Do you want to start working as a freelancer from home? If you currently have a full-time job and are considering becoming a freelancer, you should be aware of the benefits and downsides of this move. Freelancing is a difficult business to be in, but it can also be incredibly lucrative.
The global freelance business is expanding at a steady rate. There are numerous options for freelancers to establish a reputation for themselves in the sector and earn a living.
How to start working as Freelancer?
And the toughest parts of freelancing, is actually figuring out where and how to start working as freelancer. This blog will look at everything you need to know if you want to start working as freelancer from home.
Let’s get started!
1. Learn: What is Freelancing?
If you want to start working as a freelancer, you must first grasp what it entails.
When a person or a group of professional’s work as contractors for multiple companies at the same time, this is referred to as freelancing. These people are typically referred to as "freelancers." They are self-employed and are engaged by the client or enterprise to work on a certain project, task, or service.
Freelancing, on the other hand, is not a new concept; in fact, it has been around for decades. Contract work was common before formal employment became the norm. Now, freelancers do the same work as employees, but their policies are different and grant more flexibility.
2. Build a Skill and Portfolio!
Starting a freelancing business is exhilarating, but it is a lot deeper and wider. It is not advisable to perform a freelance business straight away; it requires careful planning and research. One of the most essential parts to do is to develop specialized skills and a portfolio. To begin your venture, you must have skills and a portfolio to demonstrate your expertise to potential clients.
Begin by identifying a skill that is in demand, marketable, and goal - directed. And if you already have certain expertise, work on them and polish them. You can also add new skills to the list.
3. Make a Designated area in your Home
If you plan to start working as a freelancer from home, you must have a dedicated workspace in your home for the business. You will easily get distracted if you do not have a spot where you can focus on your studies, work, clients, and meetings. That is why it is essential to have a designated area where you can operate efficiently and comfortably as a freelancer.
4. Gather the Necessary Tools or Equipment
You can't just work from the comfort of your own home. You should ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment. If you want to start working from home as a freelancer, you'll need to invest in the following tools and equipment:
- A good wi-fi connection.
- Laptop or PC
- A printer or scanner (optional)
The tool will, of course, vary depending on your field. A laptop is mandatory, otherwise you can purchase tools based on the necessities.
5. Strengthen your Skills
Every freelancer understands the significance of skill development. Skilled freelancers are more valuable, have more chances, and are more likely to get high-quality gigs. However, sharpening your talents might be intimidating, especially when you're working on client projects.
However, in order to outperform, gain skills, acquire experience, and secure your freelancing career, you must nurture your unique and specialized skills in your chosen fields. It is necessary to continue enriching and honing one's specialized skills. Also, stay updated with the latest advancements in the freelance industry.
Note: Continue to learn and expand your skill set. And if you're new to freelancing, make sure you're thoroughly educated on all the essentials before landing your first client.
6. Update Portfolio
If you have started working on your specialized skills, you need to build your portfolio of achievements to show employers and clients why they should hire you. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “build your portfolio piece by piece” before but what does it actually mean?
The phrase “build your portfolio piece by piece” is used to describe a time-framed progression of getting your first gigs, gaining experience and then eventually developing your portfolio. So, your next and very first step should be working on your specialized skills to build a portfolio around those.
7. Establish a Social Media Presence
One of the biggest mistakes that an entrepreneur or a business can make is not having a social media presence. Today’s world revolves around social media and if you don’t have a presence on it, your business might as well not exist.
Why social media presence? A social media presence allows you to reach out to people and tell them about your service or product you are offering. And also, allows others to give feedback on your business.
So, to promote your business and attract potential clients you indeed need to build your social media presence.
8. Understand Pricing and Charge the Appropriate Price
The price is everything! You can be a fantastic freelancer, but if you don't charge the appropriate amount, you won't last long. Understanding how to price your services based on your experience, how to get your prices to be what you want, and when to raise your rates is a key skill for any businessman.
So, to get an idea of pricing, try the following:
- Look into different freelance marketplaces and see how much other freelancers charge based on their experience.
- You can seek advice from skilled freelancers.
- Conduct some web-based research on pricing or pay rate.
9. Find the best Freelancing Platform
Freelancing is the new way to work and earn more while having more flexibility. Thanks to technology and the internet, freelancing is easier than ever. Entrepreneurs are quitting their jobs to make a living through freelancing. However, the internet can be a dangerous place filled with frauds and selfish people.
So, before you delve into the world of freelancing, do some research and choose the ideal site to start your journey. And this is where Gig4U comes in: a platform with limitless possibilities which, unlike other freelance platforms, offers the most secure ESCROW payment system.
10. Begin Freelancing as Side-Hustle
Become a side-hustler! If you already have a 9-5 job or are a student, try freelancing as a side-hustle or part-time before going full-time. Freelancing necessitates a great deal of hard work as well as a great deal of patience.
Begin with tiny projects to see if you want to go full-time with freelancing. Don't rush into something you're unsure of; instead, take your time and consider if it's something you want to do full-time. It will not be easy for a newbie, but if you have the desire, attempt it for now, later you might be able to grow from a freelancer to a regular business.
11. Approach Clients
Approaching clients? How can I go about doing that? It does, indeed, necessitate some serious analysis. If you're certain about the skill you'll be offering as a freelancer, the next step is to identify your potential clients and the best way to approach them.
- Recognize your clients and understand the service you're providing. Try to fill the gap between the clients' goals and their practical necessities.
- You can reach them via email by sending a preliminary proposal.
- Clients can be found through referrals, social media sites (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and others), and freelance markets.
12. Learn to Negotiate
If you want to work as a freelancer, you must learn how to negotiate with your clients; otherwise, you will be stuck taking low-paying jobs. Negotiation is a crucial skill that every freelancer should possess. Negotiating with your clients is essential; it allows you to secure a better deal and create a solid working relationship with them.
13. Exceed all Expectations
Only a few things can make your freelancing experience more fulfilling than the work you do. One of them is when the client is completely satisfied with the work you have done. Another advantage is when you receive a positive evaluation and appreciation from your client. This rewarding experience might help you establish an excellent portfolio while also increasing your confidence in freelancing.
However, there are situations when you may not be able to obtain something due to our lack of understanding of the core objectives and requirements. So, in order to deliver your best, you must precisely evaluate the client's demands and strive to go above and beyond their expectations.
FAQs
Who is a freelancer?
An independent person, business or corporation who provide services on contract basis. The freelancer work independently under verbal or written contract. They’ve the freedom to work from home and have right to choose when and how they want to get paid and do the work. In simple words, they’re their own boss, they don’t work under anyone’s supervision.
Which are the skills that can be freelanced?
There are many things that can be freelanced including: writing, graphics, web design and development, music, video editing and even coding. The trick here is deciding to do one and sticking with it and make a living from it.
Which social media platforms can I use for my digital presence?
Social media has become the most powerful tool in the digital marketing arena. Not only is it a good way to interact with your prospective audience but it can help create trust and credibility towards your brand.
Besides, there are few social media platforms which can help you build your brand enormously.
The pros and cons of freelancing?
Being a freelancer is a fantastic way to make money. It gives you the time to look for a career that is a good fit for you and your skills. It also means that you can make money while looking for work. On the other hand, some make a living out of freelancing.
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to freelancing. Here's a standard list of pros and cons:
Pros –
- Freedom & flexibility
- Independence & scalable
- Exposure
- Advance your career as a professional.
Cons –
- Sporadic engagements
- Income that fluctuates
- There is no job security.
- Employee perks aren't available.
- Time administration
How and where can I find potential clients?
The internet is teeming with potential clients. There are several methods for obtaining them:
- There are lead generating sites where you may obtain a lot of people.
- Your personal contacts, which you can convert into future clients.
- Social networking platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and others. Referrals from existing clients or friends.
- If you publish a lot of informational content showcasing your expertise to your own website, you can attract new clients.
- Online freelance marketplaces offer their own pool of potential clients.
