Working as a freelancer can be a really fulfilling career choice. You get to work where you want, when you want. You set your rates and you decide who you work for. But how do you get started?
Gaining momentum as a freelancer is hard to do. There are many people offering the same services you are, except they already have great reviews and a client base. So how do you convince new clients to take a chance on you when they could choose someone with verified experience?
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Build a Portfolio
As a freelancer, every new client interaction is a bit like a job interview. So, what do you have to show your skills? Depending on the nature of your work, you can show them a portfolio.
If you have work experience for the service you’re offering (like a previous job in a corporate environment), share some pictures or other examples of your work. A job well done can often speak for itself. And a client is much more likely to hire you when they can see firsthand how strong your skills are.
If you don’t have any formal work experience yet, can you build a portfolio from your educational experience? For instance, a freelancer offering graphic design might include some school assignments in their portfolio.
If you have no work experience or formal education, set aside some time to create examples of your work. Writers can draft example articles. Coders can build website templates. You won’t earn any income doing this work, but it will really help you sell yourself to new clients.
Offer Discounts to Friends and Family
Offering discounted work to friends and family is a great way to help you build your portfolio and get a few reviews of your work. Let people know that you are offering your services at a lower rate for a limited time, just for two or three projects.
This strategy is great if your services include expensive, hands-on work (ex: carpenters, plumbers, etc.). It’s not the kind of work that you can easily create examples for, as the previous tip recommends. Also, most people have home-improvement projects that they’ve been putting off due to cost. The opportunity to get discounted work done is just too good to pass up.
Work on a Freelancing Platform
Freelance platforms, like Aider, are great for any new freelancer. On these platforms, you can easily find clients interested in your work and they can find you. You can create a profile highlighting your skills and previous work. Clients can leave reviews. You can also communicate and receive payments through safe and secure lines without sharing any sensitive information.
If you choose to use a freelancing platform, make sure to mention it to friends, family, and anyone who asks about your work. They may be interested in hiring you through the platform, and that will help boost your profile as well!
Landing your first client as a freelancer is difficult, but it gets easier with each job you acquire. Use these tips to help get the ball rolling and you’ll soon have so many requests that you have to start turning people away.
