What is the Meaning of ‘Freelancer’?
A freelancer is a self-employed individual who provides services, expertise, and strategies to companies. They can be hired for individual projects or ongoing work and have the option to work independently without relying on an employer. Freelancers come from different professional backgrounds and can offer a diverse range of skills to businesses.
According to Paolo Mercado, the President of the Creative Economy Council of the Philippines (CECP), the number of Filipino freelancers is on the rise. Speaking at an event in June 2021, Mercado stated that approximately 1.5 million Filipinos are currently employed as freelancers on international online platforms, with the majority of them involved in creative fields like writing and graphic design.
Advantages of Being a Freelancer
There are numerous benefits to being a freelancer, which is why many individuals opt to do freelance work alongside a regular job or even choose self-employment instead of formal employment. Whether you require additional income or desire the flexibility it provides, freelance work offers numerous advantages.
Flexible schedule and location
With a decent laptop and a strong internet connection, you have the flexibility to choose when and where to work.
Increased autonomy
As a full-time freelancer, you have the freedom to choose which projects to accept and determine the amount of time dedicated to each task. You are able to work at your own speed, as long as you are able to meet the deadlines.
High earning potential
Some freelancers can choose their own rates and have the potential to earn more than they would from a regular job. There are also freelancers who work multiple gigs while still holding a regular job, which helps them increase their income.
Variety of work
Traditional employment can become monotonous, but you can often select from a diverse range of projects to add some variety.
Diversified income
When you freelance, you have the opportunity to broaden your income sources unlike traditional employment. By taking on multiple freelance jobs, you can generate several streams of income.
Disadvantages of Being a Freelancer
Before making a decision, you should also take into account some disadvantages.
Unstable income
Income may not be consistent depending on the nature of your chosen projects.
Lack of health insurance and other benefits
Fulltime freelancers frequently have restricted access to health insurance and other benefits.
Poor work/life balance
The lack of boundaries between work and leisure time often poses a challenge for freelancers in maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Isolation
Although some individuals may prefer working alone, it is important to note that solitary tasks can sometimes lead to social isolation. Additionally, freelance work can pose challenges in acquiring mentorship and practical learning opportunities.
High self-discipline and motivation required
In order to be a successful freelancer, it is essential to possess self-motivation to accomplish all required tasks and adhere to deadlines.
Simple and Powerful Tips for Successful Freelancing
1. Identify your niche
“What is my strongest attribute in my field?”
Your niche and the starting point for your freelance career will be determined by the answer to that question. By identifying it, you will be able to brand yourself, attract clients and projects, and, most importantly, dedicate your time to honing the necessary skills that will yield the greatest return on your investment.
2. Learn the right skills
First, determine the necessary skills for freelancers in your specific field and devise a strategy to enhance those skills outside of your regular job. Next, gain hands-on experience by collaborating on projects with your friends and networking connections. Eventually, these endeavors will enable you to establish a portfolio that can be exhibited to potential clients.
3. Build an attractive portfolio
If you have the experience, ensure you highlight it! Here are a few pointers to differentiate your writing portfolio:
Get personal
Include a bio that outlines your background, not just your work. Many jobs have come down to the client deciding which freelancer they liked more as a person because, when it comes down to it, they need to want to work with you.
Tell, don’t (just) show
Rephrased: Disregard the traditional belief: the work itself cannot always convey its message effectively. Provide a concise overview of each project, elucidating the methodologies employed in collaboration with the client during various stages, ultimately leading to the desired outcome. Allow the client to envision the experience of working together.
Show the numbers
What was the impact of your work on the client’s goals? Did you assist them in achieving concrete savings or profits? Feel free to boast about the outcomes your work has achieved, such as growth in email list, increase in website visits, or number of purchases – anything that demonstrates the tangible results you can deliver.
Include testimonials
After demonstrating why hiring you is advantageous, let others speak on your behalf. Testimonials offer the necessary social evidence for clients to transition from being interested in your services to fully committed. They serve as validation and instill potential customers with confidence in the quality of your offerings. It is important not to hesitate in seeking testimonials from your clients.
4. Grow your online presence
One way to approach it would be: Begin by establishing your own business website and ensure regular updates. Moreover, consider incorporating a blog section within the website to showcase personal insights, brand information, and recent accomplishments.
To systematically approach the task, it is advisable to frequently visit forums and websites relevant to your area of expertise. Engage by leaving comments or, perhaps, collaborating through contributing advice or guest posts. These avenues provide opportunities to demonstrate your expertise and establish trust among others. (Note: Many online platforms offer numerous creative writing job opportunities.)
It is crucial to have a LinkedIn profile as it will enhance your visibility and professional network in your industry.
5. Use (and grow) your network
In addition to social networking, your physical presence is also important. Attend niche-specific events to establish connections with potential clients. Conferences are especially beneficial for networking.
If you decide to go to these events, remember to bring a sufficient number of well-designed business cards. While many industries disregard business cards nowadays, publishing does not. Make the most of every encounter by handing out your card without waiting to be asked. This action should also encourage them to give you their card in return. Once you have their card, remember to connect with them on LinkedIn.
6. Frequent job boards and freelance websites
In the beginning, it may not be easy to attract clients. However, you can utilize websites such as Upwork and SimplyHired to access job boards that have listings related to your specialty. This will enable you to select your desired projects and showcase your portfolio, which is an excellent method for establishing a reliable customer base.
If you have no prior freelance experience, this opportunity will allow you to gain experience in handling clients and payments, as well as enhance your portfolio.
7. Be proactive
To increase your chances of being hired for a project, consistently follow up once you have received a lead instead of waiting for them to contact you.
To effectively manage and stay updated on your relationships, utilize Streak to create a lead funnel in your email.
8. Ask for referrals… don’t wait for them
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way by being proactive and making the most of referrals. After completing a project with a client, actively request them to recommend your services to others. Word of mouth is a potent tool for expanding your business, so don’t assume they will do it without prompting. Be proactive and initiate the conversation yourself.
9. Cultivate repeat business
Rather than simply completing a project and ending the relationship with a client, it is important to think ahead and anticipate any future updates, maintenance, or ongoing support that may be required. For instance, if you are designing a website for an author, it is essential to consider how you would manage any potential modifications, updates, or eventual redesigns, as well as determining the appropriate fees for returning clients. By making this clear to clients from the start, you will establish yourself as their trusted point of contact, and there is no better way to secure job stability than having recurring customers.
Pricing your services
Pricing is not a precise science, as there is no magical solution to determine the exact charge for every project. Despite this, there are methods to ascertain the appropriate pricing.
10. Know your worth
In the publishing industry, there are numerous roles ranging from proofreaders to book cover designers. The rates for these roles can significantly differ based on your specialization and level of expertise. To begin, you should conduct research to determine the fees charged by others with similar experience for their projects. This can be accomplished by engaging in discussions with your peers or seeking advice through online forums.
11. Collect written testimonials
In order to inspire confidence and establish credibility, it is important to have testimonials from customers, peers, or previous superiors. These testimonials do not need to be lengthy; the most effective ones are short one-liners or reviews that provide an authentic portrayal of your skills and professional behavior. Testimonials and reviews serve as organic advertising, which is considered the most reliable form of endorsement in our modern era.
12. Go ahead and namedrop
If you have been employed, interned, volunteered, or freelanced for global brands or well-established institutions or individuals, be sure to showcase these names on your website or social media accounts. This evidence of having worked with reputable organizations speaks volumes about your integrity and professionalism, demonstrating that you are a reliable and trustworthy professional.
13. Get referrals from your personal network
Establishing professional credibility is best accomplished through word-of-mouth marketing. Recommendations from friends and family carry more weight than those from strangers, as they are based on trust and affinity.
14. Always look to continue your education
To keep pace with evolving designs, trends, and expectations, it is vital to continuously enhance your education. For those with no prior experience in the field, it is worth considering enrollment in a school or university or taking advantage of online classes offered by digital learning platforms. This approach will help you retain and update your skills, allowing you to stay relevant for prospective consumers and clients.
To help you kickstart your freelancing career, we have gathered these tips. However, keep in mind that the ultimate way to succeed is by exploring and finding the strategies that work best for your business.
15. Plan a year ahead for tax season
Operating your own freelancing business can be enjoyable, except during tax season. Due to intricate tax regulations, the process is often burdensome. However, you can alleviate the stress by guaranteeing that you possess all the necessary paperwork and forms in advance.
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