So you are a beginner freelancer and looking to take on more clients, or maybe you are just starting out. Freelancing can be rewarding if you are successful and have enough quality work. Many new freelancers however struggle at first to get some momentum and find clients. Luckily there are some great guidelines and strategies to follow for beginners in the freelance space. Many freelancers also have the added benefit of remote work which enables them to reach more clients. We will be looking at some of the most relevant points to focus on if you want to be successful. Let’s look at 10 of the best freelance tips for beginners.
Best Freelance Tips for Beginners to find success
Focus on a niche
You need to be the go-to person for the field you specialize in. So if you’re a newbie you will need to identify your skills, experience, interests and talent. Find the niche fields you want to focus on. When considering a niche it’s important to do some research and establish what the competition is like among your fellow freelancers. You should try to identify a few niche fields that are not too saturated. Then start looking at how in demand your chosen fields are and what the pay level is like.
Have a set working schedule
It’s a good idea to focus on your time management when starting out. Set a start and end time to your days and stick to it as far possible. You should have a daily routine. Sure there will be some projects that requires you to burn some midnight oil every now and then, but most of the time you should keep to a schedule. This is important to keep you as a freelancer in tip top shape and prevent any burnout. Many freelancers have remote clients located in different countries, so it’s important to communicate to them from the start that there can be a delay in collaboration.
Get a portfolio website up and running
When you begin with your freelance journey, it’s a good idea to have a central space to showcase your work and advertise your services online. So get a website up and running. There are many services out there that can make it a fairly easy task. Popular DIY site builders include Wix, Squarespace and Weebly. Invest some effort into crafting a professional site as this is important for your image and to showcase your talent. If you’re into writing, add links to our work. If you’re a web developer, discuss the project and the solutions you implemented. Also be sure to add any testimonials from previous clients.
Identify your client market
Give this one some thought. This is one of those important freelance tips for beginners that many new freelancers overlook, it’s to know your target market. Is your client a small business looking to build efficient marketing campaigns, or an established enterprise looking for a very specific skill? Identify the client profile you are going for, then you can start to look at the best way to market to your prospective clients. This will also help you to understand your client’s budget and where to have your rates set.
Add your profile on freelance websites
Freelance websites can be great for expanding your reach online and bring in remote work. Many of these sites have the option of adding a profile or resume with a summary of your skills, experience and talents. Popular sites include Upwork, Freelancer and Behance. For beginner freelancers it can take a while to get momentum and the competition can be tough. So it’s a good idea to also sign up to less popular freelance portals that is less saturated. Remember that you should never rely too much on freelance platforms and try to build a solid brand independently.
Keep your skills updated
One of the most useful freelance tips for beginners is to always keep learning and make sure your skills are up-to-date. There are a few sites out there that offer great free and paid courses. As a freelancer, you should keep your skills relevant to your chosen niche market. Some popular sites to check out are Skillshare, LinkedIn and Udemy. Also keep reading blogs, tutorials and news related to your industry and be in the know.
Build a good reputation
Look after your clients, keep them happy, build a healthy relationship with them and produce quality work. If you focus on these 4 points then you will grow a good reputation. Your existing clients will then refer you to people they know and from there your freelance business can grow. Also try to get good testimonials, feedback and reviews from your clients and showcase this on your website or freelance talent profiles.
Know how to approach prospective clients as a beginner freelancer
When approaching prospective clients there are a few things to keep in mind, and it can mean the difference between lost time and on boarding a brand new client. Keep things professional when pitching to a possible client. Also be sure to focus on the client’s requirement and provide a relevant solution to solve a problem. And lastly, be sure to offer good value and be flexible in your offering. By following these guidelines you can increase your pitching effectiveness and move up the ranks quicker than your fellow beginner freelancers. When your prospective client is located remotely, try to arrange a video call with them to make that human connection.
Network with your community and fellow freelancers
Networking within the community around you can be a free and effective way of marketing. Join a relevant social media group and interact. Contribute ideas, advice and tips on forums related to your niche and get to know more people in your line of work. It’s also useful to share and discover more freelance tips for beginners. By building these relationships you will gain more visibility and trust. Also be sure to keep in touch with your previous clients where possible.
Stay motivated
To be successful as a beginner freelancer requires a certain level of motivation. There will be challenging times when you feel like giving up. The key here is to keep on grinding and stay consistent. When business is slow you can use the time to network, craft your skills and increase your visibility.
So there it is, some of the best freelance tips for beginners. To expand your reach online you are welcome to add a free profile on Remote Work Talent. Also be sure to subscribe to stay updated on the latest in remote work.
