10 Highly Successful Freelancers and How They Built Their Careers.
Freelancing has become a powerful way for individuals to build lucrative careers on their own terms. Some freelancers start by working with clients and later transition into entrepreneurs, authors, educators, and industry leaders.
What sets the most successful freelancers apart is their ability to specialize in a niche, build a strong personal brand, and scale their expertise into long-term, sustainable income streams.
1. Hiten Shah (SaaS Consultant & Entrepreneur)
Hiten Shah began his career as a freelance growth consultant, helping tech startups scale their businesses. Through his consulting work, he gained deep expertise in product strategy, user experience, and marketing, which led him to co-found Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and FYI—all successful SaaS companies. His freelancing income provided the foundation for these ventures, allowing him to invest in his own projects while advising other companies. Today, he runs Nira, a document security company, while continuing to offer consulting services to startups. His success highlights how freelancers can leverage client work as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship.
2. Paul Jarvis (Web Designer & Author)
Paul Jarvis made a name for himself as a freelance web designer, working with major clients such as Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz, and Warner Music. As he built his reputation, he began writing about the freelancer lifestyle and business strategies, which attracted a large audience. Over time, he transitioned from client-based work to selling online courses, books, and digital products. His book, Company of One, became a bestseller, emphasizing why staying small in business can be an advantage. Paul’s journey demonstrates how freelancers can shift from hands-on work to passive income streams through writing and teaching.
3. Joanna Wiebe (Conversion Copywriter & Business Owner)
Joanna Wiebe is a pioneer in conversion copywriting, helping businesses craft high-converting sales pages, ads, and email sequences. She started her freelance career writing for tech companies and quickly built a reputation for delivering results. She went on to found Copyhackers, an educational platform that trains freelance writers and marketers in persuasive copywriting. Through her courses, workshops, and consulting services, she has worked with brands like Intuit, MetaLab, and Wistia. Joanna’s success proves that mastering a high-demand skill like copywriting can lead to lucrative freelancing opportunities and the ability to scale through education.
4. Neil Patel (SEO & Digital Marketing Expert)
Neil Patel started his career as a freelance SEO consultant, helping businesses optimize their websites for search engines. He later co-founded Crazy Egg, Kissmetrics, and Ubersuggest, using his SEO expertise to grow these companies. Through content marketing and blogging, he became one of the most recognized names in digital marketing, attracting high-profile clients. Today, he runs Neil Patel Digital, a multi-million-dollar agency that helps businesses improve their online presence. His journey shows that freelancers who focus on expertise and personal branding can attract high-paying clients and scale their businesses.
5. Seth Godin (Marketing Consultant & Author)
Seth Godin began as a freelance marketing consultant, working with businesses to develop innovative strategies. His ability to explain marketing in simple yet powerful ways led to the publication of multiple best-selling books, including Purple Cow and This Is Marketing. As his influence grew, he transitioned into public speaking and online education, creating AltMBA, a leadership training program. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential marketing thinkers, proving that freelancers can evolve into thought leaders by sharing their expertise through books and speaking engagements.
6. Taso Du Val (Freelance Developer & CEO of Toptal)
Taso Du Val began his career as a freelance software developer, working with top-tier companies. He noticed that high-quality freelancers lacked a structured way to connect with premium clients, so he launched Toptal, a platform that connects elite freelance developers with global businesses. Toptal quickly became a billion-dollar company, revolutionizing the freelance economy. While he no longer takes on freelance projects, his success illustrates how freelancers who identify gaps in the market can build businesses that serve other freelancers.
7. Preston Lee (Graphic Designer & Freelance Coach)
Preston Lee started as a freelance graphic designer but soon realized that many freelancers struggled to grow their businesses. To help them, he launched Millo.co, a website dedicated to freelancing advice. Over time, he transitioned from client work to coaching, writing, and online courses, turning Millo into a top freelancing resource. Now, he makes a full-time income through sponsorships, partnerships, and digital products, showing that freelancers can scale their expertise by creating educational content for others in the industry.
8. Kevin Onsinsi (Freelance Writer & SaaS Consultant)
Kevin Onsinsi is a freelance software engineer and tech consultant, specializing in web development, AI, and blockchain solutions. He started as a self-taught programmer, building software for small businesses before expanding his client base globally. Through networking and personal branding, he secured high-profile clients and developed a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions. Kevin has leveraged freelancing to create multiple revenue streams, including consulting, online courses, and digital products. His journey demonstrates how freelancers in tech can build successful careers by continuously innovating and expanding their expertise.
9. Austin Kleon (Creative Freelancer & Bestselling Author)
Austin Kleon started as a freelance designer and artist, sharing creative ideas on social media. His unique approach to visual storytelling and creativity led to the publication of his bestselling book, Steal Like an Artist. As his influence grew, he expanded into public speaking, workshops, and online courses, earning a significant income beyond freelancing. Today, he inspires millions of creatives worldwide. His journey highlights how freelancers can monetize their expertise through books, public speaking, and digital products.
10. Justin Welsh (Solopreneur & LinkedIn Consultant)
Justin Welsh left his corporate leadership job to become a solopreneur and freelance LinkedIn consultant. He built a massive following on LinkedIn (500,000+ followers) by sharing business and marketing insights. Using this audience, he launched coaching programs, online courses, and a paid newsletter, making over $1M per year. His success shows that freelancers can leverage social media to grow a business, attract clients, and sell digital products at scale.