Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular in today’s gig economy, and it’s no surprise why. After two years (2020-2022) of working from home, more people are deciding to quit their nine-to-five. As a freelancer, you have complete control over your work schedule, clients, and the type of work you choose. I’ve been a freelancer over four years now and even though there have been ups and downs, I haven’t regretted it. I have the flexibility, autonomy, and the best part: there is no upper limit to my earnings. Yes, there are challenges and not every month is perfect. Time management can be stressful and you need some skills and strategies to succeed in this freelancing world. But, let’s not be all negative. In this guide, I will explain some challenges that you might face and how you can pass them. Also, there are some tips on how to boost productivity.
Define Your Services
Before you dive into freelancing, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the services you offer. You need to take some time to reflect on your skills and determine what you can offer.
Do you like design? Are you good in making power points presentations? Which tools you know how to use? Who is your ideal client? Is this B2C or B2B? Those are some of the questions you can ask yourself.
Then, after you answer these questions, try to pick a niche that you want to tackle. ‘Spy’ your competition a bit and then try to differentiate yourself. If everyone is using PowerPoint for making slides, you can use Canva. Or add additional service of making a full script with the slide deck.
You cannot offer everything and you shouldn’t aim for that. Focus on one thing that you are good at. That way you can build a good portfolio and market yourself as an ‘expert’ in certain area.
My Experience: I offered a few different services on Fiverr when I first got started. Then, quickly I realized that I cannot pay for all the tools that I need to support those gigs and services. Especially because I priced my services too low. Slowly with time, I deleted those gigs that were eating into my profits. I focused only on those services that I can differentiate myself from the competition.
Build Your Online Presence
Your online presence is an essential aspect of your success as a freelancer. This means that you should have a professional looking online portfolio that showcases your services, highlights your skills, and shows testimonials.
If you are using Fiverr or Upwork then your profile will serve as a portfolio once you start getting orders. However, before you build your strong profile there, you can have a website that serves as a portfolio that you can share when someone contacts you.
Having social media accounts can also serve as portfolio. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook – if you are regularly uploading content there, then you can share it. However, don’t mix business and personal accounts.
This blog can help you build a strong online presence. Check out our articles on this topic.
My experience: I didn’t want to spend a lot of time and money on building a portfolio website. I found one great tool that I still use that helped me achieve my goals. Systeme is such a powerful tool and it costs you nothing to create a website that will get you new clients. You can sign up for Systeme here for Free. First I used it to build a portfolio. Then, I uploaded one of my online courses on Systeme. Instead of paying monthly fees to Kajabi or Teachable, I can host my course on Systeme for free.
Accept that You are Running a Business
As a freelancer, you’re not just providing a service; you’re running a business. Yes, you should treat freelancing as a full time job and business. You are here to make money.
Setting up a successful business requires an entrepreneurial mindset and a willingness to take calculated risks. Even though it can be difficult at first, you must keep track of your income and expenses. That also includes creating a budget.
You can easily slip into a rabbit hole, spend too much money on marketing, and after a month your savings are gone. Don’t be that person. Always plan ahead!
Always be prepared for the challenges that might come your way, from handling a difficult client to managing your finances. Also, if you are building a website think about disclosures and legal documents.
My experience: I started a few businesses before and what I learned is that you need to approach everything seriously. Before, I didn’t think about hosting plans for my website or paying for a WordPress theme. Now, I realize that it’s so much easier to run a business when you set up everything properly. It’s easier to add additional service later once I had ‘good foundation’ to build on.
Finding and Retaining Clients
Finding and retaining clients are the most significant challenges a freelancer faces. It’s essential to create a strategy for finding new clients consistently. Everyone always says that getting that first client is the hardest. But, there is no difference between first and 999th client. You always need to give 100% to get that client.
Some of the most effective ways to find clients include networking events, cold emailing, social media, and freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. You don’t have to apply to every job that you see posted on Upwork. But, the more you apply the greater the chance that you will land a job. Once you have enough hours behind you, clients will start contacting you directly.
While attracting new clients is essential, retaining existing clients is equally important. Provide quality work, great customer service, and always go above and beyond to exceed your clients’ expectations.
My experience: Even after over four years of being a freelancer, I still have hard time closing the deal. I still apply to jobs on Upwork and write numerous proposals per week. On Fiverr, it’s easier to get an order since I have good reviews. But, the algorithm is harsh and new freelancers join the platform everyday. That is why I constantly refresh my profile, gig description and update my pricing.
Boosting Productivity
Effective time management is the key to success as a freelancer. Distractions are everywhere, and it’s easy to lose focus, leading to poor productivity. Been there, done that.
To boost productivity, create a work schedule, set up a dedicated workspace, avoid multitasking, and take breaks. Use time tracking apps to track your progress and identify areas where you can increase your efficiency.
My experience: I’m a morning person and I’m most productive between 6am and 11am. It took me some time to figure out my schedule and I still struggle to stay productive throughout the day. Why? Because I think about future tasks and then I get overwhelmed. Instead of getting things done, I can’t finish one task. That is why it’s important to start small and take one small tasks at a time. Don’t overthink! Focus on one small tasks and that is how you will get to your main goal.
Conclusion: How to Succeed as a Freelancer
If you’re planning to take the plunge into freelancing, be prepared for the challenges that come with running a successful freelance business. However, with the right strategies and the right mindset, you can overcome these challenges, become more productive and build a fulfilling career as a freelancer. Remember always to prioritize quality work, effective communication, and building a strong online presence. By following these tips, you’ll be on the path to success in no time!
