How to Make Money as Freelancer

Making money as a freelancer can be rewarding but also requires discipline, skill and a strategy to succeed. Here are some steps to get you started.

Identify Your Skills

Identifying what you are good at might be challenging because sometimes you may know something better but you have no passion for it. But in the freelancing world, these are popular freelance skills you should know;

• writing and editing

• graphic design

• web development

• programming

• digital marketing

• video editing

• virtual assistance

• translation

• photography

Choose what skill describe you the most. Focus on what you enjoy and then offer at professional level.

Build A Portfolio

You need to create a portfolio that showcase your best work. The portfolio that you create will help clients to see your skills and the quality of your work.

If you are just starting out and have no project done, consider to create a sample projects or you can seek a job and volunteering to create a free sample.

Please keep in mind, if you are just starting out don’t expect for high rate. You can set your rate on standard or offering your service at a discount.

Create Profiles on Freelance Platforms

There are so many freelance platforms out there actually. You can choose between the global platforms or local platforms. The popular global freelance website including Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, People per hour, etc. Or you can sign up for popular local freelance website which you can search from Google.

Fill out your profile completely on those websites including your skills, experience and portfolio. Make sure it looks professional and polished.

Set Your Rates

Before you set your rates, research how’s the rate of other freelancer with similar skills, charge and set competitive rates.

If you are a beginner, you might want to start a bit lower to attract your first few clients then gradually rise your rates as you gain experience and positive reviews.

Market Yourself

Becoming a freelancer means that you have to market yourself as the product. You need to have a good personal branding.

How you can do that? You can use social media and professional networks

like LinkedIn to market your services or you can also join relevant online communities and groups to network with potential clients.

what you need to do to market yourself are: share your portfolio, write blogs or make videos that demonstrate your expertise in your field.

Find Clients

You can applying for jobs on freelance platforms that match your skills. It is a crucial step to getting started as a freelancer. You need to carefully select projects that align with your expertise to increase your chance of success

when you are applying for a project.

Take your time to write personalized proposals that directly address the client’s needs. Highlight how your skills and experience can provide the solution they are looking for.

A well written proposal showed your understanding of the client’s requirements.

You can also find clients by letting know your friends or family

about your services. As word-of-mouth can also bring in potential clients.

If you decide to becoming a freelancer. I hope these steps can help you to find your first client and earn your first gig.