If you’ve ever dreamed of having a flexible job that allows you to work from home and charge what you know you’re worth, then freelancing is for you. When people think of freelancing, maybe only writing comes to mind, but any gig that you do on your own can be considered a freelancing opportunity. Think of your skillset & your interests — combine those and you’ll be thinking of freelance business ideas that are perfect for yourself. If you need a little help thinking of some ideas, we’ve started a list right here just for you.
Freelance Business Ideas
1. Resume Writing
If you have experience in the Human Resources field or have a background in writing, then starting a resume writing business may be a great option for you. You can help people update their resumes and land their dream jobs through better resume writing and a great resume design. Not everyone is adept at putting themselves out there, so you can partner with them to help them better showcase their abilities and experience through a powerful resume.
2. Proofreading and Editing
If you are detail-oriented and have experience proofreading or editing articles or papers, starting a proofreading and editing freelance business could work for you. Channeling your inner Language Arts teacher, you’ll help other writers find critical spelling and grammatical errors in their work.
3. Copywriting
If you have a way with words, then you could start a freelance copywriting business. You can write compelling sales letters, web copy, or even create advertising campaigns for businesses that help them convert their website visitors into customers. When looking for work, you should also consider partnering up with local web design companies to provide copywriting services to their design clients. Web designers are not usually writers and it’s likely that the business owner needs help formulating their thoughts and ideas into copy.
4. Grant Writing
If you have experience writing grants, then you could start a freelance grant writing business. Non-profit organizations and businesses often need help securing funding, and you could be the one to help them. In addition to helping businesses locate opportunities, there is a substantial amount of writing that needs to be submitted on applications.
5. Blog Writing
If you enjoy writing and have something to say, then starting a blog may be the perfect freelance business idea for you. Choosing a topic that interests you and writing content around your niche will help you stay focused and gain readers. While you may not make money at first, you can monetize your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, or even selling products or services. Just keep writing amazing content and your following will come.
6. ebook Writing
Writing an ebook is another great way to make money as a freelancer. If you have expertise in a particular topic, then you can share your knowledge with others in the form of an ebook. This is a great option if you want to add a passive income stream to another freelance business idea. Did you know that you can list an ebook on Amazon? You can even format your book for Kindle Direct Publishing, too.
7. Content Provider for Other Bloggers
If you don’t want to start your own blog, then you could be a content provider for other bloggers. This is a great way to get started in the freelance writing world without having to commit to a long-term project. There are many groups on Facebook where bloggers purchase content like blog articles, recipes, and stock photos from content creators.
8. Ghostwriting
If you enjoy writing but don’t want your name attached to the work, then you could start a ghostwriting business. You can write articles, blog posts, or even books for other people and businesses.
9. Content Provider for Small Business Owners
If you want to help small businesses succeed, then you could start a freelance business providing content for their websites and social media accounts. You can write blog posts, create graphics, or even manage their social media accounts. This is a bit of a combination freelancing gig that marries graphic design with copywriting.
10. Write for Your Local Newspaper or Magazine
If you want to get started in freelance writing but don’t want to commit to a long-term project, writing for your local newspaper or magazine is a great option. It’s also a great way to grow your writing portfolio when you’re first starting out. It gets your name at the top of everyone’s minds and believe it or not, people will start to look forward to reading your next article. The feeling of seeing your name in print on newsstands never gets old.
11. Web Design
If you have experience building websites, picking up some freelance work in web design is a great way to make a living. Business owners are not web designers and most don’t know the first thing about complicated technology. Fulfilling a role as their web designer takes the burden off the business owner so that they can get back to what they do best. Some of the best options for building websites for clients is using WordPress with an easy-to-use drag and drop builder like Elementor or Divi.
12. Graphic Design
Similarly, if you have experience with graphic design, you can start a freelance business creating logos, marketing materials, and even social media graphics for businesses. While some graphic design services would require a knowledge base of Adobe software, you can also provide graphic design services using Canva, Picmonkey, or Stencil for creating social media graphics for your customers.
13. Photography
If you have a passion for photography, there are many ways you can turn it into a freelance business. You could start a portrait photography business or offer your services to businesses in need of product photos. You can also sell your photos online through stock photo websites.
14. Event Planning
Do you love planning parties and events? If so, then you could start a freelance event planning business. You can help businesses with everything from corporate functions to private parties. This is a great option for people who are organized and enjoy working with others.
15. Virtual Assistant
If you have experience working in an office, then starting a virtual assistant business may be a good option for you. You can offer your services to businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with tasks like scheduling appointments, managing emails, and social media.
16. Data Entry
If you have strong computer skills and attention to detail, then you could start a data entry business. This is a great option for people who want to work from home and make a steady income.
17. Social Media Marketing
With the advent of social media, businesses are in need of people to help them with their social media marketing. If you are active on social media and have a knack for marketing, then this may be the perfect freelance business idea for you. You can help businesses grow their social media following and convert leads into customers.
18. Online Advertising Specialist
Another great freelance business idea for those with experience in marketing is to start an online advertising specialist business. You can help businesses create and manage their Google AdWords campaigns. This is a great option for people who are analytical and have a head for numbers.
19. Email Marketing
Another great way to help businesses grow is by starting an email marketing business. This involves creating newsletters, email campaigns, and other marketing materials. If you have experience with marketing and are skilled at crafting engaging emails, then this may be the perfect freelance business for you.
20. SEO Specialist
If you understand how search engine optimization works, then you can start a business helping businesses improve their ranking on Google and other search engines. This is a great option for people with strong computer skills and knowledge of digital marketing.
21. Podcasting
With the popularity of podcasts, there is a growing demand for podcast editing and production services. If you enjoy working with audio and have experience editing or producing podcasts, then this may be the perfect freelance business idea for you. You can help businesses create high-quality podcasts that engage their audience.
Do you have a great freelancing idea that should be on this list? Send it my way and I’ll add it in (with credits to you!)
Happy Freelancing!
