How to become a Freelancer?

How to become a Freelancer?

Personal Development

A Dictionary defines a freelancer as someone who works independently as a writer, designer, or similar activities and selling his or her expertise to various clients rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer. Ever since the internet and various software became reliable, fast, and stable millions of people worldwide have jumped into the freelance bandwagon earning from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars a month working from home.

So, how does one become a freelancer? For this, first ask what useful skills and services you have that customers are willing to pay. Next ask if such work can be completely done from a computer sitting at home. For the sake of this article I will mention that customers are always looking for freelance expertise in the one or more of the following computer skills like Graphic Design (Photoshop, CorelDraw), Software Development, or Writing Articles and Books, File Formatting, and so on.

If you believe you have enough experience in the above and also have customer handling skills then you can ignite the idea of becoming a freelancer. For example, as a freelance graphic designer, software developer, or writer you can sit in your home and design logos, brochures, videos, create book interiors and covers, write eBooks, etc., and upload to customers in another country

Here are a few steps and suggestions on how you can start your journey as a freelancer.

Don’t quit your job immediately. Instead, spend the first few months studying other professional freelancers who offer similar services. See how they price their projects, what services they offer and don’t offer, how they have described their services, where they have listed their profiles, tax and payment issues, etc. For example, you can visit sites like fiverr.com or upwork.com to study the profiles of thousands of low, medium, and top freelancers.

Collect the necessary info and start building your draft profile. But do not activate your profile immediately. Take time to create a good profile that will inform potential clients about your skills, expertise, and experience. Keep it short and sweet. Market your achievements and explain why you're the best person for the job. Do not price your services too low or too high.

Once your profile content is ready and comparable to other professional profiles then activate it on sites like Fiverr or Upwork and offer your service to the world. Don’t go big bang and burnout or fail. Just take baby steps and provide

one service at a time. For example, even if you are very good at complex graphic design just offer only one service like a low cost logo design to test the freelancing waters. Let the customers start trickling in. Then you will get familiar with the process. Slowly add other services to your profile. But do not add too many services that may overwhelm you. Over time remove services that are troublesome or not working out.

Continuously learn customer handling and time management skills. Do not promise the moon or say yes to everything. Always under-promise and over-deliver. Learn to recognize and avoid shady and stupid customers who ask for mega services for low prices or endless revisions for free. Know when to put a brake on such requests. To avoid such situations your profile, quote, and FAQs must contain complete details of what you will do and don’t do. When you get an order, put everything in writing is a simple language and also ask the customer to signoff to avoid disputes later.

Have a good reliable computer, an extra identical computer, data backup, internet, uninterrupted power, licensed software, communication tools, smartphone, apps, etc., to provide a reliable service. Store important data in multiple places and avoid any data loss or corruption.

Do not become too friendly or cozy with any customer. Maintain a professional distance. Don’t discuss any personal issues, or connect on social media, or ask for favors other than an honest testimonial for your services. Once the job is done offer extra services that the customer may want. This will add value and also give you extra income. Also, have your own website where you can list all your services, pricing, testimonials, and contact information.

Learn realistic estimation skills. If some task is going to take 45 minutes then don’t commit that you will deliver the job within an hour. Think of ways you may hit roadblocks like software bugs, revisions, mistake corrections, etc. Also, have templates to make your job easier. For example, if most customers need A4 sized posters then have a bunch of quality templates that you can cut and paste text or images. This will prevent you from starting every job from scratch.

Once you get expertise and speed in your job slowly add other services. For example, you can upgrade from providing only logos to making book covers, brochures, cartoon images, or even short videos. But don’t offer too many services as it will become difficult to multitask and you will make mistakes if you get multiple orders simultaneously.

Ensure you have enough money and other protection when you become like me.

Quit your day job only if you are earning well from freelancing. Or continue in your day job and work as a freelancer only on weekends. Remember you will not get orders every day and some months will be bleak. Some companies may not allow you to do such jobs while you are in their employment. In such cases you can start the freelance in your spouse name for legal protection. Increase your prices over time so that you get more money from fewer projects.

Keep upgrading your knowledge. Subscribe to useful newsletters, podcasts, videos, etc., of other freelancers. They will offer you excellent advice, tips, and pitfalls to avoid. Explore doing freelancing for top companies. You can easily charge hundreds and even thousands of dollars for many jobs and can get long term contracts.

Companies prefer freelance for activities that don’t require a full-time employee. Take care of your health, have proper insurance, save costs, reduce unwanted expenses, simplify your life, save money for a rainy day, and avoid any adventures that can cripple you. As a freelancer, you don’t have the luxury of a steady paycheck, stock options, medical insurance, and other employee benefits. Remember if you hurt your hands or eyes badly you will have to say goodbye to freelancing. Keep in touch with your former colleagues, bosses, and others who can help if you fail at freelancing. Don’t hesitate to accept failure. You can always try again in a few years’ time. Finally, some nice quotes.

Why are you saying sorry? - Fifty years is the time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren’t doing what you love, then what’s the point? - Jim Carrey

I didn’t want an unsatisfying career. And I didn’t want to commit to one place – either one company or one location. I wanted to make my own decisions – Rocco Baldasarre

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can - Arthur Ashe

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It’s human nature to be liked, respected and valued. But you don’t need everyone to agree with you or even like you. And do not downgrade your integrity and happiness to be liked by everyone. Other people cannot give you the validation you seek. That has to come from inside. Speak up, assert yourself when the need comes, demand respect, and stay true to your values.