How to Start Your Freelancing Career in 7 Easy Steps?
Statista, the leading market research firm, confirms that 71% of freelancers enjoy flexibility. So, if you’re on the roads of part of a hustling work culture, chances are you’re loving not one but many benefits. But if you’re new to the gig economy, we’re offering a crisp guide on how you can start your freelancing career.
Here are some more benefits of the gig economy :
How To Start Freelancing?
1. Identify Your Skill
A skill that is marketable should be your goal to start your freelancing career.
You can write blog posts and website pages for companies if you like writing. Transcribing a podcast or a video is also an option. If you have worked as a marketer earlier, you can work as a freelance digital marketer. Is designing graphics your jam? Choose to create images, logos, and infographics as a freelancer.
The summary is, if you already have a marketable skill, use it to your benefit.
2. Decide Your Goals
Freelancing can be overexerting if you start comparing yourself with others. So, you should have both long-term and short-term goals for yourself.
If you are freelancing as a side gig, you can only work for limited hours in a week. So, your goals should align with the amount of work you can deliver. Remember, never compromise on quality.
But if you want to freelance as your primary career or dream of quitting your job soon, your goals will be different. In this case, establishing a portfolio. Building a solid network should take priority over money in the initial months. Once these are set up, money will follow automatically.
3. Set Up a Portfolio
Now that you have chosen a niche and decided your goals, you need a solid portfolio to attract clients.
The best way to establish a portfolio is by getting yourself a website. You can hire a website designer or create your online portfolio. This gives you your own dedicated tiny corner in the digital world.
But what if you’re a beginner and don’t have samples to show to prospects? Or don’t have money to invest in a website? The answer is simple. Design something online — images, blog posts, social media posts, or whatever goes with your skillset. You can also upload your samples on Welance..
4. Find Work and Clients
When you are starting out as a freelancer, getting a client is demanding. But spreading the word about your offerings can help. Ask your friends, family, and old colleagues to keep your name in mind for the projects you are open to taking.
Create profiles on digital spaces like Welance where clients find you and schedule call or directly book your services. In addition, publish your Welance profile on social media platforms like Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Social media is a great way to start your freelancing career. People notice you on these platforms once you start posting about your work.
We can’t stress enough to volunteer if you have no experience. Another way is to find an established freelancer or an agency in your field and approach them for work. Assisting an established name is just the right thing to do when you are at the first rung of your freelancing career ladder.
5. Grab Testimonials
Assuming you have grabbed a few projects already, don’t forget to ask your clients to leave a word about you.
An email about how satisfied they are with your work, a recommendation on LinkedIn, or a 50-words testimonial for your website can help. If none of this is possible, ask them for references or tag you on their social media promotional posts.
A testimonial works as proof of your work quality and brings in more clients. So, when you take on a new project, make sure your client is ready to certify your skills in their words.
6. Continue Networking and Learning
Now that you know the initial steps to start your freelancing career, don’t forget these 2 perpetual jobs.
Keep networking to know people who can help you get new clients. Connect with like-minded folks to know the industry updates. Spreading words about your work on social media is a plus.
Learning should be one thing you should never miss. Join virtual conferences, webinars, and discussions. Indulge in forum discussions and take courses to enhance your skillsets. Let people know what you have learned through social media.
7. Define Your Rates
If you are new to freelancing and unsure of your rates, charge a prospect what’s in their budget. Right now, you’re a fresher and need a lot to learn. If you’re facing problems in getting clients as a new freelancer, find some volunteering jobs. Then, with 2–3 projects completed, you can decide the right price based on the industry.
Do your research and check platforms for what others are charging.
If you know your skills well after working in the same industry in your day job, you can ask for better rates. Now that we’re discussing rates, here are some tips for you to invoice the right way as a freelancer.
Are You Game?
Welance is a platform where you can get many of your needs covered as a freelancer. So check the platform out and get started with your freelancing career. Let’s know if you need any help; we would be happy to step in.
