How to Start Freelancing
Before one thinks about freelancing it is important that one learns or masters a particular field once the field in which to freelance has been decided such as learning CSS and HTML is beneficial for those who wish to freelance as web developers or web designers. It is hard to give numbers for people who are willing to let go of their traditional jobs and begin freelancing but the count is definitely in millions throughout the globe. The organizations and companies also seem to have adapted the trend of hiring freelancers as unlike the permanent employees they don’t have to bear extra facilities for them such as saving on healthcare, office-space etc.
While opting to start a new career is attractive one should remember that there are bills to be paid and one needs to work hard to have them cleared. This is why many people begin their journey to freelancing while holding on to their day or night jobs. Once the desired sum begins to pour in one can easily quit the day job and concentrate completely on freelancing their skills.
Irrespective of the type of skill one selects there will be competition and people from the same industry who will charge lesser than what one is asking for. Freelancing in writing and enrolling for websites where there are tens of thousands of people who are willing to write may not be a good idea. There are so many options for the employers thus it is best that one selected an area where there is lesser competition and one’s pay is not harmed. This doesn’t mean that people who look forward to writing are discouraged – one may take it a step ahead and blog or write eBooks.
Identify the potential clients and make then make way to them. After working with some companies or organisations one has a clear idea on which type of clients are best to work with. Of course with time freelancers also get referrals which helps in growth and familiarity of one’s name. The targeted clients will pay so one should pick wisely as to which client would be able to fulfil one’s income goal.
One shouldn’t focus on the amount that other freelancers are charging or instead one should be priced based on the value that one delivers. If a freelancer has the ability of delivering high quality work that no one else could then there is no such thing as charges are quite high. One should be able to justify the work delivered. However, overvaluing should be refrained from.
A high quality portfolio should be afloat on the internet. Online presence on business websites with references and recommendations from previous clients should all be present. From one’s education to examples of the kind of work undergone should all be mentioned.
Pick projects that can be handled and those that one is completely sure of accomplishing in the best possible way. Too many projects will divert one’s mind while also be a hurdle in the delivery of job at the desired time of the client.
One should learn to master the art of presenting oneself in front of the clients whether it is through an email or a personal meeting. The first impression truly matters.
Always finish jobs on time and deliver quality work if one aspires to sustain as a freelancer in the market.
Would you like to read more about this topic? This book might interest you: Freelancer Career Crash Course.