A very common question, how to start freelancing?

All freelancers or those wishing to start freelancing must know the basics to start freelancing. If you don’t know the basics then I will recommend reading this article first What is freelancing?

Newbie time and again asks this question “how do I start freelancing”. The answer is hidden in knowing the types of freelancing.

Types of Freelancing

There are two types of freelancing globally used.

• Direct Freelancing

                      &

• Indirect Freelancing

Direct freelancing

Direct freelancing is very common now a day. It is to do freelancing work by directly contacting the client. There is no third party involved in this case. Now how can we contact directly to the client? It is done by using different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, etc. Many clients directly post their jobs on these platforms and we offer our freelance services to them.

Indirect freelancing

It is the most used freelancing type in the freelancing world. We do indirect freelancing by selecting some platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, freelancer.com, etc. In this scenario, we have to pay a specific amount to the respective platform. The clients or buyers post their work on these sites and we apply for the work and earn money.

Advantages of doing direct freelancing:

It is quite beneficial as we do not pay money to anyone else. We directly make a deal with our client and they pay us without involving a 3^rd party. For example, we have done article writing for a client for $100 then we will receive the whole amount by ourselves without any deduction.

Disadvantages:

It is pertinent to mention here that there are also chances of scam in direct freelancing. When there are good people then there are some bad ones too. These types of fraudulent activities make it somehow insecure. It is a possibility that a client may take work from us even by using a fake ID and runs away after taking the work.

Advantages of indirect freelancing

Indirect freelancing is comparatively safe. In this case, we have to focus on our work and on how to win projects? rather than thinking about payment. By doing indirect freelancing we have a good chance to make new clients by getting good reviews. Our good profile on a freelancing platform is a tool for earning on a regular basis.

Disadvantages:

In indirect freelancing, we have to pay a handsome amount to the platform we are using. Like in Fiverr if we complete a $100 order then they will deduct $20 as their fee. Consequently, we will earn only $80. Moreover, in case we do not follow their rules and regulations like not sharing our contract details or requesting clients for good reviews, they can block our profile.

Conclusion:

It is very important to know the worth of types of freelancing before starting your career. Both types of freelancing have pros and cons but we have to choose at our convenience. At the start, a new freelancer may try every forum to get work.

With the passage of time and gaining experience, freelancers would be in a better position to decide their plans. Hopefully, now you would be in a better position to answer the question, “How do I start freelancing?”

In the coming post, we will discuss scamming and how to avoid it in direct freelancing. Stay tuned!!