Freelancing can be an energizing career path with many rewards; however, it also presents special obstacles. Here are some tips to help you kickstart your freelance career. No matter if you want to freelance as a side gig or make it your career, these nine steps will ensure a smooth start for you.
1. Decide on a Niche
Many Millennials and Gen Z professionals are turning to freelancing as an avenue to pursue their passions while building financial security. But starting a freelance career can be intimidating and daunting. Here’s our guide on starting off a freelance career successfully.
First and foremost, selecting your niche is vitally important to setting yourself apart in a crowded marketplace and making potential clients want to work with you. Your focus can range from software or healthcare industries to startups or small businesses.
2. Develop Your Skills
As a freelancer, it is crucial that you are self-motivated and experienced in running your own business, such as tracking expenses and income, invoicing clients, and fulfilling all other business-related tasks. Make the most of every opportunity to hone and broaden your expertise in any chosen field—this is especially helpful if entering new industries like web development or copywriting.
Making your skills and expertise known online is key to attracting potential clients, whether this means setting up a professional website or LinkedIn page or establishing social media channels like Facebook and Instagram as platforms for promotion.
3. Create a Website
Your freelance business requires its own website to gain credibility. A website shows your professionalism while helping potential clients assess if you’re the right match for them.
Your website should feature a portfolio page to showcase examples of your work. Select pieces that best showcase your expertise. Add an About page that introduces yourself and what kind of work you do, detailing your background, education, and list of past projects you have completed.
4. Network
Freelancing is an independent form of self-employment whereby workers engage in contract-based work for either projects or hourly rates, which can be both rewarding and satisfying. Networking is key to building a successful freelance career. Networking helps you meet clients, gain invaluable skills, and establish a thriving business through its vast reach of connections.
Even introverted freelancers can learn to network successfully. Written communication allows them to connect with people, express themselves freely, and build meaningful relationships in ways that best suit their personalities. Furthermore, they can establish impactful professional relationships by strategically and thoughtfully following up after conversations or encounters.
5. Get Your First Gig
Are you starting freelancing or do you want to expand an existing business? A solid plan will ensure a successful start, including setting aside an emergency fund, tracking expenses, and keeping up with industry trends so your freelance business is run successfully.
Consider combining freelancing with another job until you can build up a client base and confidence in the industry. Some experts advise waiting 3-6 months after leaving full-time employment before freelancing to avoid an unpredictable income source.
6. Get Clients
Jumping right into freelance work without prior experience can be intimidating, so before embarking on your freelance journey, take as many lessons from your current job or internship to understand project management and client relationship building.
Discover clients using freelancing websites such as Upwork or LinkedIn and optimizing it to your target market. Alternatively, offer your services at discounted rates to friends, family, or local small businesses to build up both your portfolio and confidence.
7. Get Paid
Freelancing may not be for everyone, but if you want the freedom and extra income that it offers, then freelancing may be worth exploring. There are a few essential things you should keep in mind before diving in headfirst.
Focus on honing your skills and developing a solid network of potential clients before building your personal brand online with a website and LinkedIn optimization. This will enable new clients to discover you quickly while landing first gigs at lower fees from friends or small businesses—an effective way to expand your portfolio and make it worthwhile!
8. Manage Your Time
Freelance work can be highly rewarding, yet it can present its own set of unique challenges. Time management is key to finding success: this includes keeping on top of tasks, communicating efficiently with clients, and finding new opportunities.
As you begin your freelancing career, it is crucial to establish boundaries around your working hours and only accept projects that match your skillset. Doing this will prevent overcommitment, which often leads to freelancers experiencing burnout. Additionally, saving money prior to going full-time freelance will help you get through any lean periods before your business becomes profitable.
9. Have Fun
There may be various reasons to feel anxious about making the leap into freelance work, such as not having enough clients lined up or funds saved, but these concerns should not hold you back from getting started.
Take an honest inventory of both your skills and passions, then discover where these two meet. Perhaps you have a natural aptitude for math but enjoy helping people; financial advising could be your niche! Freelancing may not suit everyone, but it can be a great way to earn extra money. Keep in mind, though, that it requires hard work if it is to be successful!
