Start Here
New to freelancing? Follow these steps in order. Each one links to a detailed guide or a free tool, and none of them costs money.
Step 1: Understand how freelancing works
- What is freelancing?: how it works, what you can earn, and the pros and cons
- Freelancing vs a remote job: which one fits your situation
- In Nepal? Start with freelancing in Nepal: a complete beginner's guide
Step 2: Choose one skill to sell
- 12 freelance skills you can learn for free
- 30 Fiverr gig ideas for beginners
- Only have a phone? See what you can do with just a smartphone
- Thinking of using AI? Read how to use AI as a freelancer first
Step 3: Build proof of your work
- How to build a portfolio with no clients
- How to write a profile that wins clients, with the free profile bio generator
Step 4: Choose where to find clients
- 20 freelance websites that are free to join and apply
- Fiverr vs Upwork for beginners
- How to create a Fiverr gig and Upwork Connects explained
- The full free platforms directory
Step 5: Set your prices
Step 6: Win your first client
- How to get your first client without paying for bids
- How to write proposals that get replies, with the free proposal generator
- Cold email templates and how to find clients on LinkedIn
Step 7: Do the work and get paid
- How to quote a project and freelance contract basics
- Tools: contract generator and invoice generator
- How to get paid without PayPal
- In Nepal: receive payments, set up Payoneer, withdraw from Fiverr and understand tax
Step 8: Stay safe and keep growing
- Freelance scam red flags and how to protect your accounts
- How to get testimonials and reviews and how to handle difficult clients
- How to budget with irregular income and time management for freelancers
- 40 free tools for freelancers and the free time tracker
Take it one step at a time. Most people need about a month to get from step 1 to step 6. Our 30-day plan to start freelancing with no money breaks it down day by day. New words confusing you? Check the freelancing glossary or the FAQ.