What is Freelancing?

 

Freelancing , or self -employment , refers to a form of professional activity where a person works for themselves, without a traditional employment contract with an employer. They offer their services to different clients or companies, generally for one-off or limited-term assignments.

A freelancer (or self-employed worker) can work as a self-employed person, as a freelancer, or through a micro-enterprise. They manage their own schedule, rates, and client relationships, and can work in many sectors: graphic design, web development, writing, marketing, translation, consulting, etc. The key is that they are not subordinate to their clients, unlike an employee.

Ready to get started? It’s time to turn the page and write the story of your new life.

Happy reading!

Discover all the existing freelance jobs

• Copywriter
• Web integrator
• Social Media Manager
• Content Creator
• Website editor
• Copywriter
• Growth Hacker
• Traffic manager
• Media Buyer
• Growth Engineer
• Virtual Assistant
• Graphic designer
• UI Designer
• Professional Coach
• Nutrition Coach
• Hypnotherapist
• Naturopath
• Translator

The Truth About Starting with Zero Experience

So what you need to know is that it’s not very complicated to start freelancing without experience.

For example, I give courses at ISCOM in Lyon where I find students who do it alongside their studies.

I even have friends who work in a specific field and who become graphic designers, sports coaches, or web editors on the weekends. They’re what we call slashers.

So yes, you don’t need 1000 degrees to start your own business.

I myself have a bac+3 and yet I’ve been working in content marketing for 10 years!

All I needed was motivation and training in my new field of work.

Brief.

I imagine that if you’re at this point in your thinking, it’s because you too want to make it your main activity and make a living from it. And not just pocket money.

Here I’m going to give you some advice on how to start freelancing without experience.

Understand What Freelancing Actually Means

Freelancing vs. Traditional Jobs

The self-employed and the employee are not subject to the same rules. How can they be distinguished? The main criterion that allows them to be distinguished is the legal subordination relationship.

Self-employed

The self-employed worker carries out an economic activity on his own account .

He is autonomous in the management of his organization, in the choice of his clients and in the pricing of his services.

Furthermore, he is not bound by an employment contract with the company or person for whom he carries out his mission. There is no relationship of subordination between the client and the independent worker.

A person who meets one of the following conditions is presumed to be self-employed:

• Be registered for your activity: trade and companies register (RCS), national business directory (RNE), commercial agents register (RSAC)
• Being a business leader
• Carry out a commercial activity falling under the micro-social rules
• Set your own working conditions, unless they are defined by the contract with the client

For example, a breeder, a farmer, a trader or even a craftsman are self-employed.

Employee

The employee is linked to an employer through an employment contract . He receives, in exchange for his work, a salary or wage.

The employee and his employer are subject to the rules governing the employment contract and the collective agreements applicable to the professional sector concerned.

The employer exercises a relationship of subordination over the employee: he can issue directives, monitor execution and sanction breaches against him.

Identify Your Strengths and Learn a Marketable Skill

Finding a career that suits you isn’t just about responding to a job offer or following a trend. It’s above all about connecting with the professional world . In Honfleur, a small town with maritime charm and a vibrant economy, this search for consistency between who you are and what you do takes on its full meaning.

• How to Choose a Freelance Skill That Fits You
• Free and Paid Ways to Learn (YouTube, Courses, Practice Projects)
• Focus on One Skill Instead of Many

But before embarking on a career change , a professional project or a job search, it is essential to start with a key step: identifying your strengths. Because knowing yourself well means laying the solid foundations for a fulfilling professional future.

How to Build a Portfolio Without Clients

Becoming your own boss is the dream of many people.

Starting an adventure, whether as a self-employed person or in a company, is a process that must be structured and thought through.

However, very often, clients ask for references. When we start our business, it is difficult to compete with more experienced competitors, already established and who therefore have a client portfolio (more or less well supplied).

But then, how do you build a portfolio before you start?

Answers in this article!

It’s not easy to fill out a portfolio when you’re just starting your business. It’s a bit like the recent graduate who is asked to already have 3 years of experience… Even if you’ve just launched your business and don’t have any clients, know that you can already create a portfolio. It’s even highly recommended! In this article, we’ll give you some tips for filling out your portfolio without clients.

Definition of a portfolio

What is a portfolio? For some, it’s obvious, but others sometimes think that portfolios are only for artistic professions. Well, no! Today, many professions offer the possibility of having a portfolio. It’s simply a medium, physical or digital, that will allow you to present and promote your work. Well, clearly, the current trend is more towards online portfolios, but it’s up to you to choose what suits you best depending on your profession and your target audience.

Why is it important to have a portfolio?

Who would buy a pair of sneakers without knowing what they look like? Apparently, few people. With a portfolio, the idea is the same: show your future clients what the products or services you sell look like to make them want to buy them! Faced with a service provider with a portfolio and one without, it’s a safe bet that the client will choose the one who presents “proof” of their skills. The quality work you show your prospects will reassure them and build their confidence. When you approach clients, you must therefore be able to present solid references. But when you have no clients, what exactly do you show?

How to fill out your portfolio when you start your business?

Let’s take, for example, the portfolio of a web writer. Let me introduce you to Ammar, who previously worked in the medical sector. He decided to retrain and, after training, is ready to launch himself as a freelance web writer. Competition is fierce in this field and he doesn’t have any clients yet. He’ll have to canvass to land his first contracts.

The difficulty? Ammar is just starting out and has to present texts even though he’s never sold any before. But all is not lost! Ammar is a tyrosemiophile, he collects cheese labels (don’t judge him). If he writes a blog on the subject, he’ll be able to highlight his best articles. He doesn’t have a blog? Well, now’s the time to create one! This will be an opportunity for him to apply everything he learned during his web writer training and create a perfect medium to present to his potential clients.

Ammar wrote the homepage for his cousin’s e-commerce site? That’s one more text to add to his portfolio. That’s still a bit light. Let’s move on to the next step: Ammar should offer a few well-chosen sites the chance to write a text for them. He can present it as a test article, before a possible collaboration. Few people refuse free samples… For Ammar, the goal is to have 3 to 5 texts that will showcase his writing and show that he is capable of writing on different subjects and in varied styles. There’s no need to overflow with examples; prospects won’t have time to review all of his texts anyway.

4 tips for filling your portfolio without clients

Whether you’re a graphic designer, developer, interior designer, photographer, web designer, or whatever else, it’s in your best interest to present a portfolio to your future clients. Starting your business shouldn’t be a barrier to creating one; on the contrary, it’s now that you’ll need it most! Here are 4 tips to help you build your portfolio:

• Don’t have any clients yet? Don’t hesitate to include the best research projects you completed during your training in your portfolio.
• This is the perfect time to create a personal project that will serve as your showcase. The advantage? You’ll be your own client; you set the rules!
• Offer a prospect a trial job. It’s not about working for free, but about showing them what you’re capable of. The result: You can include this project in your portfolio, and if the prospect is satisfied, there’s a good chance they’ll want to work with you again in the future.
• You may not have many accomplishments to highlight right now, but you can present your approach and work methodology. By precisely describing the steps you follow in project management and the tools you use, the prospect will be able to more easily envision a future collaboration with you.

Your portfolio serves as a platform to showcase your work, but don’t hesitate to think outside the box, to show what a professional you are and why you make a difference. Now, get to work it’s time to fill out your portfolio and find clients!

Choose the Right Freelance Platform

Freelance platforms are websites that connect businesses and freelancers; they are therefore a meeting place where qualified and competent freelancers in a defined field can register and thus meet the needs of businesses for specific assignments.

There are several types of Freelance platforms: very general, specialized, closed communities, etc. It helps consultants meet the best consulting firms and companies.

What are the conditions for working on your own?

It’s perfectly legitimate to wonder if you’re eligible to become a freelancer before starting your professional project. The answer is generally yes, but there are still a few basic rules to know before becoming a freelancer.

What is the legal age?

You must be at least 18 years old, that is, an adult , to legally create a business. However, there are exceptions for minors aged 16 or over who wish to work on their own . However, they must set up a “single-member” company.

I am an employee. Can I become self-employed?

Good news! It’s entirely possible to become a freelancer while remaining an employee. Many self-employed people starting out choose to develop their business alongside their job.

The reason is simple: security ! However, not all companies accept this combination. It is therefore necessary to carefully check your employment contract , as it may contain an exclusivity clause. In this case, you will need to ask your employer for permission before starting.

Are unemployment and freelancing compatible?

Thus, it is possible to become a freelancer if you are unemployed . To support your project, you will continue to receive your benefits provided that the combined benefits and turnover do not exceed the salary you were earning before you stopped working.

The important thing is to declare your new activity to France Travail as soon as it starts. In some cases, you can even benefit from ACRE ( aid for unemployed people starting or taking over a business), which allows for a reduction in social security contributions at the start.

I am a foreigner. Can I start my own business?

If you are a foreigner, you should check whether you have the necessary authorization to work as a freelancer . Some visas or residence permits allow you to work as a freelancer, but it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities to ensure you comply with the legislation . Once everything is clarified, you will need to take the necessary steps to get started with complete peace of mind… and legally. Of course!

What is the salary of a freelance worker?

At the risk of disappointing you, there is no universal answer. Indeed, a freelancer’s income depends on several factors.

The first thing to consider is your field of activity . For example, a web developer may charge more than a freelance web writer or graphic designer , due to the high demand in this sector. Additionally, your level of experience plays an important role. A beginner freelancer will not charge the same rates as a senior one.

Then there’s the issue of time management . As a freelancer, you’re responsible for your own schedule, but you also have to factor in time-consuming administrative tasks (invoicing, prospecting, etc.). These unpaid tasks are an integral part of your daily professional life.

Another point, not insignificant (unfortunately), is social security contributions and taxes. In France, for example, a freelancer with micro-entrepreneur status must pay a percentage of their turnover to cover their expenses. This means that the amount you charge your clients is not your net salary. You must deduct your contributions, but also budget for possible investments in your business (equipment, software, training).

Finally, the number of clients and the regularity of projects directly influence your income. Some freelancers work with a limited number of clients, which guarantees them financial stability. Others juggle several one-off projects, which can cause their revenue to fluctuate from month to month.

There is no “typical salary” for a freelancer, but there are variables to control to ensure financial stability.

What skills do you need to be self-employed?

Becoming a freelancer requires a combination of skills and attitudes. These skills will allow you to manage your projects, clients, and daily life independently. Here is a non-exhaustive list:

Take stock of your current skills

Before you start, take the time to analyze your skills . What skills do you already have that can form a foundation for your future career? If you want to become a web developer, for example, you’ll need to have technical knowledge in coding. But you’ll also need to understand your clients’ needs in order to offer them suitable solutions.

A good way to do this is to divide your skills into two categories: those that allow you to create value (technical skills) and those that help you manage your business (human skills). For example:

• Professional skills or hard skills : software proficiency, expertise in a field, knowledge of current standards, etc.
• Human skills or soft skills: time management, communication with clients, ability to prioritize tasks, etc.

Acquire new skills

Even if you’re already experienced in your field, it’s important to adopt a lifelong learning attitude . The freelancing world is evolving rapidly. If you feel you’re lacking certain skills, don’t panic. There are plenty of training courses available today to fill in the gaps.

Here are some areas in which it is useful to train to become a freelancer:

• Digital Marketing: Learn how to sell your products and services online, learn how to create a portfolio that stands out to attract your first clients…
• Business creation & business management: Master the codes of professional independence, know how to manage your invoices and plan your expenses.
• Social Media: Establish a strategy to launch on social media, make yourself known and expand your reach.
• Self-confidence: Combat imposter syndrome with the support of coaches and sophrologists to successfully complete your project.

Customer relations are at the heart of your freelance business. It’s not enough to be good at what you do; you also need to know how to communicate effectively . This means listening to needs and responding quickly to messages, for example. Relationship skills are a determining factor in building customer loyalty. And if it’s not your strong point, it’s a quality that can be worked on!

Be adaptable and curious

Adaptability is one of the most important skills for a freelancer. No matter what sector you choose, the freelance market is constantly evolving, as are client expectations. Being curious, learning new techniques, and being able to reinvent yourself will help you stay competitive.

Becoming a freelancer means knowing how to get out of your comfort zone!

What are the steps to becoming a freelancer?

You’re now convinced that freelancing is for you. But where do you start? Here’s a practical guide to help you get started in your new freelance life.

Choose your field of activity

First and foremost, you need to define the field of activity in which you want to work as a freelancer. You must choose a profession in which you feel competent, while ensuring that there is a demand on the market.

Take some time to think about what you really enjoy doing. For example, if you have a passion for photography and already have mastered the basic techniques, perhaps becoming a freelance photographer is a good option.

If you draw and want to make a living from it, why not consider a career as a freelance illustrator ? The goal is to choose a field that motivates you, as working for yourself requires personal commitment.

Study the market and its opportunities

Once the outlines of your project are drawn, it is important to understand the market.

• Who are your future customers?
• What is the demand in this sector?
• Who are your competitors?
• How can you differentiate yourself?

These are questions to ask yourself before you start freelancing.

Take the time to do some market research , even a simple one. You can start by observing what other freelancers in your field are doing or browsing social media groups like Facebook to identify needs.

Make a business plan

A business plan is the roadmap for your freelance business. It doesn’t need to be a 50-page document, but it’s important to write down a few elements to guide you. A good business plan will help you clarify your goals, define your service offerings, and, most importantly, forecast your income and expenses.

In your business plan , you can include:

• Your services: What exactly do you offer? Will you specialize in a niche (e.g. agile coaching )?
• Your pricing: How much will you charge for your services? Remember to factor in your social security contributions and business expenses (software subscriptions, travel, etc.).
• Your business strategy: How will you find your first clients? By word of mouth? By registering on platforms or networking at professional events?

A well-thought-out business plan will prevent you from jumping in blindly. It’s a document that can evolve over time, making it essential for structuring your business from the very beginning.

Set your financial goals

A step often overlooked by new freelancers: setting realistic rates. Unlike salaried employment, your income can vary from month to month. That’s why it’s important to know how much you need to charge to live comfortably and cover your expenses.

To do this, do a simple calculation: how much do you want to earn per month? Add to that your social security contributions, taxes, and business expenses, then divide by the number of days or hours you plan to work. This will give you a clear idea of ​​your rates and the workload required to achieve your financial goals.

Train and prepare

Finally, before you dive in 100%, make sure you’re fully prepared. As mentioned in the skills section, taking additional training can be a great way to build your credibility as a freelancer. This could be certifications in your field (e.g., Google Ads for digital marketing experts ) or business management courses to better manage your business.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to talk to other experienced freelancers. Their advice can be invaluable in avoiding certain pitfalls and better understanding the realities of this status.

What legal status should I choose as a freelancer?

For beginner freelancers, choosing the right legal status is an important decision , but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are simplified statuses that make it easier to start your business while allowing you to focus on what matters most: finding clients and starting your first projects.

To become a freelancer, the most commonly recommended status is that of micro-entrepreneur . It appeals to many freelancers. It’s particularly suitable if you’re just starting out and don’t yet know exactly how much you’ll charge each month. As a micro-entrepreneur, you benefit from simplified accounting : no need to keep a complex balance sheet; you simply declare your turnover online. In addition, social security contributions are calculated based on your income, which means you don’t have to pay fixed contributions.

However, micro-enterprises have certain limitations. Your annual turnover is capped ( $87,150 for services in 2025), which could hamper your growth in the medium term. If you exceed this threshold or want to deduct your business expenses (such as hardware purchases or software subscriptions), another status might be more suitable.

The second status often chosen by freelancers, once their business is well underway, is the sole proprietorship (EI) or limited liability sole proprietorship ( EIRL ) . These forms of business allow you to separate your personal assets from those related to your professional activity.

The EIRL is particularly attractive for protecting your personal assets, as your private assets cannot be seized in the event of financial difficulties. It’s a good choice for those who want a more flexible structure while maintaining relatively simple management.

How to start your freelance business?

You’ve refined your project and completed training to broaden your skillset. Now it’s time to take action. Here are six tips to get you started:

Build your portfolio

This word may not mean anything to you. But know that the portfolio is essential for freelancers: it concretely shows what you know how to do. If you have a little experience in your field, you can include all the projects you have participated in… and which are relevant to your clients! And, if you are starting out, you can simply create fictitious projects or recommendations to highlight your know-how and the full extent of your skills.

In short, the more representative your portfolio is of your talents, the more clients it will attract.

Set your prices

This is a thorny topic for freelancers, and you can’t avoid it. In fact, setting prices is a topic that often comes up on freelance forums. It’s true that when you’re starting out, it’s difficult to set your price. We recommend conducting a benchmark in your sector to get an idea of ​​your competitors’ rates. Be sure to take your level of experience into account. Yes, when you’re just starting out, you won’t be able to charge like a seasoned freelancer.

💡 Imposter syndrome & pricing 💡

One of the biggest mistakes beginner freelancers make is underestimating the added value of their work. If clients are hiring you, it’s because they need you. Your rates should reflect your expertise, but make sure you stay competitive!

Build your personal branding

Becoming a freelancer means gaining a certain professional freedom: schedule, choice of clients. But it also gives you the opportunity to fully express your personality by developing your brand image.

Personal branding isn’t just about creating a logo or website, which are essential. It’s also about developing your identity, one that reflects your values ​​and skills. To achieve this, you can communicate on social media via Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn and create an image around your business.

The idea is to make clients want to work with you: “It’s with this freelancer that I want to collaborate, and not another!”

Find customers

Once your portfolio is in place and your rates are set, it’s time to start looking for clients. Your first assignments can come from your personal network or old professional contacts. Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth! Also, register on freelance platforms and attend networking events to expand your opportunities. Prospecting may seem difficult at first, but it’s part of the job.

Little by little, you will refine your strategy to attract customers who match your profile.

Develop your business

You’ve landed your first assignments. You can be proud of yourself! Now you need to maintain your business so that you can make a sustainable living from it. As we’ve already told you, the world of freelancing is constantly evolving. Therefore, it’s important to always stay on top of the latest trends in your sector and continue to train yourself. Adding new skills to your profile, especially if they’re very specific or sought-after, will allow you to stand out from the crowd with clients. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities!

Build customer loyalty

Once you’ve successfully landed your first clients, you’ll need to build a long-term relationship with them. There’s no secret: building loyalty depends on the quality of your services, your responsiveness, and your ability to communicate with them. A client who is satisfied with your work will naturally want to work with you again, and will also want to talk about you to their professional circle.

Word of mouth still works very well. A word to the wise! So, maintain your relationship with them by remaining professional and following their projects.

What are the career prospects for a freelancer?

 

There are many ways to grow your business or increase your revenue as a freelancer. Here are a few ideas to give you an overview of these opportunities:

Specialize in a niche market

You enjoy your professional activity. Besides, you don’t necessarily feel the need to change your legal status or modify your services. There is an accessible solution: specialisation . Indeed, choosing to restrict your offer to a certain type of client and honing your skills allows you to stand out. By leveraging your added value, you can gradually increase your rates.

For example, a freelance sophrologist can structure their offer around well-being at work and only work with companies.

Become a consultant or trainer

What could be more satisfying than sharing the secrets of your success with those who need them? It’s only natural to want to pass on your knowledge as you gain experience. Depending on your personality, you may choose to add another string to your bow by becoming a consultant or trainer.

• Consultants are professionals who provide their expertise to companies. For example, a CRO consultant .
• Trainers share their expertise with future freelancers to help them successfully transition to a new career or acquire new skills. For example, a magnetizer can train future professionals by providing online or in-person training.

Create a digital product

Some freelancers choose to develop their own digital products and upload it to generate passive income if You don’t know how to sell Digital product Check It . It would be easy to believe that this opportunity only concerns professions that evolve in this sector such as UX design , community manager or web designer .

But think again! Digital is now everywhere. For example, a freelance photographer can create an online training course, or a life coach can sell an ebook focused on wellness. By developing a digital product, you move from being a service provider to an entrepreneur!

💡 What is a digital product? 💡

A digital product is a digital creation sold or distributed online, such as software, an application, an ebook , or a training course. It allows you to generate passive income without direct intervention once developed.

Create a collective with other freelancers

Freelance collectives are a great way to work on large-scale projects without changing your status or hiring employees. By teaming up with other professionals, you can pool your skills to tackle more challenging projects than you could tackle alone. It’s also a great way to break the loneliness !

Conclusion:

You’re now ready for this new adventure. We hope this article has answered all your questions and given you the confidence to take the next step: becoming a freelancer. Remember: you are unique, and so is your project.

See you soon !