Jen David 
Freelancing offers flexible opportunities to keep your career moving
As the cost of living crisis continues apace, many people are looking to freelancing to bring in some extra cash. Whether you're unemployed, facing redundancy, or wanting to top up your current salary, freelancing is an increasingly popular way to earn. What's more, in some cases, it's possible to transition freelancing into a full-time career. Luckily, there are several freelance gigs with no experience needed.
Why freelance?
Freelance life is increasing in popularity – and it's easy to see why. Most freelance gigs with no experience required bring benefits that even a full-time, experienced professional would find tempting. You're your own boss (no more micro-managing!), you can work from anywhere (home, coffee shop, beach, MOT garage…), and you can choose your clients (too many red flags? Just say no!). The autonomy of freelancing is hard to resist so, as long as you can bring the clients through the door, the world's your oyster.
Top no-experience freelance gigs
Some of the best freelance jobs for beginners are jobs you can do online, so there's a huge amount of flexibility in when and where you can work. Whether you're looking for online jobs from home or remote jobs worldwide as you travel, there's something for everyone. Let's delve into your seven options:
1. Virtual Assistant
Whilst virtual assistant gigs will vary wildly, many of these short-term roles require no prior experience in the field. If you're a highly organised person who's willing to take on new challenges, you may flourish in this online sector. Before you rush off to search for roles, however, it's important to realise that the term "virtual assistant" can apply to a wide selection of different tasks. Be sure to read the job description thoroughly before putting yourself forward for a role, or you may find that you're out of your depth.
But if this kind of gig varies so greatly, what can you expect to do? The answer depends on the company but, generally, you'll likely find yourself writing emails, scheduling appointments, dealing with simple digital marketing activities, and managing personal tasks. You can look for online virtual assistant roles on any of the leading job sites, such as LinkedIn, as well as freelancing sites.
2. Online English Teacher
Want to share the gift of language with the world? If you've got a way with words, you may find virtual teaching rewarding. You don't need experience to start teaching English online, though some agencies will ask you to complete a short online qualification, such as a TEFL course, first.
To land freelance gigs in this sector, your best bet is to sign up with an agency that will connect you with learners around the world. For example, you could join English First, as long as you have a Bachelor's degree, TEFL qualification, and internet connection. Once accepted, you'll start getting gig offers that you can choose to take or leave. As a bonus, you often get to make your own schedule!
3. Focus group participant
Your opinion is valuable. If you've been completing surveys online for free, you're missing a trick. Market researchers will pay for your views and opinions. Of course, you're unlikely to make a substantial amount of money by completing surveys online. However, if you're looking to go freelance with easy jobs that can boost your income, you may just have found it. The good news here is that you don't need any special skills or education to do this, making it one of the best freelance jobs that you can do remotely and with no experience required.
To find some extra work in this area, you'll need to sign up for a few sites. Survey Gizmo, Swagbucks and Opinion Outpost are some of the best UK online survey companies. There's also Vocal Views, another platform through which you can participate in market research.
The campaigns you're eligible for will depend on certain criteria. For example, a business may launch a survey for 30 - 40-year-old women with more than one child. If that's you, you can sign up and get to answering the questions. If it's not, you may have to wait for a more suitable survey to come around. Put simply, whilst you shouldn't expect miracles here, completing a few surveys in your spare time is a quick way to make some extra change.
4. Transcriber
Are you a fast and accurate typer? If you are, you might find that a freelance transcription gig is a low-hassle way to make money online. Whilst some companies will ask for experience, many take on people who simply have aligning skill sets. Key skills include typing, researching, and a good command of English. So, if you've worked in any type of modern-day office setting, chances are that you'll be able to land a decent transcription gig online.
Most of these types of freelance gigs are paid per project. For instance, you may have to complete the transcription for an hour-long audio track for a flat rate. That means that the faster you work, the more you will ultimately make. Check out British agencies like UK Transcription and Transcript Divas to get started.
5. Proofreader
If you've got an eye for detail, proofreading could be your calling! For this role, you'll be doing exactly what it says on the tin: checking over content for grammatical or spelling errors. Needless to say, you'll need to have a great grasp of the English language and be highly accurate, too.
Whilst you can look for proofreading roles on freelance job boards, you may also want to go through an agency. Companies like Global Proofreading and Copyediting are always on the lookout for new proofreaders. After passing a short interview, you can start taking on proofreading work at your leisure.
6. Customer Service Advisor
Virtual customer service advisors are the first port of call for many commercial businesses. When a customer has a problem or question, they are put through to these professionals to get some answers.
If you get yourself a customer service gig, your main responsibilities will be dealing with clients, either via phone or an online chat system. Luckily, you often don't need experience to bag yourself this type of work.
Before you get started with this role, you'll need to tailor your CV accordingly. Emphasise your relevant traits, such as professionalism, interpersonal skills, and tech-savviness. It's important to note that not all online customer service roles are freelance. Many of these will be full-time remote opportunities, so be specific and use filters when scouring job boards.
7. Graphic Designer
If you have an eye for visuals and aesthetics, graphic design is a vast industry that often employs freelancers. This is often a freelance gig with no experience needed, and one that you can do at any age. With areas as diverse as packaging, branding, websites, animation, print, and gaming, you're bound to find something up your street.
To succeed as a freelance graphic designer, you'll need creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate well with clients to take their briefs and understand their expectations. You'll also need to invest in suitable graphic design software.
Setting up as a freelancer
Congratulations, you've decided to take the plunge and start freelancing! Now what?! It's time to start promoting your business to land your first client – but how?
Create a website or online portfolio
Most credible businesses need an online presence these days. For you, this means employing a professional website designer or using website builders like Wix or WordPress. Of course, before even doing this, you'll need to decide what to specialise in, develop a pricing structure, research your audience needs, and write some compelling website copy. Creative freelancers may decide to set up an online portfolio to showcase their best work rather than develop a whole website. With your online showroom in place, you're ready to start working with clients.
Network
For starters, you'll probably find your existing network invaluable. These people are already on your side and cheering for your success – but they can only do that if they know about your new venture. Connect and reconnect with past and present acquaintances – including friends, family, and colleagues. They'll likely be happy to help! Even if they don't immediately know of anyone needing your services, they can help to spread the word with likes and shares of your social media posts. Yes, your new venture will need a presence on key social media platforms so it's time to create some content and get the word out there.
Set up profiles on freelancing websites
There are several freelancing sites that can help you to land freelance gigs with no experience. Sites such as Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer are the major players. Potential clients are able to share details of their gigs, which freelancers can then bid on and, hopefully, win. Great work can often lead to longer term roles and, even if it's just a one-off gig, positive feedback can strengthen your profile and make it more appealing to future clients. Bear in mind, though, that these sites will take a cut of your income (they have to make money too!) and they often attract clients with low budgets.
Avoid scams
You know the old saying – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unfortunately, there are plenty of job scams out there these days and, when you're looking for freelance gigs with no experience and are desperate to land your first client, some of the gigs out there may seem pretty tempting. If the client is promising a lot of money for very little work, you're asked to spend money up front, or the company has no online presence, your spidey senses should start tingling and you should take a step back.
Freelance FAQs
When you first start looking for freelance gigs with no experience, it's only natural to have a few questions. We've pulled together some of the most common questions so that you can get up and running faster.
Can I be a freelancer with no experience?
Absolutely! Anyone can land freelance gigs with no experience. That said, it's important to aim for gigs that align closely with your skill set. While you're unlikely to get rich quick, it's definitely possible to use freelancing gigs as a route to consistent, well-paid work with regular clients.
What's the easiest freelance job?
When you're freelancing, easy jobs really depend on what you're good at! People with strong organisational skills might find a virtual assistant role easy, whereas creative types may do better in a graphic design role. While some gigs, such as responding to surveys or contributing to focus groups are generally considered easy for most people, they're unlikely to provide the fulfilment or the income you're aiming for longer term.
How do I get my first freelance gig?
The first client is always the hardest to land! Leverage your personal and professional networks, sign up to freelancing sites, broadcast your message on social media and LinkedIn, and be prepared to put yourself out there. If you can secure a great review or another gig from your first client, you're well on your way to building a freelance life.
Is freelancing a good side hustle?
If you have the discipline to put in the work, freelancing can be a great side hustle. Whether your long-term plan is to embrace freelancing full time or simply to bring in a few extra pounds to top up your day job, the flexibility of this lifestyle choice is its main appeal. While it may not be for everyone, there are millions of people across the world who are making it work for them.
Embrace the freedom of freelance life
Landing online jobs, even with no experience, is a fantastic way to start making some extra money. If you do start making money on a self-employed basis, don't forget that you have to register for self-assessment tax with HMRC.
Consider what jobs your skill set lends itself to and take things from there. There are lots of opportunities available for you to discover.
Looking for a freelance gig? Make sure you have an eye-catching, up-to-date CV first. Take advantage of our free CV review today.
This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger in 2023 and has been updated by Jen David.