Published on 21 July 2023 6 min read

Be specific about your skill set
Showcase your portfolio
Highlight your experience
Describe your work process
Mention your education and certifications
Include client reviews and testimonials
Offer a clear call to action

Stepping into the world of freelancing without past projects can feel like a daunting task, but fear not! You can still create an impressive profile that catches the eye of potential clients. You may not have a history of past projects, but that doesn't mean you lack skills, talents, or knowledge. This blog will help you navigate the process of creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects, giving you seven practical tips to make your profile shine.

Be specific about your skill set

First things first: you need to clearly define your skills. This isn't just about stating what you're good at. It's about going into detail, providing specificity that allows potential clients to understand exactly what you bring to the table.

Let's say you're a graphic designer. Instead of just stating "graphic design" as your skill, you might break it down further. You could specify that you're adept at logo design, creating engaging social media graphics, or designing eye-catching business cards. This level of detail paints a clearer picture of your abilities and shows you know your stuff.

If you're a writer, don't simply put "content writer." Are you skilled at blog posts, SEO articles, product descriptions, or crafting compelling email newsletters? By being specific about your skill set, you can show potential clients that you're not just a generalist — you have specific talents that can benefit their project.

One more thing: don't forget to match your skills with what clients are looking for. Spend some time browsing job postings in your field to see what skills are in demand. This can help guide you when detailing your own skills.

Remember, creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects is all about showcasing your unique skills. So don't be afraid to highlight what makes you different from the rest.

Showcase your portfolio

So, you don't have past projects to showcase? No worries! You can still create a portfolio that wows potential clients. The key here is to focus on what you can do, not what you've done for other clients.

For instance, if you're an aspiring web developer, why not build a website or two that demonstrates your coding prowess? These could be hypothetical projects that show how you'd handle real-world challenges. Maybe you could create a website for a fictitious restaurant, complete with an interactive menu and reservation system.

Are you a graphic designer? Design a series of logos for imaginary companies. Create a social media campaign for a fake product. Show clients your creativity and versatility through these hypothetical projects.

If you're a writer, start a blog or write a series of articles on topics you're passionate about. Even if they haven't been published anywhere, they can still demonstrate your writing skills.

Remember, your portfolio is a testament to your skills and creativity. It's your chance to show clients what you're capable of, even if you don't have past projects to showcase. So, invest time and effort into creating a portfolio that truly represents your abilities. It's a key step in creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects.

Highlight your experience

Though you may not have a lineup of past projects, you're not devoid of experience. Maybe you don't have a history of paid clients, but what about the skills you've honed in other arenas? What about your life experiences? What about the moments where you've demonstrated admirable work ethic, creativity, or leadership? This is the place to shine a light on those experiences.

Think about the times you volunteered at a local non-profit, and ended up redesigning their website. That's experience. Or when you took a creative writing course and your short story received top marks. That's not just an achievement—it's experience, too. If you've ever helped a friend with their branding, or taught yourself how to use a complex design software—that's all experience.

You see, experience isn't just about paid gigs. It's about the times you've used your skills to solve problems, create something new, or make a difference. It's about the knowledge you've gained and the challenges you've overcome. Including these types of experiences in your freelancer profile can set you apart, even if you're creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects.

Describe your work process

Next up on our journey to creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects is to detail your work process. This is a winning strategy to give your potential clients a glimpse into how you operate and what working with you might look like.

Let's say you're a graphic designer. You could start by explaining how you begin each project with a consultation to understand the client's needs and vision. You might then talk about how you create initial sketches, gather feedback, and refine your designs based on their input. You could also share how you consistently meet deadlines, and ensure client satisfaction with a final review process.

If you're a writer, you might describe how you start with a detailed outline, then draft, edit, and proofread before submitting the final product. You could mention how you use specific writing tools or software to ensure the highest quality work.

When you detail your work process, you show that you're organized, professional, and dedicated to delivering high-quality results. Plus, it gives your potential clients a sneak peek into what they can expect when they choose to work with you—making your freelancer profile stand out even without past projects.

Mention your education and certifications

It's time to let your learning speak for you. Even if you don't have past projects to show off, your education and certifications can step up to the plate in creating a standout freelancer profile.

Did you earn a degree in your field? Did you complete a certification course? Have you taken relevant workshops or seminars? These are all valuable assets that can add credibility to your profile and convince potential clients of your expertise.

Imagine you're a web developer. You can mention your degree in computer science, your certification in JavaScript, and that coding bootcamp you attended last year. Don't forget to include any specialized skills you gained, like proficiency in Node.js or AngularJS.

Or if you're a virtual assistant, you might mention your certification in project management, your degree in business administration, or any other training you've had that's applicable to the services you offer.

Remember, every course you've completed, every degree you've earned, and every certificate you've received is a testament to your knowledge and commitment to your field. So don't be shy—let your education and certifications do the talking when creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects.

Include client reviews and testimonials

While it's true that you may not have past projects to showcase, it doesn't mean that you don't have any satisfied clients. As you're creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects, the inclusion of client reviews and testimonials can be a great way to shine.

Have you done any pro-bono work or volunteered your services? Did you help a friend or family member with a task related to your freelance service? If they were happy with your work, you can request a review or testimonial from them.

For instance, let's say you're a freelance copywriter who helped a friend draft a business proposal. That friend could provide a testimonial on your profile about how your work helped them secure a big deal. This provides potential clients with a real-life example of the value you bring, even without past projects to show.

Remember, testimonials don't always have to come from paid projects. What matters is that they provide evidence of your skills and the value you can offer. So as long as you've got some satisfied clients to vouch for you, you're one step closer to creating a standout freelancer profile without any past projects to lean on.

Offer a clear call to action

The final component in the puzzle of creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects is the call to action (CTA). It's your final pitch, the part where you encourage potential clients to get in touch, start a conversation, or hire you for a project.

A clear CTA is like a guiding hand that leads prospective clients to the next step. Be direct, be concise, and make it easy for your prospect to get in touch with you. You might say something like, "If you're looking for a dedicated and meticulous graphic designer, I would love to discuss how I can help you achieve your vision. Contact me today."

Remember, the goal here is to make it as simple as possible for potential clients to understand what they should do next. A well-crafted CTA not only shows that you're proactive but also serves as the finishing touch to your profile.

With these tips in mind, creating a standout freelancer profile without past projects is not only achievable, but it's also a chance for you to showcase your unique skills and talents. So, go ahead and put these strategies into action, and watch as your freelance career takes off!

If you enjoyed learning about creating a standout freelancer profile, you'll definitely want to check out Jasmine MacPhee's workshop, 'The Freelancing Fundamentals To Make You Flourish.' This workshop will help you master the essentials of freelancing and equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in your freelance career.