Freelancing 50 FAQs-  Most commonly asked questions about freelancing 

Freelancing is now becoming highly popular these days. When I first considered being a freelancer, I had a lot of questions. When you're planning on starting freelancing, you're likely to have a lot of questions. To be a successful freelancer, you must know where you are going. It might be pointless if you don't know what you're doing and why you're doing it. 

As a freelancer, I am going to share and answer all those basic questions about freelancing, which every freelancer has in their mind. If you are a beginner freelancer, wish to start freelancing, or are still wondering whether or not you should be a freelancer,  this post can be useful to you. All of the questions below are basic, based on my own study and experience.  I've compiled a list of 50 frequently asked questions about freelancing to help you get started. 

1. What is freelancing? And who is a freelancer?

Freelancing is when someone offers their skills online, remotely, or somewhere other than an office. A freelancer is someone who offers these services to a client. Freelancers are self-employed individuals that work on a long-term, short-term, or contract basis from their own homes.

2. Who can be a freelancer?

Anyone can become a freelancer who has skills or services to offer companies, individual clients.

3. Who hires freelancers?

Companies and individuals hire these freelancers to perform certain tasks. As the usage of the internet and digitalization rises, these clients need someone who can help them with certain tasks. 

4. Are there any conditions for working as a freelancer? Like age, gender, location?

Other than skill, I don't think so. A freelancer has no age, gender, or geographic restrictions.

5. Is there any kind of certification I need to work as a freelancer?

There is no certificate required to be a freelancer.

6. What must things do we need to start freelancing?

I believe A computer (of course, you can't do everything on a phone), wifi connection, a skill, and the basics of Google Sheets and Docs are enough and fit into a minimalist list.

7. Do we need to pay to become a freelancer?

No. Most of the freelance platforms are free to use and you can be a freelancer without paying any money. But these sites may charge a service fee from your earnings. 

8. Do I need the experience to be a freelancer?

In the majority of fields, no prior experience is required. However, some freelancing jobs demand prior experience. For example, if you are a graphic designer, you'll need experience or at the very least work examples to show potential clients.  If you are a coding developer, you must have experience. As a result, it depends on the type of service you provide. Also, with whom are you working? If you are working with some high-profile company, then they might ask you for the experience even if it is not required. 

9. What types of services do freelancers offer?

There are a plethora of freelancing services to choose from. Website design and development, writing, translation, digital marketing, SEO, virtual assistant, IT support & customer helpdesk, Graphics and design, Video and animation, voice-over, business-related, programming and technology, and so on.

10. What is the best category of service?

Every service needs a certain set of abilities. It is entirely up to you how you use your skills.

11. What kind of freelancers make the most money?

Programming And Software Development, Social Media Marketing, Web Design And Development, Graphic Designer, PR Manager, Technical Writer, Digital Marketing, Blockchain Development, Video Editors freelancers, in my opinion, earn significantly more than other freelancers due to the skills required in these categories. However, it is not declared or proven that other freelancing categories earn less; in fact, there are many freelancers that make a decent income. Your earnings are entirely dependent on your skills and how you perform.

12. Which freelancing skills should I learn for freelancing?

Every service necessitates a unique set of skills. Communication, Excel, Word, a little creativity, writing, and research skills are the most common skills you should acquire.

13. What are the most in-demand freelance skills?

Some skills are in higher demand than others. As a result, it is important for newbies to acquire such skills in order to advance in freelancing. These are programming, UI Designer, Shopify development, Virtual assistant, Java development, Data visualization, writing, marketing skills, SEO professional, WordPress development, digital marketing, Cloud Computing, translator, etc.  

14. Which service do I provide to my clients?

This thought may have crossed your mind: which service should you provide to your clients? To be really honest, choose the service in which you are skilled. Do not choose a service in which you are unskilled and unable to perform high-quality work. Choose your skill wisely, since it will determine the future of your freelance career.

15. Where do freelancers work?

Freelancers work on freelancing websites. They do not need to go to a certain workplace or location to work; instead, they work from home.

16. How to find work as a freelancer?

Use a freelancing platform to get work. This is a best practice for beginners as well as experts to get work. 

17. How do you find clients?

Freelancers usually find clients through freelancing platforms. They submit work bids and advertise their services. However, you can gain some clients by referrals and cold emailing (I'm not sure about this). But, using a freelancing platform is the best and safest option.

18. Which site is best for freelancing?

There are several freelance websites to choose from. Upwork, Fiverr, freelancer, Toptal, guru, Truelancer, 99designs, WorknHire, FlexJobs, Gotranscript, PeoplePerHour.com, etc. 

Read: Best 5 freelancing websites in 2021 to find work for beginners and experts

19. Are these freelancing sites safe to use?

I have used Fiverr, Upwork. And they both are truly safe to use. Talking about other sites, there are more sites, which are safe to use. You may learn more about such websites by reading reviews and ratings. 

20. Can I start freelancing using these platforms?

Yes, you can surely use freelancing platforms to start freelancing. Just make sure you are using the true site. 

21. How to choose a particular website or platform for freelancing?

I recommend that you read their review, rating, and other information. To pick a good site, compare the benefits and drawbacks of several sites.

22. Do people actually earn from freelancing?

Of course. Freelancers actually make real money from freelancing. Unless you are scammed by a fake client.

23. How do freelancers get paid?

Every platform has its own method of payment. However, the majority of platforms use PayPal or Pioneer.

24. How much do freelancers make money?

To be honest, it is entirely dependent on your ability and experience. A freelancer with greater experience and a larger client base will make more money than a newbie. To learn more, look up “how much freelancers earn”. 

Read: Ultimate guide to starting freelancing on Fiverr

25. On which basis prices are set?

Every platform is similar and different in some way. The price can be based on a Retainer basis, Project basis, and hourly basis. These are the most common grounds on which freelancers work.

26. How much should I charge from the clients?

The best way to figure out how much you charge is to go to a freelancing marketplace and look at what other freelancers are charging. After that, based on your skills and expertise, choose what price you can give your clients.

27. How can you tell whether a client is genuine or not?

Check the client's background and online profiles. Find out whether the client has previously worked with any other freelancers. Try to stay away from clients that request free samples or work in advance.

28. In freelancing, what is a portfolio?

It is a way to demonstrate your skills and expertise in a tangible way to prove that you have all the relevant skills to perform that work. 

29. What is the need and importance of a portfolio?

Your portfolio demonstrates your skill and expertise. If you're a beginner, you should include a portfolio in your profile since it shows that you have relevant skills and helps you acquire client trust.

30. How do you get started as a freelancer?

To start freelancing read this post “How to start freelancing as a beginner briefly.” It will provide you step-by-step guidance to getting started.

31. Do freelancers work on weekends as well?

It is based on the workload and the deadline. Because of the tight deadlines, freelancers usually work on weekdays and weekends, but how you manage your time is entirely up to you. If you don’t want to work on weekends, it is your choice. Finish your task ahead of time if you don't want to spend your weekends.

32. Do freelancers work according to their time?

Freelancers, without a doubt, have complete control over their time schedule. They may choose when they want to work.

33. Can freelancers work with multiple clients at the same time?

Yes, rather than working on a single project with a single client. Freelancers have the freedom to work with multiple clients at once. Depending on how much work you can manage, freelancers can work with a large number of clients.

34. Can freelancers work on multiple freelancing sites at the same time?

Yes. as much as you expand yourself it will be good for you. Using only one website may or may not be beneficial to you. You may undertake freelancing on multiple sites at the same time as long as you can handle the workload.

35. How can I represent myself as an experienced freelancer (despite the fact that I have none)?

If you are a complete beginner with no prior experience. Make your portfolio stand out by displaying your websites or blogs, including your certifications, and maintain a strong social presence.

36. Is freelancing better than a 9 to 5 job?

Freelancing offers undoubtedly more advantages than a regular 9-to-5 job. Freelancing may be a better option than a regular job for people who are making a decent salary. It does, however, have significant drawbacks.

37. Should I quit my job to become a freelancer?

If you are a beginner, I will say a big no. Because freelancing as a beginner may be challenging, and there's a possibility you won't make much money. Keep your regular job and start freelancing part-time until it becomes a sustainable source of income.

38. Can I do freelancing as a part-time job because I am a college student?

Yes. you can make a side hustle from freelancing. If you're a student, being a freelancer is a great way to supplement your money and get experience.

Read: How to make real money as a college student? Here are the top real ways to make extra money while doing college

39. Is freelancing hard or easy? Where can I learn about freelancing?

For a beginner, it can be hard to find work, clients and earn a consistent income. Nothing is easy in this world. You must have patience and dedication towards your work. Unfortunately, there is no specified course to become a freelancer. But, thank goodness, the internet has a great deal of information regarding freelancing. You can learn a lot about it by searching on Google.

Not getting any clients on freelancing sites. Well, these can be those mistakes you are making. Know these "7 Reasons Why You Aren’t Getting any Clients".

40. Why is freelancing risky?

There is no job security because there can be times when you will be unemployed and earning nothing. As a result, job security may be jeopardized.

41. How much time should I devote to freelance work?

It is entirely up to you and how much your project demands. You have the option of doing freelancing full-time or part-time.

42. Can I provide my previous work to other clients to show my skills or work?

No way without the client's approval. Always keep your clients' privacy in mind. As a freelancer, Confidential should be on your to-do list.

43. How to manage your inconsistent income as a freelancer?

When it comes to freelancing, try to use many platforms. It is preferable if you concentrate on one high-quality skill in order to gain more experience and expertise. If you're a beginner, keep your prices reasonable but do not stick to one price. Do freelancing part-time just to get some extra income or experience. 

44. Can freelancing be considered a future career?

It depends on your client's base and what skills you are providing. If you have skills that have a high market value and have the potential to grow in the future. You can definitely consider freelancing as a career option.

45. Why not choose freelancing as a career?

If you do not have strong skills and service to provide. Do not rely on freelancing. Give it a try but do not waste your time. Choosing the wrong skill might be devastating to your freelancing career.

46. What are some tips you should follow as a freelancer?

Keep up with taxes as a freelancer, don't take on illegal jobs, never pay for working as a freelancer, don't communicate outside of the platform if you're using one, and try to find excellent clients.

47. What qualities do you need to become a successful freelancer?

To be a successful freelancer, you must be able to earn a decent living while also having a solid client base and a good lifestyle. Have patience, work hard and smartly, exhibit professionalism, develop self-discipline, manage your time, and learn from others if you want to be a successful freelancer. Nothing happens overnight. 

48. What are the benefits of working as a freelancer?

Freelancing gives you flexible working hours and keeps a good balance between your personal and professional lives. You are your own boss, have total control over price, and may work from anywhere.

49. What are some of the disadvantages of freelancing?

Freelancing has some disadvantages as well like, no job security, not so much freedom because of tight deadlines, sometimes having to sacrifice weekends to complete deadlines,  no PF, health insurance, or paid holidays like an office, and being a little isolated as well. 

50. Why choose to freelance?

The solution is up to you. If you need a side hustle or your full-time work isn't paying enough, try freelancing as a part-time job to supplement your income. On the other hand, if you want to work as a full-time freelancer, be sure you have the appropriate skills and know-how to get started. It might be tiring at first and takes time to earn a stable income.  Freelancing no doubt has its own perks as compared to a regular job but we can not neglect its drawback as well. Choosing to freelance depends on you and your goals.

I hope that you find this post useful in some manner. If you still have any doubts, or if you think I've forgotten something important, please let me know in the comments section.