First and foremost, it is okay to think of starting a freelancing career even if you have no prior experience. Yes, many of us who aspires to become a successful freelancer is lost and not sure of where to begin. After all, you only have your courage and motivation to hang on to for now.
Questions also pop in your head which adds up to the already existing turmoil. âWhat would be my edge against those who have been in the industry for months or years?â âDo I have the skills to become a freelancer?ââ
Worry not, as this, I assure you, is normal. It is a new experience, after all. To ease your mind, I have here steps to help you stand a better chance of getting that first client and finally start your freelance career.
Step#1: Determine your skills and choose your brand
It is important to know what skills you have and set a definite path when aiming to become a freelancer. Choose a path where you could work and be passionate about it, especially if you aim to be a full-time freelancer. Everyone has the skills to attract clients. You just have to find what suits best for you.
It is best to take note that I am not just referring to the âcoreâ skills you have in your current or previous profession. Sure you can continue having the same job if you love it, but if your reason for becoming a freelancer is somewhere near wanting to have a fresh new start and away from the old work, you are always free to do so. After all, these âsecondaryâ skills you have (whether writing, digital art, or software editing) could provide you even more freelancing opportunities.
The key point here is to start with just one niche and branch it out as you start to build your skill/s and gain more experience. Having a âspecializationâ or brand will make you more attractive to specific potential clients and gives you a higher success rate.
Step#2: Do it – Create your blog
One mistake potential freelancers do is to not start a blog. While fixing your profiles on different freelancing sites is a good idea, youâre missing a lot by not having a blog.
Having one actually adds to your learning curve as a freelancer, as you will be able to learn how to run a website, improve your writing skills, and more. Youâd be surprised at how many job opportunities youâd be able to find and have the skills for by just knowing how to manage a site!
Moreover, you can also use your blog as a portfolio for potential clients to look at. Youâd also be able to use your blog as an additional source of income through ads and more.
Itâs not as hard to set-up a blog nowadays and would only take you a few minutes for it to start running. After which, you are free to create and publish your very first post.
Either way, creating a blog is worthwhile and a good way to gain new skills when you have little to no experience – and a way to get clients too!
Step#3: Build your portfolio
Building your portfolio is vital in reaching a peak of your freelance career. Potential clients would regularly ask or look at your portfolio before hiring you, which is the very reason to invest time to create it properly. This could take days, weeks, or even months.
In reality, clients donât care how much youâve worked or how much experience you have – they only would want to know what you can do and how you can help them with the task in hand. This is an advantage for you, as someone who has little experience, to be able to stand side by side with the experienced ones.
Moreover, you have to consider that a potential client would be receiving a lot of proposals for a certain task. It is best to make your portfolio short and precise, making it easier to read and convenient for them.
If perhaps, you really couldnât fill in a substantial amount of skills in your portfolio, what I can advice is first to make some samples to show potential clients. This is indeed extra work, but it will pay off in the end.
Step#4: Start pitching
It is time to join sites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru. It is best to take time when creating your profile and include not just a brief description of yourself, but also why you are a great fit for potential clients.
Moreover, donât be afraid to submit proposals to multiple clients as it increases the probability of you landing on a job. However, make sure that the proposals are specific per client/project, which increases the chance of getting their attention.
Once you land your first job, make sure to thoroughly discuss the project with the client, deliver what is expected or more, and properly end in good terms when the task is done. Doing so would increase the likelihood that this client would provide a good testimonial for you or better, hire you again a new job prospect.
Step#5: Low-paying jobs and earning testimonials
In the beginning, you shouldnât expect to have a high-paying freelance job as they are usually reserved for those who already earned some experience. Whatâs important for a new freelancer is to find clients that would help you in building your portfolio. Getting your first client and have them believe in your skills as a freelancer is worth it, after all.
However, be wary of employers with unverified payment, as it may just lead to nothing despite more efforts on your part.
If you have gained an adequate amount of experience and have sharpened your skills as well as your reputation, that would be the best time to seek high-paying clients.
Conclusion
Starting out as a freelancer without any experience could be worrisome. The hardest part would be going out there with no experience and selling yourself while competing with other freelancers that have more experience than you.
But whatâs important is that you have the drive and passion for it. Go take strides in improving yourself, building your portfolio, and collecting testimonials to increase your reputation.
It is also recommended to go out meet new freelancers. Build connections and network with them. Reach out to possible clients. Don’t be afraid to give out your portfolio and start pitching.
The worst that could happen is just being told âno.â And it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
You got this, future freelancer!
