Freelancing in the gig economy is a great way to make a living, whether part-time or full-time. Plenty of people start freelancing to earn money alongside their main job, and in an uncertain economy, it can provide some peace of mind when money is tight.
Anyone can become a freelancer. All you need is a skill people are willing to pay for. Popular niches for freelancers include website design, content creation, and coding. If you have a talent for something in the digital sector, there is scope to earn money from it. But you do need some additional items and qualities to make a success of a freelancing venture. Read on to learn more.
The Right Equipment
Every freelancer needs the right equipment, whether that be a laptop, a camera, or a specialist software package. In the early stages of your freelancing adventure, you can probably use anything you already own, such as an old work laptop, but once you get serious about freelancing, it is worth investing in better tech.
A brand-new laptop, for example, is less likely to crash and cause deadline issues. Check out small business laptops for ideas and remember, anything you buy for your business is tax deductible.
A Knowledge of Marketing 101
It usually takes at least some marketing to attract clients in the early stages, so knowledge of marketing will make life easier. Teach yourself the principles of social media marketing and how SEO works, so you can increase traffic to your website or online portfolio. There will come a time when you have plenty of repeat custom, but even then, a bit of marketing is helpful to ensure you have enough work to fill the gaps.
A Reputable Brand
Marketing is important, but so too is building a strong brand. Your brand is what makes you stand out in a crowded marketplace. It helps draw clients in who might otherwise have looked elsewhere.
There are lots of ways to build a personal brand, but first, you need to figure out what your unique selling point is. Are you very knowledgeable in a specific niche? Can you do great work at a great price?
Write your story and pay for professional photos to add to your marketing material. Make sure your brand is consistent at all times.
Great Communication Skills
Anyone working in the freelance world needs to have great communication skills. Since you will probably be conducting a lot of your communication with clients online, it is important to be articulate and friendly. Online messaging can easily be misinterpreted. Bear this in mind when emailing or instant messaging clients. Be respectful but don’t allow pushy clients to ignore your boundaries about pricing or work volume.
A Sense of Professionalism
Professionalism is what keeps clients coming back. If you agree to a deadline, stick to it, and don’t roll out a feeble excuse for submitting work late.
With the right attitude, you can build a strong freelance brand and enjoy a successful career. Good luck!