Since 2014 the number of people doing freelance work has been steadily rising. In 2020 alone, over 59 million people reported doing freelance work on their taxes, according to Statista. The more interest there is in becoming a freelancer the more I see the same questions being asked.
So today im going to share the steps I took, along with the advice I wish I had back then. So here is my guide to becoming a freelancer.
My Path to Becoming a Freelancer
When I first started freelancing I had no clue what I was doing, I was tirelessly searching the internet in between taking care of a very fussy 3-month-old, and a very hands-on 3-year-old. But I wasn’t getting very far because I wasn’t asking the right questions.
I finally realized that searching ”work from home” wasn’t going to give me the answers I needed because it was too broad of a subject (I promise im going somewhere with this). So I finally decided to search what kind of options I had in freelancing.
So the first step to working from home as a freelancer is figuring out what you want your career to look like.
Do Your Research
While freelancing may not be a business in the traditional use of the term, you will still be exchanging goods or services with others for compensation. One of the first things you should consider is finding out if you will need a business license to operate in your state or even your local area.
Next, for those who don’t know what kind of freelancing you want to do it’s time to start putting your thoughts into action. The snapshot above is from a worksheet I designed to help you figure out your own strengths, build your brand, set your first business goals and more. To get the worksheet for free subscribe to my email list here.
Build a Portfolio
No matter what kind of freelancing you’re doing, you will need some kind of portfolio or website to showcase your work. If you don’t have any work to showcase, create some! For example, if you want to do freelance writing try starting your own blog.
Or you can set up a LinkedIn page in order to show off some of your qualifications. They also offer skills tests, if you pass they will show their certification for that skill on your profile. They also offer courses to help you learn new skills with their premium plan.
Once you’ve built a solid showcase of your skills it’s time for the next step, getting work.
Finding Freelancing Work
This might seem like the scariest part, but it just takes some time and consistency. There are a few job boards that can be helpful for freelancers these include:
These are a great place to start especially if you have no previous experience in your freelancing field. Many of these sites can also be used as part of your portfolio for ratings and testimonials from clients you work with. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork will even allow you to advertise your services on their board for potential clients to find you.
You can also send potential clients pitches. To do this search out businesses or individuals that you think would benefit from your services. Then send them a message explaining who you are, what services you provide, and how you think you can help them.
You may not get a lot to start out with at first, but dont let that discourage you. It took me three months to get my first paid writing job, and another six months to get my next one, now I make a decent living from it.
Working it All Out
Once you’ve found your direction, showcase your skills, and started looking for freelance work you’ll be well on your way to establishing yourself. Be sure to stay consistent with your work, reaching out to potential clients, and adding to your blog or portfolio. Little steps help to build your brand, your reputation, and eventually your income.
Next, ill be writing a post about doing taxes as a freelancer. So be sure to subscribe below and follow my Facebook page to know when it’s posted. Dont forget to check out the rest of my blog for more helpful resources for freelancers.
At Home With Nicole 