Where to Start Freelancing
The Beginners’ Guide
So, you’re thinking about freelancing and wondering where to start? Look no further, we have created a list of the essentials you need to consider before starting out as a freelancer.
Equipment and setup
It sounds really simple, but as a freelancer looking for where to start – having the right tools to do your job will be the difference between freelancing as a hobby and a job. While it’s possible to start freelancing with basic technology, as your business grows this will become increasingly difficult. Your phone and an iPad may be great for a while, but your motivation, comfort and deadlines will surely grow to suffer. Furthermore, constantly receiving work-related enquiries on your personal phone can cause you to feel overworked, resent your trade, and potentially lose your passion for it.
That’s why investing in a good set-up will allow you to start as you mean to go on. Having a reliable desktop which powers the correct technology will make your life so much easier in the long run. It’s safe to say that losing three hours of work to a dodgy desktop doesn’t do much for your motivation!
And technology isn’t the only way to start freelancing. Ensuring your entire set-up and workspace is convenient will allow you the headspace to be fully creative and encourage you to separate work from play.
Portfolio
Knowing how to create a freelance writer portfolio is much like a CV for freelancers. While your CV will still be necessary, your portfolio is massively important in securing clients. It gives them an insight into your education history, a bit about you, and a lot about your work history.
If you require inspiration on how to get started with this, why not browse freelancer websites to see examples of other people’s portfolios and where best to start. Why not make a profile on Revolancer and browse the listings there? Once you’ve done that, you can follow the step-by-step guide to creating a good profile. This allows you to save time, as you create your portfolio and advertise your services on our zero commission website. From here it can be viewed by clients looking to enlist your services.
For more insight into getting started with a Portfolio, check out our article How to Create a Freelance Portfolio.
Market your trade
The next place to start is by nurturing the skill you’re looking to profit from. You may be a graphic designer, a writer or a virtual assistant. Have a look into what other freelancers in your industry do, what they charge, and how have they advertised themselves. If you have a similar level of experience with your skill, then this is a great indicator of what your rates will be.
For those wondering where to start, networking with established sole traders is a great route to take. They may be able to tell you about which clients they work with and give you some top tips specific to your trade.
Looking into advertising, freelancer websites and social media will also allow you to market your trade, post examples and get exposure which ultimately helps you bring in potential clients, or gives those clients a place to verify your skills.
Build a reputation
Once you start working with clients you’ll be able to start establishing a reputation within the industry. Providing a great service to your paying client is the easiest way to build up a good reputation, as you may have just sourced a returning client. If you’re confident you’ve given the client exceptional service, don’t be afraid to ask for some feedback and a review of your time working together. This can be put on your website or portfolio and shows other clients you can provide them with the same experience.
Providing exceptional service will also allow you to build a reputation through word of mouth. Many freelancers meet new clients through referrals and recommendations which enters you into a cycle of new revenue, new projects and therefore a broader skillset.
A handy tip to impress clients is by overestimating the length of time it takes to complete a project, and completing the project a few days early. It’s better to overestimate and complete the project early than overrun. Furthermore, when you’re just starting out it’s not easy to be choosy with your projects as the income is always needed, however, if you get the choice, it can be handy to take on projects that are more interesting to you, and therefore more empassioning.
Become a freelancer
Now you know where to start freelancing, why not give it a go?! Being a freelancer comes with so much freedom, and flexibility and it’s full of fun. Managing your time, holidays and reputation are to name but a few of the perks of being a sole trader.
Before you go
Now that you know how to start freelancing, why not check out How to Start Freelancing as a Student for more insight into being a beginner in the gig economy? Also, be sure to check out 5 Effective Opening Messages to Send a Client as the next step in your freelance journey.
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer