Becoming a freelancer is a fast and affordable way to start earning an income from home. Especially if you freelance a skill you already have, you can get started offering your services today.

A freelancer is someone who offers their services for a fee and usually with no expectation of a permanent single client, although the working relationship can be ongoing. It’s a form of self-employment, similar to operating a home business versus telecommuting. With that said, a freelancer can work as a contractor, as opposed to a home business.

There are several reasons to start freelancing:

• Done on the side around your job, it’s a way to generate extra income to pay off debt or save for a rainy day.
• It’s affordable to start if you already have the skills and equipment to do the job.
• You can start quickly. As soon as you find a client, you can start getting paid to freelance.
• It allows for greater independence over a job.
• It’s often flexible, allowing you to work part-time or during off-business hours.

There can be a few downsides, including:

• It can take time to build a full-time income.
• Work, and therefore, income, can be irregular.
• Managing multiple clients and projects requires excellent organization.
• Pay for new freelancers is often low.

Nearly any kind of service provided to another business can be offered on a freelance basis. Some common freelance jobs include:

• Freelance writer
• Freelance Web Designer
• A freelance virtual assistant or virtual professional
• Freelance bookkeeper
• Marketing/PR services or social media manager

To freelance, you need to have a skill you can offer to potential clients. Most people draw on their employment experience, offering services using the talents they already have. Along with a service, some things to consider putting together include:

• A business plan. While you may not be setting up an official home business, contact your city or county to determine if you need a business license to freelance. You will still need a plan that outlines what service you’ll provide, the market you’ll cater too, and marketing strategies.
• A website that tells about you and your services, and includes a portfolio of your work, and testimonials.
• A LinkedIn profile. While all social media can be a great resource to network for freelance work, LinkedIn is an online resume located in a place where professionals connect. It’s also a great resource for ​finding freelance jobs.

Freelance work can be found just about everywhere. Places to consider include those within your social network, online and off.

Go to where your target market hangs out and look and ask around there. The best place to find clients is where clients look for help. Learn about your market, what it reads, and where it goes to get support and be available to provide help, ideas, and resources.

Joining an association within your industry provides you with some clout. It also offers many networking opportunities, job listings, or a newsletter you can advertise or write to show off your expertise.