Most consultants will tell you that it’s best to go all-in when becoming a freelancer. They’re not exactly wrong: freelancing is an intense lifestyle, and going from having a steady income to none can be intimidating. But what if you want to transition slowly into freelance work, maintaining security (and sanity) while building up your book of business?
First, let me say one thing unequivocally: if you’re at all thinking about transitioning into the world of freelancing on a part-time basis, do it. There are myriad benefits to working for yourself: job mobility, greater earning potential, and dozens more that I won’t get into here.
Whether you keep your current job or take on freelance gigs in addition to another job is totally your call I only hope you’ll consider the latter before writing off being your boss as something that “just isn’t practical.” Because it is practical! And what’s more: it’s fun (or should be).
I became a full-time freelancer over six years ago and now run my consultancy with clients in several states across the country.
Before then I was working for myself on evenings and weekends around a salaried position with another company maintaining my income while developing new skills that would later land me better clients with bigger budgets once I was ready to strike out on my own completely.
If I could go back in time, though, I would’ve done things differently, and hopefully, some of these tips will help you avoid at least some of the pitfalls along the way:
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Embrace part-time freelancing as a viable and rewarding career option. |
| Focus on building a strong freelance portfolio and showcase your expertise. |
| Utilize online platforms like Upwork to find clients and secure high-paying projects. |
| Emphasize the value you bring to clients to negotiate competitive rates for your services. |
| Balance your freelance work with other commitments to maintain work-life harmony. |
1. Start Small
Before you take the dive and quit your day job, it’s important to start small. It might sound counterintuitive to go from a full-time gig to freelancing on a part-time basis, but starting small is essential for several reasons:
- You’ll be able to test out whether or not this type of work suits you before making such a huge commitment.
- Working with smaller budgets and teams will give you more opportunities to build relationships with clients and grow as a professional.
- Since startups are still relatively new in the market (and therefore don’t have much money), they typically need more help than established companies do—which means better pay for those who can offer their services pro bono or at reduced rates!
Building a successful freelance career is not limited to full-time endeavors. You can achieve remarkable results even on a part-time basis. Learn how to make the most of your freelancing journey by checking out our guide on how to build a six-figure freelance career and discover the potential of freelancing.
2. Settle For Less Than Perfection
When you’re freelancing, you mustn’t get too hung up on the result. If anything, I would encourage you to focus more on the process rather than your desired outcome.
The reason for this is simple: When we are focused on perfection and making everything just right before we submit our work or open our mouths in a meeting with a client we often miss out on opportunities for growth along the way.
We also tend to stress out about things that don’t matter all that much (if at all!). Is getting an A+ from your professor worth losing a sleepover?
Or does asking for feedback from another professional mean that they will think less of your work? There are many ways in which we can waste energy and time by worrying about what people think of us as opposed to focusing on doing good work.
3. Stick To A Single Platform
You don’t want to spread yourself too thin by jumping from platform to platform. This is especially true for new freelancers who are just starting because it’s hard enough to get started, build your portfolio, and get clients without having to learn how to market yourself on four or five different platforms.
You should also think about leaving a platform if things aren’t going well there maybe it’s not the right fit for you and your work, maybe you’re not getting paid as much as other freelancers in the same field, or maybe there is some other reason you feel like it’s time for a change.
And of course, if things are going well on one platform but not so great somewhere else? Don’t be afraid to go back!
The fear of missing out can be a common concern for freelancers. However, embracing freelancing can help alleviate this fear and open doors to exciting opportunities. Find out how freelancing empowers individuals to overcome FOMO in our article on how freelancing helps people in reducing the fear of missing out and take control of your career.
4. Learn The Value Of Your Time
Though money is the most visible asset you have, there are also other types of assets. Your time and energy are valuable commodities that should be considered when thinking about how to make a good living freelancing on a part-time basis.
Time management is crucial to earning enough income while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of work available in your field and feel like you need more hours in the day to get everything done. The truth? You don’t need to work all the time!
5. Create A Pipeline For Clients
The most important thing you can do to get more clients is to create a pipeline for them. The best way to do this is by getting client referrals, who will bring you new business and also provide valuable feedback on your work.
For example, if you were working with me, I would tell all of my friends about how awesome you are (probably). Then those friends could tell their friends about how awesome you are (probably).
The next step would be creating a process for managing those relationships with clients so that they feel valued and stay happy with your service. You should also use some sort of software tools like Google Contacts or Basecamp so that all communication between the two parties is stored in one place and easily accessible by both sides at any time.
6. Set Up A Web Presence
- You’ll want a website, but if you don’t have one yet, there’s no need to worry. It’s relatively easy to set up a website using WordPress or Blogger (the latter of which is free).
- Once your site is online, focus on making it stand out from the crowd and get noticed by potential clients.
The easiest way to do this is by having high-quality photos on your site that show off the work you do best. If people like what they see in those pictures, they’ll be encouraged enough to contact you for more information about how they can hire you for their projects.
Your Upwork portfolio can be the key to landing the projects you desire as a freelancer. Crafting a compelling portfolio is essential for success. Check out our guide on how to craft an Upwork portfolio that gets you the job you want to learn valuable tips and tricks for presenting yourself professionally on the platform.
7. Outsource Your Marketing
So, you’ve made it to the end of this post and you’re ready to jump into the world of freelancing. You know your skills and services, you have a website and a few clients lined up. But what about marketing?
Don’t worry you don’t have to do all of it yourself! Outsourcing your marketing might be one of the best decisions you make for your business. Here are some tips for finding an affordable professional who can help:
Search online for “marketing professionals near me.” Use Google’s search bar or any other search engine on your phone or computer (I prefer Google). Then type in “marketing professionals near me,” followed by whatever city or town where you live.
For example: “marketing professionals in New York City” or “marketing professionals in Los Angeles,” etc., depending on where you live. You should find several results that show local businesses that offer marketing services, including social media management companies like mine (I’m looking at YOU!).
Look through LinkedIn profiles until one stands out as being reputable and professional enough for what we need right now someone who knows their stuff but also understands our budget limits at this time.
So they won’t nickel-and-dime us later on down the road when they realize how much money could be made from working with them exclusively instead of going after smaller projects like ours.
8. Be Visible
You need to be visible. In particular, you need to be visible online. You should have a website with a portfolio and contact details so that potential clients can easily find you and they’ll do their best to find you if they know how much potential profit they could make by hiring your services!
It’s also important that you’re active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where many freelancers find jobs or collaborate with other freelancers. Some of them may even contact you directly.
If all this sounds intimidating, don’t worry it doesn’t take long for someone new to the world of social media networks to get used to them (if he/she wants). And once he/she does get used to them, it becomes second nature pretty quickly as well!
9. Be Prepared To Hustle Hard On Client Work
Be prepared to hustle hard on client work. This is the worst part of freelancing, but also the most important.
Do the work you are paid for, and do more than what is required. In addition to doing a good job with your assignments, think about ways that you can go above and beyond what is expected this will make clients much more likely to trust you and recommend working with you again in the future.
Be willing to work with difficult clients (and even difficult people). If a client has been known for being difficult in the past or if they appear as though they might be hard to work with from their initial interactions after hiring you.
It’s important not to let this bother or intimidate you too much the result will almost always outweigh any negative feelings associated with working with these individuals or companies! You should know going into these types of situations that this may happen sometimes; just try your best not to let things get out-of-hand when it does happen.”
Upwork is a powerful platform that can transform your freelancing business. Discover the reasons why you should be using Upwork to its full potential by exploring our article on why you should be using Upwork for your freelancing business and stay ahead in the freelancing world.
10. Build Trust With Testimonials, Reviews, And Referrals
You can’t do business without trust, and the best way to build trust is through your work. Once you’ve put out a few pieces of work that people like, it’s time to think about getting testimonials and reviews.
Testimonials
These are written statements from happy clients saying how great you are at what you do. They’re usually included in marketing materials or listings on websites like UpWork or Fiverr, as well as being shared on social media accounts such as LinkedIn or Facebook (or even Instagram).
Reviews
Reviews are essentially testimonials for businesses someone writes a short paragraph describing their experience with your service/product/etc., then rates are based on things like value for money and quality of service.
Reviews are useful because they help potential consumers make decisions about whether or not they should use your product or service; they also allow you to improve upon any shortcomings identified by reviewers.
11. Accept That You’ll Need To Spend Money To Make Money
It might be easier said than done, but you’ll need to accept that to make money freelancing, you will also need to spend money.
You can’t expect your services to be worth as much if you don’t have any experience or training under your belt. You also won’t get clients unless they know who you are and what you have to offer them.
You should invest in marketing tools like websites and social media profiles so that potential clients can find out about how great your skills are before they hire someone else (or even worse, never hire anyone at all).
If a client has a website or social media profile themselves then there is no harm in them seeing your site/profile too! However, if they don’t then why would they go looking?
When it comes down t it though – nothing beats talking face-to-face so attending conferences is another great way/form of marketing which costs very little compared with other forms such as advertising, etc.,
But has been proven many times over again by various speakers who have experienced firsthand just how effective this type of event is.”
12. Charge Upfront Payments For High-Value Services
In some cases, you can charge upfront payments or retainers for high-value services. The more valuable the service, the more you should charge. Because the client sees you as an expert in your field and feels that they’re getting an exclusive product (meaning: no one else will have what they’re getting), they are likely to pay a premium price to get it from you.
This is also great for repeat business because if clients find value in your work and results, then they’ll be happy to hire again! Plus, it’s good for referrals because when former clients see how much others like working with you and how well their project goes, they may recommend that other people use your service as well.
Are you passionate about writing and interested in the real estate industry? Freelancing as a real estate writer might be the perfect fit for you. Learn how to break into this niche and build a fulfilling career in our guide on how to become a freelance writer in the real estate industry, and start creating captivating content for this exciting field.
13. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away From Work That Doesn’t Pay Well Enough
One thing to keep in mind is that you can always negotiate your rate. If a client comes to you with what seems like an outrageous offer, explain that you’re happy to consider it, but it might take a little time for you to come up with a number that would be fair for both of you.
Then set aside some time and do some research on comparable rates in your market. If they come back with something less than what they initially offered, then great! You just had one piece of information confirmed: This client isn’t playing well enough for the work being done by freelancers in his or her field.
If this negotiation goes nowhere or if there are other reasons why working with this person isn’t right for you, for example, their expectations seem unreasonable or they don’t communicate well that’s fine!
Just walk away from the job and find another client who doesn’t make these mistakes. There are plenty out there; most people are reasonable when it comes down to money matters…but not all of them are (we’ll talk about this more later).
14. Use Contracts And Pitch Documents Before Doing Any Work With Clients
When you’re working with clients, it’s important to have a contract in place. A contract can be used to ensure that your deliverables are accurately specified and agreed upon, which helps make sure that everyone knows what’s expected of them. Contracts also give you some protection against clients who don’t pay their bills or behave professionally.
If you’re just starting out freelancing on a part-time basis, I recommend getting the client to sign a contract before doing any work for them. If possible, have them sign this contract before you do any work so they know exactly what they’re paying for and don’t back out later if something doesn’t go according to plan.
It’s also important for freelancers to put together pitch documents that outline their services and costs before contacting potential clients (more on this later).
15. Build An Email List Of Potential Clients And Supporters
Email list building: The best way to get clients is through your email list. You can use this list to announce new work, offer special deals and promotions, or even just keep in touch with your audience regularly.
How do I build an email list? The first step is simply setting up an account with one of the popular services like MailChimp or Aweber. You’ll need access to an automatically updating address book (like Gmail), so you might want to consider using filters so you can easily see who has opted-in or out of receiving emails from you.
How do I use my email list? Once you have some subscribers on board, they must know what they’re signing up for! Be sure not only to explain why the person should signup but also what exactly will happen once they do so (i.e., “I’ll send out monthly updates about my latest freelance projects”).
16. Get The Right Tools For Your Business
Part of being a professional is having the right tools to do a professional job. If you don’t have access to the right technology, you will find yourself wasting time and energy on things that could be easily automated.
For example, not having an accounting software like QuickBooks can result in wasted time crunching numbers by hand each month instead of focusing on your clients’ needs or working on new projects.
The good news is that there are tons of free and low-cost programs available that can help make freelancing easier and more efficient:
- Project management/task management software (like Asana)
- Accounting software (like QuickBooks)
- Word processing/editing program (like Google Docs)
Conclusion
So now you know the basics of how to become a part-time freelancer. You can use these steps for any type of freelance work that interests you. If you’re still unsure about what kind of services you’d like to offer, check out this list for inspiration. There are plenty of freelance options on there, and they all pay well!
Further Reading
Making a Living as a Part-Time Freelancer: Discover strategies and tips for thriving as a part-time freelancer in this comprehensive guide.
How to Make Money Freelancing: Learn effective ways to increase your earnings and achieve financial success in the freelancing world.
Earning More Money Freelancing for Beginners: If you’re new to freelancing, this article provides valuable insights on boosting your income and building a strong foundation for your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get Started Freelancing?
The best way to get started is by finding clients who need your services. Before you begin working on a project, make sure that the client fully understands your rate and how long the project will take.
How Do I Get Paid?
The best way to get paid is through PayPal or Square. If you have a business account with these companies, it’s easier for the client to pay you directly into your account rather than sending checks or other forms of payment directly to you.
What Should My Hourly Rate Be?
If you’re just getting started as a freelancer, try charging $15/hour. Once you’ve established yourself as an expert in your field, increase your hourly rate to $20-$25/hour.
What Is A Remote Job?
A remote job is any job that can be done from anywhere in the world, usually over the internet. You can work as a freelancer or employee, and it’s up to you where you choose to work.
How Do I Find Remote Jobs?
Many sites list remote jobs. You can also search for them on social media and in your local area. The best way to find a job is by networking with other people who have done what you want to do.
Do Most Companies Hire Remote Workers?
Yes! More than 50% of companies hire remote workers at some point during their lifetime. A lot of companies use remote workers because they save money on office space and other expenses associated with having an office full-time employees.
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.