Whether you are going freelance because you want to work for yourself, you have recently become redundant or lost your job or just want to earn some extra income – you should make sure you’re ready for it.
Luckily, millions of people across the globe have gone freelance – meaning you don’t need to make the mistakes they did.
The freelancing industry is bigger than it has ever been, and there is almost nothing that you can’t do from the comfort of your own home now. But to get ready, there are a couple of things you need to think about and a few things you need to do.
The first is, what is the eventual goal? Is it to have freelancing on the side only, or have it as a full-time business? Assuming you already know what you want to do, here are tips on how to get it up and running.
What are you offering
Defining what it is that you are offering means you can quickly put together a website and packages that suit what you want to do. For every package or service you have, explain what it is, what the benefit is, and why they need it. Remember that you are solving their problems – so make sure to tell them what it is you can solve.
Audience
Who needs the product? Who needs the service? That is your audience, and it is your job to find them and connect with them. Social media is a great start – but millions of people are using LinkedIn to position themselves as experts in their field and sign clients.
But don’t be afraid to look for freelance job posting sites in your niche, and even pitch for some roles that are a little outside of your comfort zone (assuming you have some of the skills for it!).
Look at your current network – is there anyone there who could introduce you to the right people?
Pricing
Pricing as a freelancer is always tricky to start with (and, for some people, forever). Think about why you are of value. You need to maximise your income potential while not pricing yourself out. Spend time looking at competitors; many have price indicators on their websites, and remember that people will pay more for experts and speed.
Registration
For simplicity, it is better to register as self-employed when you first make the decision. If you’re not sure if your work counts as self-employed, the HMRC has a handy guideline to let you know. Once you are registered, you will be expected to return your self-assessment on time every year to avoid a fine. The first few years can be worrisome for new freelancers, so it is better to go to a self assessment accountant and get it right.
Starting is one thing, but keeping everything under control takes time and skill. Managing your workload and ensuring you are communicating effectively and more comes with time. But this guide can help you start: Creating a More Organised and Streamlined Online Business – Marketme.