Increasing Your Worth as a Freelancer

Increasing Your Worth as a Freelancer Vinu Natarajan

Introduction

The gig economy is growing at a fast rate. Over a third of the American workforce became freelancers, especially when the pandemic struck. Some people lost their full-time jobs while others needed to supplement their income. Others prefer freelancing because it is more flexible and less stressful. If you are considering freelancing or are already doing it, here are some tips to make you indispensable.

Clock-In Regularly

When working on a conventional job, you get your full pay, even without putting in 100% effort. Unfortunately, freelancers don’t have that luxury. You are paid for the effort you invest in the work. Considering that it is largely a one-person business, the stakes are high. That is why dependable freelancers earn a decent income. You can’t afford to slow down because your customers will notice it, and your business might not thrive.

Build a Strong Personal Brand The best freelancers are highly valuable because they are both expert consultants and creative partners. Creating a personal brand includes maintaining social media presence and running a modern website. Consider collaborating with relevant agencies within your field. You will have a valuable insight into the business operations and an intimate understanding of the workflow.

Use the Right Tools

A major stumbling block for many freelancers is the lack of important tools.

Traditional companies have cloud storage platforms, preferred file formats, collaborative software, and different workflows. It’s up to you to understand your customer’s preferences. Start by understanding their workflow and pitching different strategies. If you notice an issue, don’t shy away from suggesting better alternatives.

Be Honest With Your Client Clients usually ask freelancers to handle a lot of things. If you are a freelance photographer, they might assume that you shoot videos too. When a customer asks for more than you can deliver, you need to decline the extra work. Remember that they don’t have a good understanding of the industry, so their request is quite naïve.

It’s up to you to explain your limits to them.

Be Indispensable

Strive to be the only one that can get something done, at least in the way you do it.

You have to excel in the field to understand their request deeply. Step up to an ambitious level by pitching unsolicited ideas. Leverage your industry to source trends that you can apply to the client. Not all customers will appreciate the offers, but valuable clients will realize the impact of your investment in their company’s success.