Getting Started As A Freelancer
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Now more than ever, people are turning to freelance. As a side-project or full-time and with the desire to work remotely, it is an attractive option to make a living.
As the industry embraced remote working during 2020 and with the trend continuing to grow more and more companies are more comfortable hiring freelancers as well as full-time employees.
Many jobs can be done remotely and often companies can save money.
As the industry embraced remote working during 2020 and with the trend continuing to grow more and more companies are more comfortable hiring freelancers as well as full-time employees.
Many jobs can be done remotely and often companies can save money.
Why do you want to freelance?
As the industry embraced remote working during 2020 and with the trend continuing to grow more and more companies are more comfortable hiring freelancers as well as full-time employees.
How does freelancing work?
Often, potential employers will post jobs on freelancing websites or actively seek out freelancers for the work they need completing.
Contact is made and an agreement is made on the work deliverables and price. A contract is then signed between the parties and work commences. Once the work reaches a required standard the employer then pays the freelancer's fee.
Contact is made and an agreement is made on the work deliverables and price. A contract is then signed between the parties and work commences. Once the work reaches a required standard the employer then pays the freelancer's fee.
How to become a freelancer
If you have a unique set of skills that are in demand by clients then you may be in a position to sell those skills in return for an income. Write down what skills you can offer and research the market on freelance marketplaces and job sites to see if there's a demand.
It can be scary to simply jump from full-time employment into the freelance world and you may lose the security and benefits that a full-time job offers. Even if you want to become a freelancer with no prior experience, taking that first step is challenging.
To mitigate risk, many people freelance as a side hustle. If there is demand for your skills, you can build up a client base until you have no choice but to take it full-time.
It can be scary to simply jump from full-time employment into the freelance world and you may lose the security and benefits that a full-time job offers. Even if you want to become a freelancer with no prior experience, taking that first step is challenging.
To mitigate risk, many people freelance as a side hustle. If there is demand for your skills, you can build up a client base until you have no choice but to take it full-time.
Tips for getting started as a freelancer
At the very start of your journey, it may be helpful to step back and consider some initial starting tips which will help.
- Check demand: To get an idea of the rates that you can charge, scour the job boards to see if the service you want to offer is in demand. If there are frequent job postings, then it could be a good indicator.
- Check day rates for the level of pay: By checking the boards for contract jobs, they will often give you a day rate. You could then take the day rate and divide it by 8 to get an hourly rate.
- Apply for contract jobs: Contract jobs are similar to freelance jobs, but are often over a three to six-month period. While this may block you from working with multiple clients at a time, it would give you more experience (and some income!) while you build up your network.
- Build your network and brand: As you apply for more jobs and talk to people, your network and brand will slowly begin to build. Eventually, it may get to a point where the work comes to you! Even if you are at work, always be building and pitching for the next one.
- Build a portfolio: When potential clients are looking for someone to solve their problem, they would often check an online portfolio. Along with building your network and brand, create a small website to showcase your skills. List past projects and a summary of how you solved the problem.
- Pitches, not interviews: As a freelancer, the interview process is more like a sales pitch about the value you can offer to your potential client. They need to solve a problem that they can't complete themselves. Impress them by offering to take the problem away with your skills.
- Consider a specialism: In the beginning, it may be beneficial to cast a wide net and take most jobs around your skillset. However, as you complete more projects, you may stumble upon common requests for a particular thing. Marketing this specialism is easier as you you have a smaller audience.