Freelancing 101: A Walkthrough on How to Get Started as a Freelancer

Freelancing is a very rewarding career path – your time is yours, you choose your projects and you have no boss to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. There are many benefits of being a freelancer; and with the economic down turn in the recent months, taking the reigns on your own career is a wise move in this time of pink slips and downsizing.

I have been freelancing since I graduated college. In fact, I have been taking small writing assignments and projects when I was in college to help me augment my allowance. I found freelancing very convenient and rewarding, and it’s just the path I want to take. It has been five years since I took my career in my own hands, and I would like to share with you a few things to help you get started as a freelancer.

Define Your Area of Expertise

Before marketing yourself in the freelancing and outsourcing niche, ask youself, “What do I do best?”  It is very important for you to define your area of expertise. Are you an excellent writer? An efficient link builder? An innovative graphic designer?

Carve a niche for your skill set. Don’t try to market yourself as an all-around freelancer, because let’s face it, everybody knows no one is great at everything. It is simply quite impossible to be able to perform every imaginable service or task for a client. That is, if you want to produce mediocre output for your clients.

I remember making that mistake a couple of years ago. I presented myself as an all-around, go-to gal. I wrote original articles, rewrote articles, designed blog templates, coded HTML and CSS. Yes, I was able to produce a good enough outcome, but not so great that I can be proud of my work. It was mediocrity at its finest, and my client was none too pleased with the output.

So don’t learn it the hard way. Pick certain areas that you can specialize in and perfect the skill set. Make it so that every client will always want to work with you again and again and again. Remember, when you specialize in a specific field, you can command more for your service.

Build Your Portfolio

There is nothing more of a turn-off to prospective clients than a freelancer bidding on a project and presenting no proof of his skills.  Sure, you are new at freelancing, but that does not excuse you for not having a portfolio. If you have yet to land your first project, you need to work hard and build your portfolio. Create sample articles or even mock designs and templates that showcase your talents and skills. Give it all you’ve got and make sure your samples will impress your prospective clients.

Have a Website or Blog

A website or blog works side-by-side with your portfolio.  I personally find it quite baffling when a freelancer, virtual assistant or graphic designer does not have a website or blog, especially if majority of his or her projects come from freelancing sites.

If you are a writer or a virtual assistant, a simple website showcasing your portfolio, your profile, your objectives and your contact information will do. If you are a graphic or website designer, it is imperative that you put your best foot forward and create the best possible design or website to present your skill and expertise.  Not having a website defeats the purpose of marketing your services online.

Join a Freelancing Website

Offshoring and outsourcing has boomed in the last decade. Along with this came freelancing websites and networks that connect businesses that are in need of help in some way and freelancers who are able to provide their services.

I am sure that you will find it very easy to join freelancing networks. After all, it’s only one Google search away. Once you have joined a network or two, make sure to fill your service provider profile and to showcase your best works to attract prospective clients.  Finding clients and landing projects is easy when you join a freelancing website, because everyone who would need your service is already there. You would only need to put your best foot forward.

These are just a few tips to help you jumpstart your freelancing career. But don’t forget, the most important qualities of a great freelancer – hardworking, patient, and able to manage time wisely. Add the tips you have just learned and you’re on your way to success.

article written by guest blogger:  thebloggermom

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