How to Start Freelancing in Nepal? (5 High Paying Skills)

Is your search history piled up with queries like 

• How to start freelancing in Nepal? 
• How to work as a freelancer in Nepal?
• Can we do freelancing in Nepal?

If yes, you have landed on the right article. In this article, I talk about how to start freelancing in Nepal and the things necessary to start freelancing. 

Freelancing offers various benefits, such as flexible working hours, the ability to work from anywhere, and the freedom to set your own rates. Freelancing is also the go-to working model for people looking to escape their 9-5 jobs. Many people from Nepal have started taking freelancing seriously and have already earned enough not to return to their jobs. So, why not start freelancing right now? 

But how to start freelancing in Nepal? 

If you want to start freelancing from anywhere, not alone in Nepal, you need a high-paying skill, a portfolio showcasing your skill, and a client ready to pay, and you’re good to go. 

Freelancing is not rocket science and is definitely not illegal. If you read this article till the end, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge required to start freelancing in Nepal as an absolute beginner. So, let’s get started. 

Watch This Video To Learn How To Start Freelancing in Nepal:

What is Freelancing?

Freelancing is a working model in which individuals work independently to sell their skills. Therefore, freelancers are independent and work on a contract rather than on a typical job basis. As they work on their own terms, they are their own boss, not salaried employees. Freelancers decide their working hours, working location, and rates by themselves. Hence, they have the flexibility to work on various projects at the same time. 

Freelancing is on the rise everywhere around the world, and Nepal is no exception. Freelancing contributes a major portion of the gig economy in Nepal. This shows that many people here in Nepal are already into freelancing, and others are willing to start soon. 

High Paying Skills to Start Freelancing in Nepal

Any skill is a high-paying skill if you have enough expertise and experience to provide your clients the best value of money. However, there are definitely some skills in which many Nepali freelancers are earning way more than others. 

1. Web Development 

Full-stack web developers are the highest-earning freelancers from Nepal in my experience of 3 years in this freelancing journey. They are often hired for various foreign projects and are paid well too. But, if you want to start freelancing as a web developer, you need to learn various languages to code which takes a decent amount of time. 

However, web development using WordPress is also pretty popular and has a lot of demand. Also, it is easier to learn WordPress than typical web development by coding. So, WordPress web development can be a thing you can venture into if you are starting out now.     

2. Video Editing

With the increased consumption of video content, many businesses are actively involved in video creation. This has increased the demand for video editors in recent years and will increase in future years too. So, video editing is a good skill to learn if you’re looking to start freelancing in Nepal as a beginner. 

3. Content Writing

Every business has its own website nowadays. They constantly need written content to market their services and products. So, content writing is one of the best skills to learn, as you will have the opportunity to capitalize on the content demand of these businesses. 

It is also comparatively easier to learn content writing. And, if you already like reading books and writing poems or stories, you’re more than good to start freelance content writing right now. 

Watch This Video To Learn How To Earn From Content Writing:

4. Graphics Designing

Graphics are best at visually representing the services a business offers. So, graphics designing is another best skill to learn with good demand. Businesses need graphics designers to market their services and products. 

So, learn graphics design if you’re already good at drawing things and have strong visual representation skills. However, you can learn it even if you are not good at drawing. 

5. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves various marketing skills such as advertising, content writing, search engine optimization, graphics designing, and others to make a business visible to probable customers. 

It is one of the most in-demand skills as it fulfills all the requirements of a business in terms of creating a digital presence. So, learning digital marketing skills is the way to go if you’re looking to earn good enough from freelancing. 

How to Get Clients to Start Freelancing in Nepal?

Getting clients is the toughest thing you need to tackle as a freelancer. However, if you have a good portfolio that showcases your previous works and the skills you offer, you can get clients to sell your services. There are some Nepali freelancing platforms like Rolling Nexus and MeroKaam where you can create your profile and start freelancing. However, if you want to work with foreign clients who can pay in dollars, you must check out the platforms below.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the biggest and most popular platforms for freelancing worldwide. It is also the best freelancing platform for those looking to start freelancing in Nepal. Upwork allows your earnings to withdraw directly to a local bank in Nepal. 

Upwork focuses on onboarding premium clients and highly qualified freelancers to meet those clients’ needs. So, you can find high-paying clients in Upwork if you have a good profile to market your service.  

Watch This Video To Create An Account On Upwork:

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is also the best platform for people from Nepal to start freelancing. It is easier to land clients on Fiverr compared to Upwork. However, unlike Upwork, there’s no option to directly withdraw earnings from Fiverr to a local bank in Nepal. You need a Paypal or a Payoneer account to receive your earnings from Fiverr. 

You cannot have a Paypal account in Nepal, but creating a Payoneer account should not be a hassle. Hence, Fiverr is a good platform to start your freelancing journey. 

3. Facebook Groups

Every beginner freelancer is advised to join Facebook groups like “freelancers for hire” and “beginner freelancers” to get their first job. This trick used to work earlier when I started freelancing. 

But now, the scene has changed. There are a hell lot of freelancers already ready to offer their service as soon as someone offers some work. Hence, you might be overwhelmed by responding to these groups all day long and still not getting any work. 

However, there’s another approach by which you can get clients from Facebook groups. Instead of joining groups looking to hire freelancers, you can join groups like “entrepreneurs hub,” “small business online,” etc., where its easier to reach business owners and entrepreneurs. 

After joining such groups, you can reach out to business owners and offer your service to them. This way, you have a greater chance of winning clients than the typical approach of joining groups specially created for freelancers.  

Final Words

Freelancing is a better working model with all the freedom to decide your working hours, location, and rates. It is also much more lucrative than typical 9-5 jobs. So, you’re on the right track if you’re looking to start freelancing in Nepal. 

Start by learning a high-paying skill. Then, make a good profile on any freelance platforms mentioned in this article. Finally, market your service by applying to jobs and creating gigs. 

If you’ve found this article valuable, share it with those who want to start freelancing in Nepal. Also, let me know if you have anything to say in the comments below. 

Lastly, Thanks for reading!