Are you ready to take control of your life and income? Are you interested in working from home and on your own schedule? Are you tired of the daily commute (especially with gas prices increasing by the day)?
If you answer yes to any or all of those questions, a freelance career may be for you. Whether you want to become a freelance marketer or sell homemade goods, entering the freelance world may be something to consider.
While there is never a guarantee of consistent work in the freelance industry, the need for freelancers has risen over 25% in the previous 20 years. Therefore, there is no time like the present to take your skills online.
Here is a look at 20 freelance business ideas that take virtually nothing other than your own skills, time, and hard work to get started.
#1: Graphic Designer
Graphic design is an in-demand freelance job right now, as businesses are constantly in need of logos, cover photos, memes, infographics, and more.
In order to find success with online graphic designing, you will need experience with graphic design software and solid drawing skills.
There are many online courses that you can take to expand your knowledge in graphic design or simply get started in this area so you can start offering graphic design services to clients.
#2: Data Analyst
Regardless of size, businesses are constantly using various types of data to identify certain trends in the behavior of their customers, allowing them to see the bigger picture of what their customers want and need.
As a freelance data analyst, you would use data analytics tools to assess campaign performance, market trends, sales figures, and more. There are online courses that you can take to sharpen your skills or start a career in data analytics.
#3: SEO Consultant
Search engine optimization is key to getting websites as high as possible in the search engine result pages (SERPs). Unfortunately, many people are not familiar with the concepts of SEO, and SEO can be a little daunting.
If you are a pro at SEO and understand the constantly changing Google algorithms, then you will find that the services of an SEO consultant are in high demand.
You can help businesses with their SEO content strategies, working to make them more visible to a larger audience.
#4: Copywriting
If you have a way with words and a good grasp of the English language, then copywriting may be a great freelance business idea for you.
As a copywriter, you would create a variety of content that can be used for websites, newsletters, advertising, e-mail campaigns, and more.
You may even write blog posts with eye-catching taglines that focus on SEO. You can work as a freelance copywriter through websites like WriterAccess, or you can work directly with clients that you find on your own who require your skills.
#5: Web Designer
If you are tech-savvy with a creative mind, freelance web design may be right up your alley. A web designer will generally create a website from the ground up, which means you should have knowledge of programming languages like HTML and CSS.
At the same time, you should be familiar with Photoshop or other imaging editing software.
If you think this is a career you would like to pursue but lack some of the skills necessary, you can find online classes to teach you everything you need to know.
#6: Email Marketing
Some believe emails are a dying marketing tactic, but the truth is that they are still powerful. With that being said, if you can develop content that is full of information and appealing, helping businesses with email marketing campaigns may be something to consider.
As an email marketer, you will need to have the ability to take the services and products a company offers and convey a promotional message that will convert readers into customers.
A background in marketing and sales can come in handy with this freelance position.
#7: Interior Design Consultant
Do you have a knack for color and pulling together designs that normally wouldn’t look good? If you love rearranging your home to make it more inviting, then becoming an interior design consultant may be something to consider.
The great thing about this job is that you don’t have to have a design degree. Instead, you simply need to create a diverse portfolio of work you’ve done.
If you lack previous work, ask your family and friends if you can redesign a room in their home and add it to your portfolio.
#8: Grant Writing
If you have decided that freelance writing is what you want to do, there are numerous opportunities available at your fingertips. One of the more lucrative freelance writing jobs you can take on is grant writing.
The great thing about this niche is that not anyone can do it, which means there will be less competition for you as you look for clients and jobs.
#9: Virtual Assistant
When a business needs some extra help, a virtual assistant may be just what they need.
Virtual assistants do far more than simply organize a client’s schedule, reply to their e-mails, and other administrative tasks. Many virtual assistants today have specialization in certain areas like accounting, marketing, etc.
One interesting thing about working freelance is how much you learn along the way, sometimes in the oddest ways. You start by offering a specific skill and quickly realize clients value your problem-solving abilities as much as the task itself. Before you know it, you’re fielding requests and researching things you never thought you’d touch—like helping someone find a caterer across the country, or figuring out a software integration that’s nowhere in your original contract. That’s half the fun, really, and it’s how a lot of freelancers find entirely new niches to expand their business.
Juggling several projects at once can get chaotic. Some freelancers end up working unconventional hours just to fit everything in, and—let’s be honest—there are days it feels like you’re herding cats. If multitasking isn’t your thing, don’t panic. There’s definitely space for specialists who want to keep their workload focused and routines steady. Over time, you’ll figure out which style fits, or tweak it until something finally sticks.
It’s also worth noting that being a freelancer sometimes means adapting to changing technology in real time. New tools and apps pop up constantly—honestly, it can almost be a full-time job just figuring out which are worth your time (and which are a waste of headspace). A lot of experienced freelancers end up sticking with a handful of reliable tools, but occasionally experimenting with new tech can lead to easier workflows or ways to serve clients you might not have imagined back in, say, 2019. There’s no one-size-fits-all toolkit, so be ready to try a few and see what actually makes your life easier.
Even establishing your rates gets easier with experience, though at first it feels weird to price your own work. Navigating whether to charge hourly or per project—or to establish a retainer system—isn’t as cut and dry as some people online make it seem. Even after a few years, you might still second-guess your pricing strategy every so often. The truth is, most people adjust as they go and eventually hit a rhythm that keeps the bills paid and the stress below panic level.
#10: Accounting
Businesses have finances, and many business owners don’t want to take the time to handle their own bookkeeping tasks. This is where a freelance accountant or bookkeeper comes in.
You would be responsible for recording, examining, and supervising the cash flow in and out of the business.
#11: Stock Photography
If you love to take photos, you may find that you can make some money with these photos. Stock imagery is often wanted by businesses to use on their websites, blog posts, and promotional materials.
You can find websites online where you can submit your stock images, or you can work directly with a client to create stock images they need. Some examples of these websites include Shutterstock and Getty Images.
#12: YouTube Video Creation
You may know YouTube for helping musicians become famous. However, there are numerous opportunities for you to make money on YouTube.
In order to do this, though, you will need to feel comfortable in front of the camera and have a creative flair.
You can choose to create videos for others, or you can sign up with the YouTube Partners Program and monetize your account so you can start making money creating videos to help others.
#13: Game Development
The video game industry is consistently growing each year, which means there are new job opportunities for those who can design and develop video games, as well as modelers and animators.
The outlook for this niche is promising, so if you are good with computers and video games, then becoming a freelance video game developer makes sense.
#14: Affiliate Sales and Marketing
By selling other people’s products online, you have a chance to make some solid commission.
If you currently have a website or blog that has a loyal audience, then passive income from the content you’re publishing is ideal. Otherwise, you can start fresh. ShareASale and Amazon Associates can help get you started.
This can be a lucrative business opportunity that doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time.
#15: Translator
Businesses are beginning to do more work worldwide, and as a result, it is imperative that they have people on staff who are fluent in more than their home language.
If you are fluent in multiple languages, you may be able to get a freelance gig translating business documents. Fiverr is a great place to get started looking for remote translator jobs.
#16: Transcriber
If you type quickly and accurately, a freelance transcriptionist may be the career path for you. As a transcriber, you would listen to a recording like a speed or a video conference, and then type out every word as it is spoken.
YouTube transcriptions are growing in popularity. After all, some people would prefer to read a document than watch a video. The more languages you can transcribe, the more valuable you will be.
#17: Tutor
Do you have strong mathematical, English, or writing skills? Or maybe you can play the piano like a pro? Whatever your particular talent may be, you may be able to help others who are struggling in that department by teaching your skills to them.
As a freelance tutor, you may work with young children, teens, adults, or a little bit of all age groups. ESL tutors are in high demand.
#18: Social Media Manager
If you have a good grasp of social media, becoming a social media consultant may be a solid fit.
This gig would have you helping companies understand the power of social media and how to use social media to achieve their business goals.
#19: Sell Your Crafts
If you like to create handmade goods, you may consider selling these items on Etsy. From quilts to jewelry, you can quickly turn your hobby into a side hustle.
Aside from Etsy, you can sell on ArtFire, on Handmade at Amazon, and even at vendor fairs in your local area.
#20: Voice Narrator
Someone can come up with the best idea ever, but if their voice isn’t “ideal,” then the idea may fall short. This is where voice talent comes into play.
From virtual answer services to video creation, voice narrators are needed. If you have a good microphone and computer setup along with an easy-to-understand voice, then you can become a voice narrator.
You can get started on Fiverr looking for Voice Over gigs.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there are numerous freelance business ideas out there to help you get started down the path of success on your own. All it takes is deciding which type of gig you have the skills for and having a strong work ethic.
