When I started 5 years ago, I was clueless about it!
Where should I start my freelance and remote job journey: Top Tips and recommendations
Hey friend!
If you’re thinking about taking the step into freelancing or remote work, I totally get it. The flexibility and freedom are so appealing.
But where do you even begin? The world of freelancing can feel overwhelming, with so many platforms, skills, and deciding how much to charge.
I’ve been there!
When I first started freelance writing 5 years ago, I had no clue what I was doing. But over time, with lots of mistakes along the way, I figured out a system that works for me.
And I want to share my top tips with you so you don’t have to take as long to get up and running.
First Things First: Your Skills
Before anything else, get clear on your skills and interests. What do you love to do? What are you good at? Maybe it’s writing, social media management, bookkeeping, web design, virtual assistance…there are so many options today. Make a big list of all your hard and soft skills, and narrow it down to 2–3 areas you could offer services in.
Pro Tip: See what skills are most in demand on popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Flexjobs. Let that guide you as well.
Setting Your Rates
As a new freelancer, pricing your services can seem hard. You don’t want to charge too much or too little. Some key factors that should go into your rate decisions: your skill level, the demand for those skills, comparable rates of other freelancers, and your cost of living.
When I first started, I worked for rates like #1/word. Sound ridiculous? I know! Then I moved to charging #5 naira then upwards from there in naira and dollars.
Yes, ultimately, you want to charge what you’re worth, but when starting out, it’s ok to price on the lower end as you build experience. Just don’t undervalue yourself too much.
Over time as you grow your reputation, you can raise your rates. I like to do this every 6 months or year.
Building Your Portfolio — Your Digital Business Card
A common Catch-22 when starting out is that clients want to see examples of your work before hiring you, but how can you have examples without clients?
My advice — create free samples based on your interests, friends/relatives businesses, or for fictional brands.
Treat it as your passion project portfolio. Use sites like Dribbble for design work or Medium to showcase writing. This will give clients confidence in what you can do.
Where To Find Clients
Some top starting points for new freelancers:
- Upwork and Fiverr — can help build reviews and experience
- Job boards like Flexjobs, Remote.co, We Work Remotely
- Reaching out directly to companies in your niche
- Leveraging existing connections and networks
- Consider an in-person co-working space
Set Your Sails: The Art of Bidding
Now that you’ve polished your digital business card, it’s time to master the art of bidding. Bidding is not a game of who can offer the lowest price; it’s a showcase of your value.
When bidding, focus on the value you bring to the table. Highlight your skills, experience, and how you can solve the client’s problems. Be concise, confident, and, most importantly, genuine. Clients can smell a canned response from a mile away, so make sure your bids are as authentic as your grandma’s secret cookie recipe.
Building Bridges, Not Burning Them
Congratulations! You’ve landed your first gig. Now, it’s time to build a relationship with your client that’s more solid than a well-brewed cup of coffee.
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful freelance relationship. Be responsive, ask questions, and keep the client in the loop.
Remember, freelancing is not a one-night stand; it’s a long-term relationship. Deliver quality work, meet deadlines, and treat your clients like partners, not patrons.
Happy clients are not just a paycheck; they are your best marketing strategy. Word of mouth can catapult your freelancing career to new heights, so build those bridges with care.
Financial Fortitude: Save, Invest, Thrive
Ah, the freelancing rollercoaster — one month, you’re swimming in projects, and the next, you’re in a dry spell. Financial stability is your safety net in this complex journey. Save a portion of your earnings, invest wisely, and build an emergency fund.
Platforms like Payoneer, Cowrywise, Piggyvest and TransferWise can be your financial allies, providing seamless transactions, currency conversions, savings and investment abode. Remember, financial fortitude is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the unpredictable world of freelancing.
More Quick Tips
- Track your time and bill accurately
- Be communicative, set clear expectations
- Always focus on the client’s needs
- Ask for and use reviews/testimonials
- Handle your own taxes, deductions, etc.
- Set working hours, take breaks, manage burnout
Wrapping Up
Starting a freelance or remote job is incredibly rewarding but takes some grit to get going. Know your strengths, be willing to learn, and leverage resources out there like online courses and business coaching.
You can build the lifestyle business of your dreams! Don’t do it alone; feel free to reach out if you ever have questions for me. I’m happy to help!
Will you be taking your freelance step this week?
Wishing you lots of success!
