign up as an Upwork freelancer if you also prefer:

• Hourly and fixed-rate payment
• Larger and long-term projects
• Responsive customer support
• Seamless collaboration with clients and freelancers (i.e., send referrals and communicate with clients on a single platform)

So, which of these criteria apply to you, Sumo-lings?

It’s an uphill battle finding high-quality work on Fiverr and Upwork.

But as these all-star freelancers have proven here, it is possible to succeed on these platforms. Just do your due diligence, deliver results, and optimize your profile for visibility.

And once you’re ready to strike out on your own and move from these freelance marketplaces, check out the AppSumo store! Our software tools (with lifetime deals) will help you scale your freelance business at a fraction of the cost.

Building a freelance graphic design career will give you the freedom to create your work schedule, earn income from your passion, and put your creative skills to profitable use.

If you choose to be an in-house graphic designer, you’ll get an opportunity to showcase your design prowess, learn from a talented team, and earn a good salary.

If you need a sign to stop thinking about becoming a graphic designer and start taking action towards a new career, consider this one. Here’s what we’ll cover.

The 7 niches of graphic design

Some designers offer services across various types of graphic design, while others specialize in one (or two) niches.

As you get started, choose only one niche and master it—this will increase your chances of success as you get comfortable in your new role.

Here are seven common types of graphic design to help you understand what niche(s) may interest you:

1. Marketing & advertising graphic design

Business organizations utilize diverse forms of media (including print and digital) to promote their products and services.

As a graphic designer specializing in marketing and advertising designs, you’ll be responsible for creating marketing visuals for businesses. Examples of assets you may create are social media ads, vehicle wraps, email marketing templates, and magazine/newspaper ads.

(Source)

2. Visual identity graphic design

A company’s brand identity distinguishes it from other businesses. Companies infuse visual identity in their print and digital content and marketing campaigns to build a positive, attractive brand image for customers.

As a graphic designer specializing in visual identity graphic design, you will work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to create attractive visuals like logos, typography, and color palettes.

(Source)

To thrive in this niche, you must be skilled at brainstorming winning concepts and interpreting stakeholders’ ideas into appealing visuals.

3. Packaging graphic design

Packaging doesn’t only protect goods for easy storage and distribution. Well-designed packaging also serves as a marketing tool for capturing customers’ attention and making a product easily identifiable by existing buyers.

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If you choose packaging design as your specialty, you will be responsible for brainstorming packaging design concepts, creating mockups, and preparing captivating print-ready visuals.

4. Motion graphic design

Motion graphics are growing in popularity since they capture people’s attention quickly and have many marketing benefits. Businesses use these graphics in their content marketing and social media ads.

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As a motion graphic designer, you’ll be responsible for creating designs like animated logos, advertisements, GIFs, and banners for businesses. You will also secure more opportunities if you have a solid knowledge of coding, 3D modeling, and marketing.

5. Publication graphic design

Magazines, newspapers, and other types of publications should be visually appealing to encourage readers to purchase or download and read them.

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Graphic designers specializing in publication graphic design are responsible for creating design concepts for magazines and newspapers that’d provide a smooth reading experience and ensure the editors’ thoughts find expression.

6. User interface graphic design

Mobile apps, websites, and software tools need to have a clean, distraction-free interface to increase engagement. Having a cluttered interface will only drive potential users/visitors away.

UI graphic designers help to fix the issue of bad interfaces. They help businesses design user-friendly interfaces for their digital products or platforms.

(Source)

UI designers work hand-in-hand with UX (user experience) designers and the developers who bring UI designs to life.

7. Environmental graphic design

Environmental graphic design creates eye-catching designs on physical structures, often outdoors. This type of graphic design involves using visuals to make spaces more memorable, attractive, or easier to navigate.

Graphic designers in the environmental design niche influence how people view and interact with a specific environment. Examples of environmental graphic designs include murals, office branding, and signage.

(Source)

How to start a graphic design career

It’s time to put your design skills to profitable use. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a graphic designer:

1. Pick a niche

There are several types of graphic design, and the first step to becoming a successful graphic designer is to choose an area of specialization.

If you are struggling to pick a graphic design niche,  consider what designs catch your attention. For example, if you have an eye for logos, you could explore this area and see where it leads. On the other hand, if you often notice the packaging of your favorite products, perhaps you may enjoy designing some of your own.

Another way to decide on a niche is to research what graphic design services are in high demand and pursue a career in one of those specialties.

To begin your research, visit social media communities for graphic designers (like this one on Reddit) and inquire about what kinds of projects their clients are demanding lately.

2. Learn the fundamentals

After choosing a niche, learn to create high-quality designs. Unique, high-quality designs will attract high-paying clients (who will, in turn, recommend you to friends and colleagues).

There are lots of free and paid graphic design resources (including learning resources) available online. Depending on your niche and financial strength, start by consuming free tutorials on blogs, forums, and places like YouTube.

(Source)

You can also take free/paid classes on platforms like Udemy, Lynda, and Skillshare and purchase relevant graphic design books from your favorite bookstores.

3. Invest in relevant tools

You’ll have to purchase software tools and gadgets to run a graphic design business effectively.

Do your research to determine the collection of tools you’ll need to produce high-quality work in your niche. Check out the AppSumo deals page to take advantage of available mouth-watering offers.

4. Build a portfolio

Most potential clients will request your portfolio before they have a serious business conversation. After building up your design skills, the next step is to put together a portfolio.

If you’re a complete design newbie, brainstorm your own projects and add your finished work to your portfolio. You can also offer to do free work for friends to gather samples and testimonials.

Once you have enough samples (say five to six), set up a free portfolio on Behance, Adobe Portfolio, and Crevado.

Need inspiration? Check out these amazing portfolios:

(Source)

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5. Join relevant communities

Join and become active in relevant graphic design communities. This will enable you to benefit from others’ contributions, receive updates on trending design styles, and have professionals critique your work.

There are numerous graphic design communities to join online. If you are active on Reddit, check out these communities:

• /r/design
• /r/logodesign
• /r/crappydesign
• /r/design_critiques
• /r/graphic_design

6. Find paid work

To start looking for paid design work, update your social media profiles to display your specialized services. Reach out to close friends and relatives to see if they need your services or can recommend your work to others.

Other popular ways to find clients are through freelance marketplaces, your website, cold outreaches, and social networking websites. (Keep reading to discover a list of ways and places to land high-paying graphic design jobs.)

7. Practice consistently

There will always be something new to learn—from new design concepts to life-saving shortcuts. So, ensure you keep practicing to improve your design skills. You can even transition into other design types when you think the time’s right.

For example, if you become skilled at making flat logos, you can transition and learn how to create 3D logos. By practicing consistently, you keep improving your skills and gaining experience that might come in handy later.

How to choose your graphic design software

As a graphic designer, you will need a few software tools to create stunning designs. Below are some factors to consider before purchasing any software program.

What’s your niche?

Specific types of graphic design require certain software programs. For example, a photographer might use a tool like Colorcinch to create quick digital artworks, while a motion graphic designer might need a tool like BannerBoo. Consider your niche when researching software.

What’s your experience level?

Not all graphic design software packages are beginner-friendly. Some have advanced functionalities suitable for only professionals. When choosing your graphic design tools, pick ones that match your experience level.

What’s your budget?

Some graphic design software products cost under $100, and others start at $500. Don’t neglect your budget when perusing design software. We recommend you choose affordable alternatives when just beginning your career rather than choose expensive design software.

Want to discover some fantastic software deals? Check out the AppSumo deals page.

Ways to market your graphic design services

Create a website

You can create a simple website on Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress and list your services so that interested potential clients may contact you. Once you have your website, you can drive traffic through SEO, content marketing, paid ads, and other strategies. While social media is a helpful place to promote your work and services, a website is where you can house your contact information and portfolio.

Sell on Appsumo

Do you create done-for-you design templates and mockups? Sell them on the Appsumo marketplace. Selling on Appsumo is one easy way to market your designs to a huge audience of entrepreneurs and earn consistent passive income.

Run cold emailing campaigns

Find companies you’d like to work with and reach out to them with your services and how they can benefit the brand.

Attend networking events

Both physical and virtual networking events are wonderful places to land clients. Attend relevant networking events and tell people about your business and design specialties.

Do social media promotions

You can land design work on social media in a couple of different ways. For example, some people publicly post job ads in social media groups. You can also reach out and build connections with a few people you believe might be interested in your services.

Check job boards

Many companies place their job ads on job boards. Check out relevant job boards to discover job openings for graphic designers. You can cind the top job boards for graphic designers here.

Join freelance marketplaces

Create an account on popular freelance marketplaces and customize your profile to spotlight your services, skills, and experience.

While some platforms will require you to bid for jobs, others will send you relevant offers—as long as you meet specific requirements. Some popular marketplaces to join are Fiverr, Upwork, and 99designs.

Productivity tips for graphic designers

A high-quality graphic designer will consistently produce quality work, land more gigs, and, ultimately, make more money.

Here are seven productivity tips for graphic designers:

1. Write down your ideas 

Learn to write down good ideas that run through your head. This is crucial because forgetting good ideas can waste significant time and creative energy.

2. Outsource minor tasks

Quit spending time on minor tasks; outsource them instead.

Outsource basic tasks like image background removal, conversion of design file formats, and image compression. Minor tasks are time-consuming and can distract you from your creative design work.

3. Take frequent breaks

Sometimes all you need is a break to refill your creative tank. When you’ve worked for an extended period and begin to lose concentration, consider taking a short break.

Do some stretches, go on a short walk, listen to music, grab a snack, or do other activities to get back into the design mood.

4. Track your time

You might not know how much time you’re wasting on irrelevant activities until you get a time tracker. One way to stay productive and cut distractions is to track your time while you work.

Consider a time-tracking browser extension (e.g., TrackingTime) or free software (e.g., Clockify). (Check out AppSumo’s list of the best time tracking tools.)

5. Browse design galleries

Running out of ideas when working on a project can drain your productivity. One way to refill your creative tank is by drawing inspiration from other designers’ projects.

Design galleries are good places to find designs to inspire you. Browse the design galleries on Behance and Designhill to begin.

Your journey to becoming a successful graphic designer

If you’re serious about building a graphic design career, then there’s no better time to take action than now.

So, pick a niche, learn to create stunning designs, build a portfolio, and start marketing your services.

There are tons of businesses in search of professional graphic designers. With the right tools, proper knowledge, and a burning desire to succeed, you will soon become skilled enough to handle high-paying projects for top companies.

Ready to become a graphic designer? Browse the AppSumo deals page, grab a tool, and get to work.