How I Get Freelance Work (2025 Guide)

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If you have ever sat in front of your phone or laptop wondering how to get freelance work, you’re not alone. When I first started freelancing, I had no idea where to begin. I kept searching online for answers like:

  • How do I get freelance work with no experience?
  • Where do beginners find real clients?
  • Which platforms actually pay?

I tried different platforms, applied for dozens of jobs, and made plenty of mistakes. But over time, I figured out exactly where real clients are, how to attract them, and how to avoid the scams that trap many beginners.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I personally get freelance work, the platforms I use, and the red flags I’ve learned to avoid. Whether you’re a student, a new freelancer, or someone looking for extra income, the steps here will help you get your first client faster than you think.

If you’re a complete beginner, start with this helpful guide:
👉 How to Start Freelancing in 2025 (For Beginners)

 

Table of Contents

What Freelancing Really Means in 2025

Freelancing in 2025 isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a real career path that allows millions of people worldwide to earn money online without needing traditional jobs.

Many companies now hire freelancers because it is cheaper and more flexible than full-time employment. That means there are more opportunities than ever to get freelance work, even as a beginner.

Freelancing gives you:

✔ Freedom to choose your working hours
✔ The ability to work from home
✔ Access to global clients
✔ Income in dollars or your local currency
✔ Unlimited earning potential
✔ The chance to build your own brand

You don’t need a degree or a fancy background. You only need one skill that solves a problem.

Not sure what skill to start with?
👉 How to Start Freelancing in 2025 (For Beginners) explains the easiest skills for beginners.

 

Skills You Need to Get Freelance Work

You don’t need to be an expert to get freelance work. You only need to be good enough to deliver results. Some of the most in-demand freelance skills in 2025 include:

🔹 Digital Skills (medium to high demand)

  • Content writing
  • Copywriting
  • SEO writing
  • Graphic design
  • Video editing
  • Social media management
  • Web design
  • UX/UI
  • Virtual assistance
  • Programming
  • Data analytics
  • Digital marketing

🔹 Beginner-Friendly Skills (easy to learn)

  • Data entry
  • Virtual assistant tasks
  • Transcription
  • Simple graphic design
  • Social media posting
  • Email handling

If you’re a student or young professional, check this helpful guide:
👉 10 Legit Ways to Make Money Online as a Student

What matters most is consistency, professionalism, and willingness to learn.

 

Where I Personally Get Freelance Work (My Real Story)

Now let me be completely honest:

Most beginners believe Fiverr and Upwork are the “only” places to get clients. But my real experience is different.

⭐ About 70% of my freelance jobs came from Facebook groups.

Yes — Facebook. Not Fiverr, not Upwork.

The remaining 30% came from platforms like:

But if you want fast results as a beginner, nothing beats Facebook groups.

 

How I Get Freelance Work on Facebook Groups (Including Scam Warnings)

Facebook may not be the first platform you think of, but it has become one of the biggest marketplaces for freelancers worldwide. Clients post new opportunities every hour, and competition is much lower than traditional freelance marketplaces.

✔ Why Facebook Groups Work So Well

  • You don’t need approval
  • You can message clients directly
  • Many clients hire instantly
  • No high competition
  • No service fees like Fiverr/Upwork
  • It’s beginner-friendly
  • Global opportunities

You can join groups by searching on Facebook for:

  • Freelance writing jobs
  • Social media manager jobs
  • Virtual assistant jobs
  • Graphic design jobs
  • SEO jobs
  • Content creator jobs
  • Remote work opportunities

Once you start joining the right groups, you’ll notice that job posts appear constantly from real people.

⚠️ BUT — Facebook Has Many Scammers (My Real-Life Story)

Although I get a lot of freelance work from Facebook, I also encountered many scammers. Here are some real experiences:

  • A client requested a free “test article” of 1,500 words — then blocked me.
  • Someone asked me to “pay ₦5,000 for registration.” Scam.
  • A fake recruiter sent me a Telegram link that led to a “trading platform.” Scam.
  • I delivered a design sample and the person disappeared.
  • Another “client” offered $300 for a simple job — then asked me to buy a “training ebook.” Scam.

These experiences taught me strict safety rules.

⭐ My Facebook Scam Rules (Very Important)

❌ 1. Never pay for jobs

No real employer asks for money for registration or company card, so don’t fall for their scams.

❌ 2. Avoid many samples

Send one samples only, or watermarked previews.

❌ 3. Don’t deliver the full project without partial payment

Ask for 30–50% upfront.

❌ 4. Avoid clients who refuse voice or video calls

They hide their identity for a reason.

❌ 5. Don’t click suspicious links

Many are crypto or phishing scams.

❌ 6. Avoid job posts with too-good-to-be-true pay

For example: “Earn $500 daily writing 5 articles of 1000-1500 words.”

❌ 7. Avoid groups where every post asks you to DM a Telegram link

These are usually coordinated scam networks.

By following these rules, I reduced scam encounters by over 90%.

✔ How I Actually Get Freelance Work from Facebook Groups

Here is my real strategy:

Step 1: Join 10–20 niche Facebook groups

Example: If you’re a writer, search “Freelance Writers Needed.”

Step 2: Create a professional profile

Your profile should look real — clients check this.

Step 3: Comment early

When jobs appear, comment immediately. Speed matters.

Step 4: DM the client politely

Keep it short:
“Hi, I saw your job post. Here are my samples.”

Step 5: Share your portfolio

Use Google Drive or Notion.

Step 6: Ask for a deposit

It protects you from non-paying clients.

Step 7: Deliver fast and communicate well

This increases your chances of repeat work.

 

Other Good Platforms to Get Freelance Work as a Beginner

Aside from Facebook groups, there are reliable global platforms where beginners can get freelance work even with little experience. These platforms have millions of buyers searching for writers, designers, virtual assistants, programmers, editors, and digital marketers.

In this section, I’ll break down the best places for beginners, including how each platform works, the type of clients you’ll find, and pro tips to get your first job faster.

1. Fiverr — Fastest Platform for Beginners

👉 Fiverr is one of the easiest platforms for beginners to start selling freelance services. You don’t need to apply to jobs — clients come to you.

⭐ Why Fiverr Helps You Get Freelance Work

  • No proposals required
  • You offer services as “gigs”
  • Global exposure to millions of buyers
  • High chance of getting your first order
  • Suitable for beginners with no experience
  • No interviews needed

If you want help setting up Fiverr the right way, read this detailed guide:
👉 How to Make Money on Fiverr in 2025

✔ Best Skills for Fiverr:

  • Writing (blog posts, articles)
  • Graphic design
  • Video editing
  • Logo design
  • Social media posts
  • Virtual assistant tasks
  • Resume writing
  • Website building (WordPress)

⭐ How to Get Your First Client Faster

  • Use a clean, smiling profile picture
  • Add 3–4 SEO-optimized gig descriptions
  • Add gig images + portfolio samples
  • Use competitive starter pricing
  • Deliver extremely fast in the beginning
  • Encourage happy clients to leave reviews

If you follow this strategy, you can start attracting small orders within 10–21 days.

2. Upwork — Best for Professional Freelancers

👉 Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world, but it is slightly more competitive than Fiverr. Here, clients post job listings and freelancers submit proposals.

⭐ Why Upwork Can Help You Get Freelance Work

  • Large number of high-paying clients
  • Ideal for writers, developers, designers, and VAs
  • Clients search for long-term freelancers
  • Top freelancers earn $5,000–$20,000/month
  • Great if you want recurring income

✔ Upwork Works Best For:

  • Experienced freelancers
  • Strong portfolios
  • Writers with niches
  • Developers and technical workers
  • Social media managers
  • Virtual assistants

⭐ Tips to Get Your First Client on Upwork

  • Keep your proposal short and specific
  • Add past work samples immediately
  • Apply early (within 10–30 minutes of posting)
  • Use a professional headshot
  • Focus on one niche (e.g., SEO writing, not “writing everything”)

Upwork is slower than Fiverr at first, but once you get your first two reviews, the platform becomes much easier.

3. LinkedIn — Best for High-Quality Clients

👉 LinkedIn is one of the most powerful places to get freelance work, especially if you want serious and professional clients.

Most beginners underestimate LinkedIn, but this platform can completely change your freelancing career if used properly.

⭐ Why LinkedIn Works

  • Clients can find YOU
  • Easy to reach CEOs, founders, and managers
  • Many clients prefer LinkedIn freelancers
  • Higher pay compared to Facebook and Fiverr
  • Zero competition — you stand out by simply posting

✔ What to Do on LinkedIn

  • Optimize your profile with keywords
  • Add “Freelance Writer / Virtual Assistant / Designer” in your headline
  • Post content 3–4 times a week
  • Use hashtags like #Hiring #FreelanceWriter #RemoteJobs
  • Send polite DMs to potential clients

Example DM Template

Hi [Name], I saw your post about needing a freelance [skill]. I specialize in that area and would love to share samples. Here’s my portfolio link.

LinkedIn works extremely well for writers, editors, designers, social media managers, and VAs.

If you stay active for 30 days, clients will start messaging YOU.

4.  Freelancer.com — Good for Getting Multiple Daily Jobs

👉 Freelancer is similar to Upwork but less competitive. Clients create job listings and freelancers bid for them.

⭐ Why Freelancer.com Helps You Get Freelance Work

  • Many daily job postings
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Easy to stand out
  • Cheaper proposal fees
  • Lower competition

✔ Best Jobs for Beginners

  • Writing
  • Data entry
  • Customer support
  • Simple graphic design
  • Website fixes
  • Small editing tasks

⭐ Pro Tips for Success

  • Avoid huge projects as a beginner
  • Apply only to clear and well-written job descriptions
  • Always check client reviews before accepting work

Freelancer.com is great for small jobs that build your portfolio.

 

5. PeoplePerHour — Best for UK Clients

👉 PeoplePerHour is a freelancing platform popular in the UK and Europe. It is beginner-friendly and has many remote jobs.

⭐ Why It’s Worth Trying

  • Clients often hire quickly
  • Lower competition
  • Popular for writing and design jobs
  • Simple onboarding process

✔ Best Categories

  • Writing & Translation
  • Design
  • Digital Marketing
  • Admin & Customer Support

If you’re looking to expand beyond Fiverr and Upwork, this is a solid option.

6. SimplyHired, Remote.co, WeWorkRemotely — Remote Job Boards

Some websites post daily freelance jobs from verified companies. These are not marketplaces — they are job boards.

⭐ Top Job Boards for Freelancers

These sites are perfect if you want:

✔ Long-term clients
✔ Contract-based work
✔ High-paying corporate roles
✔ Stable income

If you want more remote job strategies, read this guide:
👉 Remote Jobs 2025: Legit Work-From-Home Careers

 

7. Reddit Communities — Hidden Goldmine for Freelancers

Reddit may not seem like a freelancing platform, but it has some of the BEST communities where clients post jobs daily.

⭐ Best Subreddits to Get Freelance Work

Reddit is different from Facebook because many clients are anonymous — but still serious.

⭐ Tips for Using Reddit

  • Follow subreddit rules
  • Be polite
  • Add your portfolio upfront
  • Avoid jobs offering “exposure” instead of payment
  • Avoid crypto or Telegram links

If you’re consistent, you can get freelance work from Reddit every week.

8. Twitter/X — Real-Time Freelance Opportunities

Surprisingly, Twitter/X is one of the best platforms to connect with real clients instantly.

⭐ Why It Works

  • Many founders and brand owners use it
  • Fast communication
  • Opportunity to reply to hiring tweets
  • Easy to build a personal brand

⭐ What to Do

  • Follow the hashtag #Hiring
  • Follow freelance agencies
  • Retweet your portfolio
  • Reply to job threads quickly

Building a presence on Twitter can attract clients within weeks.

 

How to Build a Portfolio That Gets You Freelance Work (Even With No Experience)

Most beginners think they must wait until they get their first real client before building a portfolio.
That is completely wrong.

If you want to get freelance work consistently, you must create your portfolio BEFORE applying for jobs.

Clients will always ask:
“Can I see your samples?”

If you don’t have samples, they move on to the next freelancer.
So here is how to build a strong portfolio from scratch.

⭐ Step 1: Create 3–5 High-Quality Samples Related to Your Niche

Let’s say you want to be a:

✔ Writer

Create sample articles like:

  • “5 Best AI Tools for Students”
  • “How to Start Dropshipping in 2025”
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing”

✔ Graphic Designer

Create:

  • Logo designs
  • Social media banners
  • Business card samples

✔ Virtual Assistant

Create:

  • A sample weekly schedule
  • A sample email management system
  • A sample social media content calendar

✔ Web Designer

Create:

  • 2–3 demo websites using WordPress or Figma

Your goal is to show, not tell.
Clients don’t care about your degree — they care about RESULTS.

⭐ Step 2: Upload Your Portfolio Online

Best free platforms to host your portfolio:

  • Google Drive (free & simple)
  • Canva portfolio website
  • Notion portfolio page
  • Behance (for designers)
  • Medium (for writers)

Your portfolio should contain:

✔ 1–2 sentences about you
✔ A list of your skills
✔ 5–10 samples
✔ Contact details
✔ Social media links
✔ A professional profile picture

⭐ Step 3: Optional — Create a Personal Portfolio Website

This is not required for beginners, but having a website makes clients trust you more.

If you ever want to set up a portfolio website later, I can help you build one that is SEO-optimized.

 

How to Pitch Clients Professionally (Templates Included)

Now you have a portfolio.
The next step is knowing how to talk to clients.

Most beginners lose jobs because their messages are too long or too desperate.

Here are the exact templates I personally used to get freelance work from Facebook, LinkedIn, Fiverr inbox, Upwork, and email.

⭐ Template 1 — For Facebook Groups

Hi [Client Name],
I saw your post about needing a freelance writer. I specialize in writing engaging SEO-friendly content and would love to help.
Here are 3 samples of similar work:
[Portfolio link]
My rate is friendly, and I can deliver fast. Can we discuss your project?

Short. Professional. Direct.

⭐ Template 2 — For LinkedIn Clients

Hello [Name],
I noticed you’re looking for a freelance [skill]. I help businesses achieve [result] through high-quality work and clear communication.
Here is my portfolio: [link]
If you’re open to it, I’d love to discuss how I can support you.

⭐ Template 3 — Upwork Proposal

Hi [Client Name],
I read your project description and can deliver exactly what you need.
Here’s why I’m a good fit:
✔ I’ve done similar projects
✔ I deliver fast and communicate clearly
✔ I include revisions until you’re satisfied
Portfolio: [link]
I’m available to start immediately.

⭐ Template 4 — Email Pitch

**Subject: Freelance [Skill] Available to Assist Your Brand

Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I help businesses with [skill + result].
Here are samples of my work:
[Link]
If you need a reliable freelancer for long-term or short-term projects, I’d love to collaborate.
Thank you!**

How to Avoid Scams When Trying to Get Freelance Work

Because I get freelance work mainly from Facebook groups, I have seen MANY scams and I have been in this field for over 2 years now.
Some people pretend to hire you, collect your samples, block you, or ask you to pay something.

Here are the most common scam signs:

❌ 1. Clients Who Ask You to Pay Before Getting a Job

Never pay for:

  • “registration fees”
  • “account activation fees”
  • “software fees”
  • “security charges”

A real client pays YOU, not the other way around.

❌ 2. Clients Who Ask for Free Work

Free work is the biggest scam in Facebook groups.

They will say:
“Do 5 samples, then we’ll hire you.”

No real client needs 5 samples.

✔ SAFE RULE

Give only ONE sample, and ONLY if:

  • The job looks real
  • The client communicates clearly
  • The sample is small (not a full project)

❌ 3. Clients Who Send Telegram Links That Look Suspicious

Most scam groups ask you to “message the admin.”
Avoid them.

❌ 4. Clients Who Refuse to Pay After Work Is Delivered

This is common on Facebook.

✔ SAFE RULE

Ask for 50% upfront if the client has no history or proof.
Or deliver work in parts, not all at once.

❌ 5. Overpay Scams

They say:
“We will pay you $300, but accidentally sent $1,000. Please refund $700.”

This is ALWAYS a scam.
You will lose money.

 

How to Set Your Prices as a Beginner

Pricing is difficult when you’re new, but here is a simple system that works:

⭐ Writing Jobs (Beginner Pricing)

  • $2-5 for 500 words
  • $7-10 for 1,000 words
  • $15-20 for 2,000 words

Once you get 3–5 clients:
Increase your rates by 40%.

⭐ Design Jobs (Beginner Pricing)

  • Logos: $5–$15
  • Social media posts: $2–$5 per design
  • Thumbnails: $3–$8

Increase prices after your first reviews.

⭐ Virtual Assistant (Beginner Pricing)

  • $3–$7 per hour
  • $50–$120 per month (part-time VA)

⭐ Web Design (Beginner Pricing)

  • $50–$100 for simple WordPress websites
    Increase after your first 2 clients.

 

How to Turn One Client Into Ten Clients (My Real Method)

If you want to get freelance work consistently, you need returning customers.

Here is how I built long-term relationships:

⭐ 1. Deliver Work Before the Deadline

If the deadline is 48 hours, deliver in 24.
Clients will never forget this.

⭐ 2. Give Extra Value

If writing articles, add:

  • SEO title
  • Meta description
  • Internal linking ideas

It costs you nothing but makes the client trust you.

⭐ 3. Be extremely polite

Clients come back to freelancers who:

  • Communicate well
  • Are patient
  • Reply fast

⭐ 4. Offer discounts for bulk work

Example:
“Order 10 articles, get 15% off.”

⭐ 5. Always ask for referrals

Clients usually know other business owners.

Just ask politely:
“Do you know anyone else who needs this service?”
This works surprisingly well.

 

Final Step-By-Step Plan to Start Getting Freelance Work Immediately

Here is the exact roadmap I followed to get freelance work consistently:

DAY 1 — Choose your skill

  • Writing
  • Graphic design
  • Virtual assistant
  • Social media management
  • Video editing

DAY 2 — Create your portfolio

Five samples. One page. High quality.

DAY 3 — Create accounts on major platforms

  • Fiverr
  • Upwork
  • PeoplePerHour
  • LinkedIn
  • Freelancer

DAY 4 — Join 20 Facebook freelancing groups

Search for:
“Freelance writers”
“Content writing jobs”
“Virtual assistant jobs”
“Remote jobs 2025”

DAY 5 — Start pitching clients (minimum 20 per day)

Use the templates above.

DAY 6 — Learn how to avoid scams

Follow the safety rules.

DAY 7–14 — Continue pitching

This is where consistency wins.
If you pitch 20–40 clients per day, you WILL get your first job.

 

Conclusion

Getting freelance work is not about luck — it’s about strategy, consistency, and knowing where to look.

If you follow everything in this article:

✔ You will build a strong portfolio
✔ You will avoid scammers
✔ You will pitch clients properly
✔ You will get your first freelance job faster
✔ You can turn freelancing into a full income stream

To explore more online money-making guides, check these:
👉 How to Start Freelancing in 2025
👉 How to Make Money on Fiverr in 2025
👉 10 Legit Ways to Make Money Online as a Student
👉 Remote Jobs 2025

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