Finding a side hustle is a popular trend among many Millennials and Gen Zers. It’s a great way to turn a passion or hobby into a source of income, and it opens a lot of doors for networking and padding for a resume. Although it’s a great way to earn more money, it also requires a lot of time to build your brand and connect with companies who are willing to hire you – especially without a ton of experience. 

So, how can you start to freelance, and what types of freelance opportunities are available? Let’s jump into the basics.

How do you start freelancing?

Step #1. What type of freelancing can you do?

There are various ways to freelance these days, including writing, videography, graphic design, web design, editing, and more. Before you jump into any of these opportunities, though, be sure to do your research and see which one is the best fit for you.

Step #2. Consider how much time you have

I always recommend to anyone looking to grow or start a side hustle to consider a realistic amount of time they’ll have to dedicate to this new project. The last thing we want to do is begin to freelance and quickly burn out trying to navigate multiple deadlines on top of a full-time job.

Instead, ask yourself how much time you’re willing to dedicate to this side hustle and run the numbers. If you have an extra 15 hours a week, how long would it take you of those hours to edit one video or write one article? How much time will you spend networking and looking for a new gig? Set a rough estimate of where you’ll allocate your time each week. By doing this, you create a realistic plan for how much work you can take on at one time to stay comfortable. 

For example, if I’m writing a 1,000-word article for a well-known brand, I’ll need to spend a couple of hours researching, an hour mapping out an outline, and then around one to two hours writing the story. 

Step #3. Build a portfolio

Now that you know what type of freelancing you want to do and how much time you can dedicate to your side hustle, the best thing to do is start small. Build an online portfolio that contains any previous work you’ve done that directly relates to what you plan to work on. If you don’t have any content to share, now might be a good time to look for websites or companies willing to accept guest posts or beginner content. 

Typically, I never encourage doing work for free. But – it is challenging to freelance if you don’t have any evidence of experience or past work. When I first started, my portfolio was my own blog. As I slowly began to build clients, it was easier to put together a full-blown site with all of my writing from around the web. My favourite place to build a free portfolio without having to create your own site is Contently. It took me about two years to build a stable network and start building out clients without sending cold emails containing story pitches. 

Step #4. Put yourself out there

Possibly the most challenging task when it comes to freelancing is networking and reaching out to content sites to see if they’re willing to accept your pitch. I had to learn very quickly that out of every ten pitches you send to a company, they’ll likely only accept two to three. Rejection can be scary, but it’s important to remember that it’s normal. 

Specifically, for freelance writing, the first thing you can do when you start pitching is to create a list of contacts that are currently accepting new freelancers. Look at their submission guidelines and become familiar with their editorial staff. Don’t be afraid to follow them on social media and start to build a relationship outside of pitching before you send them an email. Make sure you always submit your pitches to the right person and be clear with your ideas.

Sometimes a short and sweet DM saying that you love their site and are going to submit some pitches is never a bad idea. Most editors love new and exciting ideas and are always willing to look at what comes through their inbox. 

---

SAMPLE PITCH

Hello [First Name of Editor],

My name is [name], and I am a freelance writer based in [city]. I’d love to share some ideas that I know would be a great fit for [publication].

[Sample Headline 1]
Short description of idea that details the introduction, how you’ll write the story, necessary sources, and interview subjects.

[Sample Headline 2]
Short description of idea that details the introduction, how you’ll write the story, necessary sources, and interview subjects.

[Sample Headline 3]
Short description of idea that details the introduction, how you’ll write the story, necessary sources, and interview subjects.

I currently have bylines in [list of publications], which you can view in my [link to portfolio].

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing back.

[Signature]

---

Step #5. Join networking groups and subscribe to good advice

If you’re new to the world of freelancing, finding a mentor or a group of people who are in the same boat can be very encouraging. You’ll be able to ask questions, determine what other people charge for their services and get to know ways you can improve your style and pitches. 

One of my favourite freelance writers, Abby Lee Hood, has a Bitchin’ Pitchin’ newsletter that you can subscribe to for just $4/month. She shares great advice and shares which pitches didn’t land for her, which is, honestly, very refreshing. 

Bottom line, make sure you do your research to find inspiration in the industry you want to explore and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The worst you’ll ever hear is “no” or nothing. 

Price yourself right

Now that you have a plan, a portfolio, and are ready to start pitching more consistently. It’s time to learn how to price yourself as a freelancer. The best way to do this is to ask other people in a similar industry the range in which they charge or to look online for examples. Some publications will state how much they pay writers, and it will be up to you to determine whether that budget is appropriate considering your time and the tax you’ll have to take off your payment. Because yes, you do have to pay taxes on your side hustle. It’s best to save 20-30% of your earnings for tax season.

Ultimately, as you gain more experience and grow as a freelancer, you’ll be able to increase your rates accordingly. But, be sure to never underprice for your experience and time, regardless of the publication. You are talented, and you deserve to be paid fairly.

Good luck!