While freelancing has had its appeal for several years, the 2020 pandemic increased the number of freelancers significantly. From 2021 to 2022, there’s been a 69% growth in independent professionals. With the number of permanent independents growing an equally sensational 59%. While the interest in becoming a freelance professional might be clear, the process of a career change can be challenging. Irrespective of whether you are looking to become an independent full-time or part-time, we’ve compiled 6 tips to aid guide you to freelance success.
Know Your Expertise
When clients are searching for an independent freelancer to hire, they often want someone who is experienced in working in their specified industry. For instance, while any independent writer could be able to write a piece on plumbing, an individual who has written comprehensively on this topic in the past will have enough experience needed to deliver a higher-quality piece. To become a successful freelancer, you have to consider the expertise and background knowledge you have presently and how that will help shape your freelance career.
Establish a Process
As an independent professional, you must have a detailed process that defines your daily workflow for your craft and back-end operations. Establish a process for these:
- Pitching to possible clients
- Contract formation and signing
- Onboarding
- Work items
- Payments
Select Budget-Friendly Tools
Freelancers rely heavily on software to complete all their operations and are also responsible for paying for these tools. You have to select tools that align with your budget. If you are a beginner and unable to afford the best software, then you have to consider other alternatives. There are several open-source, free software that can do some of the things that paid software does. When starting out, you should consider using free tools rather than the paid, expensive ones.
Set Competitive Prices
Several new freelancers undersell themselves in an attempt to establish their client base. However, in reality, you have to competitively price yourself based on your expertise and qualifications. Pricing yourself low can hamper the confidence of prospective clients in your skill. Instead, consider the kinds of similar jobs you have completed, the outcomes you have managed, and the standard rates in the industry.
Take Advantage of Social Media
Every professional freelancer should be able to market themselves, and social media is a good place to start. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used in reaching out to prospective clients. Self-promotion is important, especially if you are new to the freelancing industry.
Communicate Properly
Communication is often the most neglected aspect of freelancing. It’s the groundwork for client relations. You might have great samples and attractive rates, but when you’re unable to properly interact with clients, they will consider other options. For example, an individual that doesn’t know how to respond to a recruiter on LinkedIn will likely lose most job opportunities coming from the platform. Besides responding to recruiters, you also have to be able to communicate project concepts, potential delays, and deadlines.
It can be intimidating or overwhelming to begin your freelancing journey away from the confinements of a conventional job setup. Whether you have an interest in marketing, programming, copywriting, or anything in-between, understanding these basic freelancing tips will increase your chance of success.
