From trainee to six-figure freelancer working with big clients and traveling the world — my journey as a data analyst wasn’t fast, but it was worth every step. And now, after receiving countless questions about how to start freelancing in tech, I’m laying it all out for you.
Whether you’re into data, programming, or any IT-related field, this guide will show you:
- How much experience you really need to start freelancing
- How to land your first freelance job
- What to charge when you’re starting out
- And the three biggest mistakes new freelancers make (so you can avoid them)
Let’s get into it.
Step 1: You Do Need Experience — But Not as Much as You Think
One of the biggest myths? That you need 10+ years of experience before you can go freelance. I used to believe that too. But the truth is:
You just need to be good enough to start solving problems.
Think about it—companies don’t hire freelancers to train them. They hire you because they have a problem and need someone who can fix it right away.
That said, if you’re starting from scratch, here are your two options to build experience:
Option A: Get a Regular Job First (Like I Did)
Working as an employee helps you build real-world experience fast. You learn to work in dynamic teams, handle real clients, and solve complex problems. Books and courses are great—but they don’t compare to on-the-job learning.
Option B: Go Straight Into Freelancing Online
If you want to skip the employee route, you can dive into online freelancing platforms like:
These platforms connect you with clients all over the world. No degrees or diplomas needed—just skills and the drive to get those first few reviews.
Step 2: How to Stand Out as a New Freelancer
Here’s the catch with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr: they’re super competitive. You’re not just competing with local talent—you’re up against people globally, many of whom offer ultra-low prices.
So how do you get your first job when you have zero reviews?
Strategy 1: Be Competitive With Pricing (At First)
Offer your services at a lower rate—not forever, but just to build credibility. Do it for the reviews and real-world experience, not the paycheck. Once you have a few successful projects, you can raise your rates with confidence.
Strategy 2: Niche Down Your Services
Don’t just say “I’m a data analyst.” That’s too broad. Instead, say something like:
“I build YouTube analytics dashboards for content creators.”
This kind of specificity helps you stand out in a sea of generalists.
Step 3: Don’t Wait Too Long to Start
Mistake #1: Waiting until you feel “ready”
I fell into this trap. I thought I needed to be ultra-senior, with years of experience before I could make the leap. But the reality?
If you can solve a company’s problem, you’re ready.
Start sooner than you think. That “ready” feeling will probably never come. And once you land your first gig, you’ll wish you started earlier—I know I did.
Step 4: How to Land Your First Freelance Job
Now that you’ve got the skills and mindset, let’s talk about getting that first client.
Start With Warm Contacts
Reach out to:
- Friends
- Family
- Ex-colleagues
- Former employers
- People you’ve connected with on Upwork or LinkedIn
My first freelance gig came from an ex-colleague who knew I was looking to freelance. It was a small project, but it opened the door to more.
Use LinkedIn Strategically
LinkedIn is more than just a resume—it’s your business card, testimonial hub, and networking platform all in one. Optimize your profile and start posting about your work. You’ll be surprised how often opportunities come to you.
Step 5: Skip This Common Mistake
Mistake #2: Only Applying to Companies Directly
Most companies don’t recruit freelancers themselves. They hire recruitment agencies to do it. These agencies are matchmakers between freelancers and companies.
So don’t just apply to jobs—connect with freelance recruitment agencies in your industry. Get in their system, and let them find projects for you. They’ll take a cut, but it’s usually worth it.
Step 6: What Should You Charge?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer when you’re starting out.
Here’s what helped me:
- Research freelance rates in your country
- Check sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Upwork profiles
- Message freelancers on LinkedIn doing similar work
A simple message like:
“Hey, I’m just getting started with freelancing in data analysis. I saw you’re already doing this and was wondering if you had any advice on beginner pricing?”
Most people are happy to help.
Step 7: Take Care of the Legal Stuff
Before you officially start, check these off your list:
- ✅ Register your business (e.g., with the Chamber of Commerce)
- ✅ Set up bookkeeping and taxes
- ✅ Get business insurance
These vary by country, so check your local regulations.
Step 8: Never Stop Learning
Mistake #3: Stopping your learning once you land a gig
As an employee, your company invests in your growth. As a freelancer—you’re the company.
That means it’s on you to stay sharp. Keep taking courses, stay current with trends, and upgrade your skills regularly.
In IT and data, things change fast. The skills you learned last year might not be enough next year.
It’s Hard at First, But It Gets Easier
Landing your first freelance job will be tough. It took me more than six months—tons of applications, rejections, and moments of doubt.
But once that first door opens? The momentum builds.
Freelancing gave me the financial freedom to travel the world and start a creative business.
Best. Decision. Ever.
If you’re on the edge of starting—take the leap. And when you do, come back and tell me if I was right 😉
Liked this post?
Share it with someone who wants to start freelancing in tech. Got questions or want help setting up your freelance profile? Drop them in the comments below!
