I have narrowed down the top 5 tips and tricks on how you can boost your successful freelancing career!

Being a freelancer is not easy; in one moment, you are making three times your friends, and the next, you make as much as going to the street and asking for money. I know it can be hard, but stick with me! Along my journey as a freelancer, I have gathered all of the essential tips I used to become a successful freelancer, that I know will help you thrive as well. 

Tip 1: Find the Why in Freelancing

So why would I freelance in the first place? There are so many full-time jobs out there that provide secure 9-5 positions for 40 years of my life. Although, if you’re anything like me, you came to freelancing to be in charge of your own pace and income. Along with this, I had many reasons why freelancing just fit into my lifestyle. 

Knowing my why, I was able to have that push of motivation to get started and persevere through those stumbling blocks along the way. With that, I put a list of reasons why freelancing might be important for you:

1. You need to be at home to take care of a sick family member
2. You want to travel and live life 
3. You want to control your own time
4. You need a job that has unlimited income potential

There are probably many other reasons out there, and something I would do is write down all of the whys of freelancing on a sticky note and keep it with me at all times. If you want to push forward, you have to give yourself that reminder that there is a reason for late nights or extra long hours. 

Tip 2: Apply for Freelance Gigs Consistently

Applying for any kind of job requires patience. When it comes to freelance gigs, applying can feel like a full-time job within itself (depending on the freelance platform you are using). Truthfully, the percentage of landing any job you apply for is roughly 10%. So, for example, if you apply for 10 jobs, 1 will most likely respond. Yes, it is that difficult out there. There are thousands of others just like you trying to get successful in gig work. 

This is why applying more often will raise your chances of gaining gigs. Not everyone wants to do this, though… but that doesn’t give you a gig, does it? Consistency is key when applying. Never give up; your first client is out there, ready to see what you have to prove to them!

Tip 3: Keep Learning Skills for Freelance Work

Skills only add more value to your portfolio, which ultimately gives you not only a new project but also consistent work. Skills carry with you for life, and they can take maybe 2 hours of your day to learn every day. Imagine if you did that, taking 2 hours every day in an online certificate (for example). In 3 to 6 months, you could be certified in literally anything you want! 

Here are some great certifications that will boost your Profile:

• Marketing & E-Commerce – Hubspot (FREE)
• Search Engine Optimization – Hubspot (FREE)
• Graphic Design – Coursera
• UI/UX Design – Coursera
• Full Stack Developer – Coursera
• Front-End Developer – Coursera
• Data Analyst – Coursera

There are many more courses out there, but these are just a handful of some of the most popular certifications that many employers are looking for. 

Tip 4: Always Update Portfolio for Successful Freelancing

Something to always ensure you are keeping up with is your portfolio. There are always new ways to update, even if you have nothing more to add. 

Research how other Freelancers Display their Experience

One of the best things you can do is research what other successful freelancers in your niche are doing to be recognized. Do they have a specific certification? Do they have a theme? What is their consistency? Never copy exactly how they do their portfolio, but try to gain some inspiration so you can stay up to date with their professionalism. 

At the end of the day, be you and show how you are the best option for your clients (even if you don’t feel like it). Chances are, your client will see more in you than you do in yourself. Just embrace the positivity and show great work. You will always find yourself leveling up!

Tip 5: Try to Find Your Way Off of Freelance Platforms

Many frustrations freelancers and entrepreneurs face when working on third-party platforms are the fees and lack of value for high-paying gigs. Many workers, including myself, try to look outside of these platforms, which ultimately brings you much higher valued jobs and possibly long-term careers. 

Although this sounds a bit tough, you will not only notice a huge difference between income but also an even bigger feeling of independence. Of course, always ensure your gigs are with trustworthy employers and have a solid payment foundation to avoid any kind of scam.

Have any questions? Be sure to Contact Me and I will gladly help!