A Beginner’s Guide to Making Money Freelancing in 2025

Freelancing has become one of the go-to options for individuals looking to make extra money online. Whether it’s writing articles, coding, design, editing, or any other type of project, freelancing offers a flexible way to earn income without the need for a big investment. With the right skills and expertise, anyone can get started in the freelancing world pretty much right away.

One of the most popular platforms for freelancers is UpWork, formerly known as Odesk. UpWork has evolved to offer better features and a more modern look and feel compared to its predecessor. It serves as a marketplace where individuals, organizations, and businesses can post job ads for freelancers to bid on. The range of jobs on UpWork is vast, from computer programming to web designing, bookkeeping to accounting, and more.

To get started on UpWork, the first step is to set up your account. It’s important to create a detailed profile that highlights your skills and expertise. UpWork offers different membership plans, with paid memberships providing more benefits and opportunities for freelancers. Paid memberships also come with a higher number of “Connects,” which are used to bid on jobs.

When searching for jobs on UpWork, it’s essential to be selective and focus on projects that align with your skills and interests. Bidding on every job may not guarantee success, so it’s important to read job ads thoroughly and only bid on projects that you are qualified for and interested in.

Submitting a proposal for a job is a crucial step in the freelancing process. It’s important to keep your proposal personal, concise, and to stress milestone payments. Milestone payments can help demonstrate your commitment to the project and provide a clear timeline for completion.

Once you’ve been awarded a project, delivering high-quality work is key to building a good reputation on UpWork. Maintaining constant communication with the client, meeting deadlines, and using the UpWork Workroom for all correspondence and file uploads are essential for success.

Getting paid on UpWork is straightforward, with the platform offering various payment options for freelancers. UpWork takes a commission of 8.75% on each project, and freelancers can choose from options like ACH Direct Deposit, Local Funds Transfer, PayPal, and more for cash redemption.

To succeed as a freelancer on UpWork, it’s important to bid on jobs consistently, focus on ongoing work opportunities, showcase expertise in a specific area, and aim for repeat clients. Building a good reputation, delivering high-quality work, and maintaining positive relationships with clients are key to long-term success as a freelancer.

In conclusion, freelancing on platforms like UpWork can be a lucrative way to make extra money online. With dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach, freelancers can build a successful career and earn a sustainable income in the freelancing industry.