Finally, an article that will give you some facts about how to make money as a freelancer. This guide is not some B.S about you spending money before you make money, or joining a multi-level money-making scheme rubbish.
The stress that people go through when looking for some kind of legit and lucrative job is soul-crushing. We know it is not easy to find a job, especially as a full-time or part-time freelancer. It is because of this fact that we compiled this guide – the first of its series.
Now, let us make something clear. This How to Make Money as a Freelancer guide is not the following:
- An advertisement bait
- Something that does not work
- A lure to a get-help-provide-help pyramid
- Ponzi or fast-cash scheme
Now that you know what it is not, we can continue to know what it is. If you are looking for something different, then you can close the tab and never come back.
But the guide will be worth your time if you are looking for:
- Something that will channel your passion into cash
- A means to make money legitimately
- A job that will remain even till after school
- A way to build a brand for yourself
16+ Ways You Can Make Money as a Freelancer in 2024
There are a lot of ways to make money, both online and offline, as a freelancer. One thing you should realize is that when people say you can make money from your passion, they are right.
As a freelancer, you need a job that will work with your timetable and also do more than pay the bills. Enough of talking already, let us move to the reason you are here.
Podcasting
If you have ever been accused of being talkative, or, someone found it soothing talking with you, then you just found your money maker. What exactly is podcasting?
Podcasting is digitally recording your opinion, ideas, thoughts, or anything you think will appeal to your audience, and putting it on the internet for downloads.
Most people believe that podcasting is the next big thing after blogging. Podcasting allows you to make money off what you know best.
You do not need much to start a podcast channel. All you need is just your phone, personal computer, podcast hosting provider, and a very good voice recording and podcast editing application.
Once you have all these in place, you can go ahead to record your first podcast. However, one important thing to realize is getting content that sells.
Content means everything when starting a podcast business. Choosing the right content will either make or mar your business.
So, make sure you conduct a survey or sample the market. Check the trend of things – follow forums that your target listeners are on.
Monitor the frequently asked questions and issues that a majority of them face. Capitalize on this and there, you have your content.
Your podcast content can be anything from motivational talks to comedy shows, even entertainment and gossip.
Anything really, just make sure you have a voice that everyone wants to listen to and a distinct brand name that everyone can recognize.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Podcasting
Audience = Traffic = Money
The first thing you need to know about making money from podcasting is that the more listeners you get the more avenues to make money. As a podcaster, you can make money in several ways. Some of these ways are;
- Affiliate Marketing
If you have an engaged audience on your podcast, and a large number at that, then you can make money from affiliate marketing.
By signing up for the affiliate program of a product you love, and can easily market to your audience, you can make money.
- Coaching
You can also decide to sell your podcast episodes. However, you need to have established your brand in a particular niche that requires coaching. This can also work in one-on-one sessions, where you teach your audience something live.
- Promoting
Selling can be done in three ways. One, you can sell digital products or services either made by you or someone else. Two, you sell the old episodes of the podcast itself.
For instance, if you have 20 episodes on your podcast, you can create the content in such a way that each episode in a series needs the previous one to make absolute sense.
So, it is only logical that for your consumers to understand, they will need to buy the last 20 episodes.
The third thing you can sell is yourself as a podcaster. Your podcast can be your portfolio to apply for bigger jobs.
You can also write proposals to companies in your industry and convince them to start a podcast. Of course, you will be the voice behind it.
You can sell your podcasts on eCommerce sites. Some of these sites are Amazon KDP, Gumroad, and Sellfy. A great idea will be to open a seller account on these platforms and start selling your podcasts.
Make sure you build your community and that’s it.
Recommended Reading: Beginner’s Guide to Podcasting
Website Designing and Programming
Most times when people see designing and website development, they take a walk. Probably because they feel there are a lot of people in the business already or that there is just no way to make money from it. You need to scratch off this thinking.
There is a lot of money to be made from the design business. However, this depends on how you go about it.
In the design industry, there is a need to be up to date on every new development. You cannot be using an archaic programming code and expect to make waves or get clients.
Additionally, you can decide to get certified in the niche by taking a few online courses. This will make you a hotcake and give you more credibility in the field.
Learn How to Become a Website Developer Here.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Designing and Programming
There are more than a thousand ways to make money from designing.
- Freelancing Sites
The first thing to do is to network and connect to platforms where your prospective clients are. Registering on a freelancer-employer design-based website, like Guru, indeed, or, weworkremotely, will help you bid for projects.
One thing about freelancing sites and platforms is that if you want to enjoy all the juicy offers you need to upgrade. Upgrading your account is not as expensive as you think it is, plus it helps you to access a lot of employers and highly-rated projects.
Another place where you can make connections and get jobs is Facebook. Facebook is more than a social tool, and you can make a lot of money from this platform if you know what to do.
- Create your Portfolio
Another thing you should do is create a portfolio for yourself. Let your work do the talking for you.
Create a website for yourself that will show your services, designs, and previous clients you have worked with. This will prove to prospective clients that you are worth their time.
Also, the fact that the services you offer are mostly business-to-business, you should build a LinkedIn profile for yourself. This will give you the ability to meet professionals and cold-pitch your services to them.
- Stay Updated
In the design world, staying updated is very important. As said earlier, you need to be able to know all the trends in the design industry and flow with them. To do this, you can follow design blogs, websites, and top design experts.
You can also take online courses, and get certified in them.
- Create Website Design Courses
Another way to make money as a website designer is to create digital products and sell design courses. You can create ultimate guides, either as eBooks, or podcasts, and then sell them. Additionally, you can start tutorials or organize seminars, if you have the time.
Your courses can target a specific group of designers, e.g. the beginner’s guide to all things JavaScript. Or, it can target a certain aspect of website designing, e.g. Understanding Python Series 1. Whatever you choose to do, there is a need for consistency in creating the courses.
- Start a Blog
Starting a blog based on design gives you a chance to do a lot. One, you can make money off your blog’s traffic.
Two, you can drop links to your podcast and courses on your blog. Three, you establish yourself and your brand as an authority in the website designing industry, making it easy to grow your authority in the niche.
Creating Mobile Apps
Imagine a world without Slack or WhatsApp. These applications have gradually, but, taken up space in the average mobile phone user’s life.
Creating an app or starting a mobile app development business is not as simple as it sounds, because you need to be innovative.
The first thing you want to do is go to the drawing board and then think.
What can change the world? What do people need right now? Do not contribute to the number of totally useless apps on the Play Store.
Currently, gaming apps are raking in lots of money, but you can choose whatever product you are comfortable with.
You also need to decide if your app will be free, paid, or based on subscriptions. In addition, you need to work out the platforms you want to service. Is it Android phones, Apple phones, or personal computers?
While these questions are important, it is alright if you don’t have the answers yet. Just start somewhere.
No matter what you decide, make sure your app is packaged and branded perfectly. Now, you are probably thinking that creating apps is expensive.
This is true, but there are now platforms that allow you to build apps at very cheap rates. You only need to register, and that’s all.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Creating Apps
There are several mobile app monetization strategies you can implement. Let’s see some of the best.
- Business proposals
Several investors are looking to spend money on a promising business proposal. You can think up a proposal for your app and present it to some business moguls. However, make sure the app is very profitable and can do something for its users.
Another thing about writing up a proposal is you can sell your idea to some impact investors. As long as your app can align with one of the sustainable development goals, then you are in money.
So, the first thing you want to do is create a demo and then write a business proposal.
Finally, sell the proposal to the highest bidder.
- Freelancing Sites
You can also register for freelancing sites that are just for developers. Some examples of these sites are Toptal, Upwork, and Craigslist. Some of these sites have strict registration guidelines for freelancers.
However, once you are successfully registered, you are open to a world of opportunities. Remember to upgrade your account, and get your portfolio ready.
You can also cold-pitch to some companies on LinkedIn, find their weakest link, and exploit it. Make them realize the need for your services and an app.
Create a job description for yourself and you are in. The key element here is you need to be able to sell yourself.
- Admob
Registering your app for AdMob is dependent on how much traffic you can generate with the app. Once you can guarantee traffic, then AdMob is the surest way to make money with your application. However, you need to make sure the app is sellable.
With AdMob, you can rake in thousands of dollars monthly, if you do your homework right. The mistake people make is they create dummy apps, then find a way to click the ads and generate impressions themselves.
While it may make money, there is a high possibility that Google will find out and suspend the account.
So, save yourself that trouble. Make the app legit and it will work out.
- In-App Purchases
This is another way to make money from your app. You can make it so that some parts of your app are free, but if users want to enjoy the full package, they need to pay for it.
Also, you can open a shop on your app, or register for affiliate marketing.
- Sell the App
After running the app for a few months and seeing the result, you can sell it. Most app developers make their money from selling apps. Just make sure you have created the right momentum for the buyer to run with.
Selling the app may be difficult at first, especially if it is your first. But it is better to let it go and move on to a different project.
The good news about selling is that you get to create something new. Plus, it means you have successfully become a trade name.
Affiliate Marketing
If you already have a website or blogging business, then you can try affiliate marketing. You can also do affiliate marketing if you have a lot of followers on your social media pages.
With affiliate marketing, you can make money when anyone makes a purchase using your affiliate referral link.
There are various affiliate programs and each of them has different policies and pricing agreements. Make sure you understand their policies before agreeing to it.
Some affiliate programs you can join include:
As an affiliate marketer, you must be able to track your progress and monitor your audience. You need to know which platforms are bringing you money and which ones are not.
Some websites can help you to monitor your affiliate links. Impact Radius is an example.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Affiliate Marketing
- Have Your Network
Creating your network makes it easy for you to market your referral link. You can either build your network via your social media handle, or by creating a group.
This group may be for information purposes or something that will give your connections a reason to see you as an authority in a subject.
After you have established yourself as an authority in that subject, you can then drop your link. One thing you should do is make sure that the subject and your affiliate products sync.
Also, try the product yourself. To be an effective marketer, you need to have used the product yourself.
- Build a Website
Building a website will help you to have a stable audience that you can manage. You also have control over your content, and, as long as it does not violate the policy of the affiliate program, the way you use the affiliate referral link.
A website also gives you access to an active email audience. You can send them newsletters with your affiliate products and updates about your website.
- Use content
Of all these, content is the most important. It will determine if you will make money from your affiliate links or not.
Although consumers know they need a product, they also want you to convince them to buy it. Using convincing content like product reviews, buying guides, and listicles, will help you out.
You can attach the affiliate product link to your content too.
Virtual Assisting
This is another way to make money as a freelancer. Virtual assisting combines a variety of skills, including writing, sending emails, booking appointments, managing calendars, and answering calls.
You are acting as a personal assistant.
Depending on what your client may need, your job description may also include customer representation and project management.
One thing about virtual assisting you will enjoy, besides the pay, is the opportunity to meet different people and learn.
If your career path is in client representation or Human Resources, or you just love to help and organize, then you will enjoy working as a V.A.
Virtual assistants are paid by the hour or monthly. What you need is your wits, a stable internet connection, a functional workspace, and your gadgets.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Virtual Assisting
- Freelance Sites
You can register on freelancing sites and quote on virtual assisting jobs. One thing that will give you an edge over others is a carefully crafted resume and a winning cover letter.
Make sure to get this handy. If it is your first time working as a virtual assistant, you can ask a few of your friends whom you have helped with their projects to write a review for you.
Having positive reviews will also help you stand out among the crowd. Also, you can reach out to some influential people in your network, or online.
Offer them your services, you can give them a free month’s trial. This will allow you to learn, and get you reviews. Plus, they may decide to either keep you for the job or refer you.
- Create Your Agency
You can start your virtual assistance agency after a few months of working. Starting your agency gives you the chance to control your terms and make more money.
The first step in starting your agency is getting your name registered. Plus, you need to set some goals and put a plan on the ground.
Furthermore, you need to create a website that will show your services. Employ content marketing and social media marketing to get new leads.
You may be feeling overwhelmed right now thinking about the amount of money you will spend to build a website or run a content marketing campaign.
Stay calm. There are several free website builders you can use for your website. Plus, upgrading these websites and getting your domain name is quite cheap.
You can also come into a referral agreement with a content marketing agency or do your content yourself if you have the time.
One thing you should always do is promote yourself. Use your social media pages, word of mouth, and everything at your disposal, as long as you get your message across.
Vlogging
Vlogging is similar to blogging, except you have video content instead, and it is more of a reality show. And, the show is aired on YouTube. You make money from Vlogging when you successfully grow your audience.
To be successful in Vlogging, you need to have content, a topic that everyone is interested in. Something that will make people click the subscribe button and like your video.
You need to define what your videos will be about. Most Vloggers choose something either weird, funny, or true, or they put their life in front of the camera.
No matter the category of content you choose, there is a need for consistency. You need to bear in mind that millions of Vloggers have similar content to yours, so make sure you keep your subscribers glued to your channel.
Another thing that will make life easy for you is preparing your scripts. Having a script makes shooting your video easy and fun.
You can just get a few dialogues ready and you are good to go. Lastly, always edit your videos before publishing them.
Get a video editor handy, and do not be stingy. Upgrade to a plan that will give you full access to the video editor. Remember, it is your money maker, so show it some TLC (tender, loving care).
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Vlogging
- Sponsored Content
You can sell products on your channel. Just by mentioning a product or using it in your videos, you can make your audience interested in it.
Plus, you can sign up for the affiliate program of your favorite products and then attach your referral link just below your videos.
Additionally, You can promote and market events, and other activities that will bring you money. Marketing will work only when you have the right traffic. So, start small, promote your channel, and get people to subscribe. You will be packing money bags in no time.
- Sponsored Ads
Having ads run on your channel is another cool way to make money. For every click on the ads, you get money. However, the amount of money you’ll make still comes down to your traffic. So, make sure your content is enough to get people packing on your channel.
Social Media Marketing
Everyone knows how to use social media. But not everyone makes money from it, and that is disheartening. Apart from the fact that you can use your social media pages as an online store, you can also promote brands and your services or products.
Some apps and websites help you to reach brands that need promoting. Examples are TRIBE Influencer and Takumi, these websites connect you with companies that need a social media influencer.
However, you need to have massive followings and followers for this to work.
You also need to diversify. Do not stick to just one social media platform. To succeed as a social media marketer, you need to go all out and be dynamic.
Go to places that your clients cannot reach and help them fish out customers.
As a social media marketer, you will need to have some cool skills other than knowing what time of the day to post, or which hashtags to use.
To make yourself catchy, and learn some graphics designing skills, you can also use Canva or Adobe Photoshop.
You may also need to have video editing skills. Try to get some tools, like a buffer, Facebook page manager, etc., to make your job easier.
Social media marketing is fun and you do not require so much to start. Just your head, and charm.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Social Media Marketing
- Online Store
Whether you are selling a product or advertising your services, your social media account is the perfect online store you can get. Depending on the type of product and the target customers for those products, you need to know which platform to use.
For instance, Pinterest is perfect for all things women. Find out what goes where before starting.
Also, you can market other brands on your page. If you have a large number of followers, you can reach out to some brands, and discuss some kind of deal with them.
You can also register for affiliate programs for your favorite products. Try ClickBank, Affiliate Window, or Amazon Associates. In addition, you can register to be a YouTube partner, this, however, may take time to yield results.
- Social Media Manager
This is perhaps the most interesting way to make money from social media marketing. As a social media manager, you are helping companies, brands, and busy clients to manage their social media pages.
You can apply for different social media managing jobs on freelancing sites, or cold pitch your services directly.
However, before you sell yourself to potential clients, make sure your portfolio – your social accounts – are in proper shape.
Video Captioning
Video captioning is similar to subtitling videos. There are companies and Vloggers that pay good money to get their videos the perfect captioning.
To be great at video captioning you need to be patient, have good typing skills, and also good listening skills.
The main difference between video captioning and subtitling is that captions are the written versions of the video audio, no matter the language.
Subtitles on the other hand are the translated versions of the video dialogs. Now that you know the difference, you can choose the one that suits your skills.
Most video captioning and subtitling jobs pay per audio minute. You do not need previous experience to start. Just the right tools, and right attitude, and you are good to go.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Video Captioning
Here is a list of top-rated video captioning companies. These companies pay big money for both captioning and subtitling videos.
Find the list below:
Data Collecting
Data collection is another way you can make money legitimately online. If you have an above-average typing speed, skilled in Microsoft Excel, and PowerPoint, then you can make money collecting data.
You also need to have some analytical skills. Another way you can make money is by selling your data. As part of your job collecting data, you may be asked to analyze and process it too.
Also, another aspect of data collection is typing and converting a file from one format to another. For instance, converting a document from image to text.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Data Collecting
There are several freelancing sites you can register on for data collection jobs. You should also take a typing speed test; this will show your words per minute. Most times clients also require you to check the speed of your data connection.
Finally, update yourself daily on the use of office tools.
Writing
You can make money from writing as well. From blog articles to creating eBooks and writing novels, there are just a lot of options to explore in the writing industry. To be a sought-after writer, you need to be able to use words, turning and crafting them to your will.
There is a lot of money to be made from being a writer. The shores of content marketing are explored a lot these days.
Companies are now looking for copywriters to help them market their products, using different content strategies.
To be a successful writer, you need to decide your category, industry, which verticals you want to focus on, and you need to have some skills.
Skills like keyword optimization, SEO, ad campaign management, script writing, and content creation, are what most companies look for in writers.
If you decide to be a creative writer, you also need to know the art of character development and understand the use of different writing voices. The first thing you want to do as a writer is create your portfolio.
If you are working with a small budget, you can try some free websites and get your blog up and running.
For story writers, get your seller store ready. Update your profile and build a connection with your audience through your social media pages and your website.
One thing you need to get right is that you need a website as a writer.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Writing
- Writing Partners
Websites like Medium pay writers for publishing on their sites. However, there are strict guidelines you need to follow to be eligible for these programs.
You can also be a contributor to a blog. Contributors are usually experts on a subject matter, and they share this expertise through their contributions.
- Blogging
You can either start your blogging business on a specific blog niche, or, blog on other websites. Whichever one you decide on, there is a lot of money to be made from blogging.
If you create your blog, you have the option of registering for the Google AdSense program, where you make money from allowing ads to run on your blog.
You can also register for various affiliate programs. Blogging allows you to build your online profile and portfolio.
Plus, you are tossed into a world of opportunities.
- Writing Professional Profiles
Writing resumes, cover letters, and bios, and building LinkedIn profiles for professionals is another way you can make money as a writer.
However, you need to understand the best practices for crafting the best resume and professional profiles.
- Selling Your Books
For novelists, you must know the right places to sell your books. You can join an online community where they talk about books and give reviews. This will help you get feedback before publishing.
There are some free websites where you can sell your books. You can try Amazon KDP and Gumroad.
The thing about these websites is they may ask you to pay a fee for each sale you make. But, other than that, you set your price yourself, and they do the rest.
Voicing
Surprised? Have you ever wondered where the voices from your favorite movie trailer or bank advert came from?
Yes, that was a voice-over artist in action. You can make money as a voice-over if you have a beautiful voice texture, and you are bilingual.
Voice-over artists feature in almost all advertisements, from movies to YouTube videos. Even if it is just a two-minute narration or a five-minute radio jingle, you can make money with your voice.
One thing about voicing is you cannot afford to be shy.
You can also be a voice coach, and teach people how to be voice-over artists.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Voicing
- Referrals
Getting referrals from friends, and your network will help you reach the right people as a voice-over artist.
Also, referrals and testimonials from past jobs you did will sell your services. The bottom line is your voice must be able to sell you.
- Freelancing Sites
There are some freelancing sites where clients post voice-over jobs. However, to be able to stand out from the crowd, you need to have a winning portfolio.
Even if it is your first gig, record yourself voicing over a video, and make sure you create a script to follow. You can also add some sound effects.
In addition, get your tools ready. Very importantly, take care of your voice.
Transcribing
Transcribing is about turning audio, the way you hear it, into words. Now transcribing is not as easy as it seems because there are some best practices and guides you need to follow.
For instance, when transcribing, you need to write down even when the speaker coughs, the time stamp, and there is a standard to follow when writing these down.
Most clients pay freelancers per audio minute for transcribing. There are also some tools you need before getting started.
You need a headphone, a foot pedal, and transcribing software sometimes. Once you have these ready, then you are good to go.
How To Make Money as a Freelancer From Transcribing
Sites like Freelancer, Guru, Upwork, and, Indeed, provide you with up-to-date transcribing jobs. You can also register with a transcribing agency to get jobs.
Another thing you can do is pitch yourself to some companies that may need transcribing services.
Reviewing Products
Do you know that some companies pay people to write positive reviews about their products on the App Store or Amazon? They also pay to write negative reviews on competitors’ products. You may not even have seen these products before.
Reviewing products is quite easy if you are a sweet talker. You need to open an account on eCommerce business sites and marketplaces.
Sometimes, clients will want to see that you have an active account on these platforms before giving you the job.
This is something you can do in your free time. Product reviews are at most 100 words, meaning you can write a lot per day.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Reviewing Products
You can join freelance sites or apply for product review jobs on websites like Craigslist, and Reddit. Some Facebook groups are also great for getting Amazon product review jobs.
Another way you can make money is by writing app reviews. There are a few review-based websites that also pay for reviews, an example are Capterra, Gartner, and G2 Crowd.
Trading
When most people see trading, the first things that come to their minds are either Bitcoin or, Forex. However, that is not what we are talking about here.
We mean trading in every sense of the word, selling and buying, exchanging goods and commodities for money.
There are a thousand platforms where you can sell stuff online. It does not matter what you want to sell, as long as there is a way to deliver the goods you are good to go.
For instance, on Etsy, you can sell your hand-crafted writing and other vintage products.
On Craigslist, you can sell off used products or anything you want. If you have a good marketing plan on the ground, you can sell anything online.
Facebook is also a great marketplace online due to the traffic on it. You can create a Facebook store for your page to get started.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Trading
- Network
Creating a network will help you understand the needs and wants of your customers. Allow them to ask questions and drop feedback about your products and services. This way you get to know what they need and what to sell.
You can create a network on your website, or your social media platform. When setting up a website, make it eCommerce friendly, and open a store online.
Telemarketing
Telemarketing is simply a modern-day version of a salesman, except you are not doing door-to-door sales.
With telemarketing, you are cold-calling potential customers and convincing them to buy a product or service. It is also a way businesses get feedback about their products and services from their customers.
If you have a knack for making people buy something, then you will be a great telemarketer. Most times, telemarketers are paid based on commission. So, they are given a quota and expected to deliver.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Telemarketing
Most telemarketing jobs can be obtained on freelancing sites. You can also pitch your resume and portfolio to clients. Another way you can make money from telemarketing is by selling your services and products. You can also work for telemarketing companies.
The secret to being a successful telemarketer is the ability to sell anything. Telemarketers rely on their convincing power, so you should too.
Online Researching
Taking surveys and doing online research is one of the easiest ways to make money as a freelancer. You can just lie down on your bed at night and fill out a survey and that is it – alert, you got money.
There are thousands of survey sites you can register online.
Also, some companies perform market research and beta testing for their new products before launching. Apply to be a participant and that is all. There is nothing difficult about surveys, as long as you meet the criteria for being a participant.
How to Make Money as a Freelancer From Online Research
- Survey Sites
There are a lot of survey sites you can start with. Examples are UTest, Mobrog, Brand Institute, etc. However, you need to make sure you fit the criteria for selection. Be smart when filling in your data and information. It may take a week or two before your money is available.
Some Useful Tips
Whether you like it or not, there are a lot of unemployed people out there. And that number is not going down anytime soon.
Rather than joining that populace, establish yourself and lead an impactful life. Create avenues where you can invest in yourself and other people as well.
Before we round up this guide, here are some tips you may need in your journey to self-development:
- Create your LinkedIn account
- Update your resume regularly
- Don’t just use your social media accounts for pictures
- Network with people that are important to your self-development
- Build yourself
And We’re Done!
Making money is not a day’s job. It takes countless trials, and the ability to rise back up when you fall. We do hope that this guide helps you to find something that will help you make more than a living.
