A worry of many newbie freelancers is the lack of capital to start their business. However, there are many freelance businesses that don’t require initial funding to get them off the ground.
Take your pick from the 48 freelance business ideas you can start from home for free that we have listed below:
- Writing Jobs
- Online Technical Jobs
- Digital Creatives
- Sales and Marketing
- Consultancy and Other Online Jobs
Writing Jobs
Content Writing
Content writing continues to be an in-demand freelance job because of the continuous need by companies for marketing content. Such content can be in the form of informative articles, appealing introductions and concise info in website starting pages, reviews, etc. Since content needs to be posted regularly, freelancers should be able to meet work quotas and deadlines.
Blogging
Blogging is one of the potentially profitable online writing jobs. You can either write posts for a client or create a blog for yourself. It is important to have some knowledge on popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, so that you can help your client reach a wider audience.
Copywriting
Copywriting involves writing compelling content for commercial and promotional purposes. As such, this content specifically targets consumers to take action and buy or avail of the services of your client. This job may entail the creation of catchy taglines or informative articles that are optimized for search engines.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
Resume and cover letter writing are increasing in demand. A high unemployment rate and fresh graduates entering the workforce require well-written resumes and cover letters that highlight the job seeker’s skills and experience to increase their chances of getting hired.
Specialized Writing (Technical, Scientific, Medical, etc.)
Specialized writing requires being able to research and understand technical, scientific, and medical jargon and procedures. This type of writing requires careful reading and understanding of sources, such as journals, etc., to be able to write an article or white paper that meets the standards of the niche you are writing for.
Academic Writing
Reports, theses, and other forms of academic writing continue to be in demand, especially among college students who have difficulties in certain subjects or with English as a second language. You may also write research papers for doctors, engineers, and other specialized professions. Knowledge of the various citation styles is a must with academic writing.
Ebook Writing
Ebook writing is a lucrative freelance writing job. You can write ebooks that highlight a company’s products and services. They also come in the form of self-help and inspirational guides. You can also start publishing ebooks for yourself in order to increase your visibility and obtain a wider readership.
Ghostwriting (Fiction, Non-Fiction, etc.)
Certain clients may ask you to ghostwrite fiction or non-fiction for them. This may involve the client’s sending you their story ideas and/or outlines. Ghostwriting is a lengthy process though because you need to carefully collaborate with your client, so that you produce the reading material that meets their expectations.
Grant Writing
Grant writing is increasing in demand these days. In this form of writing, you will be approached by organizations who would require you to do research, draft, and submit proposals that will enable them to receive much needed funding for certain projects. A grant writer may also assist the organization in writing reports for updating those who provided funds.
Video Scriptwriting
Video scriptwriting involves writing engaging scripts for marketing, advertising, and other purposes. This form of writing has been on the rise, especially with the popularity of YouTube not only in marketing and advertising, but also for informative or entertaining vlogs.
Online Technical Jobs
SEO Services
As an SEO service provider, it is important to utilize keywords and other search engine optimization techniques to increase the number of website visitors and boost the site’s placement on Google and other search engines. If you want to learn more about SEO, there are a number of free reference materials that you can find on the Internet.
Website Testing
Website testing is a relatively simple freelance business idea that you can try today. This job involves visiting websites before they are made available on the Internet and assess their navigability, ease of use, and the existence of any bugs or glitches.
Data Analyst
One of the more technical freelance jobs, data analysis requires examining previous transactions and events in a company in order to understand current trends and offer projections on future consumer behavior.
Apps Tester
The job of an apps tester is one of the more fun jobs that you can do and still make money from it. Here, you test apps for the web and on mobile before they are made widely available. Some of these apps can be games, so you not only get to check its usability and possible lags or glitches, you can also have fun too.
WordPress Developer
As WordPress continues to be used in the creation of websites, you can pursue a freelance job as a developer on the platform. The job may entail something as simple as creating WordPress-related content to developing actual templates and themes.
Digital Creatives
Graphic Design
The Internet is a highly visual place. It’s not surprising therefore that successful websites utilize the services of graphic designers. Aside from the creation of logos, memes, and social media cover photos, graphic designers are responsible for creating infographics which condense key information in a simple yet eye-catching layout. If you want to go into graphic design, you need to meet certain professional standards. Thankfully, there are online courses wherein you can get actual training.
Web Design
It is the job of web designers to create visually appealing but functional websites. The job also entails ensuring that the site has a stable framework as well as introducing elements that will improve its conversion-generating functions.
Web Development
People often think that web designers and web developers are the same, but they are actually two very different jobs. Web development is the more technical job between the two. The web developer builds and maintains the core structure of the website, so this job entails knowledge in coding and programming languages. It also involves configuring the server and databases of the website, so that you have a fully functioning website.
Game Development
Game development is now not only limited to major consoles, such as the Playstation and Wii. We are now seeing video games being developed for mobile devices. A freelance job with great money-making potential, you can develop your own game, introduce it on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and generate income from in-app purchases or ads.
Podcast Production
Podcast production is one of the more profitable freelance jobs. While you can make podcasts from computer equipment that you may already have at home, you need to determine your niche and target audience first. In addition, you have to be knowledgeable about the technical aspects, including pre-production, production, and post-production. There are informative guides on how you can create your own podcast.
Photographer and/or Videographer
If you are handy with a camera, you can make money by taking photos and/or filming videos on YouTube. You can generate income by selling stock images to sites like Shutterstock and Getty Images. If you are creating short films or similar videos on YouTube, you can monetize your account, have them listed on YouTube Premium, or join in the YouTube Partners Program.
Music Composition and Production
Music composition and production is increasing in demand among vloggers who are forced to take down their videos due to copyright infringement. As a freelance composer, you write and perform original music for ads, commercials, and YouTube videos.
Animator
Another fun freelancing job is that of an animator. No, we’re not just talking about cartoons, both traditional and CGI-animation. You can also create the visual effects for simple ads and marketing videos. Consider learning and getting first hand experience using animation software, such as Adobe Animate, Unity, and Crello.
Video Editing
As a video editor, it is your job to edit any video footage that is given to you and splice them together to come up with a concise and coherent whole. Aside from learning such editing techniques as fade ins and fade outs and others, you need to have good eyes and ears, so that you can edit the video in a way that it is compelling and engaging to the audience.
Voice Over Artists
If you have a good voice, you can go into business as a voice over artist. You can do the voice on phone recordings or answering services. You can also serve as narrator on commercials, short films, and other video formats. Those with the talent of changing voices can choose to go into dubbing as well.
Sell Arts and Crafts on Etsy
If you have the talent for creating arts and handicrafts, you should consider selling them on Etsy and other e-commerce platforms. You can also choose to sell your work by creating your very own online store.
Sales and Marketing
Affiliate Sales and Marketing
If you already have a blog or a website, you can earn commissions by promoting the products of other people and companies. You can also generate passive content from your content by joining in affiliate networks, such as Amazon Associates and ShareASale.
Digital Marketer
A digital marketer utilizes various digital channels in order to build brand awareness and generate leads for their clients. Before the client releases their new product, the digital marketer explores the various websites and social media platforms to determine how best to introduce the product and its appropriate messaging. This process requires knowledge of SEO, content development, and online advertising.
Market Analyst
Market analysts are often employed by companies prior to new product roll out. It is their job to research on the market wherein the product will be introduced. They collect data on its feasibility, and interpret this data, so that they can strategically position said product as a “need” or appealing to the target consumer.
Content Strategist
It is not enough for a company to have a content writer. They also need a content strategist so that any articles and other materials are geared toward meeting marketing goals. It is the job of the content strategist to know the target audience and their needs. They then oversee that all content that is produced addresses these needs.
Media Buyer
Companies want their products and services to reach maximum visibility that is within their budget. Media buyers function by exploring available advertising spaces and determining which space/domain providers can offer the best services to the client. They also undertake negotiations with these domain providers so that they obtain advertising space and ensure that usage of said space remains within the allotted budget.
Promotions or Advertising Manager
As a promotions or advertising manager, you will be in charge of promotional campaigns for your client’s products and services. This job involves coming up with fresh ideas to generate interest in the product and working together with the client, suppliers, and creative teams to bring these ideas to fruition. They are also charged with ensuring that any promotional campaigns stay within the budget.
Event Manager or Planner
Companies often host events, such as product launches or conferences. In these cases, they hire the services of an event manager. The success of the event practically lies in the event manager’s hands. They are in charge of planning the event, together with their clients, selecting the appropriate venue, and coordinating with speakers or entertainers. In addition, they oversee the catering, decorations, and advertising as well, while keeping everything in a tight budget.
Public Relations Consultant
The public relations consultant is in charge of any articles, press releases, and speeches for their client as they promote their products and services. They are at the forefront of face-to-face meetings with people, handling inquiries and complaints. They are also quick resolvers of any problems that may arise which may be detrimental to the company.
Google Advertising Consultant
As a Google Advertising Consultant, you should be an expert in the use of Google AdWords in boosting campaigns to generate wider audiences and boost ROIs. If you want to go into Google Advertising Consultancy, thankfully, the online training for Google AdWords Certification is free.
Consultancy and Other Online Jobs
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are not just online secretaries. Not only do they assist their clients in managing their schedules and email communications, they can serve as project coordinators especially if the company has remote teams. Freelancers with a wider range of skills can also assist their clients in marketing and bookkeeping.
Teachers and Tutors
Because of the pandemic, online learning has become a part of the new normal. As an online teacher, you can provide instruction to students following the standard curricula that is prescribed by education government agencies. Teachers can also teach special classes, such as English as Second Language (ESL) courses for foreign students who need to develop proficiency in the English language.
On the other hand, tutors are tasked in providing additional instruction to students who are having difficulties in certain subjects in school. Subjects that are frequently taught by tutors include English, Mathematics, and Science.
Bookkeeping and Accounting
Freelance bookkeepers and accountants help in maintaining records of the financial transactions of clients. This would include the money spent and the money earned. They are also in charge of payroll taxes. Aside from proficiency in the use of Excel and accounting software, bookkeepers and accountants are expected to have good security software in order to safeguard confidential data.
Online Researcher
It is the job of online researchers to research data for their clients. Frequent sources of research include statistical reports, journals, etc. It is considered a plus if the freelance online researcher can also write a comprehensive report or a whitepaper based on their research.
Translation Services
Translation services are in demand for clients and companies who want to sell their products and services to an international market. Translators can translate articles, documents, scripts, and many others from English to their native language or vice versa.
Transcription Services
Transcriptionists serve their clients by transcribing audio and video files to text word for word. You can expect higher salaries for transcriptionists who transcribe medical and technical files because of their complicated jargon.
Business Consultant
Individuals seeking to aid their fellow entrepreneurs and businessmen in boosting their businesses can do so by going into business consultancy. Business consultants can offer a wide range of services, including finance, management, and even personal branding for executives and entrepreneurs.
Interior Design Consultant
If you have an eye for interior design and renovation, you can offer your services as an online interior design consultant. You can start by showing off your prototype designs on the web for potential clients to view. As you begin receiving work, create a portfolio of the successful interior designs that you have made, together with testimonials and reviews from clients.
Travel Consultant
Travel consultants are not just booking agents. Today, they not only help you book flights, hotels, and rental car services. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide assistance if you should encounter problems at your destination.
School and College Counseling
School and college counselors advise and guide students as to their aspirations of entering certain universities and careers. Some universities also hire online counsellors to interview admitting students if they are a fit for their school. These counsellors also review the applications and previous school records of potential candidates.
Beauty and Fashion Consultant
Everyone loves to look their best, and not just the ladies. If you have a flair for makeup and the latest fashion, you can offer your services as a beauty and fashion consultant. You not only promote and review the latest cosmetics and recommend them to clients. You can update people on fashion trends. You may be asked to give advice on appropriate clothing for events, such as weddings, etc.
Property Manager
People who own a number of real estate properties need a property manager to take care of them. As a property manager, it is your job to find and interview potential renters, keep records of lease, and contact service personnel for repairs and maintenance.
Online Dating Consultant
Love is much easier to find on the Internet with online dating consultants. If you are good with people and, better yet, have degrees in psychology, social work, and therapy, you can choose to freelance as an online dating consultant. In this job, you assist clients in reviewing potential partners for dates and determine which individuals could lead to a relationship.
These are just a few of the 48 freelance business ideas you can start from home for free. All you need is work, patience and determination and you are sure to succeed in your chosen freelancing career.
