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So, you’re thinking about taking the leap into freelancing? Congratulations! Freelancing can be an incredibly rewarding and liberating career path. But where do you even begin?
I remember when I first started freelancing. I was equal parts excited and terrified. Could I really make a living working for myself? How would I find clients? What if I failed miserably?
If those questions sound familiar, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Every freelancer starts somewhere. And with the right approach and mindset, you can build a thriving freelance business doing work you love.
In this article, I want to share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my own freelance journey. Consider it your crash course in Freelancing 101. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for getting your freelance career off the ground.
How Freelancing Works?
First, let’s cover the basics. How exactly does freelancing work?
As a freelancer, you are your own boss. You work with clients on a project basis, rather than being employed by a single company. Clients hire you for your specific skills and expertise. You complete the project, send an invoice, and get paid. Then you move on to the next project and client.
This is a very different model than traditional employment. You have the freedom to choose your clients, set your own rates and schedule, and work from wherever you want. Of course, that freedom also comes with more responsibility. You’re in charge of finding your own clients, managing projects, and making sure you get paid.
It may sound intimidating, but don’t let that scare you off. Countless people have built successful freelance careers, and you can too. It just takes some planning and effort to get the ball rolling.
Get Your Business Registered
An important first step in your freelancing journey is to legally register your business. While paperwork might not be anyone’s idea of fun, establishing this foundation early will save you considerable stress down the road.
Registration not only establishes you as a professional in the eyes of clients and the government but also provides crucial liability protection, enables you to open a business bank account, and significantly simplifies your tax obligations.
For freelancers in the United States, the registration process varies by state, but the core elements remain consistent across the country. Most freelancers start by choosing their business structure, with sole proprietorship typically being the simplest option.
If you’re planning to operate under your own name, like “John Smith Designs,” you won’t need to register it. However, if you prefer a different business name, you’ll need to file for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name with your state.
You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, which serves as your business’s Social Security number for tax purposes and can be obtained through their website. Depending on your industry and location, you might also need specific licenses or permits to operate legally.
The process in Canada follows similar principles with some regional variations. Canadian freelancers generally begin by selecting their business structure, with sole proprietorship again being the most straightforward choice for most. Business name registration is handled at the provincial level, though operating under your personal name doesn’t require registration.
You’ll need to secure a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes, similar to the American EIN. Provincial and municipal requirements for licenses and permits vary, so it’s worth checking local regulations for your specific industry.
Canadian freelancers have access to helpful services like Ownr.co, which streamlines the business registration process. This platform offers a user-friendly interface that guides you through name registration, incorporation (if desired), and provides access to custom legal documents.
While handling registration independently is certainly possible, services like Ownr can provide valuable peace of mind and allow you to focus more energy on growing your business.
The exact steps might vary depending on your location and specific circumstances, but the fundamental aspects remain consistent: choosing your business structure, registering your name when necessary, securing appropriate tax identification, and obtaining required permits.
Though it requires some initial effort, having a properly registered business creates a solid foundation for your freelance career. This professional framework positions you for success and demonstrates your commitment to operating as a legitimate business entity.
Remember that while these administrative tasks might seem daunting at first, they’re a crucial investment in your professional future. Taking care of these legal requirements early allows you to focus on what really matters: building your client base and delivering excellent work.
Build a Portfolio (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
To attract high-quality clients, you need a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. But what if you’re just starting out and don’t have any client work to show?
Here’s a secret: your portfolio doesn’t have to exclusively feature paid client projects. When I first started, I offered my services for free at local events and for small businesses.
It wasnât always glamorous, but it gave me a chance to gain real experience, refine my skills, and collect some solid examples for my portfolio.
I also included personal projects and classwork that demonstrated my abilities. For instance, I designed branding materials for a fictional company, drafted articles on topics I loved, and even built a small website as a mock project. These showcased not just my technical skills, but also my creativity and initiative.
What matters most is the quality of the work, not whether you were paid for it. So focus on choosing a few stellar examples that highlight your unique value and what you can deliver for potential clients.
How to Get Started with Your Portfolio?
Here are some practical steps you can take to build a portfolio that stands out:
Do Free Work for Real Events or Small Businesses. One of the fastest ways to create portfolio pieces is by offering your services for free. This could be at a charity event, for a friend’s business, or even a local community group.
The key is to get real-world experience and have tangible results to show. For example, I offered calligraphy services at a charity event, which gave me beautiful photos and a real-life example of my work.
Create Mock Projects. If free work isn’t an option, create your own projects. Writers can draft blog posts on subjects they enjoy, graphic designers can redesign logos for their favorite brands, and developers can create functional websites for fictional clients. These projects may be fictional, but they still demonstrate your capabilities and unique style.
Collaborate with Other Freelancers. Partnering with others in related fields can be a win-win. If youâre a designer, find a writer to collaborate with on a branding project.
If youâre a developer, work with a photographer to build a portfolio website. These collaborations not only add depth to your portfolio but also help you build connections in your industry.
The Best Platforms for Showcasing Your Work
Once you have a few pieces to show, you’ll need to think carefully about how to present them effectively. Building your own website stands out as one of the most professional approaches to showcasing your work.
Even if you’re not a developer, platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress make it straightforward to create a polished site where you can include an introduction, display your portfolio, and provide contact information for potential clients.
Social media platforms also offer excellent opportunities to share your work and connect with potential clients, though each platform serves a different purpose.
Instagram excels at displaying visual work, while LinkedIn provides an ideal space for sharing detailed articles and case studies. TikTok has also emerged as a powerful platform for reaching new audiences.
While freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can help you secure your first few clients, it’s important to approach them with caution. These sites often foster intense competition and can push creators to lower their rates.
Instead of relying heavily on these platforms, consider using them strategically as a stepping stone while focusing on building your main portfolio elsewhere.
Keep Improving Your Portfolio
Your portfolio should be a living document, constantly updated as you complete more projects. Replace older, less impressive work with newer, stronger pieces that better reflect your skills and the type of work you want to attract. Focus on quality over quantityâit’s better to have a few outstanding examples than dozens of mediocre ones.
Next Steps: Choose a few mock projects, offer your skills for free at an event or for a friend, and start building a simple website to showcase your work. A well-curated portfolio is one of the best investments you can make in your freelance career.
Find Clients Through Inbound and Outbound Marketing
With your business registered and a solid portfolio in place, it’s time to start landing clients. There are two main ways to approach this: inbound and outbound marketing.
Inbound marketing is all about attracting clients to come to you. This includes tactics like blogging, social media, and SEO. By creating valuable content and building your online presence, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and bring clients right to your (virtual) doorstep.
Outbound marketing, on the other hand, involves proactively reaching out to potential clients. This could mean cold emailing, attending industry events, or leveraging your personal network. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – you never know where your next big client will come from.
The Power of Networking
Never underestimate the importance of networking as a freelancer. Some of my best clients have come from personal referrals and connections I’ve made at industry events.
Make an effort to attend conferences, join relevant online communities, and connect with other professionals in your field. Focus on building genuine relationships, not just transactional interactions. You never know how a connection may come in handy down the line.
Communicate Clearly With Clients
Clear communication is key to successful freelance projects. From the very first interaction, focus on setting clear expectations with clients about project scope, deadlines, and deliverables.
I’ve found that it’s better to overdo the communication than leave things up to interpretation. I like to send regular progress updates to keep clients in the loop. If anything seems unclear, I ask questions. It’s better to get clarification upfront than have to redo work later.
Treat your clients as collaborators. Be responsive, receptive to feedback, and willing to have honest conversations when issues come up. Strong client relationships are the foundation of a successful freelance business.
Invoice and Get Paid
Ah, the best part of freelancing – getting paid! To keep your cash flow healthy, it’s important to send invoices promptly and have a reliable system for tracking payments.
I like to discuss payment terms before starting a project so there are no surprises for the client. In your invoice, clearly break down your services and expenses so clients can see exactly what they’re paying for. I usually give clients a 2 week window to pay, with a friendly reminder if I haven’t received payment by the due date.
There are plenty of tools and apps out there to streamline your invoicing. Find one that fits your needs so you don’t have to waste time chasing down payments.
Set the Right Rates
Pricing your services can be one of the trickiest parts of freelancing. Set your rates too low and you won’t be able to sustain your business. Set them too high and you may struggle to find clients.
When I was starting out, I did a lot of research on market rates for my skill set. I also calculated the minimum I needed to charge to meet my expenses and financial goals.
It can be tempting to lowball your rates at first to land clients. But I’ve found that clients are often willing to pay for quality work. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth.
Remember, your rates aren’t set in stone. As you gain more experience and expertise, you can gradually increase your rates. Start where you’re comfortable and adjust as you grow.
Is Freelancing a Viable Full-Time Career?
Now, you may be wondering – can I really turn freelancing into a full-time career? The answer is a resounding yes!
Countless freelancers, myself included, have built successful businesses that support them full-time. It takes hard work, persistence, and the ability to adapt, but it’s absolutely possible.
If you’re not ready to dive into freelancing full-time right away, consider starting with a side hustle. This allows you to build up your client base and income gradually while still having the security of a regular paycheck.
Once you’re consistently earning enough from your freelance work to cover your expenses, you can consider making the switch to full-time.
Getting Started on Freelance Platforms
For many new freelancers, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be a great way to start landing clients. These sites connect freelancers with clients who are actively looking to hire for specific projects.
On Upwork, you create a profile showcasing your skills and experience. You can then bid on project postings from clients that fit your expertise. If a client likes your proposal, they’ll hire you for the project. Upwork handles all the payment processing and takes a small fee from your earnings.
Fiverr works a bit differently. Instead of bidding on projects posted by clients, you create your own “gigs” offering specific services at set prices. Clients can then order your gigs directly. Fiverr also handles the payment processing for a small fee.
While these platforms can be a great way to get your foot in the door, they are quite competitive. Make sure your profile and project proposals really highlight the value you can deliver for clients. And be prepared to start at slightly lower rates as you build up your reputation on the platform.
You’ve Got This!
Freelancing can seem overwhelming at first, but remember – everyone starts somewhere. With the right strategies and mindset, you can absolutely build a thriving freelance career.
Focus on creating quality work, communicating clearly with clients, and continually marketing your services. Don’t be afraid to start small and grow gradually. Celebrate your wins along the way and learn from your mistakes.
Most importantly, believe in yourself and the value you bring to the table. You’ve got skills and talents that clients need. Freelancing allows you to share those gifts with the world while enjoying the freedom of being your own boss.
So what are you waiting for? Your freelance adventure awaits. You’ve got this!