For sure, freelancing has become the new way of life. Almost 70% of employers prefer to outsource their employees to hiring them traditionally. There’ are tons of stunning benefits of working as a freelancer. For example, you don’t have to work from 9-6; you decide when to work while still earning as much as—or even more than—a typical employee. Therefore, there has been a significant increase in the number of freelancers over the past few years. According to studies, around 1 out of 3 workers in the USA is self-employed, which constitutes around 42 million people.
Are you one of the people who want to explore the world of freelancing? If so, becoming successful is not a walk in the park, but we are here to guide you.
“Freelancing is tough. It can be very difficult, in fact. It can wear people down, making them lose sight of what they used to love because they have to do everything else just to get by.”
― Mason Hipp
Determine Which Platforms Work Best for You
There are numerous freelance platforms through which you can start your freelancing career. It is therefore important to evaluate various websites to determine the one that suits you best. Examples of such websites include Upwork and People Per Hour, where you can browse various jobs in different specialties.
If you specialize in Graphic and Logo Design, 99 Designs suits you best. Likewise, if you are into architectural and 3D Printing designs, consider trying Guru.com; there are tons of options to choose from.
Build Your Profile
Once you choose a platform, you have to build a freelance profile; a profile is extremely important as it serves as a resume. This is where your potential clients will look at your skills, work experience, awards, and portfolios to determine whether you are fit for the job or not. A great platform will earn you clients while a shady one will put them off.
It is advisable to list your work experience as well as the projects you’ve worked on before. If possible, provide a proof of the same such as a website or project link, and a screenshot of one of your projects perhaps in your portfolio section. If you have received any awards and honoraries, mention them on your profile. That is how you gain an advantage over your competitors. If you can prepare a short introductory video, clients will be running after you.
Manage Your Time Well
Among the advantages of being a freelancer, you get to control your time. This means that you can actually have more than one job depending on your deadlines. Although this can be exciting, you need to be super careful with time management to complete your projects in time.
Besides meeting your deadlines, you also need to turn in quality work. Most importantly, you need time to take care of yourself and your family.
Do Not Accept Every Job Offer
You might be tempted to say yes to every job offer you receive, but you need to assess the situation first. Some clients out there will work to the breaking point for meager pay. These are not worth your time and effort, so you have to learn to say “NO.” Turning down offers also prevents burnout.
