Freelancing is the practice of earning an income independently, not as an employee working in a company, but as an independent company yourself. It can take any form you want. It can be part-time, full-time, you can work from home, you can work in person, it can be one-time gigs or it can be an established contract with regular work.
Freelancing is the most flexible career a person can have. You get to choose what you do, when you do it, who you do it for, and how much you make. However, it is also up to you to maintain positive client relationships. You must truly be a self-starter.
There are a lot of positive reasons to begin working as a freelancer, but a lot of responsibilities as well. With a good skill set, the ability to self-motivate, and the proper determination, anyone can have a successful career as a freelancer.
How do I make money as a freelancer?
The most difficult part of having a career as a freelancer is getting established. Everyone wants to work with someone who has reviews, a portfolio, and/or years of experience under their belt. It makes it feel sort of impossible to get that first client. How can you have experience if no one will give you the opportunity to work?
One of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door is with a freelancing platform like Aider. When you join Aider as an Aidlancer, you can find opportunities in your area. Not only is it a fantastic way to source new work, but it safeguards both you and your potential clients. You have a way to communicate with each other without giving out personal information and a secure way to give and receive payments. This provides some peace of mind for both parties.
On most freelance platforms, you will also create a profile that highlights all of your skills and qualifications. This eliminates the need for a website or other expensive marketing materials. Decreasing those upfront costs can be really helpful as you are getting started.
There is also often a review system on these platforms. Clients can leave starred reviews or comments to help you get future work. The more good reviews you have, the better your chances are of landing new clients.
Whether you decide to offer your services through a freelancing platform or just take orders through a website, word of mouth is another powerful marketing tool. Word of mouth refers to simply telling people about your work, the services you offer, and where they can go if they want to hire you.
Mention your burgeoning freelance career to your friends, acquaintances, family members, and whoever asks you about your career. Don’t approach it with the mindset of making a sale. Simply describe what you do quickly and efficiently. If they are interested, they will ask more questions and continue the conversation. You never know who may need your services, so mention it to anyone who asks!
If you think freelancing sounds like the right career path for you, think about your skills. What do you have the most experience with? Is it a skill that people need? With a strong background and the right attitude, you can have your freelancing career up and running in no time at all.
