15 Signs You're On Your Way To A Successful Freelancing Career

If you’re just starting out in your freelancing career, you probably have a lot of questions about what it takes to be successful. And if you’ve been in the game for a while, you might be wondering how your progress compares to that of other freelancers.

After all, it can be hard to tell how well you’re doing when there’s no boss or HR department telling you whether your work is up to par. Well, wonder no more! Here are signs that experts say means your freelance career is thriving:

3 Pillars for a Successful Freelance Career on Upwork

Takeaways
1. Consistency is key: Maintaining a consistent workflow and delivering high-quality work is essential for building a successful freelancing career.
2. Building a strong portfolio: Showcasing your skills and expertise through a well-curated portfolio can attract potential clients and open doors to new opportunities.
3. Effective time management: Managing your time efficiently allows you to meet deadlines, take on more projects, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
4. Developing a niche: Specializing in a specific industry or skill can help you stand out in the competitive freelance market and attract clients seeking specialized expertise.
5. Embracing continuous learning: Staying updated with industry trends, technologies, and best practices is crucial for remaining competitive and expanding your skillset as a freelancer.
6. Building a strong network: Cultivating relationships with fellow freelancers, clients, and industry professionals can lead to referrals, collaborations, and a supportive community.
7. Pricing your services appropriately: Researching market rates, evaluating your experience, and understanding the value you provide can help you set fair and competitive rates for your freelance services.
8. Effective communication: Clear and timely communication with clients fosters trust, ensures project requirements are met, and helps avoid misunderstandings or delays.
9. Seeking feedback and improvement: Actively seeking feedback from clients and incorporating constructive criticism into your work helps you grow and refine your skills as a freelancer.
10. Balancing multiple projects: Developing strategies for managing multiple projects concurrently allows you to maximize productivity and maintain quality across all assignments.
11. Developing a strong online presence: Maintaining an up-to-date and professional online presence through websites, social media, and online platforms can attract clients and enhance your credibility.
12. Adapting to changing market demands: Staying adaptable and open to diversifying your skills or exploring new areas of freelancing can help you thrive in a dynamic market.
13. Financial planning: Establishing financial goals, managing income and expenses, and setting aside funds for taxes and emergencies are crucial aspects of a successful freelancing career.
14. Client relationship management: Building strong relationships with clients through effective communication, delivering exceptional service, and providing value-added solutions can lead to repeat business and referrals.
15. Self-motivation and resilience: Freelancing requires self-discipline, motivation, and the ability to overcome challenges and setbacks. Developing resilience and maintaining a positive mindset are key to long-term success.

Table of Contents

1. You’re Making An Active Effort To Improve Your Skills

Online Courses

There are tons of free and paid online courses available, covering everything from business to design to writing. Whatever your main area of interest is, there’s likely a course on it out there.

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Books

If you’re more of a reader than an online learner (or if you just don’t have the time or energy for the latter), books are another great way to pick up new skills and knowledge.

You can find titles about freelancing in both fiction and nonfiction forms, like Working For Yourself Without Going Broke by Barbara Wintergreen (nonfiction) and The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen (fiction).

Workshops

These days, it seems like there’s always a workshop on something being offered somewhere a class at your local community center or museum; a conference at which experts come together for three days or more; or even just an informal get-together where folks gather over coffee to share ideas.

Feedback

Whether it comes from someone else in person or via email/chat/phone call/text message, getting feedback on your work will help you identify areas where you need improvement before they become serious issues down the road.

And this feedback can often be given freely by people who aren’t necessarily skilled professionals themselves but who know what they like when they see it!

2. You Can Explain Why You Prefer Being A Freelancer Over Being Employed

You may have been working as an employee for years, but there’s something about the freedom of freelancing that makes you feel like you’re getting somewhere. Maybe it’s the ability to set your schedule and work from anywhere, or maybe it’s having full control over what projects you choose to work on.

Whatever the reason, if this is something that interests you, then there are many benefits to consider when considering starting as a freelancer.

3. You Have A Plan In Place To Save For Retirement

Your retirement savings plan is an important part of your overall financial plan, even if you’re not ready to retire yet. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more money you’ll have when it’s time to stop working full-time.

If your employer offers a 401(k) plan or similar option, contribute as much as your company will match this is free money! If this isn’t available in your current job, or if you want to save more than what your employer matches (don’t forget about taxes), consider investing in an IRA or another type of account that allows for tax-deferred growth.

Once you’ve considered how much money to invest and where exactly it should go, make sure there are no gaps in coverage by taking out disability insurance on yourself and/or life insurance for those who rely on your income so they can continue paying bills if something happens to prompt early retirement.

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4. You Have Other Sources Of Income Besides Freelancing

A successful freelance career is often one that comes with a side hustle, part-time job, or other sources of income. This is because it’s not always easy to earn money as a freelancer.

When you’re starting in the world of freelancing, you may only be making $20-$30 an hour not enough to support yourself fully on your own. The key here is finding other sources of income that can supplement your freelance earnings and help make sure you’re financially stable at all times.

Here are some examples:

You have a side business that earns you an extra $1K per month (and growing).
You have another source of income from another job (like part-time work).
Your spouse also earns money outside of their day job; for example, she runs her own

Etsy shops or has clients who pay for graphic design services online. At least one person in the household should be earning money from something similar so they can support themselves while also helping out around the house with housework and childcare duties as needed!

5. You Know When To Ask For Help

Asking for help is difficult. It’s one thing to admit that you need assistance from another person, but it’s another thing entirely to ask for help when you’re not sure if your skills are up to par. What if someone’s going to say something about how bad you are at something?

People can be so mean! But guess what: people aren’t always mean and sometimes they’re even nice. And asking for advice is the best way to figure out how to do things better in the future.

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed or stuck with a task, then asking someone else for help will likely turn your day around and make it easier for everyone involved. You’ll get more done faster, which makes everyone happier (except maybe your boss).

6. You Have A Strong Personal Brand

You know you’re on your way to a successful freelancing career when…

Brand building is not just about having a logo, tagline, or website. It’s about making sure that everything you do reflects the professionalism, personality, and values of your business. A strong personal brand makes clients feel like they can trust you, which means they’ll be more likely to give you their business in the future.

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7. You’re Prioritizing Your Happiness

Happiness is an ingredient in success. Do what you love, and if that’s not possible, do something that makes you happy. You’re not just working to earn a paycheck you’re working to live your dream life. The most successful freelancers are the ones who are making their mark in their field by doing what they love and being happy doing it.

8. You Don’t Get Derailed By Bad Days, Clients, Or Projects

It’s important to keep in mind that even the best freelancers have bad days, clients, or projects. That’s why it’s important not to let a bad client or project get you down. You need to be able to look past these things and still stay focused on the positive aspects of your career.

If a client is annoying, for example, realize that this person won’t be around forever and try not to take their words personally because they don’t know how hard you work as an independent contractor!

It’s also crucial that you don’t allow yourself to get derailed by other factors outside of your control: if you’re feeling stressed out at home over something unrelated (and maybe even unrelated work), then it may be time for some self-care so that stress doesn’t affect how well you do at work!

9. Your Family And Friends Are Supportive Of Your Career Choice

When you’re in the early stages of freelancing, there is no one better to help you than your family and friends. They can be a great support network for many reasons:

They may help with tasks that you don’t want to do. For example, they can drop off packages or pick up coffee while you’re working.

They can network on your behalf and advise on how best to do so in their professional circles.

They can provide feedback on your work whether it’s written work such as articles or blog posts or visual work like images, videos, infographics, and presentations so that it is more appealing to potential clients/customers who are looking at your portfolio as part of their decision-making process before hiring someone like yourself.

This can also include helping make sure that all materials have been edited properly before going live online (or being sent out via mail).

It should also cover proofreading any copywriting services provided by yourself if needed based upon what kind of support package has been agreed upon previously between both parties involved during negotiations before starting work together which should include details about quality control procedures when submitting completed assignments back into circulation.

Again after revisions were made without changing anything else beyond minor grammatical errors found along with spelling errors corrected throughout text paragraphs within sentences themselves using software tools designed specifically for this purpose only if needed based upon what kind’

10. You Find Ways To Manage Stress And Anxiety So You Can Be Productive And Happy

When you are on the path to success, there will be a lot of stress. This is normal and expected. It’s not a bad thing, but it can become overwhelming at times and make it difficult for you to manage your work effectively.

For freelancing to work for you long-term, managing this stress is crucial so that you can be productive and happy in your role as an independent worker.

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11. Your Family Life Is Healthy And Balanced (If You Want It To Be)

If you’re going to be a freelancer, your family life must be healthy and balanced. Your family is the one constant in your life the people who love you no matter what. And they deserve your time and attention, too!

So how do you balance time for family and time for freelancing? The key is making sure everyone understands that your working schedule isn’t always going to be regular. It’s also important that they know why: because you are a freelancer who has chosen this lifestyle of freedom over one of security and stability.

Leaving behind a typical 9-5 job means more than just getting paid by someone else; it means having more choice about when and where work happens, as well as what kind of work will fulfill your interests best (if any).

To make sure everyone understands that things won’t always be easy with freelancing, here are some tips on communicating with loved ones:

12. Your Mindset Is Focused On Success, Not “Hustle”

Successful freelancers have a mindset focused on success, not hustle.

Hustle can be a good thing but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Yes, you need to hustle hard and work your ass off to make sure that you’re getting paid and doing great work at all times while also making room for side projects and learning new skills that help you grow as a freelancer but if this is all you focus on, then it becomes an obsession rather than a strategy for success.

13. Getting Paid Is No Longer An Afterthought; It’s Something You Plan For And Make Sure Happens

So, you’ve landed a job with a client and they have agreed to pay you when the work is done. It’s time to celebrate!

But wait… there are still some things you need to make sure of before getting too excited. There are a few things that could go wrong at this point and it would be unfortunate if they did!

Make sure your client has their finances in order so that they can pay you on time. Don’t be afraid to ask them about it they may not realize how much money they owe until someone asks them about it directly. If they don’t seem able or willing to give an answer, consider working for someone else instead!

Avoid late payments by using invoices and contracts specifying due dates for payment (and adding penalties for late payments). You’ll also want proof that work was completed before sending out any invoices so make sure you keep track every step of the way this will also help when preparing estimates later on down the road.*

14. You’re Able To Take Time Off Regularly Without Feeling Guilty Or Worried About Losing Clients Or Money

One of the best things about being self-employed is that you can take time off, whether it’s for a vacation or just a few days to recuperate. However, when you work for someone else, taking leave can be stressful because their business will suffer while they’re away and they’ll have to make up the time later on.

This stress can also make you feel guilty about leaving you don’t want your boss to think that he or she hired an unreliable employee! When you’re freelancing, however, there’s no one pressuring (and thus no need for guilt) if you decide not to work one week out of every month (or two weeks every three months).

15. Most Of Your Clients Are Repeat Clients Or Referrals From Current Clients (Not Cold Pitches)

If you’re looking for a sign that you’re on your way to a successful freelancing career, look no further than this one! It’s vitally important for every freelancer to have repeat clients and referrals from current clients. Why?

Because it frees up time and energy to focus on the job at hand. You don’t have to worry about getting new business because your client list is full, so you can spend all of your time doing what they hired you to do: making them more money.

And if they love working with you enough to refer others, then that means there will always be plenty of work coming in you’ll never want for jobs again!

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Conclusion

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of freelancing, but taking a step back and looking at your career from a 30,000-foot view can be helpful. Assessing the things you do well and identifying the areas you need to improve on will help you make better career decisions going forward. If you’re asking yourself some of these questions, I’d love to hear from you! What are some other signs that your freelancing business is growing and successful?

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about building a successful freelance career:

How do I know if freelancing is right for me?

Freelancing is suitable for individuals who are self-motivated, independent, and enjoy flexibility in their work arrangements. It’s important to assess your skills, work style, and personal preferences to determine if freelancing aligns with your goals and aspirations.

How can I find clients as a freelancer?

Finding clients as a freelancer requires a proactive approach. Utilize online platforms, networking events, and social media to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients. Building a strong portfolio and seeking referrals from existing clients can also help attract new opportunities.

How do I set my freelance rates?

Setting freelance rates involves considering factors such as your experience, industry standards, the scope of work, and the value you provide to clients. Researching market rates and assessing your financial goals can help you determine a fair and competitive pricing structure.

What are some effective strategies for managing freelance projects and deadlines?

Effective project management as a freelancer involves setting clear expectations with clients, creating a structured workflow, and utilizing project management tools. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining open communication, and practicing time management techniques can also contribute to successful project completion.

How can I build a strong professional network as a freelancer?

Building a professional network as a freelancer is crucial for gaining referrals and accessing new opportunities. Attend industry events, join online communities, and engage in networking activities to connect with fellow professionals. Offering your expertise, sharing valuable insights, and nurturing relationships can help expand your network.

How Do I Know If I’m Ready To Start Freelancing?

You’ll know when you’re ready to start freelancing because you have a solid portfolio of work, and you’ve built up a list of clients who will hire you again. You should also be able to tell yourself that you are willing to be your boss and that you are ready for the responsibility that comes with being self-employed.

What Are Some Good Ways To Get Started?

There are tons of resources out there for people who want to start freelancing. Some of our favorites include Skillshare, Udemy, Lynda.com, and YouTube!

Are There Any Skills I Need To Have Before Starting A Career As A Freelancer?

Yes, but not many. You’ll need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing, whether by email or through written documents that you create for clients.

You’ll need some experience using a computer and navigating the internet with relative ease you don’t need to be an expert, but if you’re just getting started it’s best if you’re comfortable enough with these things that you don’t get frustrated when working on projects online.

How Much Does It Cost To Start As A Freelancer?

It depends on how much equipment you already have and what kind of clients you want to work with (some types of projects require more resources than others). If you have everything you need already, then all that’s left is finding the right clients and getting started!

Costantine Edward

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.

15 Signs You’re On Your Way To A Successful Freelancing Career