A growing percentage of these self-employed professionals are also choosing to quit their day jobs and become full-time freelancers. Nearly 4 in 10 people use their skills to serve independent professionals, up 8% from the share of freelancers in 2019.
While the allure of being an independent professional is certainly clear, a complete career change can seem daunting. Many emerging freelance professionals wonder how they can start a successful freelance career so they can give up their full-time job for good.
Whether someone is interested in supplementing their traditional job or wants to run a freelance business full-time, we’ve compiled seven tips to help freelancers achieve succeed in doing the freelance work they desire. Professional independence:
The benefits and worries of self-employment
Freelance professionals are attracted to the free world for many reasons. Lifestyle offers great benefits, starting with independence. People who work for themselves and on their own schedules can work the hours that work best for them. Night owls can work late into the night and make up for it the next day. Likewise, early risers can make big plans around their first cup of coffee. As more and more professionals face growing competitive responsibilities during a pandemic, such as remote education supervision for homeschooled children, this level of flexibility can make it easier for you to learn. Easily maintain the essential balance between professional and private life. For many professionals, the ability to work from home or wherever they feel comfortable can be a big plus.
Other experts appreciate the potential for stability building for themselves. With many businesses forced to shift workforces in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of stability has never been clearer. With a freelance career, professionals can take on projects for a variety of clients. This can improve the stability of many people, because losing a customer doesn’t mean they lose their entire income.
Of course, building a career as a freelancer can present many challenges that leave some professionals uncertain. After all, they have to find their own customers. They also have to compete with other professionals on projects and stand out from the competition in each project they want to win.
Luckily, there are strategies freelancers can use to find clients and build their workflow so they can move forward with confidence and reap the benefits. from this career choice. 7 tips for success as a freelancer
With a growing number of freelancers interested in building their client lists, we’ve compiled a list of seven tips. These ideas will help freelancers of all experience levels build their careers and create a niche where they can thrive.
With a growing number of freelancers interested in building their client lists, we’ve compiled a list of seven tips. These ideas will help freelancers of all experience levels build their careers and create a niche where they can thrive.
1. Define your expertise and what you want to offer
When clients are looking for a professional to hire, they want a freelancer with experience in their particular industry. For example, although any freelance writer can write about plumbing, someone who has written extensively on the subject will have the knowledge to produce a higher quality article and thus That is, someone that companies will want to hire for their marketing campaigns. Consider the type of freelance business you want to run. Know where you have worked in the past. Consider what experience and expertise you have and how it can help shape and shape your freelance career. Basic knowledge or expertise in specific topics, experience working with clients or companies in specific industries, or even certifications can make you an attractive professional.
If there are specific areas you’d like to work in, but don’t have formal training or experience, look for a certification or education.
2. Use online platforms to help you find customers
With the increase in the number of freelancers across industries, web platforms are helping to connect freelancers and clients. At the forefront of this industry is Upwork, which provides a job market for thousands of freelancers to showcase their skills.
Clients who need freelancers also know that they can create accounts on these platforms to find the freelancers they need. This gives them the ability to easily gather offers from various freelancers in the right niche and easily view their portfolio and examples of past work. . However, for freelancers, the ability to reach different clients looking for employees in their chosen field and instantly bid on multiple jobs from one site is invaluable. . Professionals can grow their client base and start enjoying the great benefits of an independent lifestyle.
3. Use contracts to clarify expectations
When you win a bid or get a project delivered by a new client, the contract you land can lower expectations and make the job go as smoothly as possible. Communication plays a big role in freelancer and client satisfaction. In the contract, consider including language detailing the specific expectations of both parties. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, think about how many revisions you’re willing to make before raising the price of your project. If the project will be billed by the hour, be sure to set guidelines for how time is tracked and reported to the client.
Details, such as how the two sides will coordinate and communicate, should also be noted and agreed upon. If you don’t want your workday interrupted by phone calls, but do respond to emails quickly, email communication requests can be included in the contract. Other provisions, such as whether the work can be used in a portfolio, must also be determined. You can use a contract template to help you create an optimal contract. Make sure the final contract meets the needs of both parties before it is signed.
4. Regularly update customers
Once you’ve started a project, keep your client updated regularly on your progress. Pay close attention to the instructions outlined in your contract so you know if and when they expect important updates. For example, you may have written in the agreement that you will let them know when you hit the milestones.
Notify them immediately if there are any changes to the project. If you find that you need to adjust a deadline or if other circumstances force you to reevaluate what you previously agreed to, keep the lines of communication open. Share the reasons behind the change and how you can manage it for them.
Notify them immediately if there are any changes to the project. If you find that you need to adjust a deadline or if other circumstances force you to reevaluate what you previously agreed to, keep the lines of communication open. Share the reasons behind the change and how you can manage it for them.
When you return the project, continue to openly communicate their satisfaction. As an independent professional, you want to use all available opportunities to grow your client pool and network. Knowing how well you meet their expectations can demonstrate that you care about the customer experience. This helps build your brand and credibility.
5. Please ask for references
As you begin to get satisfied clients, be sure to ask for references at the end of the project. Let your clients know that you want to build an exceptional business, and if they know someone else is looking for a freelancer to help them do the job, you’re there. Since these referrals come from clients who have proven they appreciate your work, referrals also carry more weight.
You can also request reviews from your customers.
You can also request reviews from your customers.
