The freelance world affords the opportunity to earn money while working on one’s own preferred timeline. Samriti Grover, a professor at Bada Business, elucidates on the deep intricacies of how one should begin freelancing, the benefits that can be accrued and how to achieve success through lucrative freelance opportunities.

What is Freelancing?

A single individual working for multiple clients instead of a single employer is best suited for contract based work – freelancing. It is a flexible way offer skill based services across different industries. This is what freelance work entails:

Self-Employment: You’re your own boss.

Service-Driven Business: You provide services to clients.

Project-based or Hourly Payment: Payment can be charged as per the project undertaken, hours worked or days worked.

Solo Operation: You are a sole trader.

Short-term or Long-term Services: Freelancers do both.

Steps to Start Freelancing

The path to beginning a freelance career starts with assessing and clearly defining goals with a structured plan. Focus on these simple steps:

1. Define Your Goals

Setting milestones has proven to be beneficial. Thus, as define short-term and long-term goals – make sure that the next set of actionable steps and progress can be tracked through a tactical approach.

2. Find a Profitable Niche

Select a service, in which over time you will be passionate in marketing due to the demand. In the beginning do not focus on quantity, but the quality of the work delivered.

3. Identify Target Clients

It’s important to research groups of clients who might be interested in joining your business so you can gauge the necessity of the services you provide. Determine if their expectations meet the salary that you desire.

Target Businesses- Find the companies that require your services.

Affordability: Determine if the company is able to purchase your service.

Decision-Maker: Determine who in the organization does the hiring.

Future Business: Think ahead to how this business would develop with time.

4. Set Strategic Pricing

Determine your value instead of the competition’s, and charge accordingly. It is okay to change the pricing if the situation calls for it, but remember other perks, such as educational learning and gaining experience for your portfolio.

5. Create a Portfolio Website

A website that contains a portfolio is very important because it acts as a perfect tool for displaying all your work. Integrate these features on your website:

• Showcase your previous works
• List the capabilities and the services you offer
• Add reviews from clients
• Regularly refresh your portfolio information

6. Learn to Pitch Yourself

There is no need to stress the importance of knowing how to market your skills because they’re only useful when spoken for. Develop a decent pitch that helps convince clients of the value you can deliver.

7. Avoid Mixing Day Jobs with Freelance Work

If you have a full-time engagement, honor your agreement and do not take on freelance duties while working in the office. Always maintain a healthy blend between both responsibilities.

Tips for Successful Working Online

Working online has its own set of flaws. Here are some of them:

Always Get a Contract Before Working

Never begin any project without an official agreement detailing the nature of work and the payment to be received.

Define the Scope of Work Beforehand

As much as possible, structure the payment in a way that eliminates any unnecessary delays. Agree on the payment terms beforehand or get some sort of understanding about it.

Expand With Existing Clients

Make use of existing customers to help expand your business further. Try to market more services to them and ask for new leads.

Don’t Make Your Skills Cheap

While flexibility is essential, make sure that your skills are not undersold. Make compromises only, if absolutely necessary to gain more valuable experience or to enhance the portfolio.

Freelance Opportunities

As there is a rapid growth of freelancing in different areas, here are some examples:

Writing:

• Blog writer
• Copywriter
• Resume/Cover letter author
• Proofreader
• Product description author
• Designing:

Web designer

• Photograph editor
• T-shirt designer
• Graphic designer
• Banner designer

Consulting:

• SEO consultant
• Career Coach
• Fitness trainer
• Legal adviser

Video Production:

• Video animator
• Video cutter
• Testimonial video producer

Audio Production:

• Sound editor
• Musical arrangement
• Podcasting

Marketing:

• Social media specialist
• Content writer
• Email marketing strategist
• Branding consultant

Photography:

• Freelance photographer
• Retouching
• Reasons for Freelance Work

Freelance work has numerous benefits including:

1. Flexibility in Schedule

Work from any location at whatever time is most convenient for you with no need to deal with office politics.

2. Work-Life Balance

You are able to manage your time better. You can take time off anytime you want and can also change work from one project to another with ease.

3. Control Over Income

You are responsible for your earnings allowing you to choose your workload -the when and how much is totally up to you.

Platforms to Self-Advertise Your Services Online

Here are some of the most popular platforms used by freelancers that are important to know in this field:

For generic services: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Guru

For writers: Contena, FreelanceWriting.com, JournalismJobs.com

For photographers: The Creative Loft, Photography Jobs Online

For marketers: PeoplePerHour, Remotive

Strategies and Resolving Issues with Self Contribution

To be effective as a freelancer, here are some strategies that can help:

• Constructing and sending a monthly newsletter or communication to clients
• Let your peers and clients know what you are working on and the new things happening in your industry.
• Update clients with the latest work
• Always share your new work with your clients so they know the latest projects you are working on.

Registration on agencies

For more connections, create a profile on freelance agencies.

Keep your LinkedIn active

Make sure to post on your LinkedIn and highlight your work and link to your portfolio.

Get testimonials from clients

Having testimonials from your previous clients will help you win their trust and make it easier to get new clients.

Acquire more knowledge

Make sure to be in the know of any industry change, apply your XP, and exploit new techniques and tools.

Use the phrase “We”

Always refer to yourself as a team to demonstrate professionalism and that you have support.

Bundle services

Offer clients different packages to suit their various needs.

Under Promise and Over Deliver

Always aim to exceed what is expected and deliver more than what was promised.

Do Not Decrease Rate

Do not lower your pricing unless you have a strategic plan to follow through with it. Remain faithful to your worth.

Final Say

If planned appropriately, freelancing can be a lucrative career prospect. Start with determining your objectives, selecting a profitable niche, and marketing yourself to the best-suited clients. Having a complete portfolio as well as being able to market yourself professionally and effectively is essential in a freelancing career. Tips for success in this field are untethered work flexibility, financial self-reliance, and creativity. Consider all the intern opportunities out there, and do not hesitate to enter the world of freelancing.