How to Freelance Successfully: Advice, Tips, and Best Practices for Beginners
You want a better career, one that gives you plenty of freedom and flexibility. Freelancing can be the answer. But learning how to freelance successfully can help you reach your goals even faster.
Having been a freelance writer for over six years and counting, I've learned what it takes to achieve ongoing success. Here are my best tips, advice, and practices for creating a freelancing career you love.
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Skills to be a successful freelancer
12 steps to becoming a successful freelancer
How can you find clients as a professional freelancer?
How do you negotiate rates with clients?
What are some tips for managing your time and workload as a freelancer?
How do successful freelancers deal with difficult clients?
What are some things to keep in mind when setting up your freelance business?
What are some common mistakes made by freelancers?
What is freelancing?
What is freelancing all about? Here's a formal definition:
"Freelancing is the act of working independently without a long-term commitment to any one employer. As a freelancer, you can work as much or as little as you want, and you can often choose your own clients and projects."
Freelancing can be a great way to earn extra money or even a full-time income. But it's not always easy to turn into a full-blown career.
The benefits of freelancing
I often ask myself, Why wouldn't anyone freelance? I know it's not as easy as some people (like me) make it out to be. But the benefits of freelancing are hard to ignore.
I started freelancing to choose my own hours, work from home, and set my own rates. My favorite benefits of freelancing include:
Choosing my own salary
Handpicking my clients and projects
Being available to do fun things with my kids
Being in charge of my professional development
Meeting new clients
Learning about different industries
Picking up new skills
Doing things my way
Freelancing also has its challenges. I know many freelancers that struggle to find consistent work and manage their finances. But those problems are also within your control to fix. With a little planning and effort, you can set yourself up for success as a freelancer.
Freelancing isn't all dollar signs and roses. It has its dark side too, just like any other job.
The main drawback of freelancing is that it can be unstable. Your income can fluctuate from month to month, and you may have periods of time when you're not able to find work. This can be a challenge if you have bills to pay or are used to a steady paycheck.
Another drawback is that you may not have access to the same resources you received at your day job. For example, you may not have access to company-sponsored health insurance or retirement benefits. This can be a major downside if you're used to having these benefits.
Also, freelancing can be isolating. You don’t get the same social interaction that you would in a traditional workplace setting. Some people like the quiet time, but others miss it after they’ve been working at home for a while.
Skills to be a successful freelancer
If you're thinking of freelancing, there are a few key skills you'll need to be successful. First and foremost, you'll need to be good at time management and be able to juggle multiple projects at once. There's no one to manage things except for you and the client. And since they're the ones paying you to do the work, you better be able to deliver by or before the deadline.
You'll also need to be a strong communicator to manage client expectations and deliver quality work. Good communication can prevent unnecessary reworks, which can help you be more profitable.
You should be comfortable with technology and be able to use a variety of tools to complete your work. Freelancing usually requires a broad tech-focused skill set, regardless of your specialty. The more you make friends with technology, the easier it will be to satisfy your clients.
12 steps to becoming a successful freelancer
Every freelancer's journey is a little different. Here are the steps I took to launch my freelance writing career. If you're not planning to be a writer, you can follow these same steps and apply them to whatever service you're offering.
1. Create a professional brand.
Your brand is what sets you apart from other freelancers and helps you attract clients. It answers the question "Why you?" when clients are vetting their options.
Some tips for creating a strong freelance brand include:
- Start with a professional website and social media profiles. Invest in a logo and a custom domain that will make your brand look credible.
- Be consistent in your branding across all of your platforms.
- Use high-quality visuals and content to show off your work.
- Make sure your branding reflects the type of work you want to be doing.
Your brand sets the foundation for building credibility and visibility. When you get these two things right, you'll have a much easier time finding and closing clients.
2. Choose a freelancing service.
There's more than one way to freelance. I chose writing because it's one of my strongest skills. It's also in high demand, and there are lots of different services I can offer my clients.
Whatever skill you choose, make sure it's something that other people need and are willing to pay for. It should be something you can do better than the average person and bring real value to your clients.
3. Find your freelance niche.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a successful freelancer. However, one of the best practices is to find a freelance niche.
A niche is a smaller piece of something much larger. For example, under the larger content marketing umbrella, a niche might be infographics, blog articles, or e-books. From there, you can niche down even further by providing those services for specific types of businesses.
Need help finding your niche? Start by asking questions:
What are you passionate about?
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
What does your ideal client look like?
Finding a niche can set you apart from the competition. It also gives you an anchor for a strong portfolio, helping you attract a specific type of client.
4. Create a freelance portfolio.
Once you have your branding and services in place, you'll need to create a portfolio that showcases what you can do. Your portfolio will be your single most powerful marketing tool because it puts your services into perspective for your clients.
Potential clients will look at your portfolio to see if you're a good fit for their project.
Don’t have clients yet? You can still create some portfolio samples. Here’s how to start:
1. Choose your platform. You can create a website, use a portfolio platform like Behance or DeviantArt, or even just put together a PDF.
2. Select your best work. Quality is more important than quantity. Pick your absolute best work, even if it's just a few pieces.
3. Organize your portfolio. Create different sections for different types of work, and arrange them in chronological order or by project.
4. Write a compelling bio. Along with your work, potential clients will want to know a little bit about you. Write a short bio that tells them who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about.
5. Promote your work. Once your portfolio is complete, it's time to start promoting it. Share it on social media, send it to potential clients, and post it on job boards and your website.
5. Build your online presence.
You can't be a successful freelancer without an online presence. In today's digital world, that means having a strong social media presence and a website or blog that showcases your work. But it's not enough to just have an online presence - you need to make sure that your presence reflects the quality of your work.
Start by creating a list of the platforms you want to be active on. This might include social media sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, as well as professional networking sites and forums.
Once you've created your list, start creating content. This could include blog posts, articles, photos, infographics, and more. Make sure that the content you're creating reflects the kind of work you want to be doing.
There's some overlap between your portfolio and your online presence. Your portfolio is part of this process. But in addition to work-related samples, it's a good idea to create content for yourself. This gives you a way to showcase your expertise beyond the work that clients hire you for.
6. Set goals for your freelancing business.
The fact that freelancers are their own bosses can be both liberating and challenging. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to treat your freelancing business like a real business and set some goals.
Some things to consider as you set goals for your freelancing business:
What do you want to achieve in the short-term (next month, six months, etc)?
What do you want to achieve in the long-term (next year, five years, etc)?
What kind of income do you want to earn?
How many hours per week do you want to work?
What kind of clients do you want to work with?
Setting goals for your freelancing business will help you stay focused and motivated as you work to build a successful freelance career.
7. Set your freelancing rates.
As a freelancer, rates are one of the most important decisions you’ll make. How much should you charge when you're just starting out? And, as you gain more experience, how do you raise your rates without losing all of your clients?
There's a lot to juggle here. Check my previous blog on freelancer salary ranges to get an idea of what other professionals are charging. Also, keep these tips in mind:
Know your worth. Don't undervalue yourself just because you're new to freelancing. Do some research to see what other freelancers in your field are charging.
Be flexible. Don't be afraid to negotiate rates with potential clients.
Charge for your time. If a client wants you to do something that will take a lot of time, be sure to charge accordingly.
Don't be afraid to say no. If a client is trying to lowball you, don't be afraid to walk away.
Do some research, then test the market. Freelancers don't always get rates right on their first try, so don't be afraid to adjust your rates if you're not seeing the traction you want.
8. Join a freelancing network or platform.
Using a freelancer platform or network can jumpstart your new career. Freelancer networks like Fiverr give you access to a large pool of potential clients and projects. All you need to do is create a profile, add your services, and start connecting with clients.
I highly recommend Fiverr because clients come to you. There's no pitching involved, and you don’t waste time applying for jobs with nothing to show for it.
When you connect with clients, make sure you're responding in a timely manner. Ask plenty of questions so you know exactly what the client is looking for. Offer samples so they can see whether your work matches up with their expectations. Most importantly, only take clients and projects you're confident you can complete and do a good job.
Do all of the above and you'll be more likely to land repeat clients. Repeat business helps you avoid having to spend time and money marketing yourself. Use this time to take on more clients and do what you do best.
9. Start promoting your freelance services.
Successful freelancers are great at promoting themselves. It helps to have a background in sales and marketing. But if you don't, you may want to start learning some sales and marketing basics so you can find clients and promote your services.
One of the best ways to do this is by creating a website or blog and writing articles that showcase your skills and highlight the value you can offer potential clients.
Get involved in online communities related to your field. This will help you network with other freelancers and potential clients, and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.
You might also pay for ads on Google or social media. Paid ads can help you get in front of people who are actively searching for freelance services like the ones you offer. You only pay when someone clicks your ad so you're not wasting money showing your ad to uninterested parties.
10, Grow your client list.
You can grow your client list by networking and reaching out to potential businesses in your niche. Get their names and contact information, then show them how you can add value to their business via your freelance services.
Keep tabs on all the clients and projects you work with, no matter how small. You'll use this work to build your portfolio and get more clients.
As you start working with clients, ask them if they know of someone else who can benefit from your services that they can refer to you. At the very least, they can leave you a good review on Google or social media.
11. Keep building your portfolio.
As a freelancer, one of the most important things you can do is to keep building your portfolio. Your portfolio is your calling card, and it's what potential clients will use to decide whether or not to hire you.
Make sure that you're always adding new and relevant projects to your portfolio. This will show potential clients that you're actively working and that you're always expanding your skills.
12. Rinse and repeat these tips for freelancing.
Keep your freelancing career thriving. The above freelancing tips aren't just one-and-done items on a to-do list. The more you keep cycling through this process, the faster your freelancing career will grow.
Here are a few other tips on how to freelance successfully:
- Always over-deliver on your promises. This will keep your clients happy and coming back.
- Keep your communication channels open. Your clients should always feel like they can reach you when they need to.
- Be flexible. Your clients may need to change their requests or deadlines, and you should be able to accommodate them.
- Always be professional. This means being punctual, polite, and respectful of your clients' time and resources.
These might sound like very basic tips, and truthfully, they are. But these are also frequently missed opportunities that not enough freelancers take advantage of.
How can you find clients as a professional freelancer?
Great clients make your entire freelancing career possible. But where do you find them?
Post on job boards and classified ads
Companies post jobs for freelance needs just like they do traditional jobs. You can also post your services on relevant job boards and classified ad sites to let people know you’re open for business.
Use social media platforms to market your services
Take advantage of free exposure on social media by sharing your services. Ask friends and family to share your content to help you build awareness and get in front of more people.
Attend networking events
Find work in the real world by attending networking events. You can meet people face to face, share what you do, and see if there’s a local need for your services.
Join online communities and forums related to your industry
Share your services in freelance groups, creative communities, or forums related to your industry. But don’t be spammy – people here are looking for solutions to problems, not advertising.
Bid on projects through online freelancing platforms
Freelancing platforms like Upwork, Guru, and Freelancer can connect you with a ready-made audience. Check out what clients need and bid on their projects.
Let clients find you on Fiverr
Of all the freelancing platforms out there, I prefer Fiverr because it’s all inbound. I don’t have to waste time pitching or bidding – clients come to me. They’ll come to you, too.
Want more help finding freelance clients? Check out my course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer. This five-part course takes you step by step through the process of building credibility and visibility. I’ll also show you where to find clients online and offline so you can start growing your business fast.
How do you negotiate rates with clients?
When I was new to freelancing, I didn’t know the going rate for services like mine. I ended up way undercutting myself in the beginning. Thank goodness for growth!
Want to avoid some of my early mistakes? Learn what your services are worth and how to negotiate rates with clients. Here are a few tips to help you:
Do your research: Find out what other freelancers in your field are charging for their services. This will give you a good starting point for negotiating rates with clients.
Consider your experience: If you're just starting out, you may not be able to charge as much as someone with more experience. That’s okay – at least you have something to aim for as you grow.
Be flexible: Don't be afraid to negotiate on rates. If a client’s budget is lower than expected, see if there's room to negotiate. You may be able to reach a compromise that works for both of you. For example, you might accept a lower rate for less work involved.
Negotiating rates with clients is all about being fair and reasonable. This is something that takes practice. Whatever you decide to charge, be sure you can justify your rates by demonstrating value to the client.
What are some tips for managing your time and workload as a freelancer?
Time is money for freelancers. Successful freelancers learn how to be ruthless about their time. They proactively manage it on a daily basis.
Like everything else I’ve shared here, managing your time takes practice. Here are some quick tips for success:
Set a schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and avoid burnout.
Break up your work into manageable tasks. This will make it easier to complete projects and see what's on your plate.
Stay organized. You should be able to see at a glance what's on the menu each day.
Communicate with your clients. This will help you manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
Take breaks. Staying fresh and focused can not be overstated.
Be mindful of how you spend your time and how long projects take. The longer you freelance, the more time management will feel natural.
READ: I asked 10 freelancers how they create a freelance work routine – learn from their advice.
How do successful freelancers deal with difficult clients?
Dealing with difficult clients is one of the most challenging aspects of freelancing. At some point, you'll have a client that makes you question whether you're really cut out for this freelancing thing.
Don't doubt yourself -- bad clients happen to everyone. Here are some tips to help you deal with them:
Set clear boundaries and expectations from the start.
Clients will take advantage of you if you let them. If you don’t respect your own boundaries, neither will they.
Be firm and assertive in your communication.
Let clients know what to expect when working together. Leave no room for interpretation. Make a record of everything so you can refer back to it if necessary.
Keep a cool head and don't take things personally.
It’s not you, it’s them. Maybe they have different expectations than you, or maybe they’re short-handed or dealing with something else on their end. Try not to take things personally – you might just not be a good fit to work together.
Offer solutions, not excuses.
If you haven’t met your client’s expectations, don’t make excuses. Even if you did your best work, it’s best to be proactive in trying to make them happy (and get paid).
Be prepared to walk away if necessary.
Not all clients will be a good fit for you, and vice versa. Learn when it’s time to break up with a client so you can focus your energy on other things.
Just remember that difficult clients aren't (always) your fault. As a freelancer, you get to choose who you work with. If you feel that your mental health is suffering because of a client, it's okay to cut them loose.
What are some things to keep in mind when setting up your freelance business?
There are a lot of moving parts to setting up your freelance business. You're just one person, so getting started can feel overwhelming.
One way to mitigate the stress is to make sure you have a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. Your portfolio is your best marketing tool because it shows clients what you're capable of.
You’ll want to set up a system for tracking your finances so you know how much money you're making and spending. This can be a simple spreadsheet or a feature-rich platform like Quickbooks.
Also, make sure you're marketing yourself well so potential clients can find you. Your marketing helps you stand out and gives clients a reason to hire you.
Stay organized and keep on top of deadlines so you can deliver quality work on time. Tools like Asana and CRM software can keep your freelance business on track and avoid having deadlines slip through the cracks.
There are never any guarantees in business. But playing the long game gives you more time to think, research, and plan. You can win bigger and lose smaller over time when you think before you act.
What are some common mistakes made by freelancers?
We all make mistakes that make us want to stick our heads in the sand and forget it ever happened.
One common mistake that freelancers make is not setting clear boundaries with their clients. This can lead to scope creep, which can be frustrating and overwhelming.
Another mistake is not staying organized and keeping track of deadlines and commitments. This can lead to missed deadlines and lost clients.
Also, many freelancers do not charge enough for their services, which can lead to financial stress. Do some market research to find the going rate for freelancers in your niche. Make sure you're not undercutting yourself (like I did), but also not overcharging clients.
Additional tips on how to freelance successfully
Taking time to learn how to freelance successfully can help you avoid the typical beginner mistakes and get right to business. Here are a few more tips to set you up for ongoing success.
Have multiple streams of revenue.
As a freelancer, you’ll want to have multiple streams of revenue. This way, if one stream dries up, you have others to keep you afloat. Diversifying your income sources gives you stability and can make you more attractive to potential clients.
There are a few different ways to go about this. You can freelance for multiple clients at once. You can also use a mix of freelancing platforms to find clients, or offer a variety of services.
No matter what mix of revenue sources you choose, it's important to have a plan and to be proactive about finding new work. The more you diversify, the more stable and successful your freelancing career will be.
Promote your freelance business via paid ads.
There are many ways to promote your freelance business, but one of the most effective is through paid ads. By targeting your ads to the right audience and using the right keywords, you can reach people who are interested in what you have to offer.
You don't have to be an expert in PPC strategies to make paid ads work for you. Take a shortcut and hire a paid advertising specialist on Fiverr. They’ll get you the best possible results without a lot of trial and error.
Grow your professional network.
As a freelancer, one of the best things you can do is grow your professional network. When you have a strong network, you have people you can rely on for advice, help with projects, and more.
Grow your network by attending industry events and meetups. Get involved with online communities related to your industry. Connect with other freelancers and contractors. Last but not least, make an effort to keep in touch with your former colleagues. You never know where your next gig might come from.
A strong professional network can be a great asset as you freelance, so make sure to invest time in growing yours.
Invest in professional development.
When you’re a freelancer, it’s up to you to keep learning. No one is going to make you. Professional development can help you make yourself more valuable to clients and justify charging more for your services.
There are a number of ways you can invest in professional development. For example, you could take courses, attend workshops, network with other professionals, and read industry-related news and articles.
No matter what method you choose, investing in professional development will help you hone your skills, learn about the latest trends, and make sure you're prepared to freelance successfully.
Create content for yourself.
If you want to freelance successfully, one of the best things you can do is create content for yourself. By creating original content, you can show off your skills and abilities to potential clients.
You can also attract organic traffic to your website or blog. Not to mention, the more content you have, the more likely you are to be found by potential clients who are searching for someone with your skillset.
If you're serious about freelancing, make sure to set aside some time each week to create new content. You can write blog posts, create videos or podcasts, or even just post helpful tips and advice on social media. The more you show off your skills, the better your chances of success.
Collect reviews from satisfied clients.
Reviews speak for themselves. Freelancers thrive on reviews from clients because it adds credibility to their services. Reviews help to build client trust and give them a reason to hire you.
Using platforms like Fiverr make it easy to collect and showcase reviews. You can also set up a Google Business Profile to collect reviews. With both of these, you can copy and paste those customer reviews to your website or portfolio.
Learn from your mistakes.
As a freelancer, you're bound to make a few mistakes along the way. That's okay! What's important is that you learn from them so you don't make the same mistake twice.
Treat every mistake as a learning opportunity. Acknowledge it for what it is and vow to do better next time.
Make friends with other freelancers.
There are a lot of great things about freelancing, but it can also be a bit lonely. When you're used to working in an office with other people, it can be tough to suddenly be working by yourself all the time. That's why it's important to make friends with other freelancers.
Not only will it help you feel less isolated, but you'll also be able to bounce ideas off of each other, collaborate on projects, and help each other out when you're in a bind. Also, other freelancers may share some of their workload with you when their schedule is overflowing. It's an easy way to get clients without having to pay for ads or marketing.
There are a lot of great freelancer communities out there, so don't be afraid to reach out and connect with other people who are in the same boat as you.
Learn how to freelance successfully!
As a freelancer, you will be your own boss. It's all on you to succeed. Yes, it takes some practice. But that's why I created this guide in the first place. You can learn how to freelance successfully with a little time and effort.
Do you have what it takes to be a top-earning freelancer? There's only one way to find out -- choose a service to offer, apply these freelance tips and advice, and get started!