Why Freelancing Feels So Hard in the Beginning (And What Actually Works)
When I first thought about freelancing, I had big dreams. Like most people, I had seen countless posts and videos online promising quick success—earn ₹1 lakh a month, follow a few steps, and clients will magically appear. Everything sounded simple, almost guaranteed.
Reality hit very differently.
Real-world freelancing, especially in fields like graphic design and video editing, is far more difficult than most people expect. It’s slow, unpredictable, and mentally exhausting in the beginning. I remember the early months clearly. I had learned the tools, worked on my skills, and even built a portfolio. Still, there were no clients. No emails. No replies.
For a long time, I believed the problem was my skill level. I thought I wasn’t good enough. But over time, and after many failed attempts, I realized something important—the problem wasn’t my skills. It was my approach to freelancing.
This article isn’t based on theory or motivational advice. It’s based on real freelancing experience—mine and people I personally know—who struggled, adjusted their strategy, and eventually started getting work.
Why Most Freelancing Advice Fails
If you search for freelancing advice online, you’ll notice the same points repeated everywhere. Build a portfolio. Create accounts on Fiverr and Upwork. Send cold emails and wait for replies.
These things aren’t wrong, but they’re incomplete. why because -
- A portfolio alone doesn’t bring clients.
- Online platforms are overcrowded.
- Cold emails only work when done thoughtfully.
Most beginners follow this advice blindly and then feel lost when nothing happens.
I remember a friend who did everything “by the book.” He built a strong portfolio, created profiles on Behance and Dribbble, uploaded multiple gigs on Fiverr, and waited patiently. After three months, he still hadn’t received a single client inquiry.
That’s when it becomes clear that something deeper is missing.
Common Freelancing Myths That Mislead Beginners
One of the biggest myths is that Fiverr and Upwork are enough. These platforms are extremely competitive. As a new freelancer with zero reviews, you’re competing against sellers who have hundreds of completed projects. Clients almost always choose experience over potential.
Another myth is that a good portfolio automatically brings work. A portfolio is useful only if people actually see it. Clients don’t randomly discover portfolios. Visibility has to be built intentionally.
Cold emailing is another misunderstood tactic. It does work, but only when emails are personal, relevant, and focused on the client’s needs. Generic messages asking for work rarely get responses.
Freelancing isn’t just about being present online. It’s about being proactive.
You may Also Like :
A Real Freelancing Approach That Actually Works
If you’re new to freelancing or stuck in the struggle phase, these are the approaches that work in the real world.
Focus on Local Clients First
Many freelancers believe clients exist only online. That’s a mistake.
Local businesses are often overlooked. Gyms, cafés, restaurants, shops, and small companies constantly need better branding, posters, and social media content. They may not use freelancing platforms, but they do value good design.
I’ve seen real examples where freelancers approached local businesses directly, showed them a sample design, and converted that into monthly work. Even small retainers add up quickly when you work with multiple local clients.
If you’re good at food posters, approach restaurants. If you’re good at thumbnails, approach content creators. Start with niches you understand.
Visibility Equals Client Attraction
If people don’t see your work, they won’t hire you. Visibility is directly connected to client opportunities.
Show your work consistently. Share projects on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Behance, and Dribbble. Instead of just uploading designs, explain your thinking. Show progress, not just polished results.
Communities are especially powerful. Freelancing groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Discord regularly share real requirements. Many freelancers ignore these spaces, but they are often where first clients come from.
Avoid Working for Free—Use Smart Trials Instead
One of the most common mistakes new freelancers make is working for free to “gain experience.” This often leads to being undervalued and taken for granted.
A better approach is offering trial work. If a client wants a long project, create a small sample related to the actual work. For example, a short teaser instead of a full video, or a single design concept instead of an entire campaign.
This builds trust without turning freelancing into unpaid labor.
Learn Direct Outreach
Waiting for clients rarely works in the beginning. Direct outreach is uncomfortable, but effective when done correctly.
If you notice a business with weak branding, redesign one element and show them what’s possible. If a creator’s visuals feel outdated, offer an improved version. The key is to give value first, not ask for work immediately.
This approach positions you as a problem solver, not someone begging for opportunities.
Don’t Compete on Price—Compete on Value
Lowering prices to attract clients is one of the fastest ways to damage your freelancing career. There will always be someone willing to work for less. Competing on price leads to burnout and low-quality clients.
Instead, focus on the value you provide. If a client can pay more, don’t undercharge out of fear. Confidence in pricing grows with experience, but it starts with respecting your own work.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing success doesn’t happen overnight. That’s the reality most people don’t talk about.
Skills matter, but approach matters more. Visibility, outreach, and client relationships take time to build, but they compound over time. The early phase is frustrating for almost everyone.
If you’re struggling right now, it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It usually means you haven’t found the right approach yet.
Stay patient. Stay consistent. And focus on building real value instead of chasing shortcuts. That's the only way to be succesful in Freelancing.
Hope This Article gives the value or the knowledge you were looking to better understand freelancing.