How To Start Freelancing
For lots of people, becoming a freelancer is the dream. Working from home most of the time, choosing your clients, setting your own rates, working your own hours, taking breaks when you want, and having no boss telling you that you can’t go on holiday that week.
Of course, there are downsides (that’s for another post). But in general, it’s been pretty great becoming a freelancer.
But I understand that it can be very intimidating and overwhelming to strike out on your own.
We’re told from a young age that getting a good salaried job with a steady paycheck from a business that will match your pension contributions is the aim. So, what do you do if that sort of career isn’t for you? How do you become a freelancer? Can you really become your own boss?
Yes. You can. I did.
Here’s how to get started
Do your research. It sounds silly, but you’d be surprised how many businesses fail because someone failed to do their research.
You need to research everything. Is there a market gap? Do you have the right skills? What are competitors doing? What are they charging? Is there demand? How can you be different? What do you have that others don’t? Is it financially viable? Do you have the time? Is it a genuine business plan or an unrealistic dream? Ask yourself every question that pops into your mind, and keep researching until you can answer it.
Check the official stuff. If you only do one thing before you start freelancing, it’s this. This sort of falls under the research category, but it’s so important I’m giving it a separate entry. Check the legal stuff and the tax situation. How will you declare your earnings? You might need to create a business (I did, and it was pretty easy). You’ll look pretty stupid making a load of money from freelancing and then have to pay it all back to the taxman as you get slapped with a huge fine.
Have an aim. It doesn’t matter if your aim is financial independence, world domination or just a side hustle. You need to know what you are aiming for. This will help you gauge how much effort to put in, when to slow down and how successful you are. Remember, your success isn’t measured by what others are doing. It’s all about what you want.
Create a website. Your website doesn’t need to be super fancy; you don’t need to pay someone else to design one. There are plenty of suitable platforms to use. (I use Squarespace.) All you really need is an About Me page, a Services page and a Portfolio. Oh, and contact info.
Take a class. Even if you’re super qualified and have years of experience. Firstly, you can always learn something new which might help you stand out. Secondly, you’ll network with people in similar situations, and finally, you’ll get a better understanding of your area. You’ll always find people asking questions like, “if I offered this service, what is the going rate?”
Pick your rates. Rates can be a bit hit or miss. If you’re just starting out or have little experience in your field, you may well go below average to begin with. You can always increase your prices later when you get better and improve your reputation. Just make sure you’re happy with your rates and that people can actually afford them.
Get started. It sounds silly, but the best way to become a freelancer is to just start. Even if you start as a side hustle with just one client. You don’t have to jump straight in the deep end if you don’t want to. You will make mistakes. But it’s better to get going and mess up a few times than spend the next six months worrying about the first step.
Finally, GOOD LUCK. Being a freelancer can be such fun, and it really can change your life, your finances and your entire career. It’s great. Getting going can feel intimidating, but once you’ve started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Take a deep breath and begin.