For those of us who have been freelancing for a while, we know how tough it is to get your foot in the door, and, too, that the freelancing lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Though it does come with a set of its own perks: such as being able to choose who you will and will not work with, a flexible schedule, and not having to commute to an office each day, there are mistakes that the beginner freelancer may want to avoid.
Recognizing their self-worth, more and more people are refusing to return to traditional work as their simply is no financial incentive for those who make more on unemployment. Since COVID-19 hit, people have begun finding creative ways to support themselves financially.
If you are someone who’s started freelancing to supplement income, these common (and sometimes avoidable) mistakes beginner freelancers make can help you hit the ground running.
If you are going to successfully begin freelancing, having a professional online presence is key. However, it is just as important to know exactly what social media platforms are best for your desired business. An artist or photographer, for example, may go with instagram. A writer, twitter. If you’ve niched down on your chosen social media platform, it is important to know hashtags that get your work to your desired audience.
Any social media you create for freelancing, be sure it keeps a professional tone and look. This includes profile pictures and bio/summary descriptions. Your professional summary should explain what you do, and clearly identifies your strengths and achievements.
Regardless of the industry you inhabit, any freelance professional should have a blog. Writing isn’t for everyone. Either some can find it difficult, tedious, or may simply just not want to do it, but it necessitates to the potential clientele why they would choose you over your competition, while showing off your level of expertise in your chosen field and/or niche.
Six Lessons To Learn Now Before Getting Started
1. Patience.
Freelancing is hard work. It's all up to you to find clients and hopefully retain them. If you expect to pitch yourself every business and expect the job positions to come flying in, you’re wrong. This is why it’s so important to niche down and pitch to a very specific audience. This way you increase your odds of finding work.
2. Level Your Expectations
In short: be realistic. You’re not going to make a million dollars off the bat. Though it is a good idea to set goals that will help keep you on track of your progress. This will also help you know if you are hitting deadlines and seeing the growth you want. If not, it may be time to reevaluate your goals to something more attainable or practical.
3. Slow and Steady Wins the Race
It is best to take work that you are passionate about. So this means not accepting every project that comes your way or quickly stacking up clients. You will get overwhelmed. And fast. If your situation allows it, accept work you’re genuinely interested in. It’ll take time, but the payoff is worth it.
4. Time…Time…Time
There are two sides of the coin when it comes to time for the freelancer: Managing it and tracking it. First, managing your time helps you to tackle your work in a more balanced way. Although you might be working for yourself, a schedule is very much as vital as traditional work. Knowing what days and the hours in which you work helps maintain a level of sanity and control in your life. Set your schedule wisely. Second, tracking your time keeps you on top of deadlines and projects. It is a great way to know exactly how much you are spending on projects, either too much or too little.
5. Know Your Worth
You set your rates as a freelancer. When setting rates, you have to look at yourself honestly. Of course flexibility is required, but how much you will charge potential clients should be firmly based on your experience, education, and expertise of your work. It is best to avoid work or projects from clients who want to low-ball you. But it is up to you to know if you’re being low-balled or not.
6. Communication is Key
Honesty is the best policy. And being honest upfront about your clients. Being tactful is necessary if you are to find and maintain work. However, knowing your morals and the kind of work you will or will not accept is something that must be decided beforehand.
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