Here are 10 Tips for Freelancers. Freelancers love the freedom of working from home in their pajamas and having a flexible schedule. They do not have to commute and be stuck in everyday commuter traffic. If you’re new to freelancing or want to become one, here are some tips to consider in this line of work.
1. Hit the Job Boards
Our #1 tips for freelancers…make sure you hit as many job boards as you can. Being a freelancer is fun, but it can be stressful. Some may say that those who work 9-5 have it easy, because they have a job they can rely on. It is different for freelancers, because you are constantly finding the next gig to keep your head afloat. This means regularly hitting job boards and freelancing websites to bid or find projects to work on.
2. The First Job Is The Hardest To Find
Second important tips for freelancers is to mentally prepare for your first job. As more freelancers join the club, it becomes harder to find work. As a first time freelancer, the first job is usually the hardest to find. This is because you’re just building your reputation online and trying to get people to trust you. Don’t take this personally and focus on applying to as many jobs possible.
3. Always Have Samples
Some freelancing sites allow freelancers to upload samples of their work for potential clients to see. If you don’t have samples, get ready to make some. It can be a collection of your best articles, blogs, web design or URLs of your past work.
4. Know Your Competition, Know Your Worth
When you know who your competition is, you will know your worth as a freelancer and know what to charge for your service. If you’re not sure, you can check out freelancers with similar skills to see how much they are charging. If you think that you have better skills or more experience, you can use that rate and add a bit more.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Turn Down Work
Some clients will offer work that will be unattractive or you might think is not worth your time. If you simply don’t like the job offer, don’t be afraid to turn it down. It is better to keep looking for jobs that you like rather than work on a job where you end up stressed.
6. Read The Job Description
Those who are new are usually so excited to get job offers they instantly agree to the job without reading the description thoroughly. They end up hating the job due to its requirements or end up doing a poor job on the project because they lack the skills. Always make it a point to read the entire job description to make sure you understand what the client needs you to do.
7. Write A Good Cover Letter
When applying for a job, a good cover letter can get you noticed and stand out from the competition. As with any other job, you need a killer cover letter and resumé to demonstrate your desire and experience. When writing a cover letter, be excited and show them why they should be excited by you. However, keep it professional.
8. Get Books In Order
Freelancers need to pay taxes too. Get your books in order by investing in something similar to Quickbooks. It is an online accounting system to help you get organized. It is very affordable starting at just $10 per month.
9. Set Aside Money for Taxman
Here’s great money tips for freelancers. Since you do your own accounting through Quickbooks, you will know how much you owe for taxes. To make it easy come tax season, set aside money per month to go towards paying taxes. This will be easier on your wallet and bank account, since you don’t have to put out a big chunk of money in one go.
10. Have Your Own Workspace
Working at home can be liberating, but can also be crippling for some. If you prefer to work at home, have your own workspace that is away from distractions like the TV, other family members, or your bed. This way, you can concentrate on your work and become efficient.
Having a sense of humor is important when you are a freelancer. Unexpected things can happen when you’re online and having the ability to laugh it off can help you become successful in your field.
