How to be successful as a freelancer

Becoming a freelancer can be one of the most thrilling adventures of your life. It’s a whole world of independence and possibility where you have the freedom to create and live based on what is important to you. It’s an opportunity to be your own boss, set your own schedule and explore a multitude of opportunities. However, as exciting as this journey may be, there are some crucial insights that can help you navigate your journey more smoothly. Let’s dive into some valuable lessons that I wish I had known when I first took the leap into becoming a freelancer.

Organize everything

It’s important to establish a solid foundation for your career and journey as a freelancer. This means keeping track of everything from the start. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating a system to manage your clients, track your spending and earnings, and systematize your workflow. You have to choose a tool that works for you. I tried many project management tools throughout my career as a freelancer, and the most effective tool I’ve used is Notion. Notions’ flexibility and limitless options allow you to create all the tools that you need for each area of your business and access them all in one place.

A clean Inbox, a clear mind

Your inbox can quickly go from a garden of connectivity to a jungle of missed opportunities if left unchecked. Make a habit of decluttering your email regularly- you can even sort your email into groups if you want to go the extra mile. An organized inbox not only reduces stress but also cuts down on sorting and searching when you need to reference important information from months ago.

The Power of Testimonials

Collecting testimonials from satisfied clients is like mining certain gold in the freelancing world. Positive feedback not only boosts your credibility, but also encourages potential clients to trust your expertise. Don’t be shy about requesting testimonials from clients who are pleased with your work. I recommend creating a Google Form to send to all clients during or after service so that you can collect feedback. Even criticism can help you improve your process and get ahead of client success issues in the future.

The Fiverr Advantage

Once you are solid in your niche and have a portfolio of work that demonstrates that you are a reliable freelancer, you should advertise your services on Fiverr. Fiverr has over 4 million active buyers and is excellent exposure for your services. Once you set up your service, you don’t have to worry about finding clients- they come to you! The key is including a portfolio or proof of high quality work in your proposal.

Hire Wisely

As your freelance business grows, consider hiring help to scale your operations. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have hired a freelancer during my times of most success. I thought I was doing well by earning well and being productive, but true efficiency would have been to hire skilled talent to do the tasks that were the less efficient use of my time so that I could scale my operations in other ways. For example, once you create a really great product for one client, hire another freelancer to templatize that process. You can also hire a freelancer to automate certain functions in your business and set you up for efficiency in the future. 

Build Community

Freelancing can sometimes be isolating. Avoid loneliness by actively engaging in communities related to your industry. Social media is helpful but there are also platforms such as Slack that provide a common space for creators with a common interest.

To sum it up, the journey of freelancing is never a linear path, but one peaks and valleys. If you are intentional about charting your course you can navigate this journey with excitement and confidence. From organization to diversifying your income, these lessons can help you avoid the pain points that many of us experience. Remember, each step you take is a valuable piece of your journey as a freelancer.