What skills can you freelance with?
Almost any professional or semi-professional skill can be freelanced. The most in-demand in the UK right now include copywriting and content writing, social media management, bookkeeping and accounting support, virtual assistance, graphic design, web development, video editing, data entry and analysis, customer service, and translation.
If you have a day job, you already have marketable skills. A project manager can freelance as a virtual assistant. A teacher can tutor online. An office administrator can offer VA services. Start with what you already know.
Best UK freelance platforms
PeoplePerHour is the strongest UK-focused platform with a large base of British businesses actively looking for freelancers. Strong for writing, design, marketing, and admin. Fees are 20% on first £350 with a client, dropping to 7.5% for ongoing work.
Fiverr works differently — you create 'Gigs' advertising specific services at set prices, and clients come to you. Takes longer to generate momentum but once your gigs rank, it becomes relatively passive. Takes 20% commission.
Upwork is the largest global platform. More competitive but higher-value projects. Good for technical skills, development, and longer-term contracts.
How to land your first client
Your first client is the hardest. Here's the most direct route: pick one platform, complete your profile fully (photo, bio, skills, hourly rate), and apply to ten relevant projects in your first week. Write personalised proposals — one paragraph showing you understand their specific problem, one paragraph on why you can solve it, a specific deliverable and timeline.
For your first two or three projects, charge slightly below market rate in exchange for a review. A profile with three five-star reviews converts at a significantly higher rate than one with none. Invest the first month building reviews, then raise your rates.
What to charge
Research what others charge for similar services on your chosen platform. As a starting point: general VA services £15–£25/hour, copywriting £25–£60/hour, social media management £20–£40/hour, bookkeeping £20–£35/hour, graphic design £25–£75/hour.
Don't undersell yourself significantly — very low rates attract poor clients and signal lack of confidence. Slightly below market for your first few projects is fine. Raise rates once you have reviews.
Tax and admin basics
Once your freelance income exceeds £1,000 in a tax year, you need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC. Keep records of all income and invoices from day one. Set aside roughly 25–30% of earnings for tax. See our full UK tax guide for details.