Saima Ikram
Freelancing is one of the fastest-growing segments in IT outsourcing in Pakistan. According to the National Freelance Facilitation Policy, currently, there are over 100k registered freelancers in the country and the capacity-building program aims to train 1 Million freelancers in coming years. Pakistani freelancers have contributed US $400 million in IT exports of US 2.646 Billion in the 2021-22 Fiscal year. Freelancing has become extremely popular amid Covid-19 and people are learning high-end skills from YouTube, and Digiskills. pk.
Do you want to know about freelancing in Pakistan?
Do you want to earn online by offering your skills on freelance websites?
In this post, I will not only discuss how to start freelancing in Pakistan but also share the top freelance websites to offer your services.
Striking out on your own in the growing field of freelancing requires you to consider a few things before taking the plunge. You can do freelancing even if you are a full-time employee. To find the right clients, projects, and pros and cons of various pricing methods, freelancers need to discover their own strengths and market them.
Table of Contents
Learning How to Start Freelancing in Pakistan
Before learning how to start freelancing in Pakistan know that today’s freelancing is charting a dramatic new course to define success. Freelancers piece together their lives, their projects, and their competition with other freelancers in the market. With passion and flexibility, they built an independent, connected, and values-driven life for themselves.
Learn a Skill
Starting freelancing without skill is impossible in fact this is the key point and a basic thing you must have if you wanna learn a skill Hisham Sarwar’s YouTube is the best free video platform to learn a new skill in Pakistan.
Build Your Network
Now you have learned skills now it’s time to build a network of your potential clients. Join freelancing groups on Facebook and give your services at an affordable price. Don’t be spammy in the groups but instead share your knowledge in these groups and what you’ve learned so far.
Become a Brand
After building a network you should become a brand & think like a brand. Give the clients quality work and always over-deliver.
Freelancing websites in Pakistan
There is good competition in mainstream freelance websites so it is important to know about all freelancing websites where people from Pakistan can offer their skills and make money.
1. WorkChest:
Workchest.com is a Pakistani freelance marketplace that has created an ecosystem for employers and freelancers. Daily, 10+ selected projects are posted in different categories. Workchest is the only marketplace with a social media networking tool for freelancers to collaborate and discuss future growth and opportunities. It also has a Team-Up section for people from one skill set to get in touch with one another across Pakistan.
2. Upwork:
It is the biggest freelance website in the world, Upwork is widely used by Pakistani freelancers to find jobs. Freelancers feel valued and connected when they work on this online platform. UpWork.com introduces freelancers with an option to develop connections to the online world. It connects clients with professionals so that they can collaborate and grow their businesses successfully. It is a place where employers hire IT professionals, Web developers, copywriters, or graphic designers.
3. Fiverr:
Fiverr.com is by far the most popular freelance website in Pakistan. It is a marketplace with a twist on the concept of freelancing, employers can hire freelancers for Gigs based on keywords, past performance, and ranking. It is one of the growing marketplaces online and the most widely used too.
4. Guru:
Guru.com is an online platform that allows high-tech professionals to seek short-term contracts by negotiating directly with potential employers. It is a global network of over 1.5 million gurus who offer their services for technical, creative, or business projects. It is simple to work with and requires freelancers to create an online profile to showcase the skills they have to offer to employers. On Guru.com, a Pakistani freelancer has made over 1 million dollars in revenue. His name is Hisham Sarwar
5. 99designs:
It is an online platform that helps to find freelance graphic designers around the world. It connects more than one million talented freelance designers with entrepreneurs to help them get the work they want. About every 1.5 seconds, a new design is uploaded by the online designer community. For smart and passionate customers, 99designs.com is a great place to work.
6. Toptal:
toptal.com is an American-based company that offers the services of freelance software engineers and designers to various clients. Many Pakistani talented freelancers are now being selected on this website, primarily for high-end, emerging, and trending skills such as AI, AR, and Machine learning.
7. Freelancer:
Freelancer.com is another online freelance website that is extremely popular in Pakistan. It connects freelancers and employers globally from over 247 states. Using this platform, freelancers and employers find work including writing, data entry, accounting, etc. It provides them with all kinds of short-term and long-term projects.
8. Peopleperhour:
Peopleperhour.com helps people to start and grow their businesses. It is simple to get started and helps people to manage their work and get rewarded for their hard work.
9. Craigslist:
This website is a social and trusted platform for people that provide ways to shop online. For any kind of service from jobs and housing to personals, this platform is the best fit for online merchants. Visit craigslist.org
10. Freelance Writing Gigs:
Freelance writers are blessed to have this online platform for learning while working. It helps them to find writing projects more easily than any other platform because it is just for freelance writers. It is a good place for people who have a passion for writing and want to polish their skills in their free time. Visit freelancewritinggigs.com
11. Demand Media:
demandmedia.com is a good place for people who are creative and want to explore new opportunities while working. It helps to create unique content and provides innovative ways to solve issues. It is popular among filmmakers, producers, photographers, etc.
12. iFreelance:
Freelancers use this platform to find their outsourcing projects. It provides all the opportunities for talented professionals to grow. The unique feature of this online platform is that it does not charge any transaction fees on both sides and allows freelancers to keep all of their earnings. Visit ifreelance.com
13. College Recruiter:
For lining the base of a great future, collegerecruiter.com is a great platform for college students. It helps students to earn while they are studying and learn the complexities of professional life.
14. SimplyHired:
simplyhired.com is an employment website as well as works as an online recruitment network. It provides services of resume upload, custom profiles, e-mail alerts, job searches, etc.
15. Project4hire:
For coders, consultants, designers, and many others, Project4Hire.com provides easy business access around the globe. It helps IT, professionals, to outsource their work and get projects at affordable prices.
These best freelance websites for beginners enable skillful individuals to freelance and earn a livelihood while working from home. To learn and grow your business, all programmers and IT professionals must look at all these websites.
Pakistan Freelance Jobs: Embracing the Future of Work
The gig economy is a rapidly growing sector that provides opportunities for people to work from home, become their bosses, and earn a decent living. One country that has seen a significant rise in the number of freelancers in recent years is Pakistan. Pakistani freelancers are making a name for themselves in the global marketplace by offering their skills and expertise to clients from all over the world.
Why are Pakistani Freelancers in Demand?
Pakistani freelancers are highly sought after because they provide excellent services at incredibly low prices. They are a well-liked option among clients from all around the world thanks to their strong work ethic, dedication, and attention to detail. Furthermore, well-known for their exceptional communication abilities and capacity to fulfill deadlines, freelancers from Pakistan.
What Skills Do Pakistani Freelancers Offer?
Pakistani freelancers offer a wide range of skills, including:
- Web Development
- Graphic Design
- Content Writing
- Virtual Assistance
Challenges Faced by Pakistani Freelancers:
Despite the many benefits of freelancing, Pakistani freelancers face several challenges, including:
- Limited Access to Payment Systems: Many Pakistani freelancers face difficulties in accessing payment systems due to restrictions imposed by some countries. This can make it difficult for them to receive payments from clients.
- Lack of Recognition: Pakistani freelancers frequently struggle to have their work valued and recognized by clients.
- Limited Access to Resources: Pakistani freelancers may have limited access to resources such as high-speed internet, which can impact their ability to deliver projects on time.
How to Hire Pakistani Freelancers:
There are a few considerations to make if you’re planning to hire Pakistani freelancers. First, be certain that you are well aware of your project’s requirements. Second, do your homework and pick a trustworthy freelancer with a solid background. Last but not least, be upfront about your spending plan and make sure the freelancer feels at ease working inside it.
How much you can earn from freelancing in Pakistan:
The potential earnings from freelancing in Pakistan can vary significantly based on a range of factors. These factors encompass your expertise level, the demand for your skills, the caliber of your work, the rates you set, and your ability to secure projects.
Freelancers in Pakistan have the opportunity to earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month, or even more in certain cases. It’s worth noting that freelancing income can be irregular due to the fluctuating availability of projects and clients. Some months may prove to be more lucrative than others.
Conducting thorough research on market rates specific to your skill set and industry is advisable to establish an appropriate pricing strategy. Furthermore, building a robust portfolio, cultivating a strong reputation, and implementing effective marketing techniques can contribute to higher earnings and an increased client base. Ultimately, freelancing in Pakistan can serve as a viable income source, but the level of success and earnings may vary depending on individual circumstances and the amount of effort invested.
Conclusion:
By learning skills from free websites such as YouTube, people from Pakistan can render their services on different freelance websites. As a freelancer, not only they can earn good money but they can build a long-lasting career that contributes to the country’s economy and creates more job opportunities. If you wish to learn, Hisham Sarwar YouTube has over 170 videos if you are looking for the best freelancing course in Pakistan.
