How to Start Freelancing: A Beginner's Guide

Alright guys, today we are looking at how to do freelancing. You’ve messaged me many times about this, so let’s dive in.

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1. Setting Up Your Profiles

To start with freelancing, first, you need to create your IDs. I suggest making accounts on both Upwork and Freelancer.com. I’m only explaining the method here; if you want a detailed video on setup, let me know.

Create these accounts now—don't be lazy. It’s easy, but make sure the profiles look professional.

Once your ID is ready, you need to add several things:

• Portfolio: Showcase your past work.
• Skills: List what you are good at.
• Links: You can add your GitHub or LinkedIn profiles. Personal projects work too! Just follow the instructions on the site.

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2. The Art of Bidding

When you move to the bidding phase, keep these things in mind:

• Speed is Key: Initially, you get very few bids. You must select a project that fits you and bid as fast as possible. If you are among the first to message, the client is more likely to see you.

• Visibility: Starting out, your profile often stays at the bottom. Bidding early increases your chances of being noticed, which leads to projects and money.

• Manage Your Credits: On Freelancer.com, you get about 6 bids, and Upwork uses credits. Use them wisely! Don’t waste them on random projects, or you’ll have nothing left when the "right" project comes along.

• The 90% Rule: Only bid when you match 90% of the requirements and the project was posted recently. Don’t just bid on everything you see.

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3. Pricing & Strategy for Beginners

Start with small projects—around $10 to $30 (approx. ₹600–₹1500). Indian clients often look for a budget-friendly option over high quality initially.

• Psychological Pricing: If the minimum bid is $10, try bidding $10.9 or $11. It makes your bid stand out from the sea of "10s."

• Build Reviews: Focus on getting 1–2 small projects first to get reviews. This will push your ID higher for better projects later.

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4. Communication & Collaboration

If a client replies:

• Flex a Little: Convince them you are the right person. You can highlight your skills or even show projects your friends have done (you can take their help later to finish the work and share the profit).

• Be Active: Reply as quickly as possible.

• Get Specific: Once the project is yours, stop "flexing" and start communicating clearly. Get all requirements in writing. Don't let a client pay you ₹600 for ₹6000 worth of work. Clear communication prevents "scope creep."

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5. Handling the "No Project" Phase

Most of the time, you might not get a project, or things might get canceled. Don't sit idle:

• Strengthen your portfolio and learn new skills.

• Avoid distractions: Instead of scrolling Instagram Reels, use that time to learn.

• Persistence: You get 6 bids a month—use them carefully based on value and time.

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Final Tip

You can try making accounts with different email IDs or join a community (like our Discord). If we bid as a group, our chances increase, and we can split the work and money based on contribution.

Just keep moving, keep existing, and as always, thanks for watching!