7 Steps to Becoming a Freelancer

Let Your Passion Pay You

Disclaimer: there is nothing free about freelancing; it costs time, resources, creativity, and a bit of sleep. But there is freedom; freedom to make your own rules, be your own boss, manage your own time, and set your own price! 

Like any new endeavor, where there’s no risk, there’s no reward. Freelancing can be very rewarding when you consider that you’re getting paid to do what you love. Although, it does come with its own trials and tribulations. But worry not, that’s where we come in. 

Here are 7 tips & tricks to get you started on your freelancing journey:

1 . Start with Heart.

What’s that one thing you’re really passionate about? Or the thing that you’re good at and would be happy to do in your free time or take on as a full-time career?  It could be writing, designing, photography- you name it. Chances are, there is someone who is looking for that exact thing you are passionate about, and they are prepared to pay good money for it. That’s where you start! 

Start with heart and then with sales. If you can package the thing you are passionate about and present it as a skill, you’ve already cracked half the formula. You could move from “playing with shapes and colours on a screen” to “Digital Graphic Designer” and subsequently make the jump from just passionate to paid. There is something special that happens when passion meets potential (and a bit of persuasive copywriting). 

2 . Set the Stage.

Starting may seem like the biggest first step, but setting yourself up for success is just as important. You need to be set up with the right tools to take your freelancing career to the next level. Your clients need to be able to contact you, so communication tools are non-negotiable; an email address and a contact number are essential. Additionally, and depending on your skills, (and in the time of the 4IR), these tools can range from anything like a computer/laptop or tablet; stable internet connection; project management and content creation software, etc. Having access to these things will make the journey a lot easier.

3 . Find Your Tribe!

When it comes to your client base, unfortunately, if you’re not looking for them, they’re not looking for you. (Not in the early stages anyway). But before you get to the place of referral, you must do the research. Knowing and learning about your audience will allow you to position yourself and package your services in the best possible way. 

Here are a few things to consider when conducting your market research:

• Identify the types of clients you want to work with. Think about what kind of work they’ll bring you and whether they’re a good fit for your brand and skill set.
• Research the market to find out who is looking for your services. Get acquainted with freelance sites like Credipple, Social Media Platforms, Online job boards like Bizcommunity or Fiverr (which are great places for finding new jobs), or LinkedIn groups that include freelancers in your niche—these platforms will give you insight into your industry and allow you to strategize accordingly. 
• Research and reach for your low-hanging fruits. There are other platforms like Reddit where users have problems and share their problems and they are looking for people, like you, who have the solution they are looking for.

4 . Presentation is Key.

As you begin to make your way into the world of freelancing, it’s important to create a portfolio that showcases your skills. It’s important to remember that your portfolio of work will speak for you in your absence and make it easier for potential clients to navigate and understand your service offering. 

Quality is the name of the game! The presentation of your portfolio is your opportunity to communicate professionalism & confidence and will encourage potential clients to consider you for the job. Make sure your portfolio is constantly up to date and be sure to showcase only your best work.

(Also, don’t be afraid to fake it ‘til you make it. If you have not done work for any clients as yet, you can include some mock-up designs and other work you may have done as a “proof of concept.” No one’s gonna know)

5 . Black & White Basics.

Make it a priority to be as good on paper as you are in person. Registering your business/brand will allow clients to take you a little more seriously. 

Your brand is your bread and butter and that should reflect in your paperwork. 

• Ensure that you have a clean and consistent corporate identity: business cards, quotation & invoicing templates, etc.
• Be sure to have contract/service agreement templates that keep you and your client accountable. 
• If you are a registered business, be sure to stay ahead of your tax obligations. 

6. Mind Your Money.

Every cent counts so be sure to count every cent. As a freelancer, the coin is not always as consistent so you have to be conscious and aware of your finances. 

Knowing your worth means accounting for your work. Be aware of your running business expenses and be sure to keep track of your invoices. You can keep track of your finances through a spreadsheet or by using various accounting softwares that are available for free online.

Be sure to budget and set financial goals, stay up to date with any legal and financial obligations and always remember to re-invest in your business.

7. Take the Lead.

Like Rick Ross, you’re the boss. Although you own your time, with ownership comes great responsibility. Freelancing is a one-man-show for the most part so you will be responsible for all the departments within your business; finance, operations, marketing, stakeholder relationship management, actually doing the work, etc. It can be overwhelming but with the right amount of planning and discipline, there is a great reward waiting on the other side! 

Becoming a freelancer is challenging, and can be extremely demanding at times, but where there is risk, there is bound to be reward. You might be surprised how far you can get with enough hard work, discipline, and a little bit of luck. However, the real secret to success is support.

The Credipple Marketplace was created with freelancers in mind. The platform is designed to support freelancers by connecting clients to creatives and digital services by matching project briefs to trusted professionals in the Credipple network. We help more professionals access and succeed in the global online economy by empowering professionals and providing opportunities to earn more income.

So if you have the discipline, passion, and skillset, let us support you and help you on your freelance journey to success.  

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you. 

Post written by Khanyisile Mngomezulu