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If you are looking for work, or want to start your own business, freelancing is a good option. Freelance work can be done from anywhere in the world and on any schedule that suits you. You can work on a sun lounger, enjoy the pool, and get paid. Isn’t it wonderful? And with solar pool covers, you won’t have to worry about large bills (which is very important at the beginning of a business, when you do not want to spend a lot of money) and maintenance. But the downside of freelance work is that it takes time to build up the connections and get the word out there about what services you offer.

This article will help you get started with 10 great tips!

Why Choose to Freelance?

Freelance work is a great way to earn money and gain experience in your career field without the commitment of working for one company. Some people choose to take on freelance work as a temporary solution, while others see it as an opportunity to transition into full-time freelancing.

Especially during the Сovid period, there are many advantages to freelance work. You can set your hours, take on the projects you want, and make money from home. 53% of freelancers believe demand will rise from pre-pandemic levels, according to a 2020 survey by Payoneer.

Tips to Get Your Freelance Business off the Ground in 2022

Many people are interested in finding freelance jobs, but they have no idea where to look for them or how long it will take before they can start earning money. This we cover ten tips you should take when starting your freelancing career so that you’ll be able to hit the ground running in 2022.

Understand the Realities of Freelancing

In 2022, it’s easy to romanticize the idea of freelancing. But before you begin your freelance career in earnest, there are some realities that you need to consider. Freelancing is not a golden ticket to an easy life. It can be hard work, and it takes time to build up a client base and reputation.

A great way to get your freelance business off the ground is by networking with other freelancers. There are many online and offline communities of freelancers who can offer support and advice. Attending industry events or meeting up with people from a similar background can help you network and develop your business.

In 2022, it’s more important than ever to use social media accounts like Instagram or Facebook to promote yourself as a freelancer. Social media allows you to communicate directly with potential clients from all over the world, which is an invaluable tool for growing your freelance career. Also, in the US, freelancers can now take advantage of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which gives them more rights and protections if they are stiffed on payment.

Establish Your Freelance Career Goals

What are your career goals? What do you want to achieve as a freelancer? Sit down and think about what you want to get out of your freelance business. Whether it’s more money, more time with your family, or the ability to work from anywhere in the world, make sure your goals are clear and concise. Once you have your goals in mind, you can start working on a plan to achieve them.

Define Your Skills and Value Proposition

First and foremost, you need to know what your skills are and how you can best help potential clients. What value do you bring to the table? Once you have a good understanding of this, it will be much easier to market yourself and find work.

For example, if you are a great writer, you might want to consider content writing or copywriting. If you have strong coding skills, you could specialize in web development or app development. The possibilities are endless, so really take the time to think about what makes you unique and how you can put your talents to use.

Find Your Prospective Clients

Find your prospective clients by making a list of who you want to work with. This might include companies in industries that are relevant to what you studied, or it could be anyone who has the money and need for freelance services. Once you have narrowed down this list, start finding them on social media channels like Twitter or LinkedIn. You can also search through job boards or contact them directly if you have their email address.

If you’re having trouble finding prospective clients, consider attending industry events and meetups to network with people in your field. You can also offer free services to potential clients as a way of getting on their radar.

In the US you can find events and meetups through Eventbrite, while in the UK you can use Meetup.

Establish Your Online Presence as a Freelance Business

You’ve got to get on the web. There’s no better way of getting your freelance business off the ground than by establishing a strong online presence and letting it work for you 24/365. So how do you create an online presence? What are some basic tips that can help you out in this regard?

  • Spend time looking into the different social media sites and how they can work for you;
  • Take some time to learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), so that your website will start showing up in Google searches when people look for freelancers like yourself;
  • You’ll also want to ensure that you create a good blog, which you can use to expand your online presence and get new clients looking for you;
  • Make sure that you have a website set up, one that people can find when they do an internet search of your name or of the type of services that you offer.

Market Your Work

One of the best ways to get your freelance business off the ground is to market your work. If you are not marketing your work, then no one will know that it is your business. There are many ways to market yourself beyond social media and the most common way freelancers use to get their name out there is by word-of-mouth referrals from clients or other professionals in related fields.

Consider Teaming up with a Creative Partner Whose Skills Complement Yours

Look for someone who has the experience, skills, and business acumen to make up for your lack. This can be a great way to control costs while keeping high standards intact.

Consider teaming up with a creative partner whose skills complement yours. Look for someone who has the experience, skills, and business acumen to make up for your lack. This can be a great way to control costs while keeping high standards intact.

Stay Competitive in the Freelance Economy

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are thinking about how to get your freelance business off the ground is that competition online is fierce. There are thousands of people who have the same idea as you and many will be better at their job than you.

In the US demand for freelance work is only going to increase, so make sure you stay ahead of the curve. Ways to stay competitive in the freelance economy include:

  • Offering a unique service that is not easily replicated;
  • Building a strong social media presence and cultivating a loyal following;
  • Keeping your rates reasonable and being open to negotiation;
  • Being professional and responsive to clients, even when you are busy.

Master Time Management

One of the most important things to do as a freelancer is mastering time management. You need to be able to work on your schedule and manage your own time. This means setting deadlines for yourself and sticking to them, as well as learning how to say no when you need to.

Mastering time management will also help you stay organized and keep track of your work. This is essential when you’re working on multiple projects at the same time.

In the US, the average full-time freelancer is working more hours than they did as a traditional employee, according to data from Upwork.

Freelancers often have short deadlines and can be expected to work overtime in order for their companies or clients to succeed. This means you’ll need many extra skills such as being able to prioritize tasks quickly and work well under pressure.

Be honest with yourself about your current time management skills and where you need to improve or what new strategies you will need to adopt in order to ensure that all of your projects are completed successfully on time, meet deadlines and avoid stress caused by working too much.

Establish Your Brand’s Image

The last step to getting your freelance business off the ground is establishing a strong brand image and reputation. This means you need to create a professional website, design high-quality marketing materials, and build a social media presence. Be sure to showcase the best work on your website and online portfolios, and make it easy for potential clients to find out more about your services. When you’re starting, it can be helpful to offer free consultations or sample projects to potential clients so they can get a better idea of what you’re capable of.

Make sure to stay professional in all of your communications with clients, and always meet deadlines. Be proactive in addressing any concerns or problems that come up, and always be polite when doing so. If you’re in public relations or marketing, make sure to follow the industry standards for ethical business practices, including staying within your budget (if there is one) and not misrepresenting yourself or your company.

Continue Reading: What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Niche as a Freelance Writer?

Getting your freelance business off the ground takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and time. You should always give your best to ensure that you are making money and that you are growing in the direction that you want. This means that if you see an opportunity, you should take it.

By following these ten useful tips, you’ll be on your way to success in no time!

 

About the Author

Mark Hensley is an ex-Senior Hardware Engineer at Hewlett-Packard, an IT Professional, Founder of Povverful, and a contributor to ByRossi.