How to Become a Freelancer: 7 Tips From the Experts.

If you have a job, you may find yourself fantasizing about leaving your regular nine-to-five to become your own boss. And why not! Freelancing offers a great opportunity to make that dream a reality. So, how can you kick off your freelancing journey, what is needed and how hard is it? We reached out to five freelancers to gather their advice on getting started.

Freelancing provides a fantastic chance to take charge of your work life. As a freelancer, you enjoy the flexibility to work from any location and at your convenience. You can design your own timetable, choose your working hours, and select the projects that interest you. These advantages are what attract many individuals to start freelancing as a part-time gig or to pursue it as a full-time career.

Interestingly, 38% of Americans engaged in freelancing last year, adding almost $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy.

Have some savings banked

One of the key pieces of advice from freelance chef Andy Mackay is to create a financial safety net: “I always suggest, especially in the beginning, to have multiple sources of income and at least 4-6 months of wages banked” However, this isn't feasible for everyone. If juggling a job while freelancing isn't an option for you, consider establishing a financial cushion before diving in.

For instance, you might want to figure out how much money you would need to cover three to six months of expenses without relying on freelance income. This is important because building a steady client base can take time, and even once you’re settled, there may be slow periods. “Prepare for the ups and downs of freelancing as it isn't always plain sailing,” cautions Paul Messenger, a building contractor who initially balanced his freelance career with training. There will be times when work is plentiful and others when you might question if you’ll ever find work again.

To give your freelance journey a fair shot, it’s crucial to be ready for both scenarios and not give up at the first sign of a lull. You can also make the most of those quieter times. “Use the downtime to take stock of things, take a break, brainstorm or strategize” Paul advises. “Use that time for admin, marketing, or,” she adds with a smile, “to take a break.”

Related: The average savings based on your age

Build and refresh your portfolio

Building an impressive portfolio is a crucial step toward achieving success as a freelancer. Your portfolio serves as a testament to the quality of your work, allowing you to display your achievements and previous projects.

This is your chance to demonstrate to potential clients what you can do and the value you bring to the table. A portfolio is essential whether your skills are creative or technical. On platforms like Upwork, it enables you to present your finest work to clients, regardless of its format.

Make sure your portfolio emphasizes your standout projects that align with the services you offer. Each entry should clearly illustrate your role and the positive impact your work had on the client. Paul says, "consider including elements such as case studies, client testimonials, measurable results, visuals, charts, work samples, and mock-ups. Remember to obtain permission from previous clients before adding their project materials to your portfolio."

Define your service and offering

Identifying your skills and transforming them into a service that can be marketed is the initial step toward freelancing. Take some time to reflect on your abilities and explore the job opportunities that are currently available. These represent the most sought-after skills on Upwork for 2024.

After pinpointing your skills, the next task is to promote them effectively. It's essential to grasp how your abilities can benefit potential clients. Try to view things from the perspective of your ideal clients. Think about the challenges they face and how your skills can provide solutions. Keep in mind that clients are in search of answers to their problems. To thrive as a freelancer, you must comprehend the client’s needs and leverage your services to tackle their issues. This understanding will allow you to address their pain points in your profile summary and proposals.

Paul says, "craft a concise description of your freelance service that effectively markets it to businesses." Aim to clearly articulate what you offer, how you deliver it, and the types of clients or businesses that would benefit from your expertise. Don’t stress about pricing just yet; we’ll cover that in the next steps.

Find your target audience

Now that you have a freelance service ready to go, it's time to pinpoint your target audience. Begin by determining the types of clients who would benefit most from what you offer. Do these clients share similar challenges and traits? Are they part of a particular industry?

Paul says "As a newcomer in the freelance world, being skilled at your craft alone won't guarantee that clients will come knocking at your door." It's essential to put yourself in front of potential clients so they can discover your services. Taking an active approach to seek out clients is necessary.

Most freelancers typically use three main strategies to attract clients:

1. Engage with freelance job posting platforms

2. Utilize your existing network and connections

3. Implement marketing, advertising, and outreach efforts

Figuring out which of these methods works best for you is crucial in connecting with the right clients for your services. “under promise, and over deliver." - says Andy Mackay, that way you win over the client, improve customer satisfaction, foster solid connections, and distinguish yourself from your competitors.

Recognize your worth

When you dive into freelancing, you'll meet clients from various backgrounds, sizes, and importantly, budgets. Andy says, "It's essential to familiarize yourself with the going rates in your field and create a rate card that reflects your worth." Additionally, consider developing a personal sliding scale that allows for some flexibility while still maintaining your standards.

Stand out from the rest

Being unique for the right reasons is a major asset and a great way to start your freelance career. As a freelancer, your clients are the heart of your business. It might seem like a given, but building a strong, positive relationship with them is crucial. "The most successful freelancers focus on nurturing these connections, viewing their work as an ongoing partnership rather than just a single transaction." - says Paul.

Example: You might consider customizing the portfolio you share by focusing solely on projects that relate closely to the challenges the client is dealing with. Make sure to clearly highlight how these experiences align with their requirements. This approach will help the client evaluate more efficiently and determine if you’re the ideal fit for their needs.

Develop and Evolve

“If I were running a company, I would always want to listen to the thoughts of its most talented youngsters, because they are the people most in touch with the realities of today and the prospects for tomorrow.” - Sir Alex Ferguson.

Freelancers are engaged for the unique services and expertise they bring to their clients. Therefore, it's important for freelancers to continually enhance their skills, stay adaptable, and broaden their knowledge base. Keeping up with the latest trends and upskilling is vital to delivering top-notch service to clients. Online platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and even YouTube tutorials offer excellent opportunities to keep your skills fresh and relevant.