How to Start a Freelancing Career

Did you know that there are more freelancers at Google than full time workers? Google is one of the biggest companies in the world, and whatever makes them choose freelancing shows how valuable this career path is.

You are probably reading this because you want to be your own boss, work at your own time which equals to starting a freelancing career, but how can you start your freelance career?

Find remote freelance roles you may qualify for

As a freelancer, you are your own boss, and navigating an environment in which your skills and knowledge convert directly into possibilities.

Starting and building a freelancing career from a third person point of view can seem admirable, but surviving in this competitive freelancing market means you must also arm yourself with certain skills such as; self-discipline, excellent time management skills, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

In this article, we will share some tips on how to start your freelancing career. This article will give you an overall view, while this guide will give you deeper insights on how to start a freelance career.

Benefits of a freelancing career

Aside from Google, Meta, Walmart, and more companies and individuals employ the services of freelancers.  Starting a freelance career gives you the opportunity to:

• Design your work life on your own terms.
• To explore your dynamic career path offers flexibility
• Possibility of financial independence.

Tips on how to start a freelancing career

As a freelancer, you most likely would have your services sought after as long as you follow these steps to build a freelancing career

Identify your valuable skills

What do people commend you for? What do your friends and family call you to help them with? These are some of the questions to ask when you are trying to start a freelance career. Freelancing, just like entrepreneurship can be a long rife, so ensure you know what skill set you currently possess and what kind of services you can offer.

Craft and focus on a niche

You cannot be a photographer, a graphics designer, a motion designer and a social media all in one. It is alright to have the skills, but eventually you will have to choose a focus. To create a successful career in freelancing, choosing a specific area to specialize in is very important. What do you want to be known for as a freelancer? Crafting a niche helps you stand out as a freelancer and also helps you focus on what you want to achieve. If you are  a writer, you can niche down your freelancing career to creative, technical, content, academic writing or copywriting etc.

Create a professional portfolio for your freelancing career.

Now that you have decided on your monetizable skill and the niche that you want to specialize in, it is time to create your portfolio. Your portfolio will include samples that would attract potential clients and give them insights on what to expect from your style of writing. Your potential clients want to be assured that their work will be done to their satisfaction; hence, you need to present yourself in the best light. You can create your portfolio virtually, using free portfolio creator tools like clippings.me, wordpress or Disha.

Set up a professional freelance profile.

There are several freelancing platforms where you can sell your services to clients and get paid just as easily. Set up a compelling profile that showcases your skills and experience on any of these platforms. Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork connect freelancers to potential clients. These freelancing platforms have their pros and cons, which set them apart. Do your research to know which of them would serve you best. You can also create profiles on LinkedIn for remote freelance gigs.

Set your freelancing charge rates.

You can go through the profiles of other freelancers in your niche and research the market rates for your services. This will help you set a competitive price that would earn you your first gig while also ensuring you are not charging a meager fee for your service. Keep in mind that these freelancing platforms also take their commission from your earnings.

Send out proposals for freelancing gigs.

Upwork and Freelancer are two platforms that allow you to apply and send proposals out for freelancing jobs. Fiverr works by connecting you to your potential clients using algorithms.You can take advantage of using social media to land your freelancing gig just by reading this guide.

Network with other freelancers.

There are freelancers that have been quite successful in their careers; connect with them and learn from them. You can also get connected to potential clients and top freelancers through social media as well as online forums.

Deliver high-quality work.

After kicking off your freelance career, it is time to actually get to work. A satisfied client is more likely to return to patronize your services. Ensure you do high-quality work for your clients so that you  can build a positive reputation that will earn you good reviews. From your reviews, you will be able to gain more ratings that will catch the interest of new clients.

To start a freelancing career, you need to put in the work that will guarantee your success, develop your skills, create a compelling profile, design a portfolio, and deliver quality services. Always, these are the secrets to a successful freelance career. Do not underestimate the benefits of a freelancing community; you get to be abreast of practices and trends in your freelancing career. Keep in mind that persistence and building a positive and strong reputation are keys to a successful freelancing career.