20 Top Freelancing Tips
An increasing number of people are turning to freelancing these days. However, what might seem idyllic on the surface is more complex than it first appears.
Here are some important tips to go by.
Have the right attitude
1. Be amazing at something
You need to be a specialist. Don’t just settle for being one of several thousand fair-to-middling freelancers who never get picked to do great work and will just only be recommended by a smaller group of connections. To succeed, it’s imperative to know what you enjoy and where your strengths lie.
2. Take some risks
Huge payoffs are more likely by deliberately doing things that scare you. If you don’t think you’re experienced enough to win a job, try anyway. Putting yourself out there can be difficult, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Stop being afraid and just do it.
Get your name out there
3. Have your own website
You must build a wider web presence because your work is being hosted among competitors. The biggest promotional tool you as a freelance designer can have is a unique personal URL that showcases your talent, skill, personality and creative vision. It’s your “business card” for prospective clients.
4. Improve your portfolio
Don’t put any old content on your portfolio. Your portfolio must answer whether you’re good but also if you’re reliable. Focus on explaining what you do and prove you’re trustworthy. Include case studies and don’t just show off pretty pixels. Portfolios should show the work you’d like to do more of, as well as what you’ve done.
5. Write a blog
Few activities are more helpful to self-promotion than having a unique, qualified voice. Develop the ability to write consistently with passion about subjects you care deeply about and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that arise for growing and sustaining your business. You also get to share knowledge and be seen as an expert.
6. Be more social
A personal website is only part of your online marketing. Investigating regular local meet-ups is a better alternative to swapping business cards at random events. You’ll make friends in the industry and work will be passed to you from these contacts. Establish relationships, learn from people, ask them to pass your details on and utilise existing contacts. Spend plenty of time talking to people and market yourself as if you’ve never had a website and never will.
7. Develop your brand
You must build your personal brand in everything you do. Everything from your logo to your writing, content and attitude. It’s how you wish to be seen as a person. Be personable and likeable, taking care to not push the boundaries too far. Imagine everything you do face-to-face and online as one big CV.
Dealing with clients
8. Choose clients carefully
Be tough when it comes to client leads. Are you even in their price range? Do you need them? Can they afford you? Never let leads take advantage of you. Be firm and professional and don’t give away too much. Barterers rarely make good clients, so be confident with your approach and pricing, and write straightforward emails without friendly chit-chat. Remember, that it pays to be choosy with clients.
9. Widen your range of clients
In these uncertain economic times, relying on a small number of clients to make a living is a must. But don’t rely only on one or two clients for survival. Instead, keep a wide range of clients so, when one unexpectedly falls away, you’re not left in the lurch. You should also highlight work you’d like to do more of to attract new clients.
10. Nurture client relationships
Trust is key when dealing with clients. People often complain about clients, but they’re the lifeblood of your business, so you must deliver the goods. If you need to occasionally go above and beyond, even if that means the odd late night. If your clients trust you, they’ll recommend you. Be honest, friendly and transparent and acknowledge problems and work hard to solve them.
Create a better workspace
11. Fit in onsite
Onsite work takes adjusting to. Although there’s a temptation to make your mark, you must shackle your ego and learn to integrate into the company. You have to make sure you’re useful all of the time and you must be respectful of other people who work there. Fit in a bit and don’t slag off their office even if you really want to.
12. Define a dedicated workspace
Create a workspace where you can focus and enjoy spending time to help build a routine. If you find it hard to create a division between work and personal life, then get an office rather than working from home.
13. Don’t be alone
Freelancing can be lonely and without people to bounce ideas off. Considering a coworking space by renting a desk or dropping in alongside other freelancers.
Time management
14. Nail your work/life balance
A major factor in running your own business is getting the work/life balance right. A freelancer’s aim is to escape that overdemanding boss, set their own hours and enjoy a flexible lifestyle. Yet many freelancers work longer hours, are tied to their desks and live under constant stress and delude themselves it’s “not work if they enjoy it”. So you must make time to relax. Take a dance or exercise class, or get out and see people. Make sure work doesn’t overtake life.
15. Be realistic about your working hours
If juggling projects is a problem, then set time limits for all tasks – whether that’s designing a comp or completing your inbox.
Business and legal matters
16. Keep on top of invoicing
It’s easy to forget the business side of things when working for yourself. Subscribe to one of the many online invoicing and accounting apps which will provide a great way to keep track of what money is due and owed, as well as allowing you to track your time.
Also, remember to keep all your business-related receipts. It’s tedious, but filing them monthly, along with issued and received invoices, will keep your end-of-year stress to a minimum.
17. Employ legal specialists
Don’t try to deal with legal issues yourself. Get a good accountant. It’ll save you money and give you piece of mind you’re on the right side of the tax man.
If you’re going to be an independent contractor for the long term, you’re also going to need a lawyer. You’d be surprised how affordable these types of services are, but most importantly, having a good lawyer and accountant allows you to focus on running your business and getting your work done.
18. Draw up a contract
Whether you’re about to work with an agency or taking on a new client yourself, have a contract. It needn’t and shouldn’t be complex, but should clearly state the work you’re doing and how and when you get paid. There should be contingencies for if either side wishes to terminate the contract and an estimate of work hours should be included.
Freelancers fear a contract will make them look hostile or aggressive, but that isn’t true. A simple, basic contract protects both parties and shows you are professional and that you value both parties’ time and expectations.
19. Use plain English with clients
Legal speak is sometimes necessary, but where possible, it’s a sensible idea to use more commonplace language. For example, send clients quotes with very straightforward headings such as “what you need to provide”, “what you have asked for” and “what I will deliver”. This makes things clearer in the client’s mind about the scope of the project and also what’s required of them.
The freelance conundrum
20. Don’t rush in
Whether you’re considering freelancing or immersed in it, veterans recommend in-house agency work to learn how to work with people. Take your time and prepare. Learn as much as you can from your peers, ask questions and take notes.
SOURCE: Net magazine
