Freelancers represent approximately 24% of the global workforce and are estimated to increase by more than 43% by 2026.
With these statistics in mind, present and prospective freelancers must be smart, and sophisticated, and learn how to set themselves apart from the competition.
Being a freelancer isn’t easy, and is always a work in progress.
Don’t get caught up if you aren’t where you want to be exactly in life today.
Keep up the hard work, be consistent, and build relationships and you’ll be on your way.
Table of Contents.
Here are 10 Powerful Lessons Every Freelancer Should Know.
I’m still learning new things every day, and there’s still so much more for me to learn. During the past 12+ years of freelancing, I wanted to share some important lessons that every freelancer should know.
Here are 10 lessons, listed in no particular order.
1. Extend your network as far as possible.
Meet with professionals in your industry and gain knowledge from them.
If someone rejects your request for a coffee meeting, go on to the next person on your list.
Make it a point to attend industry-related events on a regular basis, since these are excellent locations to meet potential clients.
Schedule frequent meet-ups with other freelancers to exchange ideas and experiences.
It’s a fantastic method to stay motivated while also keeping each other in check.
2. Start a website/blog.
To claim your online space and shine the brightest light on your work, you’ll need a website.
While your website may be complex or simple, consider which style best fits your target audience.
It should be SEO-friendly and intended to convert visitors into paying customers.
Are you unsure whether your website is conversion-optimized? Don’t rely on the (biased) advice of a friend.
To obtain a professional perspective, try usability testing.
3. Make use of social media to broaden your reach.
Your reach will be dramatically increased if you use social media effectively. Determine which social media platforms are most essential to your customers, and then proceed with caution.
Create a brand voice and stick to it across all platforms (but remember that no one likes being constantly marketed to).
Share material that your target audience would like, show your support for your friends’ efforts, and, most importantly, be yourself.
Because the area of social media is so wide these days, don’t be scared to seek advice from experts.
4. Develop self-control (discipline).
We understand that practicing self-control is easier said than done. But it’s necessary if you want to succeed as a freelancer.
Perhaps you like to work the conventional 9–5 hours, or perhaps you work best at night (which is one of the benefits of freelancing).
Regardless: Stick to your schedule.
Create a to-do list and go through it every day.
For maximum efficiency, group related activities together. Prioritize your most difficult tasks.
5. Maintain customer satisfaction.
Treat your customer as if he or she were a regular boss.
Maintain open lines of communication, be willing to accept constructive criticism, make necessary revisions with compassion, and always fulfill your deadlines.
6. Improve your content marketing skills.
It’s one of the most in-demand skills.
Marketers will create 80% more content this year than they did last year, and they will spend 85% more on their content marketing strategies as conventional advertisements (which may be rejected) fade away and tailored content takes their place.
Consider how you can effectively improve and display your marketing abilities so that you can include content marketing in your CV.
7. Negotiate the best possible price.
Propose a price that is reasonable for both you and your client.
Don’t undersell yourself or you’ll come off as a beginner.
But beware of overselling: if you charge more than your competitors without delivering above-and-beyond service, you’ll damage your reputation as well as your future opportunities.
7. Invest in the tools you need.
The basic tools needed are a good computer, printer, scanner, camera, and software for working and producing content.
You may spend money on additional gadgets or time trying out apps to help you stay organized, but don’t forget about the most important tool: a dedicated workstation where you can shut the door at the end of the day.
9. Never Stop Learning.
Keep learning and never stop! Sometimes it’s tempting to only focus on our work and forget about learning new things.
But we’re lucky to live in a time where we can easily find answers by searching on Google.
Take advantage of this! If you want to improve your skills in Copywriting or Photoshop, start learning now.
If you want to learn more about making websites, start learning now.
The more you learn, the better it will be for you and your brand.
So keep growing your knowledge and you’ll see how it positively impacts you.
10. Pursue other interests.
There are two types of freelancers: those that use their earnings to pursue other goals and those who use their freelance job as a passion project.
It’s essential to take time away from your work, regardless of which category you fall into (and maybe it’s a little of both).
Understand when it’s time to take a break. Other goals should be maintained.
Conclusion:
Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind, and continue to learn as you go. Also, keep in mind that Fiverr and Upwork are excellent platforms for freelancers to market their services and expand their client base.
Are you a freelancer?
What advice would you offer to other self-employed individuals?
Let us know in the comments section below!
