Freelancing has increasingly become popular over the years, due to its flexibility in work arrangement and working hours, and the limitless ways of earning income wherever you are.
To start with, freelancing refers to a work arrangement where individuals offer their services to clients on a contract or project-by-project basis. Instead of being employed by a company or organization, freelancers are self-employed. They usually work remotely and work independently to provide services to their clients.
Freelancers may work in a variety of fields – some of those which are popular are writing, design, marketing, programming, consulting, and many more. Freelancers can choose to work for multiple clients simultaneously or work for one client at a time, depending on workload and preferences.
Moreover, freelancers can choose their own projects, find their own clients, set their own schedules, choose their own working hours, and set their own rate for the services they provide.
Freelancing really offers a great deal of flexibility and independence, so how can you get started right away with Freelancing?
- Find your niche: It’s important to narrow down and specify your skills, identify the expertise you can provide and offer as a freelancer. This can help you to find potential clients who might be interested in purchasing your services.
- Build a portfolio: In order for clients to know what you can offer, it is crucial to show your skills and experience by creating and building a portfolio that showcases your previous works. This will help clients to decide if they want to hire you.
- Network: To find projects you can work for, you must find clients. One of possible ways to look for clients is to network with other freelancers, industry professionals, and potential clients, through social media platforms, online forums, and networking events.
- Set your rates: As a rule of thumb, you must set your rate based on your experience, skills, and the market demand of the skill you can offer. Conduct a research on what other freelancers are charging for similar services.
- Manage your time: Since you can work flexibly, it is important to create a schedule that allows you to balance your workload, meet project deadlines, and create room for other responsibilities. Consider utilizing time-tracking tools to bill clients accurately for the services you offer.
- Be professional: Communicate with clients professionally, respond to messages promptly, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work.
- Market yourself: Find a platform where you can showcase your services and reach potential clients. Consider choosing a social media platform that best reaches your target audience, or creating a website if you want to focus on improving your branding. You may also utilize paid advertising and offer discounts to attract new clients.
- Keep learning: One of the essential things to take note of as a Freelancer is that you always have to leave room for improvement. You have to keep learning and improving, as there are also other freelancers who can provide the services you can. In order to increase your rate, and to keep up with other freelancers, you have to keep on improving. You can do this by attending webinars, conferences, and workshops. Staying up to date with industry trends and new technologies can help you offer new services and stay competitive in the market.
Now that you know what to do in order to get started with Freelancing, it is now time to move on website recommendations to get started with Freelancing:
- Upwork: This is one of the largest online platforms where you can work as a Freelancer. It offers a wide range of Freelance jobs, which can range from writing jobs to programming and web designing. Since it is one of the largest, it can connect you with clients from all over the world, allowing you to find more opportunities and projects to work for.
Sign up now for Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/
- Freelancer: Just like Upwork, this is also a large freelance marketplace where you can find work in a variety of fields, including writing, designing, programming and marketing.
Sign up now at Freelancer: https://www.freelancer.com/
- Fiverr: This platform allows you to create small freelance projects or “gigs”, of which potential clients have to search for and they can hire you.
Sign up now at Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/
- Guru: This freelance marketplace connects businesses with freelancers in a variety of fields, including web development, design, writing and marketing.
Sign up now at Guru: https://www.guru.com/
- PeoplePerHour: This is a UK-based platform that also connects business with freelancers in a variety of fields, just like Guru.
Sign up now at PeoplePerHour: https://www.peopleperhour.com/
It is important to experiment and see what works for you or what works in your country.
Overall, freelancing comes with great perks due to its flexibility in working arrangements and working schedule, and allows you to set your own rate for your services. However, just like the usual 8-5 jobs, freelancing also requires hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn and adapt. If you’re decided to start your freelance career, then ensure to follow the steps above and explore the website platforms.
Wish you luck on your Freelance journey!