30 Freelance Business Ideas
Below you will find a list that is comprised of 30 freelance business ideas you can start. As with any kind of business, you should do extensive research into the
industry and create a business plan. One of the biggest benefits of freelance is that you get almost unlimited freedom. So, with
all of these, you can transform and change them to fit with your skills and interests.
One of the best parts about starting a freelance business is the choices you get to make. As well as choosing exactly
what you get to do (from your industry to your services specifically); you will get to choose your clients and your projects. Make sure that you are making choices that you enjoy—not what you think you should do. There is no point in starting a business that you will not enjoy working for.
Being successful in many of these things will require you to be highly skilled. These skills will naturally develop further as your business does, but it will give you an advantage if you already have a talent for it.
So, with all of this in mind, read through this list of freelance business ideas that you can start. Take inspiration, think about your preexisting skills and interests. Change, define, and alter these to fit your dream life.
1. Writing
Freelance writing is an incredibly broad business, so you should narrow it down to a niche. But, in essence, anything people want to read about, you can write about. If you have a good grasp of language and grammar and you love to get your thoughts out there, then think about becoming a writer.
2. Journalism
Freelance journalists are not tied to a specific organization. It can be a good option for people who do not align with
mainstream journalism and would like more freedom with the kinds of articles they produce.
3. Ghost-writing
Ghostwriting is writing that you, personally, do not get credit for. It usually ends up published anonymously or, it is published on behalf of an organization or person; just not you. It is a good option if you love to write, but do not necessarily care about the glory. Writing content for other people is a very popular freelance business, and clients love to use good quality ghostwriters.
4. Editing
If you are a nerd for grammar and a lover of structure, becoming a freelance editor could be for you. If you have ever read something and thought “this is so close to being perfect, but I could do a better job,” consider becoming a freelance editor.
5. Proofreading
Similar to editing, but would require fewer edits, naturally. Help people by giving them a quick once over before they finalize their work. Proofreading would likely be more about quick grammar checks than major structural changes. Be careful not to blur the line too much between editing and
proofreading; set expectations with your clients clearly. You can, of course, do both, but make sure that your services are priced to reflect this.
6. Bookkeeping
If you have a knack for math and understand business, helping other businesses with their books is a great
freelance business. Bookkeeping is something that many people struggle with and would rather outsource, positioning
yourself correctly could cause clients to flock to you. You could do ongoing bookkeeping work with companies on a
regular basis, or on-demand work—just make sure your services will be priced to reflect this.
7. Data entry
Data entry is a good job for people who love to organize and keep things neat. Especially, for those who also love helping
others. Data entry is not for everyone, but those who love it, really excel at it. If you are quick and thorough, then you could find yourself with a strong business.
Data entry may expand into data analysis or data verification. You should make sure that you outline exactly what your service will be so that clients do not get confused
looking for one element but getting another.
8. Graphic design
From logos to color schemes to graphics, there is an abundance of design elements that can be done freelance.
While you may need to invest money into quality software and invest time into developing a distinctive style. Most
online businesses will need graphic design at some point, so developing your skill towards a niche will likely make you popular and will give you a positive reputation and receptive audience.
9. Photo editing
These days, photos are everything. We have all seen the popularization of filters and editing; except, sometimes, it also needs filters that make the picture look good, but still natural and “unedited.” Being skilled in touching up and altering photos could mean that a career in photo editing could be for you.
10. Photography
If you have an eye for photography, then a freelance photography career is a flash option for you. This is a great example of business based on the monetization of your hobbies. Many people will need professional photographs taken, but may not know where to look. Marketing yourself
as a niche, local, and skilled photographer could be a good freelance option for you.
11. Illustration
If you have a talent for drawing, become a freelance illustrator. Illustration is not something that many people can do to a high level, so capitalize on that and get illustrating.
Be careful with making sure the brief is clearly outlined to begin with, and make sure that you include a set number of
revisions so that clients do not continue to demand more work.
12. Web design
To be a web designer, you do not necessarily need to have studied for years; some web designers just have a greater
than average understanding of common website platforms (such as WordPress) and a talent for making them look nice. You could build a business in updating, or renovating websites.
13. Website creation
Full on website creation requires more detail than website design and may involve building websites from scratch. It could, in some circumstances, be deeper than knowing how to skillfully navigate website building platforms. Again, though, as with all elements of a freelance career--the choice is yours.
14. Software programming
Programming is not something that many people excel at, it is a skill that takes time and dedication to understand. This means it is a great opportunity for you to make bank doing something you love and have developed a skill at. There are numerous programming languages, that are for different things and have different benefits. Figure out which you are best at and how you can transfer that skill into a tangible
product and marketable service.
15. Translating
Do you speak more than one language? Well, translating could be a lucrative option for you. There is almost always a high demand for people who can translate something from one language to another. Globalization and the internationalization of content has meant that rarely is something professionally published in only one language—and the ability to write in a native capacity in a second, or third, language is an excellent foundation for a business.
16. Transcribing
Transcribing occurs when you listen to audio and then write down exactly what you hear. It can be from interviews or subtitling videos. If you are a quick typist and listen clearly and accurately it could be a great option for you.
17. Teaching
Teaching is something that is easy to do online. For example, you could run courses or provide seminars in something that you are good at. You could educate and train others in skills that you have already fully developed.
18. Tutoring
While similar to teaching, tutoring gives off a more personal feeling. You can share your expertise; whether for kids or older students, or even just adults looking to learn something new. There is a huge market for online English teachers, or for other language tutoring.
19. Video production
Videos are a huge part of online content and being able to produce them fills a gap that many people cannot. Whether it be storyboarding, filming, or creating the content itself, being able to produce one of the most popular forms of online entertainment is an exciting business prospect. Particularly, if you develop a video production niche and are able to become a prime figure in that industry.
20. Video editing
If video production is not for you, editing videos may be a good stepping-stone. Editing is something that many people
struggle with—whether it be navigating fancy software or determining which content is appropriate for the final cut.
You could edit your own videos or edit videos for others. You could brand yourself as being skilled in editing a particular style or in a certain genre.
21. Voiceovers