Discover 10 Best Tips on How to Be a Successful Freelancer

How to be a freelancer? This is a question many of us ask, thanks to the rising popularity of remote work, particularly after the pandemic.

Workers are no longer bound to desks in brick-and-mortar offices, and we now have the ability and flexibility to work wherever and whenever we choose.

Freelance work has become more attractive particularly for those who do not wish to be bound to a timeframe or location, need a side hustle for extra income, or require time and space to attend to their children or elderly parents.

What is the Meaning of ‘Freelancer’?

A freelancer is an independent contractor who works on a project or tasks for a client. Freelancers can be hired for one-off projects or for ongoing work by companies, or they can choose to work independently without relying on an employer. Freelancers are often self-employed and come from a variety of professional backgrounds, offering expertise, strategies, and services to businesses.

The number of Filipino freelancers is increasing. According to Creative Economy Council of the Philippines (CECP) President Paolo Mercado, speaking at an event in June 2021, there were around 1.5 million Filipinos working as freelancers on international online platforms, most of them engaged in creative work such as writing and graphic design.

Advantages of Being a Freelancer

There are many advantages to being a freelancer, which is why many choose to work freelance in addition to a regular job, or even forgo formal employment altogether to work for themselves. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or you need the flexibility it affords, freelance work has a lot of benefits.

Flexible schedule and location

You can choose when and where you work. With a strong internet connection and a decent laptop, you can work from anywhere.

Increased autonomy

As a fulltime freelancer, you decide which projects to take on and how much time to devote to each task. You can work at your own pace, as long as you meet deadlines.

High earning potential

Many freelancers have the ability to set their own rates and potentially earn more than working a traditional job. Others even hold down a day job while working other gigs as a freelancer, which increases their income.

Variety of work

You can often choose from a wide variety of projects, offering a break from the monotony of traditional employment.

Diversified income

Freelancing allows you to diversify your income in a way that traditional employment does not. You can work as many freelance jobs as you can manage, thus giving you several income streams.

Disadvantages of Being a Freelancer

On the flip side, there are some cons that you should consider as well before making a decision.

Unstable income

Depending on the nature of your chosen projects, income may not be consistent.

Lack of health insurance and other benefits

Fulltime freelancers generally have limited access to health insurance and other benefits.

Poor work/life balance

Since there are often no boundaries between work and leisure time, many freelancers struggle to maintain a good work/life balance.

Isolation

While some people prefer being solo when doing tasks, working on your own can sometimes be socially isolating. Mentoring and hands-on learning are also sometimes difficult to obtain when working freelance.

High self-discipline and motivation required

As a freelancer, you need to be able to motivate yourself to complete all necessary tasks and meet deadlines.

10 Tips on Getting Started as a Freelancer

But how to be a freelancer writer with no experience, you may ask, or any other profession such as photographer, editor, or designer? After weighing the pros and cons, if you’ve decided that freelancing is for you, there are a few fundamentals to consider when building your career.

Here are 10 tips to get you started on a successful freelancing career:

1. Determine what you have to offer

This means understanding what services you’re able to provide and the value that you can bring to potential clients. Identify your unique skills, experience, and capabilities to position yourself as a skilled worker or expert within your field.

Also read: Is A Character Reference In Resume Important? Yes, Here Is Why

2. Find your target market

Research and identify potential clients who need the services that you’re offering. Join networking groups and attend networking events, join relevant online communities, and participate in conversations and activities to find prospects.

3. Set a pricing structure

Once you’ve identified your target market and the services that you will provide, develop your pricing structure. Consider your costs, time, and the level of your expertise when setting your prices. Think of this as a “menu” for your services.

4. Prepare proposal templates

Develop proposal templates that are tailored to your services and adapt as needed to each prospective client you’re targeting. This will streamline the process of preparing and submitting proposals, saving you time and energy in the long run.

5. Establish relationships with clients

Once you’ve secured a client, create a rapport and nurture the relationship. Keeping in touch with clients will ensure steady work for you and increased satisfaction for them. Stay engaged and always stay true to your agreements by delivering on time and providing top-notch customer service.

6. Set up a professional website and social media accounts

The first thing most of us do when considering a new service or brand is to look it up on Google. The same way you look up reviews or stocks online before you buy anything, freelancers’ employers also do the same thing.

Think of yourself as a product and have a website and social media accounts to promote yourself with. Not having one suggests that you’re behind times or just not bothered. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to make you look good.

There are many affordable yet professional web builders around. Whether you opt for Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix, the key is to have a website that looks good and conveys the right brand image for you. As for social media accounts, consider setting up professional Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages, or choose other platforms relevant to your work and industry.

7. Build a professional portfolio

As a new freelancer, you might not have many examples of work you’ve done, but a portfolio can take many forms. It can be as basic as a blog to showcase your writing style, or short case studies in the form of YouTube videos, Instagram posts, and pictorial content to showcase projects you’ve done in school, as an intern, or in volunteer work. The point is to have a record of what you’ve done and to present it in a compelling way to illustrate your skills and expertise.

Also read: Your Ultimate Guide to Creating a Career Portfolio

8. Collect written testimonials

Testimonials by customers, peers, or previous superiors are how you inspire confidence and build up your credibility. They don’t have to be long; the best testimonials are simple one-liners or reviews that give a genuine account of your abilities and professional conduct. Testimonials and reviews are organic advertising, which is the most trusted form of endorsement in our current age.

9. Go ahead and namedrop

If you’ve worked with global brands or well-established institutions or individuals either as an employee, intern, volunteer, or freelancer, highlight these names on your website or social media accounts. The fact that you have experience working with reputable organizations says a lot about your integrity and professionalism. It’s proof that you are a trusted professional.

10. Get referrals from your personal network

One of the best ways to establish your professional credibility is via word-of-mouth marketing. People only recommend individuals or businesses they trust in and like, and recommendations by friends and family are always valued much higher than a stranger’s opinion.

Find Freelance Opportunities

Once you’ve decided to begin building your freelance career, start writing your resume now and search for opportunities that will help set you on the career path to fulfillment and success. Use our resume templates to help you get your dream job!

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