Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Of working from home in your pajamas (or nothing at all)? Of setting your own hours and choosing your clients? Well, then freelancing might be the career for you!
Just like anything else, becoming a successful freelancer takes time, effort, and planning. But if you're willing to put in the work, you can create a thriving freelance business that meets and even exceeds your income goals.
Here are some tips to help get you started;
1) Choose a Niche
If you want to be successful as a freelancer, you need to have a strong foundation in one area/niche. If you try to juggle multiple skills at once, even if you're good at all of them. Your success will be limited by the amount of time you can spend on each job. You'll also make yourself more vulnerable to being undercut on prices.
To choose a niche, look at what it is that you love to do the most. What are your areas of expertise? How long have you been doing this? How skilled are you at it?
2) Build Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your showcase, so make sure it's brimming with samples of your work! Having a clear display of the level of your skill will help prospective clients to associate you with quality. Having actual pieces/products to show not only gives the potential customers something to look at but also allows them to see how you work in real life.
This will give you a chance to put your unique stamp on each of your projects. It also allows you the freedom to choose which jobs you want to take.
3) Choose a Freelancing Network
If you don't know where to start, there are a number of websites that can help to connect freelancers with clients. These sites generally charge a percentage of the job to both the client and the freelancer for their services.
Some of the most popular sites for freelancers are:
Fiverr
Upwork
Guru
Freelancer.com
Peopleperhour
DesignCrowd
99 Designs
4) Charge for Your Time
It can be easy to undervalue your services. But if you want clients to take you seriously, you need to set a price that shows them how valuable your time is. Make sure that this price is commensurate with the amount of time and effort it takes you to complete each project.
You are not only selling your time but also your expertise and unique style. This is why it's important to make sure that the time you spend on each project is worth how much you charge.
5) Build a Portfolio Website
Having an online portfolio has more benefits than just making you look professional. It can actually help you to get more jobs! It allows customers not only to see what kind of work you do but also how well you can design for their needs.
Some people even prefer hiring freelancers with portfolios to avoid any uncertainties. This way, they can see exactly what kind of work you're capable of offering. They will also be able to see how other companies/customers have benefited from your services.