Sell Your Skills! Online Freelancing for Beginners
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about online freelancing for beginners.
Freelancing is the third of Lynnaider’s ten ways to earn. For lots of people, it’s the most familiar one. You sell what you already know how to do!
What is it?
Lynnaider’s definition: offering your skills and time online, as a service. Freelancers work for themselves, one project at a time. They make special work for clients who pay for what they know.
Between a job and your own business
Grown-ups call freelancing the step between having a job and having your own business. You choose your own time, like a business owner. But you also do work for clients, a bit like having a boss!
And like a job, clients usually want to know WHO they’re working with. So showing yourself is more expected here.
Compared with a job
Like a job: someone else decides what the work is, and pays for it.
Not like a job: YOU choose your clients, your prices, and when you work. But there’s no fixed pay, no paid holidays, and no boss handling taxes or insurance.
That freedom is what lots of people love!
Can you freelance without your face?
Yes, you can! You can show only your business and your work. Just know that showing your face is the usual way.
Fun fact: Lynnaider’s logo was made by a faceless freelancer on Fiverr! His work was so creative that nobody even thought about looking for someone with a profile picture!
What freelancers do
Freelancers usually do short projects. They can offer almost anything! Design, advice, styling, or even personal meditation videos.
Who is it for?
People with a skill others need. From your job, school, a hobby, or life! If people keep asking you for help with something, that might be your service.
People who want to start earning without making a product or keeping stock. You can start with just a profile and a clear offer. That makes it one of the quickest ways to start!
Not so great for people who want money that grows without their time. Freelancers get paid for their work and time, so you can only earn as much as your hours allow. Lots of freelancers later add a second way to earn, like a digital product.
Freelancing and AI
AI is changing freelancing fast! Some simple tasks are now done by AI in seconds. But there’s new demand for humans who check, fix and approve what AI makes.
Several freelancing examples build their service around that human check! And using AI yourself can make you faster too.
An example
Imagine a teacher who LOVES drawing. On weekends, she makes custom pictures for children’s books on a freelancing marketplace. Her profile shows a few drawings, her prices and how long she takes. But no photo of herself!
Her first client finds her through search, and leaves a nice review. After a few months, she has a small, steady side income!
Small and private
Lots of freelancing marketplaces are free to join, and only take a piece when you earn. You’d be surprised how little you need! No monthly payments before you have clients.
Your work can speak for you!
What’s next?
The next article explains what you offer as a freelancer, and how to find YOUR service. The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you start? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is online freelancing?
Selling your skills and time online, one project at a time.
Do freelancers have to show their face?
It’s common, but not needed! Lynnaider’s logo was made by a faceless freelancer.
Is freelancing a good first way to earn?
It can be! But your money depends on your time.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Is there a cheap way to start?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start freelancing for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
