How To Make Money As A Freelancer
What Is A Freelancer
A Freelancer can be two things
It may be that you already have a regular job but you are looking for a little freelance work to earn a few more pounds. Yet, it might be you want to go down the Fulltime Freelance route, which means you are a total independent Freelance worker.
Freelance work is certainly the opposite to a normal nine to five job and can basically mean a getting jobs sporadically project by project.
Why Become A Freelancer
There are many reasons why people become Freelance workers but it is generally through a change in people’s circumstances or people just wanting a break as to why they go down the Freelance route. Freelance workers are from all walks of life and one of the main major attraction of becoming a Freelance worker, is the flexibility it provides. Freelance work allows you to work as and when you want and offers you the choice of working on many different projects for several different companies.
Many people who now work as Freelancers, have previously worked for big major companies for many years but have wanted a shift in their career. If you have a talent or have a wide range of experience in your chosen field, Freelance work can be a very lucrative option, rather than working a 9 to 5 job for somebody else.
What Sort Of Projects Would You Receive As A Freelancer
Generally speaking a freelance project can be a day or it could be a week or you can sign a contract if you’re lucky for about six months to a year.
What Kinds Of Freelance Disciplines Are There
The range of Freelance jobs is very varied and you can be a freelance Copywriter, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Web Designer or Developer or even an IT professional. The list is very large and it really does depend on what kind of job you are looking for and what jobs are available at the time.
How Much Can Your Earn
Obviously, every job and project is different and this means that the salary for a Freelance worker will vary. It also depends on your experience level as to how much you can earn. If you are very experienced or have a name in the industry, then you can certainly command a much high pay structure and this would probably be negotiable, especially if you were in demand.
How Do You Begin Being A Freelancer
If you are looking to become a Freelance worker, the majority of companies that employ Freelancers are generally searching for educated professional. As a result, many of the Freelance Agencies that recruit workers do expect their Freelancers to have college degrees or the appropriate qualifications for the jobs they are applying for. If they do not possess a degree or qualifications, then they would need to have sufficient experience in the field.
Many people when they first start out in becoming a Freelancer, go straight Online and register with a large number of Agencies. Although there is nothing wrong with registering your services with several agencies, don’t forget one very important thing: Your Own Knowledge!
So many people get caught up with trying to find work Online via the Internet, that they forget about the real world outside their own front door. Yes, you want to work from home in front of your laptop or desk top but that does not mean you have to tunnel all your efforts to generating work Online. If you are applying for jobs Online, then you are competing with a much wider market. Start with what you know and the circle of networks you previously worked with.
Starting with what and who you know, will always give yo a head start on your competitors and will also put you in a much better position to negotiate a price. If people already know you, they will be much more comfortable paying you the salary to what you are accustom to.
Don’t forget to let people know what you are doing. Many people you already know in the industry through working for other companies, probably won’t even know that you have decided to go Freelance. Let as many people know what you are doing and this can be achieved in many ways but a good free ways is obviously to use Social Media channels. Posting a quick post informing people what you are doing is a good way to attract your first client(s). Referrals and recommendations are certainly a big factor in generating new clients so, even if you have to do a few special offers for people in the beginning, it can pay dividends in the future.
Networks
If you are experienced in a specific field and are a well-known figure, then breaking out into the Freelancing arena, should be easier for you. You will obviously know other business professionals, companies and networks in that field and it is just about put yourself out there and making people aware you are open to Freelance work. Many people you already know in the industry, will probably attend networking events or be members of certain work/industry related networks. Start with your own referral network and ask them to mention your name to other industry professionals.
An obviously choice is to use the Search Engines such as Google to look for Freelance work in your chosen profession. There are many companies and networks that are listed Online, who are looking to employ Freelance workers.
Crowdsourcing
Many Crowdsourcing companies allow you to register with them and this can be a great way to attract new work.
UpWork
Register With An Agency
Another good way of getting work as a Freelancer is to join an Agency. However, you should ensure that you choose and join a reputable Agency and one that will find you the best contracts and projects to suit your requirements. Agency generally have a very large network of clients and can be a good place to start. Obviously, you will be charged a commission but without their help, you wouldn’t have had the work in the first place!