Lessons, Tools, and Tips to Help You Start Smarter
When I started freelancing, I had no idea what I was doing.
No guide. No mentor. Just a mix of fear, excitement, and YouTube.
I spent hours tweaking my profile and proposals. Most of the time, I didn’t get a single reply.
Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and told me what actually matters.
Here’s what I learned—and the tools I use now that make freelancing less stressful and more sustainable.
1. You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Start
I thought I had to be great at something before I could offer it.
But your basic skills—writing, researching, editing, organizing, even typing fast—can solve someone’s problem.
Tip: Start with what people already ask you for help with. That’s your first service.
Tool to try:
➡️ COURSERA – Learn in-demand freelance skills like copywriting, design, and productivity (You can promote a free trial link for affiliate income)
2. Set Up Your Profile Once—and Focus on Outreach
Spending hours tweaking your Upwork or OnlineJobs profile won’t help if no one sees it.
Instead, focus on sending 3–5 good proposals per day.
Keep it short. Focus on how you can help. Make it personal.
Useful Templates:
➡️ Freelance Proposal Starter Kit by Bonsai – Clean, professional proposals in minutes (insert your referral link if you're a Bonsai affiliate)
3. Use Tools That Save Time and Build Trust
Freelancing is more than getting hired. You also need to:
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Track time
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Send invoices
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Organize tasks
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Store files
My go-to tools:
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Toggl Track – For time tracking
https://toggl.com/ -
Canva – For making social media graphics and client materials
https://www.canva.com/ -
Notion – For project and task management
https://www.notion.so/ -
Payoneer or Wise – For receiving international payments (Add affiliate link)
Want to simplify everything?
➡️ Try Bonsai – It offers proposals, contracts, time tracking, invoicing, and more in one place. (great for affiliate promotion)
4. Build a Simple Portfolio Without a Website
Clients don’t need fancy. They need proof.
Don’t have a website yet? Use one of these:
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Google Docs – Create a one-page service intro and share the link
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Canva – Make a portfolio with free templates
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Notion – Create a simple portfolio page for free
You can upgrade later when you have more samples.
If you want a personal site, check:
➡️ Zyro or Hostinger – Easy to use, beginner-friendly
5. Follow Freelance Job Boards—But Don’t Rely Only on Them
Job platforms are good for early experience. But they’re crowded.
Try a mix of:
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SolidGigs – Curated freelance leads (paid, with affiliate options)
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Direct outreach on LinkedIn or by email
Don’t just wait for work. Message businesses. Start conversations. Offer help.
6. Stay Accountable With a Simple Routine
Freelancing gives freedom, but it can also create chaos.
A simple daily setup:
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1 hour of
learning -
2 hours applying or prospecting
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2–3 hours doing actual client work
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30 mins organizing and following up
Helpful tools:
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Pomofocus – A Pomodoro timer for better focus https://pomofocus.io/
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Trello – A visual task manager https://trello.com/
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Everything—Just One Step
You don’t need all the tools, the perfect setup, or a complete portfolio.
You just need:
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One skill you’re willing to offer
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One person to provide it to
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One tool to keep you organized
If you’re reading this, you’re already closer than you think.
Want help picking your first service or tool?
Drop a comment or message me. I’ll reply.
☕ Let’s Grow Together – One Step at a Time
If this guide helped you feel more prepared or a bit less overwhelmed, you can support my writing here:
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Your support helps me share more free tools, lessons, and real stories that make freelancing feel less confusing, especially when you’re just starting out.
Thanks for being here and for being part of this journey.
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