How to Become a UX Freelancer in 2024 in 8 Steps

Finding a steady job in UX has been getting tougher these past few years. With more companies cutting back on full-time UX roles and prioritizing other areas, many talented designers and researchers are finding themselves out of work or struggling to land new positions.

While we wait for the job market to improve, freelancing might be the perfect path for you. Freelancing offers flexibility, the opportunity to work on diverse projects, and the potential to be your own boss.

If you’re looking for a new direction, here are 8 tips to help you make the switch and succeed as a freelance UX designer or researcher.

1. Embrace the freelancer mindset

There are several differences between being a freelancer versus being an in-house UX designer or researcher with the biggest one being: YOU are in charge of running your own business. So keep that in mind when you’re making the pivot into freelancing.

Think about your “why”

It’s important to consider what you really want from freelancing. Are you hoping to land several clients right away, or would you prefer working with one major client? Are you looking for short-term projects, or do you want long-term engagements?

If you prefer variety and learning about different businesses, you might aim for multiple short-term projects. On the other hand, if you like stability and building deeper relationships with clients, pursuing long-term contracts might be more appealing.

It’s important to figure this out early on because it’ll shape how you approach your work and the type of clients you’ll target.

Think of financial and career-related goals

During this time, you should set clear goals for your freelance career. Do some research to understand what’s in demand and make sure your goals are realistic and fit what you can provide clients.

You’ll also need to consider your financial situation. Do you have savings to fall back on if work is slow at first? Freelancing can be unpredictable, and having a financial cushion can give you peace of mind while you get started.

If you’re planning to freelance long-term, it’s wise to have at least three to six months' worth of living expenses saved up. This way, you won’t feel pressured to take on every project that comes your way and can focus on finding the right clients that fit your goals.

2. Carve out your online presence and portfolio

Let’s talk about your portfolio. Without a solid one, getting clients isn’t going to be easy! Your portfolio is usually the first thing potential clients see, so make it count.

Build a personal website

After including information about your experience, background, and the kind of work you’re open to, launching a personal website is a great way to showcase your services! Use tools like Wix or WordPress to make it easy to navigate and visually appealing.

Some tried-and-true methods for your website include a section that highlights your key projects, a blog where you share your thoughts on industry trends, and a contact form so potential clients can easily get in touch.

One important trait to show on your portfolio is your problem-solving skills. Include case studies that take people through your entire process, from initial research to the final design so it’s clear you know how to handle a project from start to finish and give clients confidence in your abilities.

If you’ve worked on significant projects in your previous roles, highlight those. If you collaborated with big-name companies, mention them (with permission). And definitely collect testimonials and referrals from colleagues, supervisors, or clients from your past jobs — positive feedback goes a long way.

If you don’t want to make your own website, upload your work on platforms like Dribbble and Behance. These platforms are great for getting your work noticed and building a community around your designs.

Highlight your specialties

Think about the types of projects that really excite you and play to your strengths.

If you’re into mobile app design, highlight your work on app projects. Include case studies that detail your process, from user research to prototyping and final design. Show how your designs have made a difference in user experience and solved specific problems to demonstrate your expertise and let clients know you’re the real deal.

If web design is more your thing, list projects where you’ve created engaging and user-friendly websites. Mention how your designs have improved user engagement, increased conversion rates, or simplified navigation. Talk about challenges like making sites responsive and accessible, and how you’ve nailed these aspects.

Or maybe you’re all about UX research. In that case, show off projects where you’ve conducted successful research projects, created personas, and developed user flow diagrams that led to improved designs and user experiences.

Choose your project type

As I mentioned earlier, think about whether you prefer short-term projects that let you see results quickly or long-term gigs where that let you build deeper relationships with clients.

Displaying short-term projects might look like adding a few blurbs about a feature you made for an app or doing a UX audit for a website.

Long-term projects could involve bigger case studies redesigning an entire product or developing a comprehensive UX strategy.

Tip: If you’re new to the game, don’t be afraid to include unpaid or personal projects on your website.

3. Develop your business skills

Freelancing essentially means you’re the boss! But it also involves the administrative stuff like managing contracts, setting rates, and handling finances.

It might sound a bit daunting at first, but it's totally doable and worth the effort.

Learn how contracts work

First off, let's talk contracts. When you get a new project, you need a solid contract that spells out all the details like the scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and any contingencies. Knowing how to conduct contracts is a basic necessity to help avoid misunderstandings and keep things clear for both you and your client.

Figure out how to price your services

Then there's setting your rates. Do some research to see what other freelancers with your skills and experience are charging. You might start with a lower rate to build your portfolio, but remember to bump it up as you gain more experience and a solid reputation. For example, if you start at $50 an hour, aim to get to $75 an hour within a year as you get more projects under your belt.

Research the right tools for you

Managing your finances is also important. Tools like QuickBooks or FreshBooks can make bookkeeping and invoicing a breeze. These tools help you keep track of your income and expenses, send professional invoices, and even automate reminders for late payments. If you're juggling multiple projects, having everything organized in one place makes life a lot easier and tax time way less stressful.

It's also a good idea to set aside some of your income for taxes and savings. We recommend opening a separate bank account for your business expenses to keep things tidy. Putting aside 25–30% of each payment for taxes can save you from any nasty surprises when tax season comes around.

Learning these business skills might be a learning curve, but it's definitely worth it. Getting good at managing contracts, setting fair rates, and keeping your finances in check will help you get paid fairly and on time, and keep your freelance business running smoothly.

4. Learn to market yourself

Beyond a great portfolio, effective marketing helps potential clients find you and understand the value you offer.

Use freelancing platforms

Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are super handy for showcasing your services.

These sites have tons of people looking for freelance talent, making it easier for you to find clients. They come with built-in tools for managing projects, chatting with clients, and handling payments, which can simplify your freelancing lifestyle.

By setting up detailed profiles and regularly updating your portfolios on these platforms, you’ll boost your visibility and attract a steady stream of clients. Plus, the ratings and reviews on these sites can help build your credibility and bring in more business.

While UserBit is great for keeping multiple client projects organized and on track, it's always a good idea to explore different marketplace platforms to find the one that suits your needs best.

Tip: We’ve got a list of the best marketplaces to pitch your freelance services if you need it!

Take advantage of social media platforms (but especially LinkedIn)

As a freelancer, you should always keep your LinkedIn profile active and up-to-date as it’s a powerful tool for networking and showcasing your professional brand.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your skills and experience by sharing updates about your latest projects, writing posts about industry trends, and engaging with others in your field. Joining relevant groups and participating in discussions can also help you get noticed and connect with potential clients.

You can also engage with your audience on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or even TikTok if that's where your potential clients hang out. On these social media platforms, share behind-the-scenes looks at your projects, quick tips, or industry news.

Let's say you've just completed a redesign of a therapy app. Write a detailed blog post about the project, including the initial problems the app had, your design process, user feedback, and the final outcome.

Then, share this on your website and social media to show off your skills and humble brag away! 😉

Offer a freebie

Another great idea is to offer a free consultation or audit for potential clients to give them a taste of your skills and entice them to hire you for more extensive work.

If you’d rather not use your time that way, consider creating a free template that you find useful. For instance, you could develop a client interview questionnaire or a project kickoff checklist that clienfs and other freelancers can use.

5. Let everyone know you’re freelancing

Finding your first clients can be tricky at the start, but getting the word out about your freelancing will make a huge difference.

Tell your network you’re freelancing

Start by letting everyone in your immediate network know you're freelancing — which includes current and past coworkers, friends, and family. You’d be surprised how effective word of mouth can be. A casual mention at a family gathering or a quick post on your personal social media can generate leads you never expected.

Try cold emailing

If you're in a new area or don’t have an established network yet, cold emailing can be your best friend. Make a list of local companies you’d love to work with and send them short, friendly emails offering your services.

Introduce yourself, explain what you do, and mention how you can help their business. Cold emailing can open doors to opportunities you might not find through traditional job searches. You never until you try!

Network regularly

Networking is key and is one of the best ways to find clients. When you have time, attend in-person or online industry events and join online communities.

For example, UX meetups, design conferences, and online forums like Reddit or LinkedIn groups are great places to start engaging in conversations, sharing knowledge, and building relationships.

Who knows? You might find your first gig through connections you make at these events or online communities.

For example, our UserBit Product Manager Dani and UserBit founder Akshay found each other through Reddit!

Tip: After meeting someone or sending an email, always follow up. A quick thank you email or a message to keep in touch can go a long way. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in people’s minds.

6. Address coding challenges early on

There may come a time where you’ll find it challenging to work as a freelancer without coding skills. However, knowing some basics can significantly expand your job opportunities and make you more versatile.

Here's how to navigate this challenge and even leverage your coding skills if you have them.

Provide consultancy services

One way to navigate the coding conundrum is by offering consultancy services that focus on delivering design solutions without the need for coding.

Being a consultant allows you to provide valuable insights and strategic advice without getting bogged down by technical details.

For example, you could conduct UX audits, do user research, and create detailed wireframes and prototypes that don’t involve coding.

Use no-code tools

Leverage user-friendly, no-code tools like Webflow or WordPress to quickly create professional websites without needing to write code.

Using no-code tools can make you more versatile and appealing to clients who need quick, cost-effective solutions. Perhaps you can design a fully functional website for a small business using Webflow that allows you to deliver a polished product without touching a single line of code.

Sell designs

Consider offering design-only services to other designers or developers on platforms like Dribbble or Behance. Providing these services is a great way to generate income and build a reputation in the design community.

For instance, you can create and sell UI kits, icon sets, or complete design templates that other professionals can purchase and use in their projects.

Join forces with a developer

Another effective strategy is to partner with developers. This step might come once you’re more established as a freelancer, but it doesn’t hurt to start thinking early about what type of developer you’d want to work with.

Ideally, you could collaborate with software development agencies or individual developers to handle the coding aspects of projects and offer comprehensive solutions to clients without needing to code yourself.

For instance, you can take on the design portion of a project and then hand it off to your developer partner for implementation. You’ll be able to expand your service offerings and also you focus on what you do best.

Leverage your coding skills

If you do have coding skills, that's a fantastic advantage. Why not offer full-service packages that include both design and development, making you a one-stop shop for clients?

In fact, having coding skills in your back pocket can make you especially attractive to smaller businesses or startups that prefer working with a single freelancer rather than hiring separate designers and developers.

For example, you could:

• build fully functional websites and apps from scratch, handling everything from the initial design to the final deployment
• offer maintenance and updates for websites and apps you've built
• create interactive prototypes that go beyond static design

By offering these additional services, you’ll be able to command higher rates and attract a broader range of clients.

7. Lean into your specialization

Knowing that UX and UI are different specializations is key for your freelance game.

To really stand out to potential clients, it’s important to lean into your chosen area and polish those relevant skills.

It’s a good idea to figure out if you want to focus more on user experience(UX ), user interface (UI), or both. Specializing in one area can make you more appealing to clients looking for specific expertise, but having skills in both can make you a versatile asset.

Specializing in UI

If UI design is your thing, dive deep into graphic design, design fundamentals, principles, history, trends, systems, techniques, and tools. A solid foundation in these areas can make your designs pop.

Getting the hang of color theory, typography, and layout principles can help you create visually appealing and effective interfaces.

Plus, staying updated with the latest design trends and tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD can give you a competitive edge.

Specializing in UX

If you’re more into UX, focus on developing strong communication and presentation skills, and get a good grasp of psychology, marketing, human-computer interaction, writing, information architecture, and research.

These skills are essential for understanding user needs, creating great designs, and getting your clients’ support and buy-in.

Combining UX and UI

If you want to do both UX and UI, position yourself as a versatile designer capable of handling the entire design process from start to finish. And if you enjoy both, find a balance that allows you to offer a holistic design service.

What does finding a balance mean? It involves effectively managing both aspects of UX and UI design in your projects.

For example, you might allocate specific days or hours to focus on different tasks.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, you could dedicate your time to conducting user research, developing personas, and mapping out user journeys. The rest of the week could be reserved for creating visual designs, prototyping, and refining the UI elements.

Batching tasks in this way helps you stay organized and maintain focus. It also allows you to price your services more accurately.

By knowing how much time you’ll spend on UX versus UI tasks, you can create detailed project estimates and set fair rates. This way, you’ll be able to manage your workload and also ensure that you’re compensated appropriately for the comprehensive service you offer.

8. Prepare for the realities of freelancing

Freelancing offers a lot of freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. It can be unpredictable, with fluctuating income and the need for self-discipline.

Set boundaries

One of the biggest challenges of freelancing as a researcher or designer is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s easy to let work spill over into your personal time and lead to burnout.

To avoid this, define your working hours and stick to them. Communicate these boundaries clearly to your clients from the beginning. Let them know when you’re available for meetings and when you’ll be responding to emails.

Knowing your boundaries early on will help you maintain a routine and also set expectations with your clients, so they know when they can reach you.

Even though you’re a freelancer, it’s fully up to you to change your working hours if needed. Flexibility is one of the perks, but establish a routine that works for you and set expectations with your clients.

For example, if you decide to work from 2 PM to 7 PM, make sure you log off at 7 PM and resist the urge to check work emails or messages. This boundary will help you recharge and keep your productivity high during working hours.

Stay organized and disciplined

Freelancing requires a high level of self-discipline. Without a boss to keep you on track, it’s up to you to manage your time and stay productive. Use tools like project management software, to-do lists, and calendars to keep track of deadlines and tasks.

Also, set daily and weekly goals to ensure you’re making progress on your projects.

We recommend you starting each day by prioritizing your tasks and focusing on the most important ones first. Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Keep on learning

​​ The freelance market is competitive, and staying relevant means continuously updating your skills. Invest time in learning new tools, techniques, and industry trends.

Online courses, webinars, and industry blogs are great resources. If a new design tool or UX methodology becomes popular, take the time to learn it. Offering the latest skills and knowledge can set you apart from other freelancers and justify higher rates.

Build a support network

Freelancing might feel isolating at times, especially if you’re used to working in a team environment.

So build a support network of other freelancers or join professional groups and online communities. These networks can provide valuable advice, support, and opportunities for collaboration.

For example, joining a local UX/UI design meetup group can help you connect with peers, share experiences, and even find new clients. Online communities like LinkedIn groups or design forums are also excellent places to network and stay connected with industry trends.

Conclusion

Although it's not necessarily an easy path, becoming a UX freelance designer or research can be an exciting financially and personally rewarding journey.

And to keep your freelance projects organized and on track, UserBit is designed to streamline your workflow and help you manage multiple clients effortlessly.

With the right mindset, skills, and tools, you’ll be on our way to building a successful freelance career that offers both excellent professional development and the flexibility to shape your own work-life balance.