Freelancing is a comparatively newer working concept that has been introduced. The working process as a freelancer gives you the flexibility and freedom to work anywhere and at any time.
This is also why many skilled individuals want to switch to the freelancer career path!
What many of us love about freelancing is how you can decide upon your schedule, work on your set hours, decide on the kind of projects and work you do, and decide on the clients you work with!
And if you’re looking to earn some extra income, learn the basics of freelancing, and jump on some of the most exciting projects you’ve always wanted to do, freelancing is the best option!
Are you an individual who is thinking of starting freelancing at any given moment? Do you find a freelancing career a better suit for yourself?
If yes, this is the article for you! Here, we will be your ultimate guide to help you become a freelancer by suggesting actionable steps to start your career and work as a freelancer!
Studies show that around 38% of Americans freelanced in the previous year, i.e., 2023, contributing around $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Forums like FreelanceFolder have helped freelancers, learners, and entrepreneurs share their understanding and sights to bring out ideas, information, and knowledge.
That being said, let’s proceed toward the exact process of fueling your freelancing career!
Decide on the Work and Niche
First, we know that not all jobs can be done freelancing! A doctor can’t tell the hospital they will be freelancing from home! It’s also about the kind of job that offers you the flexibility of freelancing! For example, if you’re a writer, you have the freelancing option, but a constructor might not have it!
So, before jumping into a freelancing career, you need to understand the kind of work you do! If you fall under the category that prioritizes using computers and the Internet, freelancing might be your thing. And, even when you’re sure of your work, the next step is selecting the niche. Freelancing can be tricky with many experienced and skilled individuals wanting to pursue a career there, so you must have a niche where you excel in the work type that allows freelancing.
Set Clear Pricing
And we can’t stop focusing on the importance of price as a freelancer.
Most people who get into freelancing want to earn a side income, which may have affected the pricing structure in many ways.
When you’re sure of the value and work you offer your clients, you must have a set amount of pricing for them.
For example, if you’re working for a client willing to pay you $45 per hour, which is your set price, and another client who wants you to work for $20 for an equal amount of work, you will have to reject it. When you set transparent pricing, you’ll have clients who understand your work and efficiency and willingly pay for you. Though $20 might help you earn a bit extra, the work that you do for them might be of poor quality because when it comes to work, the price also plays an important role, and you have a bad review from the client.
Build a Portfolio
We can’t stop stressing the importance of having a great portfolio in your freelancing career. A portfolio is where your client gets to see your work, review it, and decide if you’re the perfect fit for the job they are looking for. Further, a portfolio also helps create brand awareness. Having a website portfolio is even more convenient as it allows your work to be available for the audience on the web to see.
We suggest investing a bit of your time, money, and energy in building a great portfolio, as it is the first thing your client will see, and as we believe, the first impression is the first impression!
Select Freelancing Platform
We believe that freelancer job platforms are make-or-break situations. If you already have a client to start working with, you might need help understanding the importance of freelancers. But freelancing for beginners starts by signing up on freelancing platforms.
Upwork, Fiver, and Freelancer are some of the most popular freelancing platforms, and clients search for a wide range of talents.
Depending on the platforms, you might have to understand their working procedures. For example, freelancer job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer require freelancers to bid on the projects posted by the clients. However, Fiver is entirely different. Further, there are designated platforms available for specific freelancers. 99designs is highly focused on designers, whereas Textbroker is designed for writers specializing in writing.
Build a Relationship with the Client
When you land your first client and start doing the work, you need to have a relationship with them, preferably professionally. Or if you decide to be friends in the long run, that would be great.
Freelancing is highly influenced by reference and work relationships, so you must build a professional relationship with your clients, treat them respectfully, follow working ethics, and remain professional throughout.
Having a great relationship with your client can help you land a few other projects, and networking can benefit many different steps of your work and career.
Continue Enhancing your Skill
The job market is challenging and demanding at the same time. You’ll have to keep learning and enhancing your skills to offer the best work.
For example, if you’re a WordPress developer, you might have to test the platform’s new release now and then to understand the changes in the latest version and if there’s anything you need to upgrade your skill on. Similarly, for all freelancing careers, your skill and abilities to perform the job well are what’s going to pay you, so you have to ensure that you’re offering your best work.
A way to do so is to keep yourself updated with the changes in your work niche!
Continue to Find New Clients
A freelancing career might have a project that takes a week or a year to finish. Therefore, you need to find a client now and then. But that being said, don’t take too many clients and be unable to deliver top-quality work.
It’s essential to understand your situation as well.
For example, if you’re taking freelancing as your full-time job rather than something you’re doing as a side job, the number of projects you take might differ from freelancers doing it for the side income.
Keep pitching to the clients and projects you want to work on and ensure that you have sufficient work coming your way over the period.
Be Ready for Challenges
Lastly, be prepared for the challenges that appear in the freelancing roles!
Freelancing is not always fun, and there can be days when you struggle with it!
Finding new clients, having to tackle everything on your own, meeting tight deadlines, working on multiple projects, and ensuring everything is top-quality above all can be challenging.
You’re also signed up for the challenges when you decide on a freelancing career. This is why you need to be prepared for all the challenges that come along the way, consider them, and ensure you enjoy your working process.
Wrapping Up
This sums up our article on freelancing for beginners. Here, we highlight the key steps to start your career as a web worker.
As rewarding and exciting as freelancing may seem, it also has a few challenges and obstacles along the way. With the correct set of information and skills, you can start freelancing and build your brand and business over a time that offers you the freedom, ease, and flexibility you have always wanted. We hope this article was helpful for you in your freelancer career path.Β