Learn How To Start Freelancing In 6 Steps

We have already discussed the benefits of freelancing and how it will help you increase your sources of income that you can use to further expand your business. If you are wondering how to start freelancing, what you need to do or worrying about the prerequisites for freelancing, this article will help you broaden your knowledge and understanding of this area of self-employment. 

Before I tell you how to start freelancing, let’s first see your earnings per hour if you start freelancing on your own. 

Becoming a freelancer is a great option for graduates who are seeking alternatives to graduate schemes or professionals who do not wish to work a 9 to 5 job.  

How To Start Freelancing in 6 Steps 

Learn freelancing in these 6 steps.

Step 1: Make A List Of The Values You Can Offer 

As you start the journey of freelancing, you must first be as self-aware as possible. This is because freelancers are self-motivated and self-employed. You must make a note of your strengths and capitalise on them. Make sure you contemplate on the top skills you can offer to clients worldwide and work on brushing up any software skills that may be necessary for completing a project. 

Before you start applying for freelance jobs, you must first identify yourself as a professional and experience working in the industry. It does not matter what your academic background is, if you have a working knowledge of a particular skill and a non-transferable understanding of a subject, there is a freelance opportunity for you. The top freelancing profiles are: 

• Digital Marketing 
• Web Development 
• Content Marketing and Creation
• Graphic Designing and Video Editing 
• Blockchain Development
• Business Model Development

The freelance projects are inclusive but not limited to the above-mentioned roles. You must think of the top skills you possess that you want to monetise. 

Step 2: Gather The Required Materials And Do Your Homework

Before you start applying for freelance jobs, make a list of all the requirements for completing a particular project. If you are a statistician, download the latest software with its upgraded version, if you are a photographer make sure you have a camera with reliable storage space. Before you learn how to start freelancing, you must make arrangements for the resources required to cater to an assignment. If you already have the requirements, the next step is to configure the format you are offering with the requirement of your client. For example, if you are using the R application to make statistical analysis, it is your responsibility to inform your client of the platform you are using. In many cases, your client may ask you to shift from one platform to another before commencing a project. This is where you do your homework and acquaint yourself well with how the new software works. 

Step 3: Do Not Offer Compliance If You Cannot Commit 

Before you sign up for a project on sites like Fiverr or Upwork and make a formal proposal to a client, read thoroughly the demands and expectations of the client. You may fit the requirements perfectly and impulsively apply for the project and also be selected. Later, you might realise that you will not be able to commit to the duration of the project. Projects may last from less than a week to 6 months. Moreover, some projects offer your reward at the end of each milestone or directly after the completion of the project which may be after months. 

One of the most crucial steps while learning how to start freelancing is planning your time and action plan. This time and action plan will help you create a blueprint of how you are going to carry out your project and deliver completed work to the client within the deadline. As you gain more experience, you will be able to create more accurate time and action plans. In most cases, the client will ask you how and by when you will be able to deliver the project and this is when you refer to your action plan and give the client a clear indication of the targets and milestones.

Step 4: Find A Mentor And Keep Them In The Loop

Finding a mentor is not imperative but is always better if you can find one. A mentor is someone who is a trained and experienced professional offering guidance and counselling to those who require it often for free. They also provide you with the benefit of their professional network and help you find freelance gigs. You can also learn how to start freelancing from a mentor from scratch but that is usually not advisable. You can easily find a mentor in your warm contacts such as family, friends or relatives. Otherwise, you can also reach out to platforms online to seek a mentor. Mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship and a mentor is ready to offer their expertise with an expectation that you might share the development of your professional career with them. Mentors often invest a certain amount of their time to help you find your area of specialization and give you support in creating a foundation for your professional life. 

Step 5: Start Finding Opportunities

Finding and landing a freelance gig in 2021 has become highly achievable. You can find a freelance opportunity easily if you have a strong professional network in your industry. If you don’t, you will still find ample freelance opportunities on the internet as well. However, you must not completely rely on other people to bring work to you. Focus on developing a personal brand for yourself and get the word out about your value offerings. Being proactive will help you find more work opportunities and bring clients to you instead of the other way around. 

If you are just beginning your freelance journey, it is highly recommended that you take up all the offers that come your way, at least in the beginning. This will help you to build a portfolio for yourself. The more experience you have working with clients, the more your credibility will increase in the freelance market. 

Step 6: Be Patient, It Is Always Dead In The Beginning 

Finding a project that you are really happy with and resonates with your skillset is always a challenge at the beginning. The key to landing multiple projects of your interest is that you keep on applying. The number of calls you make is directly proportional to the number of places that call back. In other words, the more you apply, the more chances that your proposals are accepted. Moreover, the more experience you have completing freelance projects, the easier it will be for clients to trust you with their projects. 

Thanks for reading this blog on Learn How To Start Freelancing In 5 Steps. If you are interested in learning more about student life and studying abroad, the following should be of interest: 

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