Freelancing
You have probably come across a tone of successful stories about people who started their freelancing career from scratch and are now earning a six-figure salary. Their success may have swept you off your feet, and you are now thinking of exploring the unlimited opportunities freelancing has to offer.
Well, you are right on time. Freelancing opportunities are steadily increasing as more companies are shifting to remote work. Now more than ever, you can change from a 9-5 job to a full-time career in freelancing. However, to do so, you need a comprehensive strategy to get started.
How to Freelance in 10 Steps
This article will take you through a step-by-step procedure on how to start your freelancing journey. It will also outline pro-tips to help you grow and have a sustainable lifestyle through freelancing.
Step 1: Find out If freelancing Is right for you
The idea of being your boss is enticing. I mean, who doesn’t fancy working on their terms? No one! Yet it is for this reason that you must ask yourself if you are cut out for a career in freelancing.
You must be a self-starter, disciplined, and a reliable individual. Professionalism and the ability to work on several projects at ago while continuously pursuing other opportunities are part of what it takes to succeed as a freelancer.
It will help if you have the right mindset about self-employment to succeed at freelancing.
Step 2: Research About the Service You Want to Offer
Just like offline services, the online marketplace boasts a wide range of opportunities. As a beginner, you might find it challenging to choose one.
To know which route is perfect for you, assess your past work experience, passion, and skillsets. You may have a background in writing, virtual assistance, web design, bookkeeping, internet marketing, or resume writing.
This assessment helps you to focus on one service. The next thing is to gather as much information as possible about the service you wish to offer. Read thoroughly about it until all your questions are answered.
Step 3: Identify a Profitable Niche
Finding a niche is very important because a million other people are offering the same service you intend to provide. It would be best if you were specific about your target market and the particular service you are offering.
When picking a niche, narrow down your services and work on becoming the best in a specific area. You’ll find it easier to hone your skills, provide quality services, and charge premium rates.
If you are thinking of writing about personal fitness, apart from reading about everything in the niche, you can think of getting a fitness certification. Tyler Read, a fitness expert and owner of ptpionner.com, points out that getting ACSM certification shows that you are an expert and the go-to person for quality services.
Step 4: Choose a Platform
There are many freelance platforms out there. However, you must be strategic and smart when choosing the one to join. To find jobs that meet your salary expectation and niche, you have to check the platform’s reviews.
Another thing to look into is the terms of service. Each freelance site has policies that stipulate client-freelance relationship, and working terms. Ensure their terms are favorable before you sign up.
The internet has a pool of clients, so don’t limit yourself to freelance job sites only—leverage social media. With LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, you can connect with potential clients. The catch is to ensure your profile is this sites reflect the service you offer.
Step 5: Create a Profile
Once you have settled for a job site, the next step is to sign up and create a profile. Your profile gives a client the first impression about who you are and what you can offer. Therefore, it must be on point.
Articulate your experience, education, skills, and field of expertise. Be clear on why you are the best choice in your niche.
Wrap it up with a clear smiling picture of yourself. It helps when a client can put a face to the profile.
Step 6: Build a Portfolio
Once your profile is up, you need to show proof of your experience to find clients. To create your portfolio, you can search for trending topics within your niche and have several write-ups of 300 words.
You can also offer your services at a subsidized rate. Another option is to publish on sites like Medium or HuffPost. With a publication in your name, you are walking the talk.
Lastly, you can guest post on authoritative blogs in your industry. Display the samples and the links of your writings along with your profile.
Step 7: Determine Your Rates
The rates you charge will often reflect your level of experience and the quality of service you deliver. You don’t have to replicate what others are charging, but you can have a rough idea of the cost of services in your niche by reviewing other freelancers’ prices.
Your prices must meet your expenses. Thus, do not settle for peanuts because you are a beginner. Charge for the value you are bringing.
As you grow, you can always review your charges and keep adjusting. Do not be afraid to charge a premium. You’ll always find clients who are comfortable with your price.
Step 8: Find Work
First, understand the ground rules for bidding on the platform. Before you apply for any project, ensure you’ve read the client’s requirements.
When applying, tailor your proposal to answer how you will handle the project. Highlight your experience and the projects you’ve done before that match the client’s requirements.
Only apply for projects that you can deliver quality work. Getting paid in freelancing depends on you meeting your client’s expectations.
Step 9: Set Your Goals
Without a coherent plan to create gainful employment from your skills, you’ll be stuck in the vicious cycle of feast and feminine.
Therefore, you must have clear, measurable goals of what you want to achieve and how you’ll meet those goals. Your action plan should focus on growing your network and income flow.
Also, note down the time frame to meet your goals. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck on the same spot.
Step 10: Build Your Brand
The ultimate goal of freelancing is to be the go-to person in your industry. Thus, polishing your skills to become an authority figure is inevitable.
Network with freelancers in your industry. Join social media groups and participate in the group’s conversation by giving insightful thoughts on your niche.
Strive to guest post and publish on authoritative sites to get your name out. Lastly, always give value when working with clients.
Tips on How to Freelance With Success
- Freelance job sites often charge 5%-20% of your earning. Ensure you factor this when deciding the cost of your service or when choosing a client with a predetermined budget.
- You’ll get negative feedback often. Do not give up on pitching. Keep pushing until you have a consistent flow of income.
- Keep honing your skills. Enroll for courses in your niche and put into practice every skill you learn. It would help if you never stopped learning.
You are the limit when it comes to freelance jobs. No one can define how much you can grow and earn, but you. So, determine what you want and be relentless until you achieve that goal.