Tips for Freelance Gigs for Students

Tired of being broke but also allergic to 9-5? Want to buy that one pair of sneakers or simply wish to get a little extra in your wallet? Here is the some Freelancing tips for students.

Along with all these assignments, classes, socializing, and career goals, working 9-5 may not be ideal. But also living on a tight budget while managing rent, entertainment expenses, transportation expenses, and groceries is not always a breeze. Wondering how to handle all this at once? Freelancing could be the side hustle you’ve been looking for.

What is freelancing?

Freelancing is all about being your own boss. Your hours, your vibes, your price, and definitely no boss breathing down your neck! Freelancing is basically using your own skills, like content writing, graphic design, video editing, tutoring, etc., to earn through paid projects online.

Here are some tips for freelancing for students to kick-start their journey.

Pick a Skill: Find Your Freelance Superpower

Focus on the skill you are good at or what you are generally curious about. Trying to step into everything will get you nowhere. Some common and beginner-friendly skills for freelancing for students are

Content writing, graphic design, video editing, tutoring, assignment help, etc.

Make sure you know what you are doing and what you are expecting out of it. You don’t need to be a pro—just know more than most.

Build a Portfolio That Speaks for You

Show them what you’re capable of; showcase your skills with a solid and clean portfolio. Freelancing for students is about making your own opportunities. Gather all your work in one place, even if you never had a client before, to give your future clients an idea of what you are capable of. For example:

Write a blog article on a topic of your own choosing.
Edit a short video for your friend, family, or yourself.
Make an advertisement for a product or for a fake brand.

You can upload your samples on an Instagram page, Google Drive, Notion page, or free portfolio websites like Canva Sites or Carrd.

You can also check: Self-Care Essentials for College Students

Put Your Work Where the Internet Can See It (Market Yourself)

Unless and until you make a noise or put yourself out there, clients may not even notice your presence. Freelancing tips for students is all about getting new clients and making new connections. For this purpose, you can create an Instagram page, polish your LinkedIn profile, and join communities that align with your niche. You can also try free freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, etc., but they are full of competition.

Put a Price on Your Work—and Own It

For starters, you may do a few low-paying gigs. Figuring out how much your time is worth or how much to charge can be a little awkward at first, but it is important. Freelancing for students often begins this way. Starting with small amounts is a great idea, but do not oversell yourself forever; increase your prices as you gain experience, create certain packages, and offer value-based pricing so that pricing matches the value you add, not the time you spent on it.

Build a Game Plan to Land Clients

This is not a game of luck; you need to strategize. The first question that should come to your mind is, “Who needs what I offer?” Figure out where they are the most present and start showing up there for them to notice you. Reach out to them via DMs (generally for small brands), pitch to them through email, or reply to their posts frequently.

Student-Friendly Freelancing Jobs That Actually Pay

Here are some ways of freelancing for students that don’t need a fancy degree to start, just some basic knowledge about your field:

Content writing

Graphic design

Social media management

Video editing/content creation

Online Tutoring

Ghostwriting

Virtual assistant

Translation or transcription

Voiceover work

Conclusion

Now you’re not just a student; you are a one-person startup in the making. College will only teach you theories; it’s time to put your actual knowledge to work and earn that just appreciation from your friends. Freelancing for students can be a total game changer, so start it today and turn your skills into bills!