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Great Tips for First-Time Freelancers

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Becoming a freelance worker is even more common now because of the pandemic. People have lost their jobs and have started working as a freelancer. Some even switched their profession by studying available video tutorials online thanks to platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, and Udemy.

If you are in a similar position, there are a few things that you need to memorize as a freelancer. The tips below will come in handy, particularly if you have started freelancing recently.

Best Freelancing Tips and Advices to Help You Succeed As a First-Time Freelancer

Tip #1 – Keep Your Computer in Good Condition

Keep-Your-Computer-in-Good-Condition-Freelancing-Tips
Photo credit: Windows/Unsplash

You most likely rely on your computer the most as far as work tools go. If so, it is important to ensure that it is in good shape. 

For example, if you are a graphic designer and use software like Photoshop, the amount of temporary files the software creates is quite large. Knowing how to remove unnecessary junk from your computer will free up enough drive storage which is a must to have an optimally performing laptop like Mac or personal computer.

Cleaning the dust inside should also be one of your priorities. Do not let the filth inside accumulate too much because it will cause problems to the hardware.

Make sure that your computer is secure. Get reliable antivirus, stick to VPNs, and disable the auto-login feature so that other people do not have access. In case you forget a password you use, there should be no problem figuring out how to reset macbook password or password of a personal computer. As an alternative, you could also write the password down on a piece of paper and keep it safe.

Lastly, get in the habit of backing up your data. You cannot predict when something might happen to the computer’s drive. Restoring work and other important files might be possible, but do not count on that every time. Instead, use an external hard drive or cloud storage to back up your data.

Tip #2 – Have a Proper Schedule

Create and Have a Proper Schedule as a Freelancer
Credit: RawPixel/Freepik

Living as a freelancer might seem a bit tricky at first, particularly when it comes to your schedule. No supervision and being your own boss are not necessarily the best. You may find that it is difficult to keep a proper schedule.

Sleeping longer and staying up late are also possible when you do not have to commute to work and can stay at home. 

If you notice that things are getting out of control and you barely manage to meet the deadlines, introduce some changes in your life.

Also, make sure to take regular breaks, including proper lunch. If you have a laptop, you could also spend time working in a different location instead of staying at home all the time. Even a local library could be a nice change of pace. 

Tip #3 – Create a Website

As a freelancer, you will need to create a means for potential clients to find you. If you do not rely on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, where you build your portfolio and gain positive feedback, then creating a personal website sounds like a good option.

The site itself does not have to be too complicated. It should include contact information, examples of your previous work, rates, availability, and other information clients might need. 

Tip #4 – Expand Your Network

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Credit: Kindel Media/Pexels

Expanding your network and keeping in touch with the current clients is also something you will need to emphasize as a freelancer, particularly early on. After all, expecting to have more clients than you can handle in the early freelancing days is a far-fetched idea. 

Therefore, you want to make sure that your clients are happy, and showing them attention now and then even when you are not discussing work-related matters is a good piece of advice.

As for ways to expand your network and find new clients, it depends on what kind of work you do. However, there are some universal methods. Meeting new people in live events is one of them. 

Being active on social media works as well if you are looking to get attention. Lastly, you could cooperate with other brands and even social media influencers. The goal is to get noticed by as many people as possible and to find new clients.

Tip #5 – Avoid Underselling Yourself

There is an argument to be made about lowering your fees and attracting new customers. However, this approach can backfire because low fees may suggest poor services. 

At the same time, your competition may offer identical or similar prices, meaning that you can set the bar a bit lower and get ahead of them. 

The bottom line is that you need to find a balance between offering competitive prices and not underselling yourself.

Tip #6 – Learn Constantly

Remember to improve your skills regularly. There is a plethora of available online courses you can study to add something new to your repertoire or improve an already-existing skill.

Keeping up with the latest trends of your industry is also a good way to not fall behind the competition. There ought to be relevant news sites, bloggers, social media groups, and other channels that provide such information.

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