Introduction
Working online is a real option today for anyone who has a computer, an internet connection, and the willingness to learn something new. Every week I get messages from people asking me the same thing: “Žan, where can I actually find online work that isn’t a scam?”
In this article, I’ll show you which online jobs are suitable for beginners, where to find legitimate clients, how to apply, and how to spot a scam.
If you’re mainly interested in how to land your first clients as quickly as possible, also check out my free webinar on earning money on Fiverr, where I show the process step by step.
What is online work?
Working online means you do your work on a computer and deliver it to the client over the internet. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting at home in Ljubljana, in a café in Maribor, or on vacation at the seaside. All that matters is that the work is done well and on time.
In practice, there are three main types of online work. Once you understand them, it will be much easier to choose where to start.
1. Freelancing (independent project-based work)
A freelancer is a person who works independently for several clients at the same time, without traditional employment. A client pays you for a completed project or for the hours you work. You set your own prices, schedule, and decide whom you’ll work with.
This is the most common form of online work for beginners. You can start today, since you need neither a degree nor references.
2. Remote employment (remote work)
Remote employment means you’re employed by one company but work from home. You have a steady salary, set working hours, and a supervisor; you just don’t have to go to the office. Foreign companies that look for people from all over the world often offer these kinds of positions.
This form is more stable, but harder for a beginner to get. Companies usually want to see experience.
3. Micro tasks and short gigs
Micro tasks are small, quick jobs that take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Examples include testing a website, transcribing a short recording, or labeling images. The pay per task is small, so this isn’t a real career. But it’s a good way to find out how online work operates.
My advice: I recommend that most beginners start with freelancing. That way you quickly gain experience and your first references, which will later make it easier to apply for remote employment as well.
5 online jobs you can start without experience
Below are the jobs for which I see the most demand and which a beginner can do with basic knowledge. For each one, I explain what the job involves and what you need to get started.
1. Virtual assistance
A virtual assistant does administrative work remotely for entrepreneurs. This includes replying to emails, managing calendars, entering data, preparing quotes, and the like.
This job is great for people who are organized and detail-oriented. No special knowledge is required, just reliability.
2. Social media management
For local businesses, you create posts, respond to comments, and track results on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Many small businesses know they should be active on social media but don’t have the time.
3. Graphic design
You design logos, social media posts, flyers, and presentations. To start, the free tool Canva, which already has ready-made templates, is enough.
4. Video editing
Short videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are among the most sought-after services today. Creators shoot the footage, and you edit it, add subtitles, and add music.
5. Working with artificial intelligence
Companies are increasingly looking for people who know how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude. With them, you can write, translate, or prepare content faster. I show how to use this for work in my free webinar.
| Job | Required skills | Startup costs |
| Virtual assistance | basic computer skills | no costs |
| Social media | familiarity with the platforms | no costs |
| Graphic design | Canva | no costs (free version) |
| Video editing | editing software | no costs (free programs) |
| Working with AI | basics of AI tools | small monthly subscription (optional) |
Where to find online work: the platforms I recommend
The biggest mistake beginners make is looking for work in random Facebook groups and ads. You’ll find legitimate online work mainly on verified platforms, which are websites that connect clients and service providers and ensure secure payment.
Fiverr
On Fiverr, you publish your service, which is called a gig. It’s a kind of product on a shelf: you describe what you do, how long it takes, and how much it costs. Clients find you on their own.
In my opinion, Fiverr is the best choice for complete beginners because you don’t have to write applications. I explain the entire process, from creating your profile to getting your first order, in a free webinar.
Upwork
On Upwork, the process works the other way around. Clients post a project, and you send them a proposal explaining why you’re the right person for the job. Projects are often larger and longer-term than on Fiverr. I described everything about this platform in the article How to Earn Money on Upwork.
LinkedIn is a professional social network. Companies post remote job listings here, and you can also connect directly with company leaders. A good LinkedIn profile today is almost as important as a résumé.
Slovenian job boards
On Slovenian job boards, too, you’ll find more and more listings labeled “work from home” or “remote work.” The advantage is that you work for Slovenian companies in your own language.
Reaching out directly to local businesses
This route is the most underrated. Find a local business with an outdated website or an inactive Instagram account and send them a short message with a specific proposal. Many of my acquaintances landed their first client exactly this way.
| Platform | Who finds whom | Best for |
| Fiverr | the client finds you | complete beginners |
| Upwork | you send a proposal | beginners with a few work samples |
| both | remote employment | |
| Slovenian job boards | you apply | work for Slovenian companies |
| Local businesses | you contact them | anyone who wants a quick first client |
How to apply for online work and land your first client
Online, a client can’t see you in person. They judge you only by what you write and show. That’s why the following three steps are crucial.
1. A profile that inspires trust
Your profile is your storefront. It should have:
- a clear photo of your face, not a logo or a vacation photo,
- a headline that says what you do, for example “I write SEO articles in Slovenian” instead of “Creative person,”
- a short description that says who you help and with what result.
2. A portfolio, even if you don’t have clients yet
A portfolio is a collection of samples of your work that you show to clients. Beginners often say, “I don’t have a portfolio because I haven’t had any clients yet.” That isn’t true.
You can create samples yourself. Write three articles on a topic that interests you. Design five posts for a fictional café. Translate a page from your favorite website. A client wants to see how you work, not who paid you.
3. A proposal that is about the client
When you apply for a project, don’t write about yourself. Write about the client’s problem. A good proposal has three parts:
- Show that you read the listing: mention a specific detail from it.
- Suggest how you will solve the problem.
- Attach one work sample that is similar to what the client is looking for.
A short, specific proposal always beats a long, generic one.
How much should you charge at the start?
At the start, the goal is to get your first reviews (stars and client feedback), not the biggest earnings. That’s why it makes sense to start with a slightly lower price than your competition. Once you have five to ten good reviews, gradually raise your price.
Online work scams: how to spot them
Where there’s demand, there are scammers. There are plenty of fake offers when it comes to online work, so watch out for the following warning signs:
- You have to pay upfront. A legitimate employer will never charge you an “application fee,” a “starter package,” or a “course that’s required for the job.” If you have to pay first in order to work, it’s almost always a scam.
- The earnings are unrealistically high. Listings that promise several thousand euros a month for an hour of work a day with no experience aren’t telling the truth.
- They don’t tell you what you’ll be doing. If the listing says only “easy work from home,” with no description of tasks, be careful.
- They want your bank details or documents right away. Don’t send your card number or a copy of your ID to anyone before you’ve verified the company.
- They want to continue the conversation outside the platform. This is prohibited on Fiverr and Upwork precisely because scammers use it to get around payment protection.
- They ask you to receive money and transfer it onward. That isn’t work, it’s money laundering, and you can be held criminally liable for it.
How do you vet a client?
Before you agree to take on a job, check three things. Search for the company name on Google and see whether it has a website and real contact details. On the platforms, look at the client’s reviews and how much they have already paid other freelancers. For larger projects, agree on payment in installments instead of getting everything at the end.
The safest route for beginners is platforms that offer escrow. This means the client deposits the money with the platform in advance, and the platform pays it out to you once the work is done. That way you’re protected against a client who doesn’t pay you.
The most common beginner mistakes
In all the years I’ve been teaching people how to work and earn money online, I’ve seen beginners make the same mistakes over and over. If you avoid them, you’ll get to your first payment faster.
1. You offer everything at once. A profile that says “I write, translate, design, and edit videos” doesn’t inspire trust. Choose one service and become known for it.
2. You wait for a perfect profile. A profile will never be perfect. Publish it and improve it as you go.
3. You send one proposal and give up. At the beginning, it’s normal to get one reply for every ten proposals. That isn’t failure, it’s part of the process.
4. You ignore deadlines. When you work online, reliability is worth more than talent. A client who is happy with your punctuality will come back and recommend you to others.
5. You work without an agreement. Before you start, always confirm the scope, price, and deadline in writing. That way you avoid misunderstandings.
How to start working online: a 7-day plan
You don’t need a month of preparation. Here is a plan you can start this very week:
- Day 1: Choose the one job from the list in this article that suits you best.
- Day 2: On Fiverr or Upwork, look at ten successful providers of this service and write down what they have in common.
- Day 3: Prepare three samples of your work for your portfolio.
- Day 4: Create a profile on your chosen platform and on LinkedIn.
- Day 5: Publish your service or send your first five proposals.
- Day 6: Send three short messages to local businesses with a specific proposal.
- Day 7: Review the responses, improve your profile, and keep sending proposals.
None of this costs any money. All you need is time and persistence. If you want more ideas on how to make money online, also read my article How to Make Money Online
Frequently asked questions about working online
Can I work online without experience?
Yes. Virtual assistance, social media management, and micro tasks don’t require any previous experience. Start with your own work samples and a platform like Fiverr, where clients find you on their own.
How much can you earn working online?
Earnings depend on the type of work, your experience, and the number of clients. Beginners usually earn less because they’re still building up reviews. Once you have references and regular customers, working online can become a full income.
Where can I find safe online work?
The safest option is to look on verified platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork, because they offer payment protection. For remote employment, use LinkedIn and Slovenian job boards.
Do I need English to work online?
Not necessarily. For Slovenian companies, you can work in Slovenian. But knowing English gives you access to a much larger market of clients.
How long does it take to land my first client?
If you send proposals consistently, most beginners land their first client within a few weeks. It goes faster if you contact local businesses directly.
How do I recognize a scam when working online?
The most common sign of a scam is a request that you pay upfront. Also be wary of unrealistically high earnings, vague job descriptions, and requests for your banking details.
Conclusion: working online is real, but it takes a first step
Working online is not a magic solution that will make you a lot of money overnight. But it is a real opportunity to work from home, choose your own clients, and set your own schedule.
When I look at the people who have succeeded, they all have something in common. They didn’t wait for the perfect moment. They chose one job, prepared a few samples, and started sending proposals. The first clients came slowly, then more and more quickly, because satisfied customers recommended them to others.
You can do it too. Choose one job from this article, set up your profile, and send your first proposals this week.
If you’d like me to guide you through the process step by step, sign up for my free Fiverr webinar. I’ll show you how to create a profile, how to set your price, and how to get your first reviews. And if you’re curious about how artificial intelligence can help you with your work, check out the webinar on artificial intelligence too.
Start today. Your first client may already be looking for you.
