Freelancers start up guides

Start freelancing in 30 days

Everything Aussies need to know to launch a successful freelance career.

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  • Cut through the red tape

    Learn exactly what steps to take to start freelancing in Australia.

  • Get the most out of your money

    Set up your freelancer finances the right way, from the start.

     

  • Find your very first clients

    See how first-year freelancers can market their business to find leads and build a steady income.

     

  • Creative professional using accounting software for sole trader to manage invoices

    Launching your freelance career

    Freelance Guide 1

    • This guide covers the foundational steps of starting a freelance business in Australia, from defining services and understanding target clients to legally setting up your business.
    • Understand why freelancing is a great career choice
    • Know the importance of a structured approach to starting out
    • Build a skills inventory, noting both hard and soft skills, aligned with your strengths.
    • Develop an ideal client persona, including demographic details, pain points, and needs. Build out your unique selling point.
    • Consider your business structure, accounting, liability, taxes and future growth.
    • Bainstorming and narrowing down business names.

    Find out more
  • Financial management guide for freelancers covering tax preparation budgeting and cash flow

    Financial Management for freelancers

    Freelance Guide 2

    • This guide is for freelancers in Australia who want to manage their finances confidently. It covers budgeting, tracking income and expenses, tax planning and filing requirements. The guide simplifies financial management to give freelancers a solid foundation.
    • Understand why financial management is crucial for freelancers.
    • Work out how to set realistic income targets.
    • Step-by-step guide to creating a monthly and annual budget.
    • Suggestions for tracking income and expenses, including downloadable templates.
    • How separate accounts help simplify tracking and save on taxes.
    • Steps to set up an account quickly and effectively.
    • How to streamline expense tracking with software and templates.
    • Easy-reference list of deductible expenses for Australian freelancers.
    • Steps to complete PAYG and BAS submissions.

    Find out more
  • Free professional templates designed for real estate professionals and agencies.

    Finding and managing clients

    Freelance Guide 3

    This guide is designed for freelancers who are ready to attract and convert clients. From establishing an online presence to creating proposals and closing sales, this guide offers everything freelancers need to launch and maintain a successful client base.

    • Understand why client acquisition is crucial for freelancing success.
    • Tips for building a simple website or landing page.
    • Essentials to include in a portfolio, with examples.
    • Overview of referral-based marketing and client trust.
    • Comparison of popular marketing channels for freelancers.
    • Monitoring results and refining marketing tactics.
    • Templates and tips for crafting compelling proposals.
    • Steps to send quotes, negotiate and follow up.

    Find out more

Freelancing is easier with Sole

Being a Freelancer can be hard at the start. We at Sole are here to answer all your questions and give you a helping hand.

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Happy woman enjoying time with her pets after using Sole to simplify accounting for sole traders and save time.

Frequently asked questions

    How do I decide between a “Sole Trader” and a “Company” structure?

    For most Australian freelancers starting out, Sole Trader is the preferred choice because it is free to set up, has minimal paperwork, and you use your individual tax file number. A Company structure is more complex and expensive, usually only becoming necessary when you have high liability risks or want to employ a large team.

    What is a “Unique Selling Point” (USP) and why do I need one?

    A USP is the specific reason a client should hire you instead of someone cheaper on a global platform. For an Aussie freelancer, your USP might be your local time zone, your deep understanding of the Australian market, or a specialized niche (e.g., “Graphic Design specifically for Melbourne-based cafes”).

    How do I set a realistic income target as a first-year freelancer?

    Don’t just aim for your old salary. You need to account for “The Freelancer Gap”:

    1. Non-billable time: You’ll spend roughly 25% of your time on admin and marketing.
    2. Tax & Super: You must set aside roughly 25–30% for the ATO and your future.
    3. Overheads: Software subscriptions, insurance, and equipment. Calculation: (Desired Salary + Expenses + Tax) ÷ (Billable Hours per year) = Your Minimum Hourly Rate.

    Why is everyone telling me to open separate bank accounts?

    It is the #1 rule for financial sanity. Use one account for Business Income, one for Tax/GST Savings, and your personal account for Living. When your client pays a $1,000 invoice into your Business account, immediately move $300 to your Tax account. This ensures you never accidentally “spend the taxman’s money.”

    What are the most common tax deductions for Australian freelancers?

    If you work from home, you can claim:

    • The Fixed Rate: 67 cents per hour (for 2025-26) to cover electricity, internet, and phone.
    • Software: Your subscriptions to Sole, Adobe, Canva, or specialized industry tools.
    • Equipment: The $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off (active until 30 June 2026) allows you to claim the full cost of a new laptop or gear in one year.
    • Marketing: Website hosting, domain names, and LinkedIn Premium.

    Where do I find my very first client without paying for ads?

    1. Your Warm Network: Email everyone you know and tell them exactly what services you are now offering.
    2. Referrals: Offer a “founding client” discount to your first customer in exchange for a glowing testimonial.
    3. Niche Directories: Join Australian-specific freelance boards or local community groups where your “Ideal Client Persona” hangs out.

    How does Sole help me close more deals?

    First impressions matter. Sending a professional, branded quote from Sole rather than a messy email makes you look established. When a client sees you have a structured system for quotes and secure payments (via Apple Pay or card), their trust in your professionalism skyrockets.