15 Freelance Job Ideas for Beginners

On the hunt for freelance job ideas? Worried about being a beginner with little to no experience? Well, have no fear! There are lots of great options available for aspiring freelancers.

We’ve previously looked at the most in-demand freelance skills that could benefit you in a range of different roles. Today, we’re going to examine 15 exciting freelance career options and offer you some guidance on how to get started.

Let’s dive in!

1. Accountant

It’s essential for a company’s financial records to be maintained accurately. Accurate financial records ensure a company can budget correctly and file tax returns. This is where accountants come in. Duties may include preparing invoices, organizing payroll, filing taxes, providing auditing services, analyzing profits and losses, and more.

To succeed in this job, you’ll need to know how to use accounting software and be able to critically analyze data. You should also be able to work efficiently alone or as part of a team, communicate effectively with business owners, and have good time-management skills.

Check out this seven-step guide on how to become a freelance accountant to see if this job appeals to you.

2. Graphic Designer

Businesses constantly need logos and other graphics for websites, marketing materials, videos, and other visual content. This makes graphic designers an important part of any business.

To be successful, proficiency with graphic design software is crucial. Additionally having an artistic side is necessary to understand various design elements like logos, print, illustration, typography, and motion design.

Many graphic designers have gone to school to hone their craft, but it’s not a necessity. If you have experience, showcasing your portfolio online is a great way to attract and impress clients.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to become a graphic designer.

3. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant provides various administrative, technical, or creative services to business professionals. This can include data entry, scheduling, managing emails, and making phone calls. They can also be in charge of social media management, content creation, or bookkeeping.

Excellent customer service skills are required for this job. You should also be organized, able to communicate effectively, and good with a computer. You may need certifications if you want to offer more specialized services, but you don’t need any specific previous experience to become a virtual assistant.

Check out this guide if you want to become a virtual assistant and land your first job.

4. Tutor

Many people turn to the internet when they want to learn something new. This is where online teachers and tutors are invaluable. These educators provide online classes for anyone and can assist with a countless number of different subjects.

Typically, you would pick one or two areas to specialize in (e.g., astronomy tutor for college students) based on your educational or professional background. To be a proficient educator requires patience, empathy, and a positive mindset. You must be an active listener and know how to communicate clearly and effectively with your learners.

Here is an article discussing different tutoring jobs and how to become an online educator.

5. Interior Design Consultant

Being an interior design consultant can be a rewarding freelance job if you have an eye for making spaces visually appealing. Tasks include picking color schemes, rearranging furniture, and decorating.

The great thing about this job is you don’t need any type of formal education (although there are interior design courses available if you want to get a headstart). If interior design is something you’re good at, you can build a portfolio simply by taking pictures of work you’ve done in your own house or those of your family and friends.

It’s common for interior design consultants to work virtually, meaning they can serve clients remotely all over the world. This 15-step plan will tell you exactly how to get started in this job.

6. Digital Marketing Manager

The purpose of this job is to help businesses establish themselves online, increase their visibility, and attract new customers. How you achieve these goals can vary based on the type of business. You may need to maintain social media accounts, set up pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, run email marketing campaigns, create website content, and manage other traffic sources.

To be a successful digital marketing manager, you’ll need to be creative, understand marketing strategies and best practices, and be skilled in using the online platforms the businesses want to utilize.

Here’s a guide from the Digital Marketing Institute on how to become a digital marketer.

7. Web Designer

Web designers are responsible for the overall layout and design of websites. Tasks can include coding web pages, creating templates, selecting appropriate images, wireframing, and deciding brand elements like color schemes and fonts.

Being a web designer will require some technical knowledge of software such as Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch. You may also need to know about programming languages (e.g., HTML, JavaScript, and CSS).

Here’s a useful blog that can tell you how to start a career in web design.

8. Voice Actor

Voice actors use their voices to communicate messages and bring characters to life. They can find work in the entertainment industry – lending their vocal talent to video games, television shows, and movies – as well as contributing to other projects like instructional videos, product demos, advertisements, audiobooks, virtual answering services, and sizzle reels.

Voice actors need to be able to convey emotion using the pitch and inflection of their voices. Vocal training workshops can be a great way to train your voice and refine your skills. You’ll also need some basic knowledge of audio equipment, sound recording techniques, and how to edit recordings (especially if you plan to record in a home studio).

To find your first voice acting job, follow this six-step plan.

9. Photographer

Do you own a camera and like to take pictures? If so, then you’re in luck! Photography is an exciting freelance job idea that provides a multitude of opportunities for freelancing beginners. You can work with companies on advertising campaigns, take wedding and event pictures, do portraits, or take stock photos to sell online.

If you want to start a photography business, all you need to get started is a high-quality digital camera, the knowledge of how to use it, and an eye for good angles and lighting. You can offer a more complete service if you know a little about photo editing.

Here are seven steps you can follow to become a freelance photographer.

10. Translator

If you’re fluent in more than one language, you have the prerequisites to be a freelance translator. Translators play an important role in international communication and can find work in academics, politics, and business. The job requires translating written or recorded content from one language to another.

There are several skills you need to succeed as a translator. These include excellent reading comprehension, active listening, research, and writing capabilities.

If this sounds appealing to you, find out how to land your first job as a freelance translator.

11. Video Editor

Video editors take, review, trim, edit, and arrange raw video footage to create a final piece of video or film. Additionally, the work may involve adding visual effects, voiceovers, and audio to the footage. Freelance video editors can work alone or as part of a larger team, on a wide range of projects.

Video editors need to be creative and have a great eye for detail. They must be good at visual storytelling (using video to engage, entertain, educate, or inspire their audience).

To find work as a freelance video editor, you’ll need to own a camera, microphone, and video editing software, and know how to use them.

If this appeals to you, take a look at this article on starting a career as a video editor.

12. Data Entry Clerk

Almost every kind of business that operates today has some form of data. When businesses want to digitize this data, or switch from one software program to another, they need people who can enter that data. The job is mostly clerical work that requires entering data into computers by typing, voice recording, or using a scanner.

To excel at this job, you should be familiar with word processors and database software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) and have excellent typing skills and a detail-oriented mindset.

To get started, it can help to have some formal education, but experience or an aptitude for this type of work is what’s most important.

Here’s what it takes to become a data entry clerk.

13. Copy Editor

There are lots of different types of editing. Copy editing is the last step in the editing process before proofreading (more on proofreading later). It involves reviewing a piece of writing line by line to address inconsistencies, improve readability, and make sure it adheres to the relevant style guide.

Copy editors need an excellent grasp of grammar, spelling, punctuation, great attention to detail, and the ability to follow a style guide. They also need to understand the deeper nuances of style and syntax. This means maintaining a consistent tone throughout and improving clarity and readability.

Copy editors also need good interpersonal skills to work effectively with their clients. They should be capable of providing guidance to writers while also offering encouragement and understanding.

Here are five easy-to-follow tips for getting a job in editing with no experience.

14. Proofreader

Proofreaders can work on many types of documents: scripts, academic articles, books, magazines, legal documents, business-related materials, and more. They identify and address mechanical errors in a document – spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar, punctuation errors, and inconsistencies in formatting. They also make sure that the document follows specific style guidelines.

Proofreaders need a strong grasp of the English language, knowledge of style guides, and excellent attention to detail.

One of the best things about this job is that you can start a career as a proofreader without any previous experience. 

15. Content Writer

A content writer’s goal is to create content that educates, inspires, engages, or entertains others. They can work on different materials including blog posts, social media content, email campaigns, digital and print advertisements, white papers… and so much more.

While some content writers are generalists, many choose a niche and focus their efforts there. For example, you could specialize in SEO, travel, sports, or food writing.

Aside from the obvious – being able to write well – content writers need to conduct thorough research, adapt their style to suit a brand’s voice, and edit their work to make sure it’s clear and error-free. They also must be able to follow a brief and communicate effectively with clients to understand their needs.

Like the sound of content writing? Check out our guide on how to become a freelance content writer.

Becoming A Freelancer

If you’re ready to explore one of these exciting freelance job ideas, check out our CPD-accredited courses. They’re designed to help anyone start a flexible, rewarding, new career (in proofreading, editing, content writing, and others). 

Don’t worry if you don’t know which one of these options is right for you. Take advantage of our free lessons and start learning today!