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Becoming a Successful Freelancer, Best Tips No One Tells You

Name: Becoming a Successful Freelancer, Best Tips No One Tells You
Rating: 3.9 (4 reviews)

From Zero to Thriving: Learn How to Build a Profitable Freelance Career – Everything I Wish I Knew When I Started

Created byMaximilian Berktold

Last updated 4/2025

English

What you'll learn

The truth about freelancing—pros, cons, and what it really takes to succeed
When to quit your job and make the leap into freelancing
How to find your first clients (without endless cold emails or low-paying gigs)
The best freelance platforms, job boards, and networking strategies
How to price your work, negotiate with confidence, and close deals
Managing finances, contracts, taxes, and legal essentials for freelancers
How to stay productive, avoid burnout, and stay motivated
Personal development tips: confidence, sales skills, and dressing for success
How to scale your business and grow from small clients to BIG projects

Course content

8 sections • 18 lectures • 2h 34m total length

What is Freelancing and Why Choose It?10:23
Thinking about freelancing but not sure if it’s the right move? In this video, I break down what freelancing really is, how it works, and the pros & cons compared to a regular job.
What You'll Learn:
What freelancing is & how it works
The biggest advantages (freedom, unlimited income, work-life balance)
The challenges (no guaranteed income, finding clients, managing everything yourself)
How to know if freelancing is right for you
Freelancing isn’t for everyone, but if you want more control over your career and income, this might be your best move. Let’s dive in!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business insights on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
From Zero to Thriving Freelancer – My Story8:37
From Zero to Thriving Freelancer – My Story ?
A few years ago, I was stuck in a 9-to-5 job, maintaining old code in a big corporation. It was depressing, uninspiring, and I knew I wanted more. So I took a risk.
I quit my job, learned mobile development, and started freelancing—with no clients, no money, and no idea if it would work. I made over 200 cold calls, got rejected over and over, and struggled for months. But then, I landed my first client, then another, and another. Today, I work with major banks and corporations, choosing my projects and getting paid well for what I love to do.
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
My journey from a dead-end job to a successful freelancer
The struggles and challenges I faced (and how I overcame them)
How I got my first client and scaled to high-paying projects
Why anyone can start freelancing—with the right mindset and strategy
Thinking about freelancing? Watch this video to see what’s possible.
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
Book Announcement0:59
The book name is: THE FREELANCING GUIDE: How to Build a Successful Freelance Career
You find it on Amazon. If you like it let me know!

When Is the Right Time to Quit Your Job?10:06
Thinking about quitting your job to start freelancing? Before you take the leap, make sure you’re actually ready. In this video, I break down when the right time to quit is and how to avoid the biggest mistakes.
What You’ll Learn:
How much money you need saved before quitting
Why you should never quit without a backup plan
How to prepare your online presence & find clients before leaving your job
The skills you need to succeed as a freelancer
Freelancing is amazing, but only if you set yourself up for success. Plan smart, take action, and make the transition the right way! ?
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
Essential Skills for Freelancers11:53
Want to succeed as a freelancer? It takes more than just technical skills. In this video, I break down the must-have skills every freelancer needs to thrive.
What You’ll Learn:
The best tools for branding, writing, and selling your services
How to sell yourself and land high-paying clients
Why networking and communication are your secret weapons
How to stay ahead with new technologies and keep growing
Freelancing isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you present yourself and how you sell your value. Master these skills, and you’ll stand out from the competition!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

Personal Branding 10114:58
Freelancers, your online presence is your business card! If a client Googles you right now, what do they find? A professional, trustworthy profile—or something that could cost you opportunities?
In this video, I’ll show you how to build a strong personal brand that attracts clients and helps you stand out.
What You’ll Learn:
How to create a professional website & portfolio
The importance of high-quality profile photos & strong online profiles
Why you should separate personal & professional social media
How to control what shows up when people search your name
Your brand speaks before you do—make sure it’s saying the right things. Start building your professional image today!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
The Importance of Community Engagement12:03
Want more freelance clients? Stop spamming LinkedIn & start adding real value.
Most freelancers think "community engagement" means posting random motivational quotes or begging for work. That doesn’t get you hired. In this video, I’ll show you how to engage in the right way—so clients start seeing you as the expert they need.
What You’ll Learn:
Why spamming posts & comments makes you look desperate (and what to do instead)
How to build authority with blog posts, tutorials & free value
Where to engage—forums, LinkedIn groups, and high-value communities
Why teaching & sharing knowledge is the fastest way to attract clients
If you want clients to come to you instead of chasing them, this is how you do it. Stop networking the wrong way & start building your brand like a pro!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold
Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

Where to Find Freelance Projects12:51
Struggling to find freelance work? Stop wasting time on outdated methods!
Most freelancers fail because they look for work in the wrong places. Cold calling random companies? Waste of time. Instead, I’ll show you where to find real, high-quality projects—fast.
What You’ll Learn:
The best freelance platforms & how to stand out from the competition
Niche job boards that pay higher & have less competition
How to market yourself so clients come to you instead of chasing jobs
Why networking with freelancers & recruiters leads to better opportunities
The cold outreach method that actually works
Freelancing is about strategy—if you position yourself right, projects will come to you. Watch this video to learn how to get your next client!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
How to Create a Winning Proposal11:48
Want to land more freelance clients? Your proposal is your first (and sometimes only) chance to stand out. Most freelancers fail because they send boring, generic proposals that clients ignore. In this video, I’ll show you how to write a winning proposal that actually gets responses—and jobs!
What You’ll Learn:
The best structure for a freelance proposal (keep it short & impactful)
How to prove your skills—even if you don’t have direct experience
Why social skills & confidence can make or break your chances
The #1 mistake most freelancers make (and how to avoid it)
How to get a client on the phone and close the deal faster
Stop sending proposals that get ignored—watch this video and start landing real clients!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
The Art of Negotiation12:29
Struggling to set your freelance rates? Afraid of charging too much or too little? Negotiation is a skill every freelancer needs to master—or you’ll end up underpaid and overworked.
In this video, I’ll show you how to set your rates with confidence, avoid bad deals, and negotiate like a pro.
What You’ll Learn:
How to set your freelance rates (without undercharging yourself)
The 3 types of pricing models and when to use each one
Why you must set clear terms & have a contract (to avoid non-payment)
How to say no to bad offers & avoid getting lowballed
Simple negotiation tactics to help you land better deals
Stop working for less than you’re worth—learn how to negotiate the right way!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

Managing Finances as a Freelancer4:58
Freelancing gives you freedom, but if you don’t manage your finances properly, it can turn into a nightmare. Taxes, tracking expenses, and saving money—it’s easier than you think if you set things up right from the start.
In this video, I’ll show you how to keep your finances simple and stress-free as a freelancer.
What You’ll Learn:
Why you need a separate bank account for your business
How to track your income & expenses easily
How much money to save for taxes (so you’re never caught off guard)
When to hire an accountant (and when you don’t need one)
Stop overcomplicating your finances—set up a simple system & focus on your work!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
Legal Basics for Freelancers4:51
Freelancing gives you freedom, but without legal protection, you could lose money, clients, or even your work. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! In this video, I’ll break down the legal basics every freelancer needs to know in a simple, no-BS way.
What You’ll Learn:
Why you must have a contract (and what to include)
When an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is necessary
Do freelancers need business insurance? When it makes sense
How to protect your work, payments, and reputation
Stay legally safe & protect your freelance business—watch now!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

Self-Empowerment and Confidence9:35
Struggling with rejection? Feeling stuck with no clients? Doubting yourself? Welcome to freelancing. Every successful freelancer has faced hard times—but the ones who push through are the ones who make it.
In this video, I’ll show you how to stay motivated, build confidence, and overcome imposter syndrome so you can keep growing—even when things get tough.
What You’ll Learn:
Why rejection is normal (and how to deal with it)
How to stay productive when you have no clients
The secret to building confidence (even when you don’t feel ready)
How to keep moving forward—no matter what
The only way to fail is to quit. Watch this video & start believing in yourself!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
Selling Yourself to Clients5:26
Clients don’t just hire the most skilled freelancers—they hire the ones they trust. If you don’t know how to sell yourself the right way, you’ll struggle to land projects, no matter how good you are.
In this video, I’ll show you how to position yourself as the freelancer clients WANT to work with—and how to turn them into long-term customers.
What You’ll Learn:
How to build trust and make clients see you as the expert
The secret to selling without sounding salesy
How to make a great first impression in emails & calls
Why long-term relationships = less work & more money
Master this skill, and you’ll never struggle to find freelance work again!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
How to Dress and Behave On-Site4:49
Want to be taken seriously by high-paying clients? How you dress and present yourself matters more than you think. Whether it’s an on-site meeting or a video call, looking professional can build trust, increase your perceived value, and even help you charge higher rates.
In this video, I’ll show you how to dress and behave professionally to make a great impression on clients.
What You’ll Learn:
The #1 rule for dressing as a freelancer (always be slightly overdressed)
Why hoodies & sloppy outfits hurt your credibility
How to adapt to different corporate cultures while standing out
Simple behavior tips to build trust & increase your value
Looking professional = getting paid more. Watch this video & level up your game!
Subscribe for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

How I Built a Client Base That Pays Me for YEARS (Do This!)5:40
From First Clients to BIG Clients – How to Grow Your Freelance Business
Struggling to find more freelance clients? Want to turn small gigs into long-term, high-paying projects? In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to grow your freelance client base, get repeat business, and move from small projects to serious clients.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:
Why your client base takes time to grow – and how to speed it up
The #1 trick to staying in clients' minds (so they rehire you)
How to get referrals & testimonials that bring you new clients effortlessly
The secret growth hack most freelancers don’t use – coaching & training
How to build trust, network, and land bigger deals over time
Want to go from small-time freelancer to high-value consultant? This video breaks down the exact steps to make that happen.

LIKE & SUBSCRIBE on youtube for more freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".
You’re Leaving Money on the Table! (Here’s How to Fix It)6:21
Freelancers, STOP Trading Time for Money!
Here’s How to Build Multiple Income Streams ?
Are you tired of chasing clients and unpredictable income? Smart freelancers don’t just work harder—they work smarter by diversifying their income. In this video, you'll learn how to create multiple revenue streams as a freelancer so you can make money even when you're NOT actively working. ?

What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to build passive income from courses, eBooks & memberships ?
✅ The best high-value services to charge premium rates ?
✅ How to get recurring revenue with retainers & maintenance packages ?
✅ How to break into new markets & attract high-paying clients ?

⚡ Don’t rely on just one client. Create financial freedom with multiple income streams!

Subscribe for weekly freelancing & business tips on my YouTube channel @MaximilianBerktold

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

From Zero to Thriving Freelancer: Your Next Steps6:17
You made it! This is the final video of the freelancer series, and if you’ve watched the entire journey, you already have everything you need to start and succeed as a freelancer. But knowledge alone isn’t enough—it’s about action.
Every successful freelancer started somewhere. No experience. No clients. No clear roadmap. But they took action, built momentum, and never stopped improving. The biggest difference between those who succeed and those who don’t? They start.
If you’re still waiting for the “right time,” stop. There is no perfect moment. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to take the first step. Start building your profile, reaching out to clients, refining your skills, and putting yourself out there.
What this series taught you:
Freelancing is a real, scalable career—not just a side hustle
Clients don’t just hire skills, they hire trust & confidence
Success isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy & persistence
Fear is normal, but inaction is the only real failure
You are in control—your time, your rates, your future
So now, the only thing left? It’s time to take action.

Subscribe on youtube for more insights on freelancing, mobile development, and trading.

Your next step? Start freelancing TODAY. No more waiting. No more excuses. Let’s go!

Also, I wrote out a full written Guide and my personal Story in a Book. You can buy it on Amazon if you want to get even deeper insights "THE FREELANCING GUIDE by Maximilian Berktold".

Requirements

This course is beginner friendly. You need nothing more then your own motivation.

Description

This course is a step-by-step guide to building a thriving freelance business from scratch. Whether you’re just considering freelancing or already started but struggling to get clients, you will learn the strategies, tools, and mindset needed to grow your business and earn a stable income.

It is the short Video form of my new book "THE FREELANCING GUIDE: How to Build a Successful Freelance Career" on Amazon.

Currently i am re-recording all beginning videos and create small written guides to create the best content quality possible for you. (only 2 videos left to update)

Are you ready to take control of your career and start freelancing? Do you want the freedom to work on your own terms, choose your projects, and set your rates? If you’re stuck in a 9-to-5 job and dreaming of becoming your own boss, this course will show you how to make it happen.

I was in your position. A few years ago, I quit my job with no clients, no safety net, and no clear roadmap. I struggled to land my first freelance projects, made countless mistakes, and learned the hard way. Today, I work with top banks in Germany, developing high-impact investment applications as a successful freelance mobile developer. I want to help you skip the trial-and-error phase and fast-track your freelance success.

What You’ll Learn

The realities of freelancing—pros, cons, and how to succeed long-term
How to transition from a full-time job to freelancing without financial stress
Where to find high-paying clients and how to stand out from the competition
The best freelance platforms, job boards, and networking strategies to get consistent work
How to build a strong personal brand that attracts clients automatically
Pricing strategies to charge what you’re worth and negotiate with confidence
Managing contracts, payments, and legal essentials to protect yourself as a freelancer
How to stay productive, avoid burnout, and maintain work-life balance
Personal branding, sales skills, and confidence-building techniques for freelancers
How to scale your freelance business and land high-value, long-term contracts

Who is This Course For?

Employees who want to quit their job and start freelancing but don’t know where to begin
New freelancers struggling to get clients and generate consistent income
Developers, designers, marketers, and consultants looking to build a profitable freelance career
Anyone who wants financial independence and control over their work-life balance

Why Learn From Me?

Unlike many online courses that teach theory, this course is built on real-world experience. I started freelancing from scratch, with no industry connections, and built a career working with top companies. Now, I want to share everything I’ve learned so you can avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your success.

Course Structure

Each lesson is designed to be practical, actionable, and to the point. No fluff, just clear strategies you can apply immediately. By the end of this course, you will have a solid plan for launching or growing your freelance business with confidence.

Ready to Take Control of Your Career?

If you’re serious about breaking free from the traditional job market and building a profitable freelance career, this course is for you. Stop waiting, start taking action, and build the business you deserve.

Enroll now and take the first step toward your freelancing success.

Who this course is for:

Employees who are considering quitting their job to go freelance
New freelancers struggling to get clients and make consistent income
Developers (especially mobile devs & Flutter devs) who want to turn their skills into a profitable business
Anyone looking to build a sustainable, long-term freelance career

Becoming a Successful Freelancer, Best Tips No One Tells You

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction to Freelancing3 lectures • 20min

Preparing for Freelancing2 lectures • 22min

Building Your Online Presence2 lectures • 27min

Getting Your First Client3 lectures • 37min

Running Your Freelance Business2 lectures • 10min

Personal Development for Freelancers3 lectures • 20min

Scaling and Long-Term Success2 lectures • 12min

Final1 lecture • 6min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: