We often hear the question, “How do I become a freelancer?” Freelancing offers freedom, exposes you to more opportunities, connects you with people worldwide, and allows you to earn in multiple currencies. With so many resources available, starting your freelancing career can be confusing. We’ve simplified the process. Use this 8-step guide to kickstart your freelancing business today.
Step One: Find a Skill
Freelancing is a service-based business, where people pay you for a skill you use to perform a service for them. This could include content writing or copywriting, graphic or motion design, web or app development, accounting and bookkeeping, research and data analysis, social media management, video editing, digital marketing, running ads, and more. There are countless skills out there. Find something you enjoy and excel at, and that people are willing to pay for. Alternatively, research to identify a high-demand skill you can learn and monetise.
Step Two: Pick a Niche
Having a niche helps you focus and excel. You might wonder whether to niche down when starting out as a freelancer. The choice is yours. You can cast a wide net to increase your exposure to work and opportunities, or you can specialise and become exceptionally good in a specific area. Whichever path you choose, remember to give it your best effort.
Step Three: Choose Your Ideal Client
Identify who you want to work for and position your services to meet their needs. What type of clients are you looking for? Create a client avatar: Who are they? Where do they live? What do they do? What are their interests? Which platforms do they use for information or marketing? What industry are they in? What are their challenges? Answer these questions until you have a clear picture of your ideal client. Give your avatar a name to make them feel real, making it easier when marketing your services.
Step Four: Build Your Brand
Start building your personal brand. If you’re a content writer, for example, establish an online presence and position yourself as one. Show credibility. This is where potential clients learn more about you after seeing your portfolio, finding you in search results, or receiving your proposals. Let people know, like, and trust you.
Step Five: Build Your Portfolio
Compile all your work into a portfolio to showcase your legitimacy as a service provider. If you’re just starting, consider doing a few simple free gigs that can be completed quickly, and ask for testimonials. You can also create sample work for fictional brands to display your skills. Share these on social media or use a dedicated portfolio tool. Your portfolio can be private, shared only with prospective clients, or public for anyone to view.
Step Six: Choose a Freelancing Platform
Select a platform to start your freelance work. Popular options include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Toptal. Don’t limit yourself to just one platform; clients can also be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. Sign up, build your profile, and familiarise yourself with how these platforms operate.
Step Seven: Start Marketing Yourself
Be visible and network. Look for your ideal clients without spamming them. Connect with people in your industry and build genuine relationships. Reach out to clients and provide value from the outset to stand out from other freelancers. We’ve written a guide on reaching out to clients, which you can check out here. You can also use our Upwork proposal template to craft high-quality proposals that attract high-paying clients.
Step Eight: Set Up Your Payment Platform
Working with a global clientele often requires receiving payments in different currencies. Ensure it’s easy for clients to pay you and for you to get paid. You can get a multi-currency bank account to receive payments from around the world. Look for options that are easy to use, free to create, and have low transaction fees and great rates. Geegpay is a great choice. Simply download the app, create a free account, and instantly get USD, EUR, and GBP bank accounts to share with clients. They can pay in their currency, and you can withdraw to your local bank account—all from the app.
There you have it—eight simple steps to start earning money as a freelancer. These steps can be followed sequentially or simultaneously, depending on your circumstances. The internet is full of opportunities and information. You can begin your freelancing journey today, build wealth, and potentially earn a six-figure income. Remember to ask for referrals after doing a great job; satisfied clients are often happy to refer you to others in their network.