the complete beginner’s guide to freelancing in 2024

I’ve made hundreds of thousands of dollars as a freelancer + worked with 40+ freelance clients.... and if I had to do it ALL over again from scratch, here’s the EXACT checklist I would follow to do that this year.
👉 MY NEW & FREE SERIES:
How I Turned My Love of Planning into a 6-Figure Freelance Career: dbmbootcamp.com/free-series/
📱SAY HI:
Instagram: / mynameisdeya
Tiktok: / mynameisdeya_
🎞️ IN THIS VIDEO:
[00:00] intro
[00:11] table of contents
[00:38] level 1: earning your first $1
[00:43] task 1: choose your character
[09:35] task 2: collect your gear
[12:17] task 3: your first gig
[14:12] level 2: earning your first $100
[14:22] task 1: do your daily quests
[16:08] task 2: get REAL good
[19:45] level 3: earning your first $1,000
[19:55] task 1: upgrade your character
[21:44] task 2: build your guild
[22:50] bonus level
🎥 VIDEOS MENTIONED:
~ The Best & Worst Freelancing Niches for 2024: • The Best & Worst Freel...
~ How To Create A Freelance Portfolio Using Notion: • how to create a freela...
~ The Best & Worst Freelancing Platforms of 2024: • The Best & Worst Freel...
~ 5 Freelance Platforms To Find + Land Clients: • 🎯 5 freelance platform...
~ 6 Real Cold Pitches That Have Landed Real Clients: • 6 *real* cold pitches ...
~ The Correct Way To Write Cold Pitches: • the CORRECT way to wri...
~ How I Find The Right Clients To Cold Pitch: • how i find the *right ...
~ Why Your Cold Pitches Are Being Ghosted: • why your cold pitches ...
~ How I Landed Freelance Clients On Facebook Groups: • how i landed freelance...
~ How I Handle Getting Rejected As A Freelancer: • how I handle getting r...
Thank you to Letteringbynica for this Canva template:
www.canva.com/p/templates/EAF...
💕 and as alwayssssss, thanks for hanging out with me today.

[@NTSHMA]

I am a long-time business owner who has hired many freelancers. Unless you're a relative of the client, I suggest... You don't want to quote an hourly rate to reduce risk, as it's meaningless to them since they don't know how much time a job will take to do and they're not watching you work. They are referring to the pro, which is you to tell them. Instead, you should quote a flat rate and start with smaller jobs that are semi-cookie cutter and not custom "whatever the client wants" jobs. Get examples of their goal or provide examples of what they will get.

[@melvin4829]

I agree. People will expect to get scammed and overcharged even if they don’t.

[@freelancerrimon627]

Agree with you❤

[@businessoldier2132]

Of all the the "experts" I see giving only tid bits of information, and asking you to buy their course, you come across so different. Honest, and without the ego, just giving great advice and value, I really appreciate your approach to these vids! Subbed.👍

[@gosuperva]

Freelancing is like building a bridge, one plank at a time. Each project is a step forward, and the view from the top is worth every challenge along the way.

[@williamleung9217]

I absolutely loved how you made this whole video like video game gamification journey lol. Making work "feel fun" lol but everything you talked about is spot on.

[@malayka2175]

This came at the perfect time. My freelance copywriting business went on hiatus last December because of the holidays and I'm slowly inching back into normalcy. Hoping I hit the $10K milestone this year (and soon!) ❤

[@sh-ehmed]

10K a month 🤩 or 10K overall 🤩?

[@MyNameIsDeya]

cheering you on!!! good for you for taking the small steps to get back into it. :)

[@samtetteh6002]

I’m struggling with starting in a niche and I’m overwhelmed and over complicating the process, any tips?

[@hachikaizen]

@@samtetteh6002 i think she has some videos about that aswell, not sure but you could try checking!

[@wakiwama6348]

How is it going??

[@mariagiullia4158]

you're so creative, i just "landed" on your profile and i'm amazed of the way you present your ideas ✨

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's so kind, Maria. thank you so much! really appreciate it

[@lawrenceulat1243]

this is literally one of the best videos ive seen about starting in freelance! subbed! im a photo&videographer tryna make it but this is great, love the video game aspect! make more pleasssse

[@FalloutUrMum]

Were you able to figure out how to freelance in photography and video?

[@queenwaffIes]

just came across your channel and binge watching all your videos now!!! so much value and love your personality too ❤ glad i found your channel! :)))

[@jonasbingil9899]

Tysm! gotta start at level 1. Keep sharing! ❤❤❤

[@Designerdan397]

This was a goldmine of info and the roadmap really tackled all my jumbled thoughts starting my freelance, cheers!

[@valisha.1111]

i love the way you deliver and present your ideas💓 thank you 🥰

[@fatoubbalde]

I love how informative this video is but I also love the way it's presented. Gamifying it is absolutely genius and I'm so hooked

[@pixiebomb28]

This such a great and cute video. Love the gamification. Also, awesome t-shirt 🤩

[@serendipityglory]

This is sooo good and realistic. Thanks Deya, glad I found and subscribed to your channel

[@lavanyaarya5108]

I am finally able to get myself to start freelancing full-time, and even though I did 3 projects, the Level 1 strategy looks pretty solid! Thanks for being our freelancing buddy Deya! 🥰

[@MyNameIsDeya]

congrats!!! that's so exciting. The first few projects are the hardest to sign so I hope you're celebrating your wins properly! :)

[@m.ismail12]

You truly rock the digital training world! Your expertise and energy are inspiring. Keep shining bright!

[@moobear_kat]

Thank you Deya! Just found your channel and had to subscribe to everything, your advice is the best I've seen about freelancing on KZbin!

[@Shockocksthegreat]

The amount of value in your channel is 💯💯💯🍾. I found you yesterday and am fully vibing. I'm like the type A Trello guy no one wanted in their workplace, so your specific freelance path looks like the most exiting thing. I'm excited to learn more about it and your stuff!

[@lifewithvicx]

I ACTUALLY LOVE how you edited this its soooo fun

[@e.v.vasilkova]

Wow! So much so valuable information! Thank you so much! ❤

[@tegaralamsah]

Deya!, thank you! Your videos is so helpful!! 🤩

[@LamyaaMady]

Thank you so much, Deya. You're great. Extremely helpful content and cheerful personality. Love your step-by-step guide to the overwhelming freelance world.

[@ayeshasingh30]

Been obsessed with your channel and all the info you share ! Planning to start freelancing soon🤞🏼

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to hear that!!! thanks for watching :)

[@ivankrysiuk9393]

Deya you are incredible! I've been following you recently and I've learned a lot thanks to your videos! I hope to be able to dedicate myself fully to freelancing in the near future because now I am in a factory as a routine job and in my free time as a Freelance Motion Designer! Thank you and good luck! Greetings from Argentina!😊

[@LightningBoltForever]

Your channel has been one the best I've found in 2024 so far. Thank you for your wonderful videos! Having done a few one-off VO projects last year, it's nice to see an accessible formula for actually getting a freelance business going and moving along consistently. You've got a sub from me!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

that's so kind - thank you so much for watching!

[@dmorenol01]

Loved your energy, style, ideas... new subscriber here!

[@itsbossin]

Hey Deya, I really love your energy! Great content as always

[@thinkaplo]

I recently discovered your channel and now I'm marathoning your videos 😂. Great work, and very inspirational for someone starting in this world of self employment! Hats off! 🎩

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to hear that - thank ya!

[@simonesimona8317]

You are very smart and fun to listen to. Thanks for all the great tips 😊

[@neileshabellamy]

Great video Deya! Starting my freelancing journey asap! 😊

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to hear that!!! lmk any other videos that would be helpful for you in your journey!

[@AliAhmad-so3yv]

Love your content keep it upppp.

[@crash_davis]

Your videos are great. Keep up the good work 😎

[@plmrlo]

loving ur personality! so great i stumble upon your video. new sub here!

[@johnroedbacting6620]

Thank you, very detail oriented :)

[@coachcarenfern]

I had to subscribe because this was so good and although I play no video games I love doing my businesses like a game so bravo to you 👏👏👏👏🥳 and well done. I’m now building up my bookkeeping department and I will use some of these and report back with results. Thank you 😊

[@ExtraCashOfficial]

Hello Deya, Why is your vibe so AMAZING?

[@sodenwiththis6702]

Just commenting here so I can come back to this once I earn that first £10K! I've done a couple websites for people but your video's really helping with how to reach more potential clients :) amazing video, you've earned a sub and a binge watch on a rainy saturday evening lol

[@chillydoog]

Just curious, what type of web design do you do? Do you use a page builder or wordpress?

[@sodenwiththis6702]

@@chillydoog I do it from scratch, depending on if they want a dynamic site or not If they want a static site - HTML, CSS (with Sass) and JS If they want any sort of backend interaction (e.g. contact form) I use Laravel

[@1thirdart]

I love this!

[@DeniseReedis]

Finally! Thanks for gamifying building a business! The steps are simple but not easy. Keep following your dreams.

[@camilalizama6267]

What a gold video I just found thanks ♥️

[@ved.shankar]

Love the video game vibe with this video :)

[@jennielyra3694]

This is such a cute presentation idea.

[@christopherandrovich5398]

I know I’m a bit late to this but the “huge add add” mix up made me burst out laughing. Love the little bloopers you leave in, feels so down to earth and approachable.

[@Gyaaaaaaan]

I watched one of your video regarding the freelancing platform. I was amaze in that video and learned a lot of valuable information. Then I watch this video because I am starting my journey as a freelancer. Thanks for the step by step tutorial. lol. I will revisit this every now and then just to check the progress. I would love to pet your cat. hahaha.

[@_carissahope]

learning more in this than i ever learned in my marketing classes

[@BlamKreations]

already $300 into my freelance CC journey. no shout out yet, but I'm getting there!

[@amosjuliantampubolon2413]

What is CC?

[@AnggiSahamCantik]

I close 2023 with my first 2k invoice as freelance writer 🎉 I can't believe this can be real ❤😊 I learn so much from your video, Deya. Thx.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

congrats!!! that's amazing. good for you!

[@reaganjagi]

Would you mind sharing how you did it?

[@HiChange]

This is amazing and I am hoping in the coming months I can come back and let you know I successfully completed each level - also love the animal crossing background music ;)

[@MyNameIsDeya]

please do!!!

[@semper_femina]

Deya, this video is on another level. Thank you so much. I'm just now stating to consider become a freelancer and this is incredibly helpful. Now, I'm gonna go binge watch the rest of your content 😃

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so happy to hear that!!! :) don't forget to take action too!

[@isurus2478]

Deya, great video. I should have done this 20 years ago. I'm starting this week.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

so exciting! cheering you on!!

[@raelenelizabeth]

This is a great video!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

glad you enjoyed! :)

[@jennielyra3694]

I paused it just to write down the "I help ______ do _______ so they can ________." Such a clean way to think about it.

[@DanielOmoroje]

I really enjoyed the video.I’ve been freelancing for More than a month now.hoping to achieve level three in two months time

[@abbyumaruddin1639]

How do you not have millions of followers already?? Thank you!!

[@aditmb]

I'm just started and always hesitate about the "ghost projects" you mentioned here, but getting real projects is also hard to begin with. Thanks for the video, I'm gonna make fully working ghost projects to fill up the portfolio page.

[@reaganjagi]

I also struggled with "ghost projects" but I started thinking what if my clients start asking if I've ever done a project for someone. I would suggest you just make a friendship with someone on IG or X then offer them a free landing page in exchange of a review

[@josephart2821]

Thank you❤

[@greatnnawuchi4282]

Your video editor is killing it🔥

[@MyNameIsDeya]

she is! love her!! :)

[@greatnnawuchi4282]

@@MyNameIsDeya She deserves her flowers. By the way Deya, (I hope this doesn't sound like a pitch..lol) I would like to work with you. I'm a copywriter & Content Marketer. I could send you my portfolio if you wish. (I'm super affordable and very reliable) So, What do you say? PS: I love your videos, your voice and the way you present things - its really organized. 👌

[@JeanWandimi]

In minute 15 and I love you you did this whole video in gaming style. Btw do you ever hire/ need content writers for your DBM business?

[@deoriginalhiba]

your editor deserves a raise!

[@MyNameIsDeya]

gave her one in february!

[@shawnewig7529]

This was great info. I’m struggling with imposter syndrome and not thinking I’m good enough and being nervous that people will find out my a fraud of some sorts

[@senaozbek8218]

heyy deya, could you mke a video about how and from where i could learn new skills (marketing/sales ect.) and also about whats the best way to ask for a raise in your hourly rate??

[@koushikkumardey6069]

Love ur videos! Go more niche specific Pps be more frequent

[@bazi15]

u r awesome keep it up Deya and yes i have write your name as i have learnt from u engage someone with their name

[@jadonharper1493]

I love the gamification of freelancing 😅

[@AndyBaedal]

Hi Deya good day! I wonder if u can explain more about “Type A” mean (in how to find your super power section) and how to check / get to know my type as well?

[@ChisomSandra]

Thanks you so much for this video I’m starting my freelance journey again for the 3rd time Third time is the charm, right? 😊

[@ronaldolivier3518]

Deya! You are like a breath of the freshest air here on planet KZbin! Discovered your content today and I am hooked! Also, I would totally hire you - where can I find more info? Feel free to send your work deets to me in a message if on here is a bit public. And thank you again for making content that is such a joy to consume!

[@Mr.B23.]

Hi Deya! I really enjoy your videos and wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your content is AWESOME! I also want to give something back, so here's my unsolicited advice (how despicable of me, I know): get rid of the vocal fry. Please don't get me wrong, is not that big of a "problem". You only use it sometimes at the end of the sentence, but you just don't need it. I find your voice pleasant, and I don't think you need to compensate for authority - knowledge and personality are enough. Best of luck!

[@prernapadlikar]

Hey can someone tell me which editing tool/software is she using. Really love the way she presents and the editing is super interesting. Thanks in advance ❤

[@Zainabtriesit]

Damn I so wanna learn how to edit like this 😍

[@NiTeLightYears]

Hidden gem of information, thankyou And serious question, for freelance, how do you get a client while using a platform that is overpopulated, that only favors the one who already at the top (due many reviews/started earlier) and if you have the same idea with others and newer upload, won't have the slightest chance? This means you should market it somewhere, better to directly reach people, but I haven't figured out where (totally instal DM isn't it) And I have an idea that can fix the biggest problem, but the key is to be widely recognized content that slips into many people algorithm in shorts, no matter what kind of content they watch, the problem cant be solved immediately, and it can be a frustrating feeling if I have to upload 20+ in a long time, (I mean I do have 10+ ideas, I am busy overall)

[@utberoxsobad]

Hi Deya! Just yesterday I stumbled upon your channel and I subscribed right away. Thank you for all the work you do and the very beneficial knowledge you share. A quick question for you, for the portfolio, can I share projects that I worked on with a team in my full time jobs? Or do projects have to be independent work that I did outside my full time job and not working with a team. This has been a big blocker for me and I’d really love your thoughts and to get your answer on this one.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

hey!! definitely good to include any relevant projects from any capacity as long as they're not covered by any NDAs or privacy agreements; 100% doesn't have to be only from independent work. :)

[@utberoxsobad]

Thank you so much Deya! I really appreciate. This is a big relief! I don’t have any good projects really outside of and was a bit worried.

[@umiwilfa103]

This is my first comment on yt, I've been your fan since your early video. Love your energy and anthusiast, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@SammySavesTheDogs]

i had to pause because i did NOT hear an animal crossing song in the intro. Nope, I did! That's it, fan for life 😍

[@MyNameIsDeya]

hehehehehe!

[@stephprader4484]

Heya! I’m new here so if you’ve already been told this, ignore me. If you get sick of saying “soft” skills, I heard Simon Sinek call them “human” skills. He got sick of it too and decided he wanted to change it in ppl’s minds. Just found you and loving all of your content! Thank you for making it! ^_^

[@MyNameIsDeya]

oooo love that steph! thanks for sharing & thank you for the kind words!

[@perfectdarkmode]

Awesome, where do freelance writers hang out?

[@AlexWanderlust7]

These are the best tips I've ever gotten on youtube. Thanks for sharing. The idea to compare freelancing with videogame is amazing. I want to be able to create videos as creative as you. Hire me, please, for experience and portfolio (even without money).

[@claripb6509]

Hi! ❤ living in Munich, did you have to register your business before starting?

[@suvendroseal1724]

How did you create all the retro gaming graphics? Absolutely love it, please guide me I want to make them as well.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

hehe we can't take credit for it -- we used a canva template!! we linked it in the description box in case you wanna check it out :)

[@suvendroseal1724]

@@MyNameIsDeya THANK YOU SO MUCH. I can't believe this is available for everyone to use. You are best Deya in finding cute and interesting things.

[@titans247]

Now ill bring Cleopatra rule in Amricas

[@teahgriffith8351]

Do you think this is different for freelance writers? A ptoblem im trying to hurdle is making clients recurring

[@imabell3214]

Hi Deya -- two questions. Do you think being a digital business manager is possible while working a full-time 9-5 (or 8-6 in my case with 3 day weekends)? How do you pitch to clients when you only have so much freetime during the week? As a DBM will you ever be able to work less than a 40 hour work week?

[@MyNameIsDeya]

hi!! yes, definitely possible but I think you just have to really be careful with time management in the beginning and not have too high expectations since you've already got a packed schedule. I started freelancing on the side of a 9-6 just by looking for clients/developing my skills every evening from 7pm to 10pm and then on the weekends for a few hours. After a few months, I felt comfortable enough to make the leap into full-time freelancing and I go off the corporate path. And as a DBM, you work as many hours as you want since you normally pick your clients. So some clients may have smaller businesses and only need 5 hours a week, some clients have larger businesses/teams/way more going on and may need 20-30 hours a week; so you'd get clarity on this upfront before signing them and see how or if it fits into your schedule. My free series may be helpful (I go into way more detail about the role) -- dbmbootcamp.com/free-series/

[@Tramarind]

Deyaaa you’re building such an amazing community. Would you be open to creating a discord for us to join. It could be a place for freelancers to post their services and small businesses to search for freelancers. It could also be a place for simply connecting with you and others in the community

[@chii_nik]

I love you already but I have a question. What if you have so many skills, how do you present it on upwork? With 5 years of experience (AKA entrepreneur fir 4 years so I did everything and made 4 figures monthly)

[@kamhaq]

One biggest Mistake most freelancer do: I earned more then quarter million doing freelancing as Software Engineer in two years but, today i cant get any work for last three month, because:: MISTAKE: - Once i get a client paying me 2kUSD per week and work was hardly 3 hours per-day I STOP searching for WORK - i should have continue looking for small one time job, - small jobs will keep you floating in market, with multiple feed back instead i have almost 0 feed back with 2000+ hours of work - MUST get feedback, this is where soft skill play major role give always something extra to make your client happy.

[@GabeVertrees]

Do you think that I could do freelance work in the health niche? I kind of already train clients online giving then advice with pain in the body and one has paid me for my services.

[@adrianablasquez6572]

Hi, this is the first time I waych your videos. I am not into social media my work experience is more on turisim, business travel and event coordinator. Do I have a chance to apply my 30 years experience into virtual job?

[@Hanna-po6mt]

Hii. May I know if I need any certificate to start the assistant freelancing job?

[@xplor_id]

have you ever think to start an agency? If you do, please count me in. It seems exciting and joyful to be in a team with you!

[@Yahweh_Editingclub]

KZbin recommended me your video and I am so thankful, really great stuff Man. btw I was wondering do you need an editor for editing your videos.

[@heysimmone]

Great content. My 3rd video with you and now I'm a sub 🔔 Where can we get that Notion template?

[@MyNameIsDeya]

Heya Simmone -- thank you!! :) My Notion portfolio video + template can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWOqp6KCdtx7g80

[@user-ko9ih1bo7m]

i am a Bangladeshi how do filacing Setart..

[@user-jp5jk2tb6h]

I want to start freelancing but I have no idea where to begin lol.. I’ve been researching and researching but I just can’t get it to start, if that makes sense?

[@user-jp5jk2tb6h]

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated lol or even a mentor lmao (maybe I’m asking too much now)

[@daniahamdy1919]

I am an online coach with over 80k in Instagram and 40k in TikTok and I barely make 50 dollars a month do u think it's my fault or is online coaching doesn't work anymore?

[@nadiiako]

Heyyy! Can you recommend any cozy online communities for freelancers? I also have a KZbin channel about freelancing but because of that mostly people are asking questions and for my help which I really love but I also wanna connect with like-minded communities. Especially cozy entrepreneurs as you are!

[@AndreValenzuelaMarin]

You seem like the perfect kind of connection I want to make. I am in Australia starting out as a Freelancer with my friend. We met at TAFE (Think of it as Government funded college) doing our Cert IV in Screen and Media and now completing our Diploma in Screen and Media together. We got offered many little gigs during our studies and one day we got a big gig paying us $30,000 AUD working with J. P. Morgan. I would love to connect with you. Is there any place I can connect with you?

[@user-nq3zt2yb9n]

❤

[@IvanMezaK]

take my money

[@leoniegamache]

Where are you located ? It's like impossible to charge 15$/hr here in Canada as a freelancer ! We have to charge higher end prices here if we only want to survive (hello inflation). Maybe in Europe it is different, but I can assure you that here it is at least double or triple the amount you are mentioning.

[@MyNameIsDeya]

Hey! You should 100% charge whatever you're comfortable with that the market is happy to pay. I agree $15/hr isn't fair pay for a skilled + experienced freelancer especially because freelancers have to pay for their own benefits, etc. I'm in Germany and I charged $10/hr for my first 2 clients (they were tiny 1-time projects) because that was minimum wage here in Germany (back in 2016), and I just had no experience so clients had no reason to give me a real chance otherwise. Then each additional client after, I began increasing my rates by 15-20% so within my first year of freelancing I made it to $25 - $35/hr. Then year after that I was at $40 - $50/hr. I don't think you should charge $15/hr for an ongoing long period of time or with long-term clients -- the suggestion is more to charge a low rate for your first 1-2 small clients to get your first testimonials, portfolio samples and get your foot in the door especially when you have 0 experience or competitive skillset. Then increase your pricing with each additional client from there to price validate with the market. It's a temporary "starting" strategy to get you some momentum.

[@FreelancingFocusBD1]

I'm English for freelancing video make do