At certain points in your freelance career, you might have felt that you’re getting burned out no matter how much you do; it’s never enough, and you might even work overtime just because you can’t even say” no” to people.
Freelancing becomes a headache if you need to learn how to manage the work properly and efficiently. We all know that becoming a freelancer means you’re your own boss; you don’t have to answer to someone higher in position (of course, you have to deal with clients, but that’s what you have chosen for yourself).
In this article, if you’re new or someone with experience, this guide will help you clear your freelance headache and might clear some doubts in your mind.
So, let’s dive right in.
Popularly of Freelancer
As stated by Statista, An estimated 64 million Americans worked as freelancers in 2023. Compared to 2014, when there were around 53 million freelancers, there has been a rise.
There are 1.57 billion freelancers in the world.
- 1.57 billion of the 3.38 billion persons who work worldwide are independent contractors. This is equivalent to over 46.7% of all workers globally.
- In the US, freelancers make an average of $47.71 per hour.
- A full-time freelancer puts in 43 hours a week on average.
- A quarter of independent contractors work five days a week.
- By the end of 2030, the Freelance Platform market is expected to grow to a size of $9570.3 million.
12 Freelancing Tips
As a freelancer, your role comes with distinct responsibilities compared to full-time employees. While freelancing offers greater flexibility in determining when and how you complete your work, it also requires you to handle all aspects independently without the backing of a larger company. However, with proper preparation, managing these responsibilities can be more manageable than it initially seems.
Tip #1 Stay Connected
Freelancing can be isolating, given its solitary nature. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to prioritize a social life by engaging with friends and family. This is particularly important if you work from home. Your living space can serve as an opportunity for socializing and networking, especially in settings like coliving, which features shared spaces such as kitchens and dining rooms.
Embracing coliving is not only beneficial for those working from home but also aligns well with freelancers who enjoy a “travelpreneur” lifestyle, providing flexibility whether working locally or while on the go.
Tip #2 Securing Future Freelance Jobs
A common challenge for freelancers is the uncertainty surrounding their next job and its source. A 2019 study highlights that word-of-mouth marketing remains the top-reported method for attracting new business among independent workers. However, relying solely on word-of-mouth can lead to unpredictability, leaving freelancers needing clarification about the timing and origin of their next job.
The Solution:
To alleviate the uncertainty and apprehension faced by freelancers who need more certainty about their next job, the key is to be proactive. Take charge by establishing a consistent sales process for reaching out to potential clients. Boost your Fiverr gigs’ exposure and conversion rates with optimization.
Successful freelancers act quickly for business opportunities. Instead, they actively pursue and create opportunities for themselves.
Tip #3 Managing the Feast/Famine Revenue Cycle
Closely linked to the uncertainty of future job prospects is the persistent challenge of the feast/famine revenue cycle.
The feast/famine cycle unfolds as follows: One month, you enjoy abundant work and revenue, and everything seems to be going well. However, the following month arrives, and you need help attracting new projects. Your income decreases, leading to fleeting thoughts of seeking a traditional job, causing stress about financial stability.
The Solution:
Addressing the feast-famine cycle in your freelance business requires discipline.
The key solution? Maintain a continuous focus on selling.
Consistently promote yourself, even when you’re busy with existing work (perhaps especially then). Never cease promoting your Fiverr profile or actively participating on platforms like LinkedIn.
The most significant mistake during prosperous times is to become complacent, neglect sales efforts, and set yourself up for a potential “famine” in the upcoming months.
Tip #4 Cultivate Long-Term Client Relationships
In the past, freelancers were typically viewed as short-term or temporary contributors, brought in for one-off projects or to fill a temporary gap within a company. However, this perception has shifted, with more businesses now relying on independent contractors for ongoing operational support.
According to Nikolas Badminton, chief futurist at Futurist.com, modern businesses prefer lean operations, often utilizing freelancers extensively. Even large enterprises incorporate freelancers into their contingent workforce, highlighting a shift towards a more sustained collaboration.
This development has been seen by Rich Pearson, the former senior vice president of marketing and categories at Upwork, who has noted that some freelancing jobs now last up to six months. Freelancers seeking consistent work should pay attention to this evolving pattern.
Tip #5 Expand Your Scope Beyond Local Opportunities
For recent college graduates and individuals facing challenges in finding full-time jobs close to home, remote freelancing can be a viable option for sustaining themselves.
Businesses benefit by hiring freelancers outside the local economy, as it allows them access to a broader pool of talented individuals. This is also advantageous for freelancers, especially in areas with limited local job opportunities.
While facing competition from a national applicant pool may seem daunting, your qualifications might make you a better fit for a job than someone closer to the company geographically. Freelancing ensures that your location won’t be a hindrance to securing a job.
Tip #6 Embrace Rejection as a Normal Part of the Job
In the freelancing world, securing new business involves constant networking and pitching of your services. However, not everyone you approach will be ready to collaborate with you immediately. It’s essential not to perceive rejection as a personal failure; instead, to see it as a natural part of the process. Keep putting in the effort, as some individuals you’ve encountered may return to work with you in the future when their business expands or their requirements change. Even if they don’t, persist in finding clients who align well with the services you offer.
If you consistently deliver quality work, word will spread, attracting more clients who want to collaborate with you.
Tip #7 Reconnect with Previous Clients
If you’re seeking more projects, consider reaching out to past clients to inquire about potential opportunities. Your email could serve as the catalyst for a new project, and it’s worth asking if they have any current needs. Even if they don’t have immediate work, businesses often keep your resume and contact details on file, providing a potential source for future collaboration.
Tip #8 Perfect Your Sales Pitch
Craft a compelling sales pitch and test it with trusted individuals. Once refined, this pitch can serve as a fundamental template for every job application. When communicating with prospective clients, confidently highlight your skills and accomplishments within your cover letter or email.
Tip #9: Join a Freelancer Community for Support
Having a community of fellow freelancers is crucial for support, accountability, and access to resources. In major cities, you can find local chapters of the Freelancers Union, but if you need help locating a suitable group, consider starting one yourself.
Here are some Freelancing community
Tip #10: Showcase Your Skills and Self-Promotion
Many companies hire freelancers to fill specific skill gaps within their teams. If a job description outlines a highly specialized set of skills, and you possess them, ensure you emphasize this when reaching out to the employer.
Think about building a website that highlights your work and includes client endorsements. Treat your website as you would a client, demonstrating your skills effectively. For instance, if you’re a content marketer, ensure your website includes a compelling blog and adheres to strong web development principles, showcasing your capabilities for potential clients.
Tip #11: Maintain Proactive Communication with Clients and Partners
Even though freelancers work independently, ensuring client satisfaction is crucial. This involves proactive communication and establishing realistic expectations, particularly regarding deadlines. If an issue arises or there’s a delay, take the initiative to inform the client. If someone needs to be more responsive regarding a specific project and you require their input to proceed, follow up and emphasize the importance of their response. Don’t wait for others to reach out—initiate communication to keep projects on track.
Tip #12: Be Willing to End Client Relationships
It’s occasionally tough to part ways with a client. However, if a client is causing difficulties or paying below your current rate, letting them go can be a beneficial career move. Prioritizing your own needs is essential for achieving your business objectives.
Release clients who don’t align with your goals, especially if you find yourself working hours for free or being compensated below your hourly rate. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of retaining the client versus ending the relationship.
Wrapping up
Embarking on a freelancing journey can be a fulfilling venture, offering flexibility and autonomy. However, it’s essential to navigate the freelancing world with strategic approaches to mitigate potential challenges. The tips provided here aim to guide you towards a successful freelancing career without unnecessary stress. From proactive communication and building client relationships to embracing rejection and cultivating a supportive community, these insights are designed to empower you in the world of freelancing. By applying these tips, you can streamline your path, enhance your skills, and establish a sustainable freelancing career.
FAQs on Freelancer
1. What’s the significance of building ongoing client relationships?
Establishing long-term client relationships ensures a steady flow of work and stability in a freelancing career. It reflects the evolving trend where freelancers contribute to companies’ ongoing operations.
2. How can I manage the feast/famine revenue cycle in freelancing?
Disciplined and proactive selling is the key. Maintain consistent efforts to promote yourself and optimize your online presence, even during busy periods, to avoid the potential pitfalls of a feast/famine cycle.
3. Why is it essential to think beyond local opportunities as a freelancer?
Remote freelancing opens up a broader pool of opportunities, allowing you to tap into markets beyond your local economy. This can result in increased demand for your skills and a more consistent workflow.
4. How should I handle rejection in freelancing?
Rejection is a natural part of freelancing. Rather than seeing it as a failure, view it as a stepping stone towards improvement. Stay persistent, focus on showcasing your skills, and remember that success often follows hard work.
