Being a freelancer is certainly far from a walk in the park no matter how “gurus” make it seem. It can be, of course, life-changing if you haven’t witnessed the creation of an online income for yourself.
Beyond a doubt, the hardest part is starting out. You have no clients, no portfolio, and no experience. So, in this article, I am hoping to help you make this initial process as painless as possible.
If you follow the upcoming 7 steps on how to make money freelancing, there’s no doubt you’ll be well on your way to freelance success; and making money of course.
So, let’s dive right in…
1. Pick A Skill (or a set of skills)
First and foremost, pick a skill. This may be an obvious step for many but you will have to take it seriously even if you have already decided what you are going to do.
This is because even if you’re a graphic designer, you will still need to do some research and see what other skills this one is followed with that may be in demand.
For example, many clients may be looking for graphic designers who also do video editing as well. Or if you’re a website developer, you may find that content writing is something that clients often want as well.
You have no idea how many clients often demand different skills from one freelancer.
That’s not to say that you will have to learn something you’re not passionate about. But you should at least consider trying to add some different skills in your arsenal too for a while; and who knows, you may actually end up liking them.
2. Choose A Niche
Right afterward, you need to choose a niche. As a graphic designer or a writer, you could simply choose to design and write about any topic, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
You see, it may look like if you don’t choose a specific niche, you will have a wider client base and get more work this way. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Clients value specialization. They will often choose a freelancer with experience in a niche over a generalist. And no wonder! A specialist will probably deliver more value since they’re familiar with a specific niche.
So, pick one and I promise that your response rate will be much higher…
3. Select a Freelancing Platform
Next on the list is something that may or may not apply to you; the need to selecting a freelancing platform to connect with clients.
There is something good to be said about such a platform of course. For example, completely novice freelancers may find a hard time landing gigs on their own; either by cold emailing or applying for random jobs across the Internet.
But a platform may be also useful for those who just don’t want to take the time and invest in marketing. Finding relevant gigs to your skills and niche, applying for jobs, getting interviewed and paid can’t be easier without such a platform.
Consider Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr as a start and you can always try to land more clients by signing up with more platforms later.
4. Create a Client Persona
Now, this is mandatory. Make sure that before you start applying for jobs and market yourself you create a client persona.
Even if you haven’t worked as a freelancer before, try to imagine what traits you would like your clients to have.
There are of course the generally acceptable obvious ones like good communication skills, demands that are a match for your skills, payment on time, etc. But based on your personality, there may be some more that only apply to you.
Remember that there aren’t perfect clients; only a perfect client for you. Create a persona and it will make searching and marketing much easier for you.
5. Build A portfolio
Well, that’s the logical next step. Since you have an idea of what your client looks like, you need to start building a portfolio so they actually hire you.
Platforms are a great way to build one, but if it seems that no one there hires you because of your lack of experience, then you need to restrategize.
Consider working for free on one or two projects or for at least a very low price. The whole point is to have at least a few samples of work to showcase to get your foot on the door.
6. Set your Hourly Rate
At this point, you need to set your hourly rate. Many gigs across many skills are usually paid for on an hourly basis.
There are no hard rules when it comes to this matter. Just do some online research to see what other freelancers with the same skills and experience charge to get some ideas.
7. Scale Up
Learning how to make money as a freelancer can be a difficult process. But scaling your freelance business is honestly even harder. But it’s what you need to do if you want to increase your income and ultimately make more money.
I am not implying hiring a team and forming an LLC of course (though I wish you do this someday). I am just suggesting that you will have to invest in more marketing and increase the demand for your services.
With time, you will be able to charge higher rates and even get more work if you still want.
Freelancing is by no means a difficult line of work if you’re passionate about what you do and determined to deliver great value to your clients. Check these two boxes and time will take care of the rest.
Now, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to make money freelancing and I wish you success on your freelance journey.
Please share this article if it was helpful and let me know if you have any questions in the comments. I’ll be glad to help!
Talk to you the next time…
Disclaimer: This information should not be viewed as financial advice. You should consult a financial advisor or do your own due diligence before you invest. The owner of this website and author of this article are not to be held liable for any undesired result by anyone who uses this information that is provided here in any way.
