My friend, Tasha Whitman, enjoys collecting big companies’ logos. During his unemployment, he considered working as a freelance graphic designer. Unfortunately, he’s not very good at it, which is why he took graphic design classes. In the beginning, Tasha Whitman sells logos on Fiverr for about $5. However, Tasha Whitman only takes orders totaling $150 or more at present and he earns $11,412 a month from 7,500+ customers on Upworks. He loves to travel and has traveled to over 30 nations as well .
He then outlines the following steps for success in freelancing as follows:
1. Determine your niche:
Identify your competence and passion. This can help you increase your competitiveness in the freelancing industry and attract clients who value your specialized abilities.
Tips to select your own niche in freelance:
- Identify your passions and interests to choose a niche that suits with your expertise.
- Conduct market demand research to ensure there is a client base in the niche that you choose.
- Think about your unique abilities and advantages that distinguish you from other freelancers in the same field.
- Assess the competitors and find opportunities in the industry where you can provide a unique service.
- Frequently updated with industry trends to keep your niche relevant and in-demand.
- Before fully committing, test out other fields with small projects to see how your client feedback.
2. Carry out market research:
Joining all marketplaces and networks is a crucial first step in order to learn about the job that other freelancers are doing, how much they charge and what special advantages they may have.
Participate in Facebook groups and forums related to your field to learn about the demands of your client.
Several greatest freelance networks today consist of:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Toptal
- Jooble
- com
- Flexjobs
- SimplyHired
- Guru
- Behance
- 99designs
- Dribbble
- People Per Hour
- ServiceScape
- DesignHill
- TaskRabbit
3. Engage in freelance networks:
My top three favorite freelance platforms are PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, and Upwork; however, Upwork may be harder to join.
4. Create an impressive portfolio:
One of the most crucial steps in becoming a successful freelancer is building a strong portfolio.
The profile needs to include some important informations as follows:
- Case studies
- Testimonials
- Data-driven results
- Image
- Chart
- Work samples and
- Simulation model…
Here are several tips to establish a strong portfolio:
- Show the work you do the best highlighting your skills and expertise.
- Make it brief and organized, ensuring easy navigation for potential customers.
- Include testimonials from satisfied clients to increase your credibility.
- Demonstrate flexibility by including a wide range of projects in different sectors.
- Update your portfolio frequently to show your latest work and improvement.
5. Set reasonable prices to be competitive and make adjustments if needed.
Please note that clients want to deal with somebody they can trust. Therefore, undervaluing your abilities and charging a low fee for your services might make potential consumers less confident in your skills.
You should consult the prices of other freelancers with different levels to make sure your price is suitable.
6. Find more customers:
Strategies for freelancers to find clients:
- Take advantage of social media platforms: Share your work and expertise on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to attract potential clients.
- Networking: Attend events, join professional associations, and build relationships with other freelancers or professionals who can refer clients to you.
- Create an impressive portfolio: Show your best work in a visually appealing portfolio that demonstrates your skills and expertise.
- Collaborate with other freelancers: Work together with other professionals from different fields to expand your network and attract new clients.
- Provide referral promotions: Offer discounts or bonuses to satisfied customers in order to encourage them to recommend you to others.
There are many ways for freelancers to find clients. However, most freelancers feel defeated in the beginning.
How to solve this problem?
Keep in mind that you need at least 10 reviews for your freelancing services in order to be successful. Thus, to communicate with clients, join relevant groups and provide them with free services until they are pleased.
Once clients are familiar with you, consider offering your services at a 30–50% discount on Fiverr, for instance.
7. Enhance your customer service:
Developing long-term relationships with clients can help you increase repeat orders and new customer suggestions. The following are some important things while creating relationships with your clients:
- Do excellent work: Make an effort to provide value and address client concerns.
- Interact with customers: Keep in touch with clients; avoid making them wonder or wait.
- Establish credibility through consistency: Make sure you finish tasks on time and provide accurate deliverables.
- Find opportunities to bring more value.
8. Work together with other freelancers
You certainly didn’t hear wrong, it is correct. There are some times you can’t do anything or you have too many orders to do. Consequently, you need the cooperation and support from other freelancers.
Similar to other freelancers who give you the chance to get suggestions from them during challenging times.
9. Constantly improve your freelance abilities:
Spend time studying new tools, technologies, or techniques associated with your industry to update with the market developments. This will guarantee that you stay competitive in the constantly changing field of freelancing.
