You might have already wondered, what are some of the top insider tips you can benefit from to get started as a freelancer? And how can you get the most out of being one?
Before we get started, I would like to share what will be transmitted based on my experience growing into a freelancer. The truth is, you’ll never really know until you’ve tried. I’ve always liked to think that it would never hurt you to see it yourself. However, I may encourage you to keep an open mind about it as the experience may differ.
1. Define your niche
Although it sounds somewhat cliche, it is mind-boggling that so many people do not have a defined niche. Having one not only allows you to stand out amongst the others, but the journey of determining the place is a self-discovery.
By carefully identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can be more self-aware. Having a defined niche and being more self-aware would boost your ability to connect, communicate, and negotiate better with relevant people and projects.
In addition, there are a set of skills clients look for and can quickly identify you. Some clients look for freelancer's niches by the service they want (e.g., creating a logo, writing blog posts about ABC products, etc.) rather than the tool itself (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, etc.)
So, why is this important?
Focus on your strengths
Something you can be known for
People can easily find or refer to you!
How do we define our niche?
Look at the things you have done previously, or give it a try
Follow your passion
Study the market
Aim to specialise
Advertise your expertise
2. Create a Profile that Stands Out
By having the first step accomplished, this second step would follow suit. A clear and defined niche helps boost your potential client’s confidence in your work and deliverables. Overall, it creates some level of trust from the client that you are a great person to work with.
Clients may also want to see if you have any experience working on a similar project or if you have any experience working in their industry. A profile that stands out also means you are easily found or referred to – something you can be known for. It also helps the client to have a clear understanding of the variety of services that you can offer to them.
How do we do this?
Select a profile photo that focuses on your face
Highlighting your expertise
Feature best work
List out your qualifications and certifications
Add relevant employment history
Add education and other learning experiences or projects.
3. Create a Winning Proposal
Depending on the platform of choice or how you communicate with your client, it is essential that you set the tone for how you would like to work with them. When sending a proposal, understand the job description first and discuss the details.
Be brief – clients prefer freelancers who get straight to the point.
Be careful not to over-promise – set and manage expectations. Be specific about the deliverables and form the boundaries, e.g., number of revisions, milestone deadlines, etc.
Focus on the client – Focus on the values we provide to them rather than ourselves. We are being hired to aid them through service.
Be strategic with your efforts – Share and demonstrate your thoughts, knowledge, expertise, and process in answering the additional questions. This could be simply sharing your thought process and reasoning behind certain decisions.
4. Get Prepared for Interviews & Sales Calls
Most clients would love to engage and connect with potential freelancers before hiring them to do the work. One of the main reasons behind this is that they want to ensure their expectations and yours are aligned. Some may even want to see how you are – get to know you a little bit better, ensure you are who you claim to be, and perhaps see your work ethic, friendliness, openness, etc.
So, how do I make the most out of this situation?
Be professional as you would be in a standard hiring process, e.g., showing up on time, dressing appropriately, minding your manners, etc.
Study the job posting and prepare thoughtful questions
Learn as much as possible about the client
Look at the feedback from other freelancers they’ve worked with – do they include any info about the business?
Ask about their problems in detail – remember that you’re being paid for the value you provide!
5. Constantly Learn & Improve
One of the critical success factors in getting started as a freelancer is learning to become more self-disciplined. Freelancing is one of the best ways for you to independently take control of your career and your career trajectory, as your career is your business.
Overall, one thing you’ll quickly learn about running a business is that being proactive pays off in the long run. That could be you thinking about your next project, following trends in the industry, or keeping your expertise sharp.
Clients prefer to work with those with up-to-date and industry-relevant skills: Top independent freelancers are nearly twice as likely to have completed skills training in the last six months.
So, as you start to carve out your new routine as a business owner, consider including time for regular research and learning. Check out the top tools independent talent can use to keep their skills fresh for ideas.
In conclusion, these five insider tips only scratch the surface of what it takes to start as a freelancer, but they are indeed powerful practices we would need to keep close in mind. The key to making it work is constantly checking in with yourself to see how far and well you have been progressing and improving the work and deliverables altogether. Should you be doing this on the ‘sides’ when starting, avoiding conflicts at your day job is crucial. Once you can get the hang of the process and master your craft, you will need to plan your budget accordingly and appropriately should you want to pursue freelance work full-time.