What You Need To Do Before You Start Freelancing
Tired of the rigid 9–5 even when you’re working from home? There’s another option.
As work from home becomes a norm, is freelancing still a thing?
Yes, it is.
If you’re thinking of leaving your rigid 9–5 job or perhaps not getting caught up with that in the first place, then perhaps freelancing could be an option.
It may seem difficult to get your head around it as there’s no set structure or formula. Each freelancing job is different. But like any other kind of job, it can be done. You just need to plan ahead.
So here are some tips to help you start freelancing.
1. Decide What Kind of Freelancer You Can Be
There are many kinds of freelancing jobs.
They range from copywriting and translation to graphic design and virtual assistant.
What are your strengths?
What skill(s) do you already have that can be of service to companies?
Write them all down and choose the top 3 strengths and skills that you feel confident with.
2. Register Yourself as a Business or Sole Proprietor
Regardless of which country you’re from, it’s best to register yourself as a business. This is to not only make you seem legit in the eyes of clients but also to ease the accounting and tax processes.
3. Prepare a Portfolio
Your portfolio acts as proof of your skills. It’s to show prospective clients that you can do the work that they may need you to do. If you’ve never had any clients before and just starting out, create a few samples.
Bonus point: if you know which client you’d like to work with, suggest improvements and come up with a sample that reflects your suggestion.
Remember: you don’t need a website to create a portfolio. You could simply use any software that would allow you to convert it into a PDF file which you would then send to the prospective client via email. If you do have a website or a Notion page, you can send the link as well.
4. Find Clients
Once you’ve got your portfolio and resume ready, it’s time to search for clients.
There are many platforms to look at but I suggest that you be selective so that you don’t waste too much of your time.
You could go to the freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer.com, or Fiverr. They are great places to find projects but do keep in mind that the fee may be low especially if you’re a complete beginner.
Another platform you can consider is LinkedIn. Personally, I’ve found better luck there than on the marketplaces. The key is to update your profile to reflect the service that you offer. It also helps if you post samples of your work directly on LinkedIn so they show up on your profile.
Don’t be surprised if you come across freelance jobs via unconventional platforms like Instagram. You may think that it’s just a fun social media platform but if you curate it to your advantage just like LinkedIn, you may find hidden gems there.
Enjoy the Process
Being a freelancer is a commitment to the long game.
Therefore, you need to find joy or value in what you do.
Be in the mindset of providing service to others and you’ll thrive along this exciting journey.
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