Quick Summary
If you want to earn a limitless amount by working only 6 hours a day, then freelancing is the way for you.
Today, over 15 million freelancers in India work independently and earn between 1 lakh and 12 lakhs per annum. Working flexibility and better earning opportunities make people want to become freelancers nowadays. The change in mindset has occurred due to the popularity of work-from-home jobs that have emerged due to the pandemic.
So many people have also started freelancing along with their regular jobs as a second source of income. If you want to become a freelancer and have no idea about it, you are at the right place. This article will cover almost all the aspects of a career in freelancing.
A freelancer is an independent professional who provides services to various clients on a project or contract basis instead of being tied to a single employer. They typically operate in areas such as writing, graphic design, software development, and consulting. This arrangement allows freelancers to select their projects and clients, giving them enhanced control over their work hours and surroundings.
Becoming a freelancer is not easy, and you might wonder how to be a freelancer. Don’t worry; here is a 7-step journey that you can follow to be a freelancer in no time. So, let’s get started then.
The first and foremost thing you need to do is choose your freelancing niche. You can become a freelancer in any niche, but selecting the field that attracts and excites you is highly recommended.
So, before taking freelance work, explore various niches, read about the niche that attracts you, and interact with people working there. This way, you will work in the niche best suited to your skills and interests.
Popular freelance niches include:
The next important thing is creating a profile that makes you stand out. A freelancer’s profile is mostly about expressing oneself. It is the ultimate expression of what you do, who you are, your experiences and expertise, and the services you offer.
This way, your clients will know about you from your profile. Therefore, make it intriguing if you want to become a freelancer. Freelancing is highly competitive; a fantastic profile can help you stand out.
Examples:
To find online freelance jobs, you need to select a platform where you can find the right clients who need your services. There are several platforms where you can search for your clients. Some of the famous freelancing platforms are Upwork and Fiverr. These platforms follow a bidding system where freelancers and clients bid on what rate they want to provide and take services.
After building your professional portfolio and selecting a platform, finding clients is the next major step you need to take to be a freelancer. Mind you, this will not be an easy task at the beginning; however, as you find your first client, you will start seeing more. Ensure you clear all the guidelines and terms of your freelance work before taking any job. This will not only save you time but also protect you from any exploitation, too.
Determining how much you will charge your clients for your freelance work is crucial. The fees for your services depend on your skills, expertise, work experience, and work type. You cannot charge a very high amount just after you start freelancing.
Clients will not hesitate to pay an experienced person to do their work. However, they may not want to spend that much for a beginner freelancer without experience. Consider freelancing full-time once you acquire a stable position and your freelance earnings are enough to cover your expenses.
As soon as you have found a suitable client and determined the price of your services, start working. Before beginning work, remember a few things: Don’t start working on an actual project immediately. Draw a draft, show it to the clients, get their feedback and approval, and start working. This trick will save you time and money.
Customer relationships are one of the significant and underestimated steps in working as a freelancer. Several newbie freelancers do not maintain a healthy customer relationship even after work. Suppose you keep a good relationship with your customers. In that case, it increases your chances of becoming their regular service provider, and sometimes, customers also recommend their favorite freelancers to their friends and other people. Increasing your chances of finding work.
The best high-income skills to become a freelancer depends on various factors.
If you’re wondering how to become a freelancer in India or globally, its flexibility and freedom make it an appealing career choice. Learning how to become a freelancer online opens opportunities across industries. Why should you be a freelancer? Doing freelancing jobs from home allows you to set your schedule, work remotely, and take control of your income.
Here are some key statistics and trends that freelancers should be aware of in 2025:
These statistics highlight the growing importance of freelancing in the global economy and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible schedule and better work-life balance | Income can be unpredictable |
| Freedom to choose clients and projects | No employer-provided benefits (e.g., health insurance) |
| Potential for higher earnings | Requires continuous self-marketing |
| Ability to work from anywhere | Irregular workload and less job security |
| Opportunity to develop diverse skills | Responsible for own taxes, insurance, and expense |
Read More: Tips for Freelancers to Help You Succeed
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Here’s a comparison between freelancing and full-time jobs:
| Aspect | Freelancing | Full-time Job |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Freedom to work from anywhere, anytime, and choose clients and projects. | Specific duties during set working hours with defined responsibilities. |
| Stability | Unpredictable work, making future planning more difficult. | Stable, predictable income and work schedule, easier future financial planning. |
| Benefits | No employer-funded benefits like paid vacation, retirement plans, or health insurance. | Benefits like paid vacation, health insurance, and retirement plans. |
| Motivation | Freedom to work from anywhere, anytime, and choose clients and projects. | Expected to meet performance standards for raises or promotions. |
| Earnings | Control over earning potential by setting rates and working hours. | Self-motivation is necessary as you are your boss. |
| Skill Set | Flexibility to specialize or gain experience in various areas. | Limited flexibility to develop specific skills and roles defined by the employer. |
| Experience | Opportunity to work with multiple brands globally, expanding network and portfolio. | Generally limited to working with a single company, restricting industry exposure. |
| Responsibilities | Responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and expense tracking. | Earnings are determined by the employer’s salary structure and policies. |
| Support | Potential lack of social support and collaboration, often working remotely. | More opportunities for in-person interactions, fostering strong work relationships. |
Dive into our Freelancing guide to learn strategies for finding full-time/ part-time freelance projects to generate more income.
Read More
Becoming a freelancer allows you to choose your projects, clients, and schedule, allowing you to align your work with your passions. It empowers you to be your boss, fostering creativity and independence. However, freelancing has challenges like managing inconsistent income, finding clients, and maintaining self-discipline. Success requires effective time management, networking, and continuous skill development. With dedication and adaptability, freelancing can become a sustainable career option, offering professional growth and personal satisfaction. While the journey may be demanding, it rewards those who embrace flexibility and strive to improve. Ultimately, freelancing is about creating a career that reflects your ambitions and gives you the autonomy to design a fulfilling work-life balance.
To start freelancing, choose your niche based on your skills and interests. Next, build a professional freelance profile to showcase your work. Select a platform like Upwork or Freelancer to find opportunities. Search for suitable clients, determine your price, and begin working. Always maintain customer relationships for long-term success and repeat business.
Indeed, reputable websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Chegg guarantee that independent contractors are paid via safe procedures. But it is essential to continue being wary of deception. Always use the platform’s encrypted payment and communication channels to stay safe. This will ensure you get paid and clear of potential con artists and unreliable customers.
The skills you need to become a freelancer will rely on your hobbies and what the market demands. Online exposure is increased by SEO, while IT experts are better served by AI engineering. Visual content relies heavily on Graphic Design and Photography/Videography, while Social Media Marketing amplifies brand visibility. Select a talent that best suits your strengths and drive for achievement.
Many people who wish to become freelancers find inspiration in the life story of Sairaj, the richest freelancer in India. His achievement shows that deviating from conventional labor norms can result in substantial financial gains. Sairaj’s story demonstrates how freelancing can provide both the flexibility to choose your path and potentially profitable chances.
Key points on mastering in-demand tech skills for 2025: Current top IT skills: Data science, Programming languages, Cloud computing, AI & Machine learning, and Software development. These essential skills will help you stay competitive in the job market, unlock higher salaries, and succeed in your field.
Becoming a freelancer in 8 easy steps:
1. Define your service and offering.
2. Find your target audience.
3. Develop a pricing structure.
4. Build an amazing portfolio.
5. Write a great proposal.
6. Create a relationship with your client.
7. Continue developing your skills.
8. Network with other freelancers.
Yes, freelancing is legal in India. While there isn’t a specific law prohibiting it, freelancers are treated as self-employed individuals under the Income Tax Act and are responsible for calculating and paying their taxes. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, especially if you are also employed full-time.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
