Have you ever thought about what life would be like if you were not tied to your desk from 9AM to 6PM? If you could manage your own schedule as you pleased? If you're not stuck in the same ol’ routine?
These questions are the ones that lead to the next bigger question: What if you try freelancing?
The freelance life has a lot of perks, that’s for sure, but starting a career as a freelancer can be hard. This is true especially for those who can’t quit their full-time job yet, but want to start a side hustle.
There are several factors to take into account before taking the leap. Here are seven steps that will help ease your way into the freelancing market:
Find your niche
What is a niche? It is a specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service. Just like any other brand, you need to find your target market.
Who are the people in your target market? Imagine what they do, what business they own, what are their characteristics, etcetera.
If you have the skill set that fits the industry they belong to, and you can earn experience and money by providing your service, then most likely, you've found your niche.
What do you do best and what can you get in return? Start from there and the rest will follow.
Related Article: How to Find Your Niche as a Freelancer
Find out what they need
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a specific group of people, you should find out what they need, and how they want things done.
Figure those things by getting answers to the following questions:
- What aspects of their business do they want to make better?
- What are their expectations?
- Where do they look for inspiration in improving their business or solution to their problems?
- What are the current top trends in the industry that they belong to?
Brand yourself
It is very important that you think of yourself as a brand, instead of a mere worker, why? Simple, you will be constantly selling your services to potential clients, just like how a company does so.
Define who you are as a brand, and how you want the others to see you.
Create a profile
When applying for a job you would normally send a CV. In platforms like Freelancer.com, your CV is your profile page.
Gather all of your professional experience, along with a good picture and prepare your profile based on the branding you're establishing.
Related Article: The Secrets of a Winning Profile Page
Polish your portfolio
Your portfolio is an extremely important factor that potential clients take into account before hiring. Just like a CV, a portfolio shows how trained and professional a person is, as well as reflecting the quality of their work.
By having a sloppy and unfinished portfolio you would be showing the exact opposite and might drive potential clients away! So remember to include the best projects you’ve ever worked on to impress everyone who will visit your page.
Related Article: Smart Ways to Build Your Online Profile and Portfolio
Start pitching old clients, employers, and coworkers
Sunita Biddu, social media and blogging coach once said, “Build a relationship with those you do serious business. One can escape a deal, but not relationship easily." Don't you think this makes an inspiring motto?
Finding new leads is a constant to-do both in doing business and landing jobs. However, don’t forget about the people who once worked with you. Let them know about your side hustle. They know how well you work and how professional you are, that maybe they can refer you to their colleagues.
Promote yourself
Get the word out that you are ready to work! Promote yourself both online and offline. Write articles about the topics you know very well and submit it to our Freelancer Community.
Taking the leap can be scary, but by following these steps, you can start your side hustle and eventually ease your way into a prosperous full-time freelancing career.
Ready to jumpstart your side hustle? See what jobs you can bid on today.