How I Use AI to Get More Done as a Freelancer (Even as a Total Beginner)
So here’s the thing — I’ve been at this freelancing thing for about two weeks. Two weeks! I don’t have clients yet, I don’t have a fancy setup, and until recently I wasn’t even sure what half these AI tools actually did.
But in those two weeks, I’ve built a website, started a blog, set up a newsletter, researched SEO, and figured out affiliate marketing — all while holding down real life. And honestly? I couldn’t have done any of it without AI.
Here’s exactly how I’m using it.
1. ChatGPT is my brainstorming partner
Whenever I get stuck — and I get stuck a lot — I open ChatGPT and just start talking through the problem. What should my blog be about? What should I name it? How does rank and rent work? What are good affiliate programs for a beginner?
It doesn’t always give me perfect answers, but it gets me unstuck fast. Think of it like having a knowledgeable friend available at 2am who never gets tired of your questions.
2. Claude helps me write and refine
Once I have a rough idea, I use Claude to help me shape it into something readable. Claude is great at taking a messy idea and turning it into clear, structured content — which is exactly what I need when I’m trying to explain something I’m still learning myself.
3. AI keeps me from going down rabbit holes
One of the biggest freelancer time-wasters is research paralysis — spending three hours reading about something instead of actually doing it. AI helps me get a quick, solid answer so I can make a decision and move on. Done is better than perfect, especially when you’re just starting out.
4. I use it to figure out things I’d otherwise pay someone for
Setting up WordPress, connecting Google Analytics, understanding SEO basics — a year ago I would have hired someone or taken a course. Now I just ask ChatGPT or Claude to walk me through it step by step. It’s like having a tech support team in my pocket, for free.
The honest truth
I’m not some AI guru. I’m a guy who decided two weeks ago to build something and figured out that AI makes the whole process way less intimidating. If you’re a freelancer — or want to be one — you don’t need to master every tool. You just need to start using one.
Pick ChatGPT. Ask it something. See what happens.
That’s literally how this blog started.
The Artificial Freelancer newsletter breaks down AI tools, workflows, and plain-English guides to help you work smarter as a freelancer — straight to your inbox every week.
Want to level up your AI skills? The AI Freelancer Starter Pack includes 9 plain-English guides covering everything from AI basics to practical workflows — built specifically for freelancers.